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A Heartfelt Blended Family Wedding at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste

A bride with curly hair and floral hair decorations faces a mirror. Six women and girls, dressed in colorful outfits, stand in the background smiling and reacting joyfully. A bouquet is visible in the corner.

When Lisa and Sean chose Playa Hermosa for their wedding day, they knew they wanted something different from traditional large-scale celebrations. Their intimate beach wedding at Roberto’s Restaurant in La Gaviota Tropical was a perfect testament to love, family, and new beginnings.

Why Playa Hermosa is is an amazing Destination Wedding Location

Playa Hermosa offers couples a breathtaking backdrop for their most memorable day. With its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque tropical setting, it’s no wonder why destination weddings in this Costa Rican paradise are becoming increasingly popular. Playa Hermosa is also just down the street from Playa Coco, a popular destination for tourists, and just 45 minutes from Liberia International Airport.

A Love Story of Blended Families

Lisa and Sean’s wedding was more than just a celebration of their love – it was a beautiful union of two families. Both experiencing second marriages and each bringing two children into their new life together, their day was centered on creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere that highlighted the importance of family.

The Wedding Day Highlights

The day began with separate preparations, with our photography capturing the excitement and anticipation. The groom and his groomsmen prepared with laughter and camaraderie, while Lisa shared tender moments with her bridesmaids.

  • Playa Hermosa Guancaste Wedding ceremony setup by the sea, featuring an arch adorned with white fabric and floral arrangements. Wooden chairs are arranged on either side of a path lined with golden lanterns. Green trees and the ocean are visible in the background.
  • A white lace wedding dress hangs on a wooden wardrobe. Two decorative stork figures sit on top of the wardrobe. The dress features intricate lace detailing and a long, flowing train.
  • A bouquet of cream and peach roses mixed with eucalyptus leaves, arranged on a wooden surface. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the delicate colors and textures of the flowers and foliage.
  • A woman in a white lace wedding dress stands smiling, holding a bouquet of white and orange flowers. She is in front of a wooden door with frosted glass panels. Light streams in from the side, casting gentle shadows.
  • A bride with curly hair and floral hair decorations faces a mirror. Six women and girls, dressed in colorful outfits, stand in the background smiling and reacting joyfully. A bouquet is visible in the corner.
  • Three men in dress shirts prepare for an event in a bedroom. One man adjusts a necktie, another holds a floral-patterned tie, and the third stands to the side. A bed and framed picture are in the background. The scene is in black and white.
  • A young man wearing a white shirt, gray vest, and a hat is tying a light green tie. He is looking down at the tie with concentration. A watch is visible on his wrist. The background shows a soft yellow wall and part of a wooden shelf.
  • A person wearing a white shirt is tying a floral-patterned tie with pink and green flowers. They are using their left hand to adjust the tie. They have a watch with a black band on their wrist.
  • Three men standing against a wall, smiling. The man in the center wears a cream suit with a floral tie, and the two men on either side wear light gray suits with ties and hats. The background is a plain beige wall.
  • A man in a beige suit stands on a sandy beach, holding a drink and gazing at the ocean. A palm tree and a small bonfire are nearby. The scene is under a clear blue sky with distant land visible on the horizon.

Ceremony by the Sea

Their ceremony took place directly on the beach, with the stunning Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. The intimate setting of just 60 guests created a deeply personal and emotional atmosphere, focusing on the true meaning of their commitment.

  • A woman in a white lace wedding dress smiles as she walks arm-in-arm with a young man in a gray suit and hat. They are surrounded by green plants, and she holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers.
  • A beach wedding ceremony features two men in suits standing near a decorated arch with flowers. They are smiling and wearing sunglasses, one in a beige suit and the other in gray with a hat. The ocean and trees are in the background, with guests taking photos.
  • A beach wedding ceremony under tall palm trees at Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste. Guests are seated on wooden chairs with candle lanterns lining the aisle. The couple stands at the altar adorned with flowers, with string lights overhead. Sunlight filters through the trees.
  • A bride with long red hair smiles during a wedding ceremony. She is wearing a white lace gown and a pearl necklace. Blurred background shows greenery and a bridesmaid holding a bouquet.
  • A groom in a beige suit with a colorful tie smiles at a bride during an outdoor wedding ceremony. Two groomsmen in gray suits and white hats stand nearby, watching and smiling. The background features greenery and trees.
  • A couple kisses under a flower-adorned arch at a tropical outdoor wedding in Playa Hermosa. Guests, seated on either side of the aisle decorated with rose petals, watch the ceremony. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand nearby, holding bouquets.

Family Formals and Couple’s Portraits

After the ceremony, we captured beautiful family formal photographs that celebrated their blended family. The real magic happened during the couple’s portraits on the beach – stolen moments of pure joy and connection against the breathtaking Playa Hermosa scenery.

  • A bride and groom stand on a beach, surrounded by four people. The bride holds a bouquet, wearing a white gown with a lace train. The group smiles, dressed in light-colored attire, with the ocean in the background at sunset.
  • A couple in wedding attire joyfully walks hand in hand along a sandy beach. The ocean waves gently roll in the background, and the brides dress flows elegantly as they smile at each other under a calm, pale sky.
  • A couple is walking hand in hand in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste. The woman is in a white lace wedding dress holding a bouquet, and the man is wearing a beige suit with a white shirt. They are smiling, with greenery and ocean waves in the background.
  • A couple, wearing wedding attire, walks arm in arm along a sandy beach. The woman holds a bouquet of yellow and white flowers. They are smiling at each other, with the ocean waves in the background.
  • Silhouette of a couple standing on a beach at sunset. The sky displays shades of orange, blue, and purple. Tree branches frame the top of the image, and the ocean reflects the colorful sky.
  • Three young girls stand on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background. They are wearing dresses: one in light blue, one in bright pink, and another in dark blue. They smile and pose with their arms around each other.
  • An older man in a light blue shirt kisses the forehead of a woman in a blue floral dress. They stand close together, smiling in front of a softly lit outdoor setting with string lights and greenery.

Reception Under the Stars

The celebration continued at Roberto’s Restaurant, with the reception taking place right on the beach. The first dance marked a perfect ending to a day filled with love, laughter, and new beginnings.

  • Playa Hermosa. A picturesque sunset beach wedding setup with an arch decorated with flowers, surrounded by palm trees. String lights hang above, illuminating the path lined with lanterns and rose petals. The ocean and a colorful sky form the tranquil backdrop.
  • Two young girls in light blue dresses stand outdoors, one speaking into a microphone, the other holding papers. They appear to be at an event, with blurred figures and trees in the background.
  • A smiling woman in a white dress sits at a table, holding a wine glass, and looking toward a speaker. A man next to her also smiles. The background shows other seated guests and festive decor.
  • A black and white photo of a group of people at a wedding. A man in a suit is hugging a woman in a dress, both smiling. Two other women, also in dresses, are embracing nearby. The background is dark and out of focus.
  • A couple is dancing outdoors at night under string lights. They are surrounded by palm trees and guests seated at tables. The scene is romantic, with petals scattered on the grass and a softly lit atmosphere.
  • A large group of people stands together outdoors under string lights and palm trees. The setting appears to be a beach wedding at sunset. The bride and groom are in the center, surrounded by family and friends dressed in colorful attire.

Why Choose Playa Hermosa for Your Destination Wedding

For couples looking for an intimate, meaningful wedding experience, Playa Hermosa offers:

  • Stunning natural beauty
  • Intimate venue options
  • Perfect weather year-round
  • Unique cultural experiences
  • Memorable backdrop for wedding photography

Tips for Planning Your Playa Hermosa Wedding

  • Consider the season (dry season is typically November to April)
  • Work with local vendors familiar with beach wedding logistics
  • Plan for both sun and potential rain
  • Choose venues with flexible indoor/outdoor options

Lisa and Sean’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that a wedding is not about the size of the celebration, but the depth of love and commitment shared between two people and their families.

Vendors:

Venue: Roberto’s Restaurant, La Gaviota Tropical 

Location: Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Florals: V Art Florals

Want to learn more about having your destination wedding in Guanacaste? Click the button below to get in touch.

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About Kevin Heslin Photography

Real Moments, Real Memories

Capturing Your Costa Rica Wedding

Hi, I’m Kevin — a local wedding photographer who’s spent years capturing love stories around Costa Rica.

My style is all about natural, candid moments — the real laughs, the quiet glances, the pure joy.

You can check out my Costa Rica Wedding Packages here.

If you’re ready to make memories that last a lifetime, I’d love to be there to capture every moment.

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