Here's our blog all about Michael and Sam's wedding - the whole reason we were down in Costa Rica!
The Bahia was booked with wedding guests only so it was an intimate and private setting; everyone knew each other and it was very comfortable - sort of like a village of wedding guests.
Sunday evening, the hotel and Beba (the CR wedding planner/family friend) had arranged a surprise for the guests who had already arrived. Cocktails and an authentic Costa Rican band welcomed us! Michael's girlfriends from her study abroad in Italy had very cute little tank tops printed up that said, "Mikey's Costa Rican Wedding" on the front and "We love the bride" on the back (in Italian).
Monday evening Ron and Dana hosted a welcome party in the pool area. A miriachi band livened up the atmosphere and serenaded each table.
Wednesday evening Sam's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner (in ND they call it a groom's dinner). The pig roast and bonfire on the beach was capped off with Costa Rican dancers and band. (Think Zumba but with sequined costumes and feather headresses). Lilly was entranced by the dancers. There was also a very sweet slideshow of the bride and groom that Sam's mom put together.
Thursday was the big day (sort of) and also New Year's Eve and the triplets' 8th birthday! Besides the triplets birthday the actual day of the 31st was low-key since we were all gearing up for the midnight nuptials.
Initally, the wedding ceremony was to take place on the beach, but with the full moon, high tide was happening at the same time - so the ceremony was moved just a few feet forward on to hotel property. The effect was the same though, you could still see and hear the waves crashing. All the guests were requested to wear white as it was a white wedding!
The 9 couples of bridesmaids and groomsmen processed down the aisle and then Michael made her entrance on Ron's arm. She was a beautiful bride and her and Sam were obviously very happy! After the ceremony New Year's fireworks went off all around the bay! What a way to start your marriage! The midnight dinner was followed by an all-night rager. Chilly retired pretty early at 4:30am and Brian followed soon after. But a lot of the guests stayed up well past sunrise. There was swimming in the ocean and a good time had by all.
Here's a link to some of the photographer's Costa Rica photos: Michael & Sam's wedding!
BUT WAIT...
...the party continued from the balmy Costa Rican shores to the frozen tundra of North Dakota! The Saturday after we got back from Costa Rica a North Dakota reception was held at the Alerus Center in town. It was a dark gothic theme with some sandy elements thrown in. It was a larger crowd than the Costa Rican wedding and Lilly actually made it to this party! Here's a picture of her dancing with Bobby (Brian's best friend from William and Mary who flew out for the GF reception).
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