Cesar and Emily. A Rainforest Wedding at Hideaway Rio Celeste, Costa Rica.

Cesar and Emily flew their wedding to the edge of the Costa Rican rainforest and let the weather do what it wanted. It rained. The stone paths at Hideaway Rio Celeste stayed wet all day, the trees held their mist, and every frame came out better for it.

Emily’s lace gown hung from a timber beam with the jungle pressing in behind it. Cesar wore a white tuxedo jacket with a black shawl lapel, which is a brave choice in ninety percent humidity and exactly the right one. After the ceremony we walked them into the cloud forest, pale trunks disappearing into fog, and photographed a kiss that needed no direction at all.

We photograph a small number of destination weddings each year. Costa Rica asked for slow shutters, patience with rain, and a willingness to get mud on the gear bag. We would go back tomorrow.

Does Friesen Co travel for destination weddings? Yes. We are based in Austin, Texas and photograph weddings worldwide. Multi-day and destination weddings are custom collections, typically $18,000 and up.

Does rain ruin wedding photos? No. Overcast rainforest light is some of the softest we work in, and mist gives portraits depth a clear sky cannot.