WHIMSICAL “SECOND LINE” CELEBRATION AT LAS CATALINAS
In the enchanting coastal town of Las Catalinas, Sam and Łukasz from Charleston, South Carolina, brought together their diverse backgrounds for a wedding as unique as their love story. They met in New Orleans during the summer of 2018 through mutual friends and immediately hit it off. That night, they went to see Honey Island Swamp Band at the infamous Tipintinas. At the time, Sam was living and working in Aruba while Łukasz was living the New Orleans dream. After dating for about 2 years, they moved into their first home together in New Orleans during the May of 2020 and then move out to Charleston in March 2022, their love continued to grow and Łukasz popped the question at their favorite spot on Morris Island to solidify their forever together on May 14th, 2023.
Nestled in the north pacific of Costa Rica, Las Catalinas provided the perfect backdrop with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and breathtaking beach views. With properties scattered throughout the charming, walkable streets of town and surrounded by the beach, forest and nature, Casa de Tom & Casa Brewer unique decoration blended so beautifully with their celebration. The couple chose this tropical haven for a destination wedding that embodied bohemian, romantic, whimsical, and non-traditional styles planned by 419 Weddings.
Sam radiated beauty in her strapless Rue De Seine boho wedding dress with a nude underlay, later changing into a silk dress for the dance portion of the evening. The ceremony and table setting created by Stylos & Flores was adorned with lush greenery, monstera leaves, pomas, and exotic birds of paradise, creating a tropical ambiance that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings. The color palette, featuring greens, browns, champagnes, and whites, was punctuated with a pop of muted orange and pinks, adding warmth and vibrancy to the celebration. The ceremony was outside at Plaza Agave with breathtaking views of the ocean. An intimate gathering of guests looked on while seated in wooden chairs surrounding the couple.
The couple incorporated two meaningful traditions into their special day. The “Second Line,” a spirited New Orleanian tradition, led guests from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, infusing the event with a lively and celebratory spirit. At the beginning of dinner, a Polish traditional toast, orchestrated by the mother and father of the groom, added a touch of familial warmth and cultural richness. Sam and Łukasz’s wedding was a fusion of love, style, and tradition, a celebration that spanned continents and cultures in a setting as breathtaking as their journey together.
Words from the couple:
“We have just been completely overwhelmed & ecstatic about the pictures. Your craftsmanship is nothing short of magic. The photos are the true embodiment of romance, whimsicalness, and all the things we hoped and dreamed for our wedding day. They perfectly capture the essence of our love story and every time we look at them, we’re instantly transported back to those precious moments. We’ve had the pleasure of sharing the online gallery link with our friends and family, and the outpour of love and compliments we received is a testament to your exceptional work. Everyone, especially those who couldn’t be there with us, felt the emotions and intimacy of our day just by looking at your photos.”
• Venues: Las Catalinas & Casa de Tom & Casa Brewer • Wedding Planner: 419 Weddings • Photography: Raw Shoots • Videography: Forever Wedding Films • Florals: Stylos & Flores • Rentals: Costa Mesa • Paper Signs: Papeterie • Catering: Rising Tide • Hair & Make Up: Famous Points Bridal • Dress: Rue De Seine