Lauren and Ben's Dream Destination Wedding in Costa Rica by Sylvia Guardia

Today I am delighted to share with you the gorgeous destination wedding of Lauren and Ben who were married on 3rd December 2024 in Reserva Conchal in Costa Rica. This loved up couple chose an intimate wedding of 30 of their closest friends and family and created a week long celebration for all to remember for years to come. The ceremony was held on the beach, a truly romantic moment, followed by a stunning golden hour, perfect for their portrait shots. The evening saw their fun filled reception complete with the most delicious desert bar. The whole wedding made the most of their stunning surroundings, and they carried the celebrations on way past the actual wedding day with parties before and after the day it self. Big thanks to Sylvia Guardia M. – Photography for the lovely photos and to Mil Besos Costa Rica for the wonderful planning.

Lauren and Ben’s love story sounds like something straight out of a primetime dramas – a nurse and a cop, destined to meet in the chaos of an emergency room. Between CPR and quick glances, Lauren first noticed Ben’s piercing blue eyes and unmistakable dimples, and before she could let the moment slip away, she made the first move. From there, things unfolded quickly: late-night visits with takeout, dog treats, and flowers, followed by a first date and eventually an inseparable bond that would grow to include Ben’s son Reece and their three beloved dogs. Traveling became their shared love language—from New Orleans to Costa Rica and it was during one of those adventures that Ben got down on one knee during a private beachside dinner and asked Lauren to spend forever together. Costa Rica became their engagement destination, and soon after, it became their wedding destination, too.

The couple welcomed 30 of their favorite people to the Westin Reserva Conchal for a full week of celebration and connection. They kicked things off with a sunset welcome party at the Imperial Deck, where guests sipped cocktails and received thoughtful welcome bags. The perfect intro to Costa Rica for their closest friends and family.

The day of the wedding began with matching tropical pajamas for the girls and a special first look with the bridesmaids after Lauren slipped into her elegant lace gown, bouquet in hand – a bouquet that held a special locket and was filled with bright orchids and tropical blooms.
Although the bridesmaids first look was a fun touch, the real emotions started flowing when the groom first laid eyes on his beautiful bride surrounded by lush gardens. They were ready for their biggest adventure yet – the big I do!

The ceremony took place under the shade of the trees along the beach, where bamboo chairs were set in the sand and welcome coconuts featured photos of their dogs for a personal touch. Lauren and Ben exchanged vows as the breeze moved through the leaves, creating a naturally romantic atmosphere that perfectly mirrored their love story.

After the ceremony, golden hour hit just right, and the couple took stunning portraits with a glowing sunset as their backdrop. Meanwhile, the reception space was transformed into a cozy, tropical celebration: wooden teak tables set under twinkling bistro lights, rattan chargers with monstera place cards, lush bud vases and flickering candles, and a Pura Vida sign glowing behind a chic white lounge area surrounded by tropical leaves.

One of the most iconic moments of the night? Their entrance. As a nod to Ben’s profession, the Maid of Honor and Best Man were sent out to “Bad Boys” (yes, that “Bad Boys”), setting the stage for Ben to walk Lauren in—playfully handcuffed—before breaking into “Shake Ya Tailfeather” as the party officially began. With five of Ben’s detective partners in the crowd, the moment was as fun and unforgettable as it was personal.

Dinner was followed by a colorful dessert bar and more dancing, and the celebration continued the next day with a private catamaran and snorkeling excursion aboard the Panache, complete with dinner, drinks, water activities, and sunset views. From a heartfelt proposal in Costa Rica to an epic weeklong return with loved ones, Lauren and Ben’s wedding wasn’t just a destination—it was a full-circle moment filled with personality, laughter, color, and the kind of love story that could only be written by fate.