Tammy and Ryan chose Las Tortugas Hotel on Playa Grande as their wedding destination in Guanacaste Costa Rica. Las Tortugas Hotel is located in the center of Playa Grande and is known for great surfing and is a principle nesting ground for the Giant Leatherback Sea Turtle. Tammy and Ryan have been vacationing at this location for many years and it holds special memories for them as well as Ryan, a surfer, enjoys the consistent surf breaks that Playa Grande offers right out front of Las Tortugas Hotel.

Tammy’s day started in the early afternoon where we were able to capture shots of Tammy’s gorgeous white McDaniel’s wedding dress, the wedding rings set in her colorful bouquet of flowers, and Tammy getting ready for her wedding day assisted by some magnificent helpers. Afterward we shot some photos of Tammy inside a grand spiral staircase located at the Las Tortugas Hotel which ascends 3 stories.

Tammy and Ryan preferred to capture the “First Look” prior to the ceremony at a private spot on the north end of Playa Grande. As you can see from the photos, it was an emotional and special moment for both of them when they saw each other for the first time that day. It also allowed the photographers to capture a creative shot of Tammy through the reflection of car mirror on the drive back.

Tammy and Ryan’s wedding ceremony proceeded at Playa Grande beach, a wonderful setting, dotted with a sign expressing their love for each other, 3 of the most precious flower girls, a beautiful 4 post arch lined with white lace and flowers, and the Pacific Ocean for the backdrop as they exchanged vows.

Following the ceremony we captured shots of all the family and friends that attended, and shots of the wedding party and couple strolling the beach with the setting sun. A little place, the Taco Star, sits on the beach in front of the Las Tortugas Hotel and a wooden bench nestled between 2 trees.

“Shoes here, VOWS THERE , love everywhere”