Lauren and Alex didn’t set out to plan a wedding that checked boxes or followed tradition. They wanted a day that felt quiet, personal, and deeply connected to the place they chose. That clarity led them to Costa Rica and, ultimately, to La Fortuna waterfall, where they exchanged vows surrounded by jungle, rushing water, and the rare feeling of having the world momentarily to themselves.

Their story began on the dance floor at Minneapolis Pride in 2019. “We met on the dance floor, which is perfect because we both love to dance,” they shared. Music has always been a shared language for them, especially since Lauren is a DJ. After a year of long distance, Alex moved in with Lauren, and their life together officially began. When they decided to marry, they wanted their wedding to reflect that same closeness and ease.

What We Love About This La Fortuna Waterfall Wedding

• Choosing to elope, just the two of them, keeping the day completely personal
• Reading letters from loved ones while getting ready, filling the morning with happy tears
• A first look at their jungle Airbnb with a dreamy natural backdrop
• Hiking together and being encouraged to “just be themselves” during portraits
• Ending the day by jumping into the waterfall for a refreshing, unforgettable finale

Featured Vendor:
Adri Mendez

Dressing for Comfort, Confidence, and Place

Lauren chose her dress with comfort at the top of her list, opting for a fitted lace gown that moved easily with her and felt right for the setting. The delicate floral pattern and soft silhouette complemented the surrounding greenery, while a simple veil added a sense of occasion. A hair and makeup artist came directly to their Airbnb that morning, keeping the tone of the day calm and unrushed.

Alex wore a relaxed suit that felt intentional but unfussy, pairing neutral tones with an open-collared shirt. The earthy color palette stood out subtly against the greens of Costa Rica, striking a balance between polished and effortless that suited the natural landscape perfectly.

Beginning the Day With Meaningful Rituals

Though they eloped alone, Lauren and Alex found ways to include their loved ones. While getting ready, they read letters written by family and friends. “That morning was filled with a lot of happy tears and so much joy,” they shared, reflecting on how supported they felt.

They also shared a first look at their Airbnb, where the photographers captured the moment against a jungle backdrop that felt calm and unguarded.

Approaching the Ceremony Without a Script

One of the most memorable parts of the day unfolded long before the ceremony itself. During a hike to a prairie at the base of Arenal Volcano, the photography team encouraged Lauren and Alex to move, laugh, and simply enjoy being together rather than worry about posing. “The pictures really show how in love and goofy we are together,” they shared. That sense of ease set the tone for everything that followed.

They carried that same energy into their ceremony at La Fortuna waterfall, arriving early in the morning before other visitors made their way in. Having the space to themselves allowed the moment to feel calm and unhurried as they exchanged vows surrounded by jungle and rushing water. As they wrapped up portraits, locals who had been waiting to swim applauded and congratulated them as they passed by, a spontaneous gesture that made the moment feel even more special.

Building the Day Around Place

Eloping felt like the right choice from the beginning. “We decided to elope, just the two of us, because we really wanted our wedding day to feel intimate,” they said. Costa Rica stood out not just for its beauty, but because Lauren had visited several times and wanted to share that experience with Alex. Having the country itself play a central role in their love story felt natural.

By centering the day around place rather than production, they were able to stay present and move through the experience at their own pace, without distractions or outside expectations.

Keeping the Planning Simple and Focused

Once the destination was decided, planning became refreshingly straightforward. “Lauren is a planner. Whether it’s vacations or parties, she loves to plan.” Because they were eloping alone, there was no need to coordinate guest logistics or traditional events. Their main task was finding the right photography team to document the day as it unfolded.

That narrow focus allowed them to enjoy the process rather than feel buried in details, and it gave them flexibility once they arrived in Costa Rica.

Why Photography Was the One Non-Negotiable

After spending time scrolling through blogs and Instagram, Lauren and Alex kept coming back to the work of Junebug vendor Adri Mendez. “We really fell in love with Adri’s photography style,” they said. “Seeing how beautifully they captured such precious moments between couples, we knew this was exactly what we wanted.”

A call with the team confirmed it. Feeling relaxed and understood mattered just as much as the final images, especially for a day built around authenticity instead of performance.

Ending the Day on a High Note

At the end of the day, Lauren and Alex jumped into the waterfall together. The cool water was refreshing and felt like the perfect way to close their wedding day, marking the end of the celebration with laughter and release.

Not everything went exactly as planned. After climbing down nearly 800 steps, Lauren realized she had left her bouquet in the car. Instead of stressing, they adjusted and used it later during the photos. The moment became part of the story rather than a disruption.

From the Junebug Editors: Eloping allows couples to experience their wedding day as a shared adventure rather than a scheduled event. When the focus shifts from timelines to experience, moments have room to unfold naturally, often becoming the most memorable parts of the day.

Focusing the Budget on What Would Last

Photography and videography were their top priority. “We want to be able to look at these pictures and videos when we are 75 years old and be able to immerse ourselves back into the love we felt on our wedding day.” 

Eloping also allowed them to be more flexible with lodging. Staying in jungle Airbnbs in Costa Rica was far more affordable than comparable options in the U.S., which made the overall experience feel both elevated and accessible.

A La Fortuna Waterfall Wedding Day Defined by Choice

Looking back, Lauren and Alex wouldn’t change a thing. “This is your day, do it how you want to do it,” they said. Choosing to elope without family or friends wasn’t easy, but it led to a day that felt honest and entirely theirs. “At the end of the day, that is what your wedding day is about, the two of you, expressing your love for each other. Oh and have fun!”