Naturalist and white water rafting guide Al met social worker Cass at Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, so it’ll come as no surprise that their nuptials were all about nature. Their chilled beach wedding played out on the sand at 1770, near Queensland’s Agnes Waters, and has us seriously hankering for a holiday.

“Family and friends helped create a beautiful arch from driftwood and native flowers, and designed an aisle with pumice stones,” Cass tells me, having donned a dress that had her ‘something old’ and ‘something new’ well and truly covered. “I used a dress from Zimmerman and local designer Kelly Anne Russell altered it to include material from my Mum’s wedding dress.” Samantha Wills turquoise earrings brought a little blue, and this boho-bride joined her man in taking barefoot to the sand.

Cuban cigars found their way into the Chilean shirt pockets of Al’s best man and brothers – a nod to his Dad’s native Chile. “Our inspirations were our families, friends and cultures coming together,” say the pair, who delivered their vows in both Spanish and English. Back when they’d decided to get hitched, they were saving their pennies to develop Al’s ‘Ave Sol’ – a rainforest flanked property on the Pacuare River, overlooking a volcano (what a life, huh?) No matter – fifty colones (one dollar) wooden rings did the trick and were later replaced by handmade beauties from esty stores Epheriell and Bluebirdss.

When it came to the big day, loved ones were to thank for their florals, cake and stationary, while Marina (of Marina Locke Photography) worked her magic behind the lens. “She has a real eye and heart for distinctive moments and the beauty of light,” they say and were also very smitten with Janene from 1770 Weddings, who created “a really special feeling with beautiful firelight, native foliage and shells,” for their beachside-restaurant reception. “It was really relaxed, with free seating and buffet and salsa dancing!”

Photography: Marina Locke Photography | Bride’s dress: Zimmerman | Groom’s suit: Country Road | Rings: Epheriell (groom) Bluebirdss (bride) | Accessories: Samantha Wills earrings | Hair: Hair Traffic | Makeup: Glamourpuss | Venue 1770 Weddings | Celebrant: Penelope Millar | Flowers: DIY | Catering: Chattin Café | Cake: friend of the couple and Jac’s Blue House