Loading...

This Vibrant Costa Rica Beach Wedding at Pangas Beach Club Is a Burst of Chartreuse, Pink, and Orange

April 2, 2026 | justine

Melody and Jackson’s story goes all the way back to kindergarten, but it wasn’t until years later—after reconnecting at a friend’s party in San Francisco—that things really clicked. You could see that same energy in their wedding at Pangas Beach Club, where chartreuse, pink, and orange details stood out against the natural tones of Tamarindo.

The two first met in kindergarten in Los Angeles, crossed paths again in college, and then reconnected years later at a friend’s party. “It felt as if we had run into a brick wall and we spent the whole night talking,” Melody shared. It took a few months before they started dating, but the connection was clear from the start. With shared interests in the outdoors, travel, and family, their relationship naturally grew into something steady and full of intention.

What We Love About This Wedding at Pangas Beach Club:

  • The bold mix of chartreuse, pink, and orange against the coastal setting
  • A full weekend of events that gave guests time to connect
  • Heirloom jewelry with a meaningful backstory
  • A walkable location that made everything feel easy and social
  • A dance floor fueled by carajillos and great energy

Making the Most of a Destination Wedding Weekend

Rather than focusing on just one day, Melody and Jackson created a full weekend experience for their guests. The catamaran cruise stood out right away. Guests spent the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying food and drinks while spotting monkeys along the coastline.

“It was such a highlight. Perfect weather and conditions for a sunset cruise.” The next evening flowed from rehearsal dinner into a welcome party at the same restaurant, so no one had to relocate. With everything within walking distance, guests were able to explore Tamarindo and spend more time getting to know each other.

Featured Vendors:
Raw Shoots Photo
Mil Besos

Deciding on a The Location

Melody and Jackson originally planned to get married in Lake Tahoe, but something didn’t feel quite right. They shifted their plans and chose Costa Rica instead. “We felt that Costa Rica better captured our love story—a tropical, international, ocean adventure,” Melody said.

They had already traveled together through places like Colombia, Honduras, Indonesia, Switzerland, and Mexico, so choosing a destination that reflected that part of their relationship felt natural. Tamarindo stood out not just for the setting, but for how practical it was. With the hotel block, venue, and events all close together, guests could easily move around and spend more time together.

 

Creating an Emotional Ceremony Without a First Look

They chose not to do a first look, which made the ceremony feel especially emotional. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” Melody shared that she felt a bit uncomfortable being the center of attention earlier in the day, but that shifted once she started walking down the aisle. “I have never felt more safe… I felt no judgment, just genuine love, happiness and support.” That moment grounded everything and brought the focus back to what mattered most.

Dressing for the Climate While Keeping Things Polished

The setting influenced what everyone wore. Melody found her dress just before moving and chose something that felt light and easy. “I was going for elegant, light, unique, and interesting.”

The bridesmaids wore the same bright palette seen throughout the decor, while Jackson and his groomsmen chose tan linen suits to stay comfortable in the heat. It kept things looking polished without feeling too formal. “The tan linen helped make the wedding feel more beach casual—where the groom and groomsmen can feel comfortable and relaxed.”

Natural makeup and simple styling helped everything feel cohesive. The couple also exchanged designer sunglasses as gifts, adding a fun, personal detail.

Incorporating Heirlooms and Travel Memories Into Their Wedding

Some of the most memorable details came from their personal history. Melody’s emerald engagement ring came from her mother-in-law and late father-in-law, making it especially meaningful. The stone also connected to her birth month and their engagement in Colombia, where emeralds are commonly sourced.

She paired it with emerald and diamond earrings she bought during a trip to India with her childhood best friend, adding another layer of meaning to her look.

Other details included custom chartreuse silk scarves, personalized playing cards, and a printed photo from their kindergarten days. Each detail felt intentional and tied back to their story.

Choosing a Color Palette That Pops in a Natural Setting

With Pangas’ earthy tones and natural surroundings, Melody leaned into color to create contrast. “We wanted it to feel vibrant, bright, fun, and energetic.”

Chartreuse green, pink, and orange showed up across the bridesmaid dresses, florals, and decor. The venue itself, with its beachfront view and signature tree, didn’t need much added to it. The colors brought in energy without overwhelming the space.

 

Planning a Destination Wedding While Managing a Major Life Transition

Planning didn’t happen during a quiet season. The couple was in the middle of moving to Hawaii, which made everything feel more time-sensitive than expected. “It was difficult to plan a wedding as we were in the middle of our move,” Melody said.

Working with their planner helped keep things organized. They relied on recommended vendors and focused on finding a team they could trust to deliver without needing constant direction. That approach made it easier to make decisions quickly.

Keeping the Energy Going Throughout the Reception

From the beginning, the couple wanted their guests to have a great time. “Top priority was providing a fun experience for our guests.”

Dinner was served buffet-style and received plenty of compliments. Afterward, carajillos were passed around to keep the energy up, leading straight into a packed dance floor. The DJ kept things flowing, even without a detailed playlist.

 

What to Know Before Planning a Destination Wedding

Melody shared a few things she would approach differently. Wind was something they underestimated. While her stylist prepared for it, the groom’s hair didn’t hold up the same way. Music was another area that felt rushed. Having more time to plan songs would have helped.

There were also small logistical hiccups, like luggage not being moved between rooms and late-night food that didn’t make it out, but none of it changed how the weekend felt overall.

“Planning is hard and overwhelming, but it’s so worth it. It was the best week of our lives.”

More than anything, their wedding at Pangas Beach Club felt like an extension of how they already live—traveling, gathering people, and making the most of where they are. Once the weekend started, everything else fell into place.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Raw Shoots
Event Planning – Mil Besos
Venue + Catering – Pangas Beach Club
Floral Design – Stylos Y Flores
Cake – Victoria Zoch
DJ – Music by Matos
Live Music – Max Gea
Makeup Artist + Hair Styling – Famous Bridal Experts
Wedding Dress – Berta Prive + Oscar dela Renta
Groom’s Apparel + Groomsmen’s Apparel – Todd Snyder
Rentals – Eventos Artesanos + Costa Mesa + Experiencas Creativas
Hotel – Hotel Tamarindo
After Party – El Be!
Welcome Party – La Oveja

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

Heirlooms, a Green VW Bus, and a Tennessee Farm: This Couple Built Their Wedding from the Things They Love

March 31, 2026 | justine

What does it look like when a wedding comes together from the things a couple already loves? For Caitlyn and Forrest, their vintage farm wedding in Tennessee answered that question in the most natural way. Set on Caitlyn’s family farm and filled with heirlooms, handmade pieces, and familiar details, everything about it felt honest to who they are as a couple

Their story started just as unexpectedly. “It was truly love at first sight,” Caitlyn shared. “I walked in to his cabinet shop, looking for a job. He hired me on the spot. He said he couldn’t bear the thought that he might never see me again.” Over the next four years, they worked side by side, growing both their business and their relationship. “We are often told, if we can work together every day, then we can do anything together.” That sense of partnership carried through every part of their wedding.

What We Love About This Vintage Farm Wedding:

  • The big green VW bus that doubled as both backdrop and inspiration
  • A handmade quilt that influenced the entire design
  • A custom veil passed down through generations
  • A quiet post-ceremony picnic for just the two of them

Featured Vendor:

The Rose Reflective

Starting With Meaningful Details Instead of a Fixed Theme

Caitlyn and Forrest didn’t begin with a strict vision. Instead, they focused on details that already meant something to them. “We began planning in the same spirit that shaped the rest of our wedding—by choosing details that simply felt and looked like us,” Caitlyn explained.

Two elements anchored everything: a big green VW bus and a handmade quilt Caitlyn created during their engagement. From there, the rest came together naturally. Their color palette reflected their favorite hues, blue and green, with subtle nods to 1970s Americana and the music they love, including The Eagles and Justin Townes Earle.

Rather than filling the space with new decor, they kept things simple. Thrifted rugs, borrowed antiques, and pieces from their own collection gave the setting a sense of familiarity. It’s a good reminder that when your starting point is personal, you don’t need to add much for it to feel complete.

Including Family in Meaningful Ceremony Roles

Set against rolling hills and blooming fields, their ceremony brought together the people who mattered most.

Caitlyn remembers specific moments clearly. “Taking my father’s steady hand, and walking toward my sweet husband. I still see the joy on my husband’s face.” There were no overwhelming nerves, just excitement and a sense of calm.

Family was part of every detail. Their nephews warmed the rings, Caitlyn’s mother held her bouquet, and their grandparents were honored both in presence and in memory. During the unity ceremony, they poured glass fragments together, which were later turned into a keepsake symbolizing their marriage.

“It was a high honor to have our grandparents there, both alive and in our hearts,” Caitlyn shared.

Incorporating Family Heirlooms Into Wedding Fashion

Personal pieces played a big role in how everything came together, especially Caitlyn’s outfit.

Her veil set the tone. Originally worn by her mother and handmade by her grandmother, it was something she had always hoped to include. “This piece was so unique and so special to me, I felt it should be the centerpiece,” she shared. She paired it with a sleek silk gown and white Mary Jane heels, keeping the look clean and comfortable.

Forrest wore a custom linen suit with a Ralph Lauren dress shirt and woven leather loafers, a combination that worked well for the warm summer morning. Together, their outfits felt cohesive without trying too hard.

Relying on Family Support to Stay Organized and Finding Vendors Whose Portfolio Matched Their Vision

Caitlyn and Forrest handled most of the planning themselves, with Caitlyn’s mother stepping in to help keep things organized. “She graciously kept everything moving—organizing schedules, offering encouragement, and bringing a calm order,” Caitlyn said.

Having someone take on that role made a big difference. It allowed them to stay present and actually enjoy the process. If you’re planning without a professional, having a trusted person step in, even informally, can help keep everything on track.

When it came to finding vendors, Caitlyn focused on people whose work already matched what she had in mind. She searched through social media, apps, and recommendations, narrowing down options based on style and consistency.

One decision had been years in the making. “I have followed her for years,” Caitlyn said of their photographer and Junebug vendor The Rose Reflective. “I’ve hoped for her to photograph our day for a long time. She captured our day in a way that truly left me in awe.”

It’s a helpful approach for couples who feel overwhelmed by choices. When you’re drawn to someone’s work early on, that clarity can make decision-making much easier later.

Setting Aside Private Time Right After the Ceremony

After the ceremony, Caitlyn and Forrest stepped away for a quiet moment together before the rest of the day continued.

They shared a picnic in a gazebo, exchanged gifts, and cut their cake privately. “We basked in our first moments as husband and wife,” Caitlyn said. “I look back on that special moment together so often.”

It’s a simple idea, but one that can make a big impact. Even a short pause gives you space to take everything in before the celebration continues.

The Mindset That Kept Everything in Perspective

About a month later, Caitlyn and Forrest continued their vintage farm wedding with a larger gathering of friends and extended family, hosting a Southern-style potluck where guests brought favorite dishes and shared recipes Caitlyn now keeps as a growing collection. With help from their family—from homemade cupcakes and garden florals to setup and music—the celebration came together in a way that felt deeply communal. “We are still overwhelmed by their outpouring of love for us,” Caitlyn said.

One thing that helped guide their vintage farm wedding was knowing what mattered most from the start. With support from Caitlyn’s parents, they were able to focus on their priorities without overthinking every detail. They identified two non-negotiables early on: the family farm and the VW bus. From there, they added elements they already owned or could borrow, which allowed their budget to stretch further.

Caitlyn and Forrest approached their wedding the same way they approach their life together: with intention and a strong sense of partnership. Their advice is simple. “Zoom out. It’s easy to get so focused… that you miss the day as a whole. If you can’t see it from 6 feet away, nobody else will notice it.”

It’s the kind of reminder that stays with you. The small details matter, but the moments you remember most are the ones you actually had time to experience.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – The Rose Reflective
Venue – Bride’s Family Farm in Tennessee
Floral Design – Athens Florist and Gifts
Cake – Batter Up Cakes
Officiant – Drew Smith
Invitation Design – Caitlyn Brewer
Makeup Artist – Olivia Sparks
Hair Styling – Rebekah Sullivan – Sister of the Groom
Wedding Dress – Shona Joy Bridal
Bridal Accessories – Sézane
Handmade Table Used for Picnic – Midtown Artisan Cabinetry
Quilt Design and Vintage Decor Curation – Colita’s Vintage
Unity Ceremony – Unity in Glass
Catering for Picnic – Mazzara’s Vinoteca

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings

This Wedding Photographer Planned Her Dream Wedding Under the Trees at Her Home in Ontario

March 29, 2026 | justine

Jennifer and Jason first met at a music festival in 2015 and briefly dated before going their separate ways. Years later, after traveling, building careers, and figuring out what they truly wanted, they found their way back to each other through a friend’s Instagram post. “I think our time apart really allowed us to grow and change into the adults that we are now,” Jennifer shared.

What followed moved quickly, but with clarity. They spent 2023 traveling, moved in together after five months, and eventually bought a quiet piece of land in the countryside. That same property would later become the setting for their wedding—a natural extension of their story rather than a backdrop chosen for the occasion.

What We Love About This Wedding:

  • The long, winding dinner table that curved through the trees and around the greenhouse
  • A bold orange color palette that stood out beautifully against the greenery
  • A custom bridal look with tailored pants, heirloom details, and a statement cape
  • Their dog Leo casually becoming part of the ceremony entrance
  • A timeline built around golden hour and the natural pace of the day

Making Quick Wedding Decisions Without Overthinking

Pulling together a wedding at home in just two months could have felt rushed, but Jennifer approached it with a clear sense of what mattered.

“Since I’m in the wedding industry, I’ve been taking notes on elements of wedding days for more than a decade,” she said.

Instead of trying to replicate a traditional format, they focused on what felt right for them. They kept the structure loose, removed anything that felt unnecessary, and made space for the parts they were actually excited about.

The day still followed a familiar rhythm, but it never felt rigid. For couples working with a shorter timeline, this approach can make all the difference. When you’re not trying to do everything, it becomes easier to focus on what will actually make the day feel like yours.

Using Their Property as the Starting Point for Design

Because their wedding at home took place entirely outdoors, the property naturally set the tone.

“We wanted our guests to be immersed in the property and landscape of our home,” Jennifer shared. For many of their guests, it was their first time visiting, so the day doubled as an introduction to the space.

To balance all the green, they brought in orange as an accent color. It added warmth without overpowering the surroundings and worked especially well with the tones of their log house and the evening light.

Dinner became one of the most memorable parts of the design. A single long table was arranged in a gentle curve through the trees and around the greenhouse, creating a layout that felt both intentional and relaxed. It encouraged movement, conversation, and gave everyone a different perspective of the property.

Letting the Wedding Day Flow Without a Strict Schedule

Rather than structuring every moment, Jennifer and Jason let their wedding at home unfold at its own pace.

They started with a first look, giving them a quiet moment together before everything began. Earlier that day, Jennifer also carved out time with her dad, sharing margaritas while watching guests arrive from inside the house.

The ceremony itself was deeply personal. Jennifer wrote the script, weaving in themes of nature, adventure, and their connection to the land. She was walked down the aisle by both her dad and stepdad, with Leo following behind—completely unplanned and somehow perfect.

After the ceremony, guests moved straight into cocktails, lawn games, and conversation. Dinner wrapped just before sunset, which had been intentionally built into the timeline.

Everyone gathered on the hill to watch the light shift before the evening split naturally into two directions. Some guests stayed by the fire with coffee and dessert, while others headed straight for the dance floor.

Featured Vendor:
Shari + Mike Photographers

Rethinking Wedding Fashion Beyond Tradition

Jennifer’s approach to fashion was clear from the start. After more than a decade of photographing weddings, she knew a traditional gown wasn’t for her.

Instead, she worked with Toronto designer Catherine Langlois to create custom wedding pants paired with a crop top that incorporated elements from her mother’s dress. The buttons and beading added a subtle but meaningful connection to her family.

At the last minute, she added a feathered, sequined cape that caught the light in the best way—something that felt playful without being over the top.

After the ceremony, she shifted her look again, adding a handmade felt hat, a neck scarf, and cowboy boots that once belonged to her mom.

Jason kept things equally considered with a beige linen suit and black shirt, a small change that made the look feel more current.

One of their favorite details was the set of matching satin scarves worn by Jennifer, Jason, and their dog Leo. “I think that was my favourite attire element,” she said.

Choosing Vendors They Already Know and Work Well With

As a Junebug photographer, Jennifer has spent years working closely with some of the best in the industry, so when it came time to plan her own wedding, she didn’t have to start from scratch.

For their wedding at home, they chose people they had already worked with and genuinely trusted. “I felt very lucky that I had seen pretty much everyone in action,” she said.

To make scheduling easier, they chose a Friday wedding date, which gave them a better chance of securing their top picks on short notice.

Their officiant was even closer to home—their neighbor—which added a layer of familiarity and meaning to the ceremony.

It’s a good reminder that beyond talent, it helps to work with people who understand your energy and how you want the day to feel.

Turning Everyday Favorites Into Wedding Details

Having a wedding at home made it easy to incorporate personal details.

Jennifer’s love of charcuterie showed up in more ways than one. Not only was it part of the dining experience, but it also inspired their seating chart. Each guest’s name was vinyl-cut onto individual boards, turning something practical into something interactive.

They also created “fun fact” cards for each table to help spark conversation, especially among guests who were meeting for the first time.

Even their accessories reflected their lives. Jason’s wedding band came from his own jewelry company, while Jennifer’s necklace and hat details were sourced from their shared creative work.

None of these elements felt forced. They simply reflected who they are and what they enjoy.

Extending the Celebration With a Local Gathering

Instead of a traditional rehearsal dinner, they chose to host a post-wedding brunch at Rolling Grape Winery, a place they already loved.

“It felt great supporting another local business,” Jennifer shared.

The setting made it easy for everyone to relax, reconnect, and talk through the highlights of the night before without any pressure or structure.

Staying Focused on What Actually Matters

If there’s one thing Jennifer and Jason would pass on to other couples, it’s this:

“Plan a day that you actually want to attend.”

They skipped traditions that didn’t feel relevant and focused on what would make the experience enjoyable for them and their guests. That meant building in time to slow down, prioritizing good food and drinks, and creating space for both quiet moments and a full-on dance party.

Their wedding at home is a reminder that the most memorable celebrations aren’t built around expectations—they’re built around intention. 

 

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Shari + Mike
Floral Design – Flower Treasures
Catering – Hawley Crescent
Officiant – Valerie Russell
DJ – DJ Rich Sweet
Videography – Jennifer Van Son
Makeup + Hair Styling – Erynn Shannon
Wedding Dress – Catherine Langlois
Bridal Accessories – Vitaly
Groom’s Apparel – Tom’s Place
Groom’s Wedding Band – Clocks and Colours
Bride’s Wedding Band – Ring Come True
Engagement Ring – Veronica Windsor
Rentals – Perfect Party Rentals
Transportation – Century Transportation
Content Creator – Bride Flicks

 

Sponsors
Email [email protected] to advertise on Junebug Weddings
← Older Entries
Newer Entries →