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Weddings

About

On WeddingWire since 2017

Susan La Reau Events is a dynamic duo consisting of two experiened Costa Rican planners: Dahianna and Susan + our star event coordinatior Natalia.

We operate throughout Costa Rica, with a particular focus on the beautiful areas of Manuel Antonio and Guanacaste. Our commitment to excellence means that we only take on 10 weddings per year, ensuring that we can dedicate ample quality time to each of our clients and deliver an unforgettable experience.

With 15 years of industry expertise under our belts, we stand apart not only because of our extensive experience but also because of the genuine care and personal attention we invest in our clients. We don't just consider ourselves vendors hired to do a job; rather, we become friends who embark on the journey of planning your wedding alongside you.

Our true passion lies in crafting custom, enjoyable, and romantic weddings, all while helping our clients achieve their dream of a remarkable destination celebration. We take the lead throughout the planning process, ensuring that you feel fully taken care of without constantly having to ask what to do next.

When you choose to work with us, you can bid farewell to endless forms and questionnaires. Our approach is much more personal and engaging. We'll be there for you as friends, communicating through phone calls, video chats, text messages, emails, and even meeting in person whenever possible.

Whether you're envisioning an intimate affair or a grand extravaganza, we would be thrilled to assist you in planning your dream destination wedding.

Pura Vida!

Susan & Team!

  • Hispanic or Latinx-owned
  • Woman-owned

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting price for day-of wedding coordination?

$3,500

What is the starting price for full wedding planning?

$8,700

Do you offer an hourly rate?

Yes

What is the hourly rate?

$150

What wedding events do you provide services for?

Ceremony
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner

What wedding planning services do you offer?

Day-of Coordination
Full Planning
Partial Planning

What weddings do you have experience planning?

Civil
Cultural
Destination
Double Weddings
Elopement
Eco-Friendly
Military
Non-Religious
Religious
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5.0 out of 5 rating
22 Reviews
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
100% Recommended by couples

84 User photos

22 Reviews See all
Charlotte
Charlotte S. Married on 05/13/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Best Wedding Experience possible!

Susan and Dahianna made our Costa Rica destination wedding an absolute dream! They are both incredibly kind, creative, attentive, and detail oriented. Every single detail was perfect-beyond what we could ever have imagined. It was unique, personal, and beautiful. Dahianna was on site with us and coordinated every single vendor (who were all incredible). 10/10 would HIGHLY recommend!
L
Lauren K. Married on 02/01/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Destination Wedding Planning

Susan & Dahianna were amazing to work with. They went above and beyond to make our day beautiful and run smoothly! It was a day even better than our wildest expectations. They are easy to work with and extremely helpful. Most, if not all of our guests had amazing things to say about each and every part of the wedding!
Bridget
Bridget L. Married on 03/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Most detail oriented wedding planner every!

The best wedding planner! Susan is not only an amazing talented professional, she’s also such an amazing kind, patient and detail oriented person. She made the whole process of planning my wedding fun and stress free, especially having planned through the pandemic. From every vendor she recommended to every small detail, everything was so amazing. I can’t get over of how perfect was our wedding day was! It was beyond our expectations we had and even better than we had both visualized. Susan, we love you and we are forever grateful! If your looking for a wedding planner/destination planner you need to meet Susan!
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Awards

22
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner

Real Weddings

Holly & Adam
19 photos · 07/13/2019

Pricing

Team

Susan La Reau
Susan La Reau
Owner & Wedding Designer

I was born and raised in a charming town south of San Jose, Costa Rica. Following my passion for communication, I pursued a degree in Communications with a specialization in Public Relations during my undergraduate studies.

After completing my education, I embarked on my professional journey as an Event Manager at JW Marriott. The hospitality industry captivated me, leading me to further explore this realm as a Conference Service Manager and Wedding Specialist at the prestigious Four Seasons. There, I had the privilege of orchestrating an average of four luxurious events per month.

In 2014, after dedicating seven years to the hotel business, I made a life-changing decision. I chose to venture into the world of independent wedding planning, embracing the role of a full-time business owner. This leap of faith not only fulfilled my heart but also granted me the opportunity to pursue my passion on a daily basis.

Today, through my company Susan La Reau Events, my team and I have the privilege of working with incredible couples from all corners of the globe. It is an honor to be part of their journey and create unforgettable experiences for them.

When I am not immersed in the world of weddings, I cherish every precious moment spent with the love of my life, Adam, and our adorable son, Diego. They bring immense joy to my life and serve as a constant reminder of the beauty and love that surround us.

I am truly grateful for the path I have chosen and for the blessings that enrich my personal and professional life each day.

Dahianna Calderon
Dahianna Calderon
Destination Wedding Planner

I was born and raised in Perez Zeledon, a quaint town located south of San Jose, Costa Rica. My friendship with Susan dates back to our high school years, and we have remained close ever since. After completing high school, I embarked on an adventurous journey and moved to the United States, where I spent an incredible decade of my life. During my time there, I resided and worked in Pennsylvania and Virginia, initially as a nanny and house manager, and later as an assistant at an immigration law firm.

Following my enriching experiences abroad, I decided to return to Costa Rica to pursue my academic aspirations. I enrolled in college and pursued a degree in Business Administration. Concurrently, I served as an executive assistant at a private primary school for over six years. It was during this time that I discovered my true passion for weddings while assisting Susan as a day-of coordinator and executive assistant. This ignited a fire within me, propelling me to transition into a full-time career as a wedding planner.

Not long after, I had the joy of marrying my high-school sweetheart. Planning our own wedding was an intimate and memorable experience. Despite its small size, the celebration involved numerous moving parts and meticulous planning. I learned to be resourceful, striking a balance between staying within our budget while creating a timeless and meaningful event. Most importantly, I had the unique opportunity to experience the wedding journey from the perspective of a bride.

This personal experience, coupled with my innate attention to detail and organizational skills, solidified my passion for wedding planning. I realized that this is truly what I am meant to do.

Natalia Flores
Natalia Flores
Event Coordinator

I am Susan's younger sister and the proud owner of The Vogue Pose Photo Booth service in Costa Rica. My professional journey commenced as an accounting assistant for a clothing store in our hometown, followed by a position as a store manager at Movistar, a prominent telecommunications company.

In search of a better work-life balance, I made the decision to step away from the corporate world and dedicate more time to my cherished roles as a mother to three beautiful children and as the supportive partner of my husband, who is an entrepreneur in the medical field.

It was during this phase of my life that my sister approached me with an opportunity to assist her with a wedding. The experience brought me immense joy, and I discovered a true passion for ensuring that every fine detail and behind-the-scenes aspect ran seamlessly.

I, too, have experienced the enchantment of being a bride. Our mountain wedding celebration was an ethereal and romantic affair, with our vows exchanged in front of a majestic forest and towering mountains. Although it was a summer day and we had not anticipated a single drop of rain, nature had other plans, and it poured relentlessly. I shed tears of disappointment, but my sister reassured me that the rain would subside, even when I couldn't see how. Miraculously, just a few hours before the scheduled start time, the clouds cleared, revealing the most breathtaking, pristine sky.

Managing the intricate but crucial details of the wedding day brings me genuine fulfillment. It is my utmost pleasure to ensure that each aspect is meticulously orchestrated, allowing couples to focus on the joyous celebration while knowing that every element is being attentively taken care of.

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
El Velo Photography El Velo Photography Wedding Photographers

We have known and worked with Susan Flores for many years. She is artistic, talented and professional. She's detail oriented and puts together amazing events. We love working with her! El Velo Team

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