Why Blue Butterfly?

I (Tui—owner of Blue Butterfly) was born here. I live here. I work here. I am bilingual and have experience and relationships with many of the country’s leading vendors—and I can suggest the best ones to meet your vision and budget. 

    I may be a little biased, but here’s my top-list for why you should hire Blue Butterfly: 

Connection. I am Costa Rican by birth. My parents came from the U.S. to Costa Rica in the early 70’s and started an herbal tea company on the volcano Poas. Costa Rica and volcanoes are in my blood! 

Experience. Upon moving back to Costa Rica in 2004, I got involved in tourism and hospitality as the manager of a boutique beachfront bed and breakfast in Guanacaste. It was there that I began planning weddings. (I had honestly been planning events since high school, so it seemed like a natural fit.) Since then, I have worked independently as well as alongside other companies as the only independent event planner to live - and specialize in the Arenal and La Fortuna area. I have been involved in over 400 weddings and corporate events in Costa Rica! Most recently, I have focused on intimate weddings, transformational travel and group facilitation, curating wellness retreats including the Rhythm of Nature Retreat, several international Press Trips in conjunction with the national tourism board, and the 2016 Thought Leadership Summit. 

Background. I didn’t get into this work by accident. I am especially qualified thanks to my insider insights into... 

   -Nonprofit. I know how to make every penny count.

   -Corporate America. I understand it, because I have been there and lived it. I have assembled boards, as well as served on them. And I’ve participated and organized countless meetings. I understand corporate North American expectations —and I can deliver.

   -Hotels & Travel. I have spent the last 15+ years working in the hotel and travel industry in Costa Rica, so I understand how it works and who the best providers are. We also have an in-house travel coordinator, as well as relationships with travel partners, who can help your guests with travel and accommodations. 

   -Freelance Events. As a freelance coordinator, I still have the privilege of working with many of the other event and wedding planners in the country. There are some dynamite coordinators and companies out there whom I respect deeply. The bottom line is, I have been able to observe countless vendors and service providers at work—without needing to “test them out” on my clients. From rental companies and photographers, to musicians and florists, this has allowed me to compile my own list of the best providers. 

   -Education. I earned my Bachelors degree in Public Relations and Advertising from the University of Central Florida. Since then I have studied events and hospitality and am also a certified wedding planner (CWP) with The Bridal Society. Most recently I earned my Diploma in Social Innovation from the United Nations mandated, University for Peace in 2020.

Location. I am the only event coordinator in the country who is both living in and specializing in the Arenal/La Fortuna area. I have the insider scoop on what’s happening in the area and all the venues, restaurants, tours and services available. I am constantly on the l look out for new venues, views and vendors. I’m on my home turf; I know all the ins and outs of getting things done around here. And if I don’t know, I know someone who does. 

Multiple Cultures. Though I was born in Costa Rica, I was raised and educated in the U.S. I understand both Costa Rican culture and North American standards; I excel in bridging the two. And trust me, they are very different in many ways. I understand North American and European design styles and incorporate my local knowledge to execute those ideas in the most beautiful, sustainable, and efficient way possible. 

Environment & Community. We see every event as an opportunity to help the world around us in some way. As each group and event is different, and projects we’ve supported vary widely—from purchasing desks, painting and fixing up local schools and donating sporting supplies, to supporting reforestation projects and animal rescue centers. We work with any interested group to find a way to give back that is meaningful for them. We’ve had wedding couples ask all of their guests to bring a children's library book instead of a gift or card. We’ve coordinated corporate events that used tropical baby trees in their dinner centerpieces, which they then planted after. Every event can be transformative—for your guests and for our world! 

Different Approach. Our design style approach is fairly minimalist. We like to focus on the nature and love. Most of the area’s venues are completely surrounded by natural beauty, so you don’t have to do too much to make an event exquisite. No beige-carpeted event halls here! We also try to make a small impact on the environment and a big impact on the community by sourcing locally as much as possible. We strive for organic and all-natural style! 

Desafio-Supported. We are a proud partner to one of the best tour, transportation and logistics operator in the country: Desafio Adventure Company! Most travel and event planners have to find different providers for each tour and service. As a partner to Desafio, which is a direct operator, we have the full logistics support of a travel agency, a fleet of vehicles and drivers, the most exciting tours in Costa Rica, and a 24-hour operations department with nearly 30 years of experience. This is a truly valuable asset. 

Passion - this is what we love to do!  We are positively passionate about connection, love, transformation and curating unique experiences that make the participants and our surrounding world a little better.  We love witness those special and once-in-a-lifetime moments in our clients lives.