Alyson & Craig

Posted on July 25, 2013

Alyson and Craig were married on April 13, 2013 in Arenal. They had a vision, they knew how they wanted things, which is wonderful, because oh-so-often us coordinators hear, “I want something with a view, the color purple, and steak.” Not literally this, but we have such a general idea of what a couple wants and we work it out through the planning process, which is just fine and exactly the reason we are here. However, Alyson and Craig knew. They wanted sustainable, an idea of community and coming together, as well as giving back. Everything from the design, the venue, the dresses, the food, and what was said at the ceremony encorporated in their multiple themes. It was very special.

This wedding was a lot of firsts, a WHOLE lot of firsts…

It was our first FULLY functioning, self sustaining, farm wedding at Rancho Margot. All food, fruits, veggies, flowers, and even power came from this venue. You’ll have to visit their site, here, for all the details, they are worth the visit! You will see in the pictures below, Rancho Margot and their staff (all amazing!!), worked incredibly hard to complete a venue that was especially built for this couple. Up until the DAY OF THE WEDDING, they were working on everything, with tractors, planting foliage, sanding tables, etc. It was a bit stressful, however, with Juan (owner) and his crew, I was certain it would get done and the finished product would be beyond expectations.

The design concept was new for me. Alyson had a strong vision of community, coming together, giving back; so some of the words we worked with were: circles, weaving, natural, never ending lines. I have to say, I struggled with this at first, but once we came up with a few ideas, we went with it! The ceremony used burlap hanging from corners, we created garland of local foliage and heliconia to represent the never ending lines. For the reception, I hand painted the burlap table runners with inter-weaving circles of white paint. Votives were wrapped in teal paper with a lace weave patten. Accents of natural wooden balls were placed on the table. Everything ran down the LONG communal table, which sat all 80+ people. It was lovely! Alyson even worked with a designer to create a wedding dress that incorporated everything she and Craig wanted for their day, you’ll see below, the results of her and the designer’s work were fabulous.

It was my first time waking up at 4:30 in the morning to cut flowers and make the bouquets, corsages and table arrangements. Although very hard to wake up early and do this all in one day, it was extremely rewarding knowing that all was done by Perennial Weddings, from cutting the flowers to creating the arrangements. I am still very excited about how her bouquet turned out. I was thrilled with the entire process!

It was the first time I have had a rainbow right after a ceremony. No one likes rain on their wedding day, although, I do always say that it brings good luck, but when it brings a beautiful rainbow over such a stunning view, the pictures and the memories are totally worth it.

It was also the first time I collaborated with Tui Frye from Arenal. She was fantastic and such a pleasure to work with. She knew the area and those vendors so well, that her logistical work and my design, when it came time to bring them together, made this wedding a breeze. Thanks Tui!!!!

And lastly, but certainly the best “first”, is they are expecting their first child. There was so much love in this group, that this child is going to be well cared for!

It was such a treat doing this wedding. Many firsts, and so happy that it was with this special couple and special group!

Alyson and Craig, I’m wishing you a lifetime of happiness and many many firsts! I will be thinking of you the next few months, as you take on a whole new adventure. Sending you lots of warm hugs from Costa rica!