Kimiko and Christopher celebrated their love with a luxurious destination wedding in Costa Rica! With a breathtaking view of the sea, fireworks, and gorgeous, elegant decor, this wedding was overflowing with sophistication and romance.
As a planner myself, I believe in a classic sophisticated wedding. A wedding that is timeless was the goal for our wedding. Guests were greeted with caviar and champagne while classical music played in the background.
Kimiko
Kimiko and Christopher have been inseparable ever since their first date. During their trip to France, Christopher picked the perfect romantic moment to pop the question.
We were in Nice, France sitting on the beach at night when he pulled out the ring. Although we spoke about getting married I was still completely shocked!
Kimiko
Kimiko and Christopher love traveling together and knew a destination wedding was perfect for them. Costa Rica was an easy pick due to its beauty and convenient location for the bride, groom, and guests.
We selected Costa Rica because we love to travel. Costa Rica was an easy flight for our loved ones and it gave the beauty and adventure that represents us as a couple.
Kimiko
To make their wedding even more spectacular, Kimiko surprised her groom and guests with a lip-sync performance to Diana Ross’s “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” followed by a beautiful firework display, timed perfectly with the bride’s queue during her performance.
See the stunning details below!
- Couple: Kimiko & Christopher
- Occupations: Event Planner | Software Executive
- Wedding date: 4/18/2019
- Wedding location: Zephyr Palace in Herradura, Costa Rica
Quick Facts
- Gifts for bridesmaids and groomsmen: Bridesmaids received small clutches with small personal items inside. Groomsmen received flasks and cufflinks.
- Gifts for one another: The groom received a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue label blended scotch whiskey and a box of Cuban cigars. The bride received a Tiffany’s diamond pendant.
- Ceremony and wedding party entrance song: “Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
- Bride entrance song: “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” – Roberta Flack
- First dance song: “In a Sentimental Mood” – Duke Ellington
How did you meet?
We met on Tinder! The first online app I tried AND the first date from Tinder. We have been inseparable ever since that first date.
Tell us about the proposal
We were in Nice, France sitting on the beach at night when he pulled out the ring. Although we spoke about getting married I was still completely shocked.
Describe your wedding style
Our wedding attire was sophisticated and classic. It was very important for me to have a wedding including our attire that we can look back on and it will reflect any decade. I did not want something we will look at 20 years from now and cringe. I love old black Hollywood. My favorite era is the Harlem Renaissance which for me is the epitome of Black Excellence therefore, I wanted our attire to be a modern reflection of that time. There was a Lena Horne dress that I saw that I was completely in love with. When I saw my dress at Viero Bridal I knew that was the classic but modern twist that I wanted. I was very lucky that my overall experience was very easy.
Chris wanted to wear a suit with sneakers (a regular suit) and I was not having it,lol! When I saw the linen tux at his favorite store Suit Supply the associate agreed with me about Chris trying it on. Chris knew I was right. He was definitely feeling himself! Such as my dress, his linen tux was timeless but the twist of white pants and black tuxedo jacket gave that little something extra for the era.
Culture
We brought Chicago to Costa Rica! I am a huge music lover so it was essential to fly in our DJ who would understand that Chicago House music and 90’s hip hop were a must play. I love salsa music as well so the salsa band was something we also included during dinner.
What is the best memory from your wedding?
Our best memories from our wedding were definitely the performance I put on and the fireworks. Guests including the groom were then asked to walk out to the terrace and were surprised by the bride lip-syncing to the queen herself Diana Ross “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. As I raised my arms, BOOM the fireworks went off. No one saw it coming including the groom. It was a spectacular, magical, and fairytale ending to the night.
We also reminisce on the beautiful view of Costa Rica at our venue that we were so blessed to have. The Zephyr Palace is known to have the most beautiful view in Herradura, Costa Rica. Words can’t describe the jaw-dropping view when we were riding up the mountain to the Zephyr.
What is the best advice you can give to engaged couples?
Me being a wedding/event planner I knew going in that I had to have a great photographer. My number one advice for my clients is that your wedding photos are going to last a lifetime so don’t cut corners with your photographer and of course your planner. Find the right photographer and planner that fits/sees your vision!
Vendors
- Planner: kbykevents
- Photographer: Gerardo Marín E.
- Florist/design: Acacia Flores
- Venue: Zephyr Palace
- Grooms tux: Suit Supply
- Bridal gown: Viero Bridal
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