By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – For the second consecutive year, Costa Rican event organizer Yacxel Cruz has been honored as the “Best Wedding Planner in Costa Rica” by the prestigious Latin American Wedding Awards (LAWA). This accolade, presented during the sixth edition of the awards, solidifies her reputation and that of her company, Creative Lights, as a dominant force in the region’s burgeoning romance tourism and luxury events sector.
The Latin American Wedding Awards are widely regarded as one of the most significant benchmarks of excellence in the industry. The organization’s mission is to celebrate the outstanding achievements of professionals, suppliers, tourism boards, and venues that consistently deliver exceptional and memorable experiences for clients across the continent. Securing this award once is a major achievement; a consecutive win signals an unparalleled standard of quality and innovation.
Beyond the floral arrangements and venue selection, hiring a wedding planner involves significant legal and financial commitments. To shed light on the contractual obligations and potential pitfalls for both clients and planners, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A detailed, written contract is non-negotiable in wedding planning. It’s the primary tool for managing expectations and preventing disputes. Key clauses must clearly define the scope of services, a precise payment schedule, and, crucially, a cancellation policy that addresses unforeseen circumstances for both the couple and the planner. This isn’t about mistrust; it’s about establishing a clear, professional foundation for what is a significant emotional and financial investment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this legal perspective powerfully reframes the contract not as a formality born of mistrust, but as the essential roadmap for a successful partnership. It ensures that the significant emotional and financial investment of a wedding is built upon a foundation of clarity and mutual protection. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this crucial insight.
With a distinguished career spanning more than a decade, Cruz has meticulously built Creative Lights into a leading name for high-end weddings, corporate functions, and bespoke events. This latest award is not her first taste of international recognition. Her firm was previously honored by LAWA at a ceremony in Colombia, where she also took home the top prize representing Costa Rica, underscoring a consistent track record of success.
The repeat victory serves as more than just a personal milestone for Cruz. It significantly boosts Costa Rica’s international standing as a premier destination for luxury and destination weddings. The win highlights the country’s capacity to host world-class events, supported by a network of highly skilled professionals and stunning natural backdrops, further fueling the lucrative romance tourism market.
This recognition not only honors me personally, but also elevates our country’s name as a benchmark in the organization of high-level weddings and events. This is possible thanks to the excellent work of my team that supports every project. Especially Yensi González, who with years of experience in managing administrative and logistical processes, coordinates and executes events that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations.
Yacxel Cruz, Founder of Creative Lights
In her statement, Cruz was quick to credit her team’s collaborative spirit and operational excellence. By singling out Yensi González for her expertise in administrative and logistical management, Cruz emphasized a critical, often-overlooked component of event planning: flawless execution. It is this behind-the-scenes precision that allows Creative Lights to transform client visions into reality, consistently surpassing expectations.
The selection process for the LAWA is notably rigorous, adding weight to the honor. Winners in this year’s edition were chosen by a distinguished panel of 14 judges. This jury was composed of seven international experts with extensive experience in the Latin American events industry and seven national judges selected for their deep understanding of the local market and contributions to its development. This balanced approach ensures that winners demonstrate both global appeal and local expertise.
The awards covered an expansive 45 categories for each Latin American country, including titles such as Best Destination Wedding Planner, Best Luxury Wedding Planner, and Best Corporate Event Organizer. Cruz’s victory in the primary “Best Wedding Planner” category places her at the apex of a competitive and diverse field, reaffirming her status as an industry leader whose work continues to define the future of event planning in Costa Rica and beyond.
For further information, visit creativelightscr.com
About Creative Lights:
Founded by award-winning event organizer Yacxel Cruz, Creative Lights is a premier Costa Rican company specializing in wedding planning, high-end events, and romance tourism. With over a decade of experience, the firm is recognized for its commitment to excellence, creativity, and logistical precision, delivering unique and memorable experiences that consistently exceed client expectations and showcase Costa Rica as a world-class destination.
For further information, visit latinamericanweddingawards.com
About Latin American Wedding Awards (LAWA):
The Latin American Wedding Awards (LAWA) is an influential organization dedicated to recognizing and celebrating excellence within the wedding and events industry across Latin America. Through a rigorous judging process involving international and national experts, LAWA honors the achievements of top professionals, vendors, hotels, and tourism entities, setting a standard for quality and innovation in the creation of memorable client experiences.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on foundational principles of unparalleled integrity and professional excellence. Drawing upon a rich heritage of serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm continually pioneers forward-thinking legal approaches. This dedication extends beyond the courtroom through a resolute mission to make legal insights accessible, thereby empowering individuals and cultivating a more informed and capable society.