Real Wedding - Jian & Richard, Villa Caletas' Beach

I sometimes think that the beach at Villa Caletas is the best-kept secret in Costa Rica. While it seems everyone goes gaga for the impressive Zephyr Palace and the ampitheatre, with its stunning vistas, the private beach at this location is rarely showcased. Luckily, Jian and Richard decided to host their wedding celebration at this gorgeous spot. Although it's a long ride down in a 4 x 4 (seven minutes from the hotel) and the beach is pebbly, the area is private, just for hotel guests. Lush green jungle, crashing waves and the beach club is above the tide mark so no worries about the ceremony getting washed away if you've not timed it well. And the hotel has just built a lovely thatched-roof palapa for events.Jian got ready at the new building at Caletas, home to the deluxe Junior Suites. Photographer Ale Sura found lots of wonderfully creative spots for photos here. Love that first shot - she's in the shower!The reception was in the palapa, which we decorated with potted orchids, submerged orchids, linens in chocolate brown and cymbidium green and napkins in bright tropical green. Each table was slightly different in it's decor and we mixed square, round and imperial tables to give more visual interest.Jian was born under the Chinese zodiac sign of the monkey, so we brought in subtle monkey motifs to honour this and the jungle setting of Costa Rica. As tags on the fans......to the 'guest book', a painting of two monkeys in a love boat by local artist Lars Christensen commissioned especially for Jian and Richard (who are both into Dragonboat racing, so the boat was an important aspect of their relationship).Love this playful shot of them peeking through the trees!And this smokin' shot of Jian!Finish off the night with a yummy cake and fabulous fireworks and you have an amazing, intimate wedding in the midst of the jungle, the ocean crashing a few feet away. Pure magic!Congratulations again to Jian and Richard - many thanks for allowing Weddings Costa Rica to be part of your celebrations. Too much fun!!