Elopement - Beach Bride

Wedding at Makanda by the Sea

By Car

The highlight of this wedding? Now that has got to be the amazing beach and wonderful sunset! It’s intimate, it’s simple, it is romantic- and we’re loving it! I think it’s great how more and more couples nowadays break away from the traditional and explore more onto outdoor and destination themed weddings. And to go with the beautiful scenery of Costa Rica, the couple specifically chose Manuel Antonio because of its amazing beaches and wonderful hotels, specifically Hotel Makanda. Continuing the unique streak, after a few photos at the hotel, the couple made their way to the beach where the registrar performed a 30-minute ceremony entitled “An Ocean’s Blessing”. After the ceremony, they had a short photo session as the sun was setting which produced magical memories for the couple. Plus, another thing I loved about this wedding was how their simplicity showed beauty in every statement. Genya + Erik Shenko Photography’s snaps will absolutely show you what I’ve been hyped about. Enjoy!

We’re All About the Details!

Take this Advice

For the bride. Find time for yourself, especially before the ceremony. Relax and enjoy the romantic session, it is the most relaxed part of the day. Choose the right photographer. It is important to find the one makes you feel comfortable and makes the connection with you and who knows what you spect from your wedding. ~Erik Shenko/Photographer

About the Photographer
Why are you awesome and what sets you apart? We photograph people in love and are constantly in pursuit of the subtle moments and emotions that tell your story. Bring your love and your energy and we’ll transform it into real and powerful images that are truly “you”. We fully embrace documentary-style photography. In other words: more life, less poses. It inspires us to work with any couple that is 100% in love, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or religious beliefs. We are based in Costa Rica. We have a small travel fee for destination weddings within Mexico. Contact us via mail, Skype or phone. Do you have any questions about your wedding in Costa Rica? please let me help you!

Money Matters

$5,000 – $10,000

Vendors

Dress Designer: Grace Loves Lace
Ring Designer: Black Key Diamonds
Officiant: Marcelo Galli
Location: Makanda by The Sea
Beauty: Mademoiselle Salon
Photographer: Genya + Erik Shenko Photography

Alice in Wonderland Themed Destination Wedding in Big Sur

By Car

You’re in for a treat today with Adam and Miya’s Alice in Wonderland Themed Destination Wedding in Big Sur! RedSphere Studios din an amazing job of making sure this charming set looked amazing from all angles. We’re loving how the couple incorporated their most memorable place when they were still little kids as their wedding destination where the stunning view of the Pacific Coast can be viewed from every corner of the property. The bride created almost all of the decorations which made the whole set-up intimate and one of a kind! They even included a masquerade ball complete with colorful masks for everyone to enjoy! The combination of white, magenta, pink and navy in their color palette elevated the entire aesthetic and adds a whimsical fairytale vibe. So if you’re looking to be a bit more creative with your destination wedding concept, then take a look at all the photos below! Enjoy!

We’re All About the Details!

Take this Advice

Hire a great event planner / coordinator. Don’t stress and focus on your enjoyment (and the ones close to you). If doing a DIY wedding, start planning ahead of time and have backups for when things might go wrong. ~ Alex Zyuzikov/Photographer

About the Photographer
At RedSphere Studios, we create photos that are authentic, artful, powerfully emotional, and immersive. Our images are representations of genuine human experiences captured in a way that is creative and engaging. We want to not only show what one of the most important days in your life looked like, but how it felt to be there. We are San Francisco-based but photograph destination weddings and portrait sessions all over the world. We can be reached here or on Instagram at @redspherestudios.

Vendors

Photographer: RedSphere Studios
Event Designer: Ciel Bleu Event Design

Vibrant and Mystical Wedding Inspiration in Sayulita Mexico

By Scarlet

Hey, ladies! Huddle up and hear what I’m about to say. Today’s styled shoot would surely inspire you to travel to Mexico. Yes! Mexico. So before delving deeper, pack your bags and get your partner ready for this will surely be one good reason to getaway. Known as one of the most romantic destinations on the planet, Mexico offers not only it’s beaches but also it’s overwhelming culture that keeps your passion alive! This styled shoot is inspired by the rich hand-crafted details so abundant in Sayulita’s boutiques and beaches. Dekker Photography teamed up with Sayulita Dream Weddings to craft a vibrant beach picnic elopement at beautiful Rancho Huracán. Enjoy!

We’re All About The Details

Beth from Dekker Photography, originally approached Andrea of Sayulita Dream Weddings with the idea for a shoot based around the gorgeous hand-embroidered trademark gowns from Sayulita’s famous Pachamama boutique/gallery. These gowns were designed in collaboration between Pachamama and artist Jose Flores, each dress takes approximately 2-3 months to complete.

Francisco Salazar of Vodax Detalle de Lujo designed the flowers for the bride, table, and ceremony, incorporating gilded feathers, jewel-toned wild blooms, and luxe textures and colors throughout.

Rebecca D’Este of Sayulita’s Bliss Hair & Makeup Studio styled the beautiful bride, who wore one-of-a-kind jewelry from Sayulita Sol. The groom looked natural and handsome in clothing by Origenes David Luna Men.

Keeping with the laid-back, old-world, hand-made vibe, the mood was set with vintage Mexican records spinning on a portable turntable as the couple enjoyed their picnic, wine, and the beautiful sunset from their vantage point.

Plush Catering provided a delectable spread for our picnic, from feta-watermelon skewers and charcuterie boards to mini-tarts for dessert.

The dreamcatchers from Pachamama were the perfect backdrop for our beach/jungle ceremony and the stage for our beach picnic was set with hand-stitched blankets, bespoke pillows and beach-bags from Sayulita’s own Revolución del Sueño.

We wanted to incorporate native elements into the dream-catcher-framed ceremony, and Jose Villaseñor and Carolina Molinari of Mystic Native Wedding were the perfect partners – wrapping the Bride & Groom in symbolic ceremonial ribbon and greeting them with a purifying copal incense on arrival at the altar.

Vendors

Photographer: Dekker Photography
Hair Stylist: Bliss Salon
Officiant: Boda Mistico Nativo
Floral Designer: Francisco Salazar Flowers
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Origenes Men
Dress Designer: Pachamama Sayulita
Caterer: Plush Catering & Events
Event Venue: Rancho Huracán
Linens and Coverings: Revolución del Sueño
Event Planner: Sayulita Dream Weddings
Jewelry: Sayulita Sol Jewelry

Styled Shoot | Chillin’ By The Calvert Cliff

By Jenn

We know how excited you are for your big day (we are too!), but stress during planning is inevitable (sorry to tell you!). Today’s shoot by Ashley Maynard Photography, however, tells us that it’s totally okay to take a moment for yourself when the whirlwind of wedding planning becomes overwhelming. A morning walk through still woods, a secluded beach, sheer soaring cliffs, and rolling fog gave the perfect backdrop for creativity on this warmer than usual winter morning. Check it out! We hope you find inspiration and enjoyment!

A good book, a glass of wine, and the serenity of the ocean were the essentials of this shoot.

Heed This Advice

My advice is to just relax and enjoy the day! Don’t worry about the little things, but simply revel in your new union and know that no one will remember anything but how in love you two were!

From The Photographer
Hello, I’m Ashley, a lifestyle portrait photographer located in Northern Virginia. I love to tell a complete story with my sessions, and style them around a feeling, rather than things like a dress, florals, or model. While the little details are so important, and really pull a story together, the emotion is what sets it apart.

Vendor

Photography: Ashley Maynard Photography

Over The Breathtaking Sunset at St. Pete Beach

By Jenn

Intimate weddings are having a moment nowadays and there is really something about these small gatherings. I am myself a fan of intimate weddings. Especially if they are as gorgeous as today’s feature! In a private room with 20 of their closest friends and family members, Kirsten and Dave celebrated all night long together as a new family. Brought to us by E. Henigan Studios, let’s check out their photos below!

Click image to enlarge

Over The Breathtaking Sunset at St. Pete Beach

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How They Met

Kirsten and Dave met through Kirsten’s father, which he is rather proud of being the one to introduce them! He met Dave at a sports bar and knew that David would be the perfect man for his little girl. She waited a long time to find the right man and believes that God had a beautiful plan for them both, bringing them together with such a simple and perfect way.

Extra Special Details

She bought her sweetheart neckline dress at a local boutique and wore her grandmother’s hankie under her dress, close to her heart.Her favorite detail of the dress was the small feathers under the embellished flower!

All of the jewelry Kirsten wore was a gift from her groom, David and she had a special hankie made for him with a love note which brought him to tears.

Their flower girl, Kirsten’s youngest niece carried a sign for the guests to read saying “Uncle David, here comes your bride!” and they asked that guests sat anywhere during the ceremony and reception because they are all one family.

The ceremony had a simple bamboo arbor and so they decided to include a sand ceremony.

The cake was beach themed and had adorable beach chairs as accents below which was one of our favorite items!

The Photographer’s Advice

Make your wedding all about you! It should be fun and exciting and do not let anybody encourage you to do something that is not your style or dream. Being with your soul mate and joining together two families is the most special moment of your life, so make sure to include them in the process, no matter the size. Lastly, writing your own vows gave us the opportunity to devote a few words to one another and it was the most honest and pure of moments, this we highly encourage!

Money Matters

$5,000 – $10,000

VENDORS

Photographer: E. Henigan Studios
Reception Venue: Sirata Beach Resort