Love at first sight, or at least a song, is what brought Drew Taggart and Mari Fonseca together. It was at Guy Oseary's Oscars party in 2023 when these two creative souls crossed paths, and the rest, as they say, is history. Drew, inspired by those initial hours spent with Mari, penned a song titled 'Summertime Friends', a fitting tribute to their serendipitous meeting.
Fast forward to December 1, 2024, and Drew surprised Mari with a proposal, creating a moment she'll forever cherish. The engagement, a romantic affair set in a private room filled with red flowers and candles, was a beautiful beginning to their journey together.
And so, a year later, on December 28, 2025, Drew and Mari tied the knot at the Blue Mist Hotel in Santa Theresa, Costa Rica. This destination, a favorite spot for the couple, provided a stunning backdrop for their nuptials, blending the natural beauty of Costa Rica's tropical west coast with timeless, elegant details.
But here's where it gets controversial... or at least, a point of discussion. The couple decided to trim away certain traditions, like a formal rehearsal dinner, to focus on creating an extraordinary, one-day black-tie event. Drew advises that despite their initial vision of a small, simple wedding, the details can quickly become all-consuming, requiring just as much work as a larger affair.
When it came to her wedding dress, Mari had a clear vision: timeless yet reflective of her personal style. And she found her dream dress with Schiaparelli, who custom-designed a gown from scratch. The dress had two distinct personalities, transforming from a full-length gown for the ceremony to a mini corset for the reception, with a classic Schiaparelli double bra look in both versions.
Mari's accessories were equally unique, with a custom veil and shoes by Schiaparelli and borrowed diamond earrings from her maid of honor, Danielle Pontes. For her first dance, she donned a sheer lace dress by Aadnevik, a brand she trusted for its comfort and style.
Drew, too, had a distinct vision for his wedding attire. He turned to his friend David August to craft a double-breasted suit with a pink interior lining, a classic look that reflected his personality rather than the wedding's environment. David attended to every detail, from cuff links to shoes, ensuring Drew's look was impeccable.
The ceremony, set on a beach amidst beautiful white florals, was a dreamy affair. Songs like 'Take Me Where Your Heart Is' by Q, 'The Dress' by Dijon, and 'Bloom' by The Paper Kites set the tone. Drew shares that the music played was all from the night they fell in love in New York City years ago, adding a personal touch to the ceremony.
After the 'I dos', guests watched the sunset and enjoyed live Bossa Nova during cocktail hour, while the newlyweds took portraits. Drew wanted the ceremony to be the first time he saw Mari in her dress, a romantic gesture that added to the day's magic.
As the sun set, the newlyweds rejoined their guests for their first dance, followed by a home video Mari made, showcasing their journey from different parts of the world to their meeting and beyond. This cultural touch, new to Drew, was a hit with their family and friends.
The party continued with music by Sound House, who played a classic wedding playlist with a spicy twist, suggested by Mari and Drew. The energy was electric, and the night culminated with a transformation of the couple's villa into an 'After-Hours Club', with DJ Ruckus keeping the music going late into the night.
And this is the part most people miss... or at least, don't often hear about. Despite the challenges of planning a destination wedding and the trust required in their wedding planners, Drew and Mari's day was a success. They are grateful for the team who executed their vision and the friends and family who traveled to celebrate with them. In Drew's words, 'I would not change a single detail of that day.'
So, what do you think? Are destination weddings worth the effort? Do the challenges outweigh the rewards? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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