Molly and Adrian
The vast majority of the weddings I shoot are destination weddings. People from other countries travel to Costa Rica to tie the knot in this exotic and amazing place. I love these weddings as they are intimate affairs at private villas or even just on the beach.
A wedding in the Catholic church requires pre-marriage classes and other requirements that are difficult requisites for the destination wedding. Since Catholic priests are the only recognized religious officiants in Costa Rica, I don’t often get to photograph church weddings.
But recently I got to photograph Adrian and Molly’s special day. After 15 years here, it was my first wedding at the Quepos Catholic church!
One Foot in Two Worlds
Adrian is a native of Quepos and part of the skater (skateboard) crowd here, along with his brother. I like to photograph the skaters from time to time and over the years I’ve photographed both young men several times.
Molly is from the delightful town of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. I bet you’re wondering how this match came about.
It is common for young people from the U.S. or Europe to come to Costa Rica to study Spanish or teach English and stay with a host family while they are here. Molly came to do the latter in 2016 and stayed with Adrian’s family. One thing led to another and now they live in Wisconsin and in 2017 they had a civil ceremony.
But now it was time for the big celebration.
Why Costa Rica?
Since Quepos is Adrian’s hometown, it was an obvious choice for him. Since her stay here (and finding her true love) Costa Rica became very near and dear to Molly’s heart. Thus, it was only natural to have the wedding here in Quepos.
On top of that, if you know anything about Costa Ricans, it’s that they have A LOT of family and family is extremely important. By having the wedding here, Adrian’s considerable family would be able to attend. Of course, Molly’s family flew down for the event. Who’s going to complain about the chance to visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rican events also tend to have lots of kids in attendance and this lovely church wedding was no different. There was a cotton candy stand and the kids really got into the dancing. It was super fun!
A large reception area was needed for all the guests in attendance and the couple opted for the wedding at the Costa Verde Hotel. This is also where they stayed and got ready and the location of the fun airplane photo you’ll see below. Costa Verde has an impressive Boeing 727 aircraft that has been transformed into a luxury suite.
Ofrendas, or offerings, in the Catholic Church in Puntarenas
Taking a quick nap to prepare for the party later
Enjoying the cotton candy!
The groom gets a kiss from a little admirer!
The Day After Session
The next day after the excitement calmed down, we did a Trash the Dress, or “Day After” session at Nahomi Park in Quepos. It was a special spot for Adrian and the couple wanted to take some time to enjoy their portraits together after the festivities.
Here’s that Boeing 727 airplane!
Look how gorgeous this place is!
As I mentioned above, church wedding in Costa Rica is tough for out-of-towners. For Molly and Adrian the stars lined up perfectly and I had so much fun photographing their epic day.
Click here to see a wedding from a church wedding in Herradura, Costa Rica.
Want to learn more about having your wedding at Costa Verde? Learn about the different ceremony, and reception locations in my complete guide.
Do you like the idea of having a Trash the Dress Session at your wedding? Click below to learn how to plan it!
