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When I met Silya & Matthew for the first time in a San José hotel lobby, I instantly sensed their wedding was going to be something truly special. They were in search of a spectacular and unique venue that reflected their personality and style. Silya mentioned they planned to visit at least eight venues around the world for their destination wedding. But once she stepped into Villa Caletas and saw the breathtaking views from Zephyr Palace, she told Matthew: “This is the one.”
The Zephyr Palace was both the first and last venue they visited. They fell in love with it immediately—and it’s easy to see why.
A Luxury Wedding Venue in Costa Rica
Perched 1,100 feet above the Pacific Ocean, the Zephyr Palace is one of Costa Rica’s most exclusive wedding venues. It offers panoramic ocean views, striking architecture, and the kind of privacy that makes every celebration feel intimate and unforgettable.
Couples can host every part of their wedding in one place—from getting ready to the final dance. The suites are spacious, beautifully styled, and come with private balconies that overlook the ocean. The main pool, surrounded by imperial columns, creates a stunning setting for ceremonies, while the elegant ballroom just steps away is perfect for the reception.
Silya and Matthew chose the ideal time of year for their Zephyr Palace wedding—dry season sunsets here are truly unforgettable. The day before the big event, we met at the private beach of Villa Caletas for a relaxed pre-wedding photo session, followed by their rehearsal dinner at the amphitheater just in time for sunset.
Getting Ready Moments at Zephyr Palace
Our wedding day coverage began with Silya getting ready in the African Suite, accompanied by her bridesmaids Ana, Kate, June, and her sister Emma. As her makeup artist worked, I captured the details: her stunning pair of wedding dresses—yes, she had two!—her elegant jewelry, and the pristine white orchid bouquet.
Meanwhile, Matthew prepared in the Imperial Suite, which reflected his personality perfectly. He was surrounded by his family, including his brothers and parents, in a warm and joyful atmosphere.
The First Look & Portraits
Once they were dressed and ready, we staged a First Look just outside the palace. The corridor framed by stone walls made an enchanting backdrop, especially for Silya’s long train. With the help of her bridesmaids, she walked toward Matthew, who waited anxiously to see his bride. Their emotional reactions created one of the most memorable moments of the day. We followed up with a short portrait session before the ceremony.
Sunset Ceremony at the Poolside
Their ceremony took place at the main pool area, set against a jaw-dropping view of the ocean framed by regal columns. The wedding party descended from the ballroom, and guests were treated to a moving ceremony just as the sky turned golden orange.
Following the ceremony, we captured sunset portraits of the couple and their wedding party. That magical combination of light, ocean, and love never disappoints at Zephyr Palace.
A Stylish Reception & Emotional Moments
After the portraits, Silya and Matthew returned to their suite to change outfits for the reception. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the palace’s second floor, and we captured all the reception décor in the ballroom.
The evening began with Sil & Matt’s first dance to “You Are the Reason” by Calum Scott. Emotional speeches followed—Matthew’s brother Bryan and Silya’s sister Emma shared touching and humorous stories that had everyone laughing and crying.
Once the dance floor opened, the party truly kicked off. Joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments filled the night.
A Perfect Ending
To end the evening, we stepped outside for a romantic night portrait session on the palace stairs. I used soft candlelight to create a moody, elegant atmosphere that reflected the intimacy of the moment.
Lastly but not least, you should definitely check out the wonderful job made by Diego Herrán from Blue Sky Films of Silya & Mattew’s Wedding. Here is their short Wedding film.
Special thanks to Silya & Matthew for their trust and love. We really have a wonderful time together, capturing their lovely and stunning Wedding, which will be unforgettable for me. Also, special thanks to all vendors involved in this project for making an awesome team work for this dream Wedding project.
Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Zephyr Palace Villa Caletas Hotel
Wedding Coordinator and Floral Designer: Luis Alonso | Jazmín Floristería
Cinematographer: Blue Sky Films
Makeup Artist: Zoran
Hair Sylist: Yuliana Salazar
Ceremony Music: Agape Servicios Musicales
Wedding Cake: Jorge Blanco Sweet Atelier
Reception DJ: DJ Sky Costa Rica
If you’re planning a Zephyr Palace Wedding and want images that capture not just how your day looked, but how it felt, I’d love to connect.
Explore more destination weddings on my Wedding Stories blog or view my pricing page to learn more.