Lillie & Riley

A. You are coming to a tropical paradise that is mostly untouched by man. It is summer. I repeat: it is their summer!! There will be lots of sun, animals, plant life and critters around. 

• Prepare as you would for a beach or rainforest trip: sunscreen, bug spray, allergy medication if you need it, reusable water bottle, etc. 

• We recommend downloading an English-to-Spanish app if you don’t speak the language! Most people speak a bit of English but it’s always nice to meet them halfway. 

• Highly recommend downloading WhatsApp as that’s the most common communication app around. 

• WiFi is almost everywhere but not always the best quality. Consider bringing an international hot spot if needed. Be sure to check on what the data usage and international data/roaming charges will be for Costa Rica on your phone plans. 

• Bring cash! While cards (VISA primarily) are accepted most places, cash is king. I recommend getting a bit of Costa Rican colónes and American dollars are often also accepted. If you are planning on using cards, do not forget to let your card company know that you are traveling AND check on if your card as foreign transaction fees. 



A. Well! If you responded to me in a timely manner, you have been booked on a private Arenas Del Mar chartered luxury minibus. There will be, at max, 10 people in the vehicle. It takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Manuel Antonio. Expect one rest stop for a bathroom break, food and/or souvenir browsing (be mindful of time and that there will be plenty more souvenir shops).

The below document has the travel groups: Wedding Guest Arrival and Departure Groups.

Notes on meeting the Arenas Del Mar driver:
1. When you arrive at SJO you will clear customs and then be met with a flurry of taxi drivers and people offering taxi services. Walk past them until you are outside (only a couple steps).
2. There by the curb, you will find individuals holding name signs for their travel parties.
3. Look for someone holding an Arenas Del Mar sign. Check in with her/him.
4. They will direct you to wait at the restaurant down the street (Name of Restaurant) until the rest of the group arrives. Please accommodate this request and stay at the restaurant.

We have tried to space the buses to allow for the least amount of wait/lag time but we appreciate your cooperation and patience in waiting for the other guests. (Similarly, some of you may be asked to leave with an earlier group than you absolutely need to arrive at the airport by your departure time. Please be flexible in understanding why we grouped you that way).

A. Glad you asked! Here is a guide to all the beach activities, land/rainforest activities, restaurants, shops, farmers markets, local color, etc.

Just be sure to be ready to be picked up at 3 PM on Saturday. That means, being back and getting ready before then!!

A. We have a full staff of people to assist you in any way you need this wedding weekend. AKA please do not reach out to the bride or groom for questions as they will be very busy.


• For activities, food recs, and getting around Manuel Antonio: Freddy, our personal concierge, is at your service. 
o Email Address: experience@arenasdelmar.com
o Phone Number on WhatsApp:


Elaine, the on-site event coordinator, is available if Freddy cannot answer your questions. 
o Email Address: eventplanner@arenasdelmar.com
o Phone Number on WhatsApp:


• For SJO-MA-SJO transportation questions: Please contact Laura, our wedding planner, who will get in touch with Roybin. 
o Email Address: 
o Phone Number on WhatsApp: …


• For non-emergency wedding related questions: Please contact Laura, our wedding planner. 
• For emergency questions: Freddy or Elaine can be of assistance. 



A. If you are staying in the area, you will be picked up at 3 PM. Be prepared and ready to go so none of the other guests are stranded :).

Please make sure that your activities end with enough to time get ready for your pick up - and remember we're on Pura Vida time (aka always late) so please DO NOT BE BEHIND SCHEDULE.

If you are staying at Arenas Del Mar, please make your way down to the beach by 3:30 PM :). 

A. GO. ALL. OUT. Seriously. Come dressed to the absolute nines: we want to see sequins, sparkles, fringe, feathers, florals, satin, chiffon, silk, lamé – This is the wedding to do it. We’ve got our fabulous photographers, videographer and photobooth setup to capture your stunning-ness.
(And there may or may not be a prize for the best dressed guest…)

Remember though: this is a beach wedding in summer, so dress for 85-90 degree weather!
(We will have fans but not sunglasses. Bring your sunglasses)

A. On the beach! Toes in the sand. Yes. That means you should take your shoes off.

Although you don’t have to, and you are welcome to bring a change of shoes too – we’ll keep it safe! – so you can be comfortable on the beach and on the dance floor.

For context: Lillie is wearing wedges on the beach and stilettos on the dance floor. Riley is just wearing closed toe shoes.

A. We say this with as much love as possible: No.
It is really important to us that you are 100% present in this most precious moment. Take it all in and put your phones away.

Don’t worry! We will share all of the beautiful, magical and professionally done photos as soon as they are ready - and our photographer is magic, so that might be very soon!

And more to the point, this is a message from Lillie: I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU IF YOU GET IN THE WAY OF THE PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHER. THIS INCLUDES THE CEREMONY RECESSIONAL (walking back up the aisle newly married). KAY THX.

Take pictures of literally every other second of the day/wedding – you know we’ll be on the gram on the day too. Just please keep our entire ceremony unplugged.

A. Not only is it open bar, we have three signature cocktails (i.e. y’all best drink ‘em) created for us by the extraordinarily talented Marcie at Dio Wine Bar in D.C.
Our wine selection is excellent, and we will have beer available (but we will judge you for drinking it).

Reminder to drink responsibly because we will 100% photograph your drunk a**.

Don’t try to keep up with us. We’re champs.

Don’t take shots. It’s tacky.

A. You know it! Right after the ceremony, we’ll move to the cocktail hour of passed hors d'oeuvres and open bar. This is a great time to steal us for a quick photo or congrats.

A. Still on the beach! But bathed in the magic of shade and bistro lights and harder sand (i.e. easier to walk/wear shoes).

There will be seating arrangements and escort cards to guide you to your assigned seat. Thank you all for sending in your meal selections. We cannot accommodate last minute changes. 

A. On the veranda made of wood. Wear shoes. Although you are also welcome to boogie on the beach, frolic in the ocean, photobooth it up or just chill out in the lounge.

A. Wherever we are, playa. Arenas will be setting up a beach bonfire for us but we also have the option of going to Selina for a nightcap/dance club. Transportation back to your respective hotels/airbnbs will be arranged at that time.

A. Your presence is your present!!! We are so excited to celebrate with each of you and can’t imagine a better gift than that (be sure to sign the guestbook and get a photo with us to say you were here at least, lol).

That said, we never say no to heartfelt cards and/or capitalism. We have a registry here.
(There’s a ton of stuff on there because we are definitely going to take advantage of the savings we get from purchasing things for ourselves after the wedding