Dawn and Brian

Couples like Dawn and Brian make destination wedding photography at Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica a total blast. We had such a great time capturing the memories they made with friends and family. Many traveled from far and wide to see these two get married on a beautiful beach in Guanacaste.

While Dawn was getting ready in the couple’s suite, Brian spent time with some of his best friends in the sports bar having a beer and writing out his vows. It was evident that these two had great supportive friends who came with them on their journey to have a destination wedding. After Dawn and Brian finished getting ready with their wedding parties it was time for the first look.

An Epic First Look

We decided to have Dawn and Brian’s first look inside one of the bars for one obvious reason: color! The entire bar was painted in bright magenta with mirrors and complimenting patterns covering the walls.

We used the colors and mirrors to our advantage when capturing the couple’s first look. In destination wedding photography in Costa Rica, there are so many photographs of couples out in nature on beaches, under palm trees, surrounded by mountains. Those photos would come later, but it was nice to change up the first look with the color provided by this funky bar.

The Ceremony

The ceremony was held down the curated walkways of Riu Palace on the beach. With the mountains and ocean behind them, Dawn and Brian tied the knot with a kiss in front of their family and friends.

During the portrait session on the beach, we captured the couple naturally interacting as the sun dipped over the mountains behind them. Then we headed to the reception hall at Riu to capture Dawn and Brian dance the night away with their friends.

Riu Wedding Planning

Did you love checking out this gallery at this gorgeous venue? Feel free to check out my info page for Weddings at Riu Guanacaste in Costa Rica below: