Elopement Stories

When Maude and Nicolas from Quebec City reached out to me, they had just experienced a revelation about their dream wedding. After 10 years together and countless travels, including a six-month Southeast Asia adventure and multiple Mexico trips, they knew exactly what they wanted: an intimate celebration with 16 people, including themselves, at a stunning cliffside villa in Zihuatanejo. What made their February 11th celebration truly special was how they perfectly balanced intimacy with celebration. Instead of a traditional large wedding, they chose Casa Garrobo, a breathtaking private estate perched on Punta Garrobo, where they could have their ceremony, portraits, and reception all in one spectacular location. This proved to be the ideal Zihuatanejo micro wedding venue. Why Maude & Nicolas Chose Zihuatanejo for Their Intimate Destination Wedding As seasoned travelers who had explored Mexico extensively—including a recent trip to Puerto Escondido—Maude and Nicolas were drawn to Zihuatanejo’s authentic charm and stunning natural beauty. Unlike some of Mexico’s more bustling tourist destinations like Cancun or Cabo, Zihuatanejo offers a laid-back, genuine atmosphere with a rich fishing village heritage and stunning Pacific coastline. This unique blend of authentic charm and natural beauty perfectly suited their vision for an intimate wedding. Their decision came after what Nicolas described as a “revelation” about what they truly wanted for their wedding celebration. Rather than dealing with the logistics and costs of a traditional large wedding, they initially envisioned something simpler yet more meaningful: “a simple, intimate ceremony on a quiet beach in Zihuatanejo, followed by a photo session capturing those beautiful moments.” However, after discovering Casa Garrobo’s incredible clifftop setting, they realized they had found something even better. This luxury wedding villa offered both privacy and spectacular ocean views without needing to travel to a separate beach location. Their choice to celebrate with 16 people, including themselves, reflected their desire to be surrounded by only their closest family and friends. This created an atmosphere where everyone present was genuinely excited to be part of their special day. This truly was the perfect Mexico elopement for them. Getting Ready at Casa Garrobo Villa for Your Zihuatanejo Micro Wedding My coverage began the day before their wedding with a getting-to-know-you session and pre-wedding portraits—something Maude and Nicolas absolutely loved. This approach gave them two completely different looks for their photos and significantly removed any timeline stress from their actual wedding day, allowing for a more relaxed experience.On February 11th, the getting-ready process was beautifully organized. At 11:30 AM, Maude began her preparation with the other women, while Nicolas and the men started getting ready at 1:00 PM. Having Iveth Sharon Beauty handle hair and makeup was perfect—she speaks English fluently and understood exactly the relaxed, natural look Maude wanted for their cliffside ceremony. What I love about Casa Garrobo is how the villa’s layout allows for natural separation during getting-ready time while maintaining the intimate feel of everyone being together in one spectacular location. It’s truly a fantastic Zihuatanejo wedding venue for pre-ceremony preparations. Intimate Cliffside Ceremony with Ocean Views at Casa Garrobo At 4:00 PM, the 14 guests gathered on Casa Garrobo’s main balcony for what would be one of the most stunning ceremony settings I’ve ever photographed. The villa’s position on Punta Garrobo provided an unobstructed view of both the mountains and the brilliant blue Pacific Ocean—a backdrop that no beach ceremony could match. What made this intimate ceremony truly special was having Nicolas’s best friend Nikola serve as THE officiant. As Maude shared: “Nikola has been Nicolas’ best friend since they were very young. Nikola will be our celebrant for the ceremony.” This personal touch transformed their symbolic ceremony into something deeply meaningful and authentic. The couple chose to write their own vows, which they read in French. Even though I couldn’t understand the words, the raw emotion was palpable—their guests’ faces were a mix of joyous laughter and heartfelt tears, truly telling the complete story of their love. There’s something magical about witnessing vows in someone’s native language; it adds an extra layer of intimacy and authenticity. February weather in Zihuatanejo was absolutely perfect—not as hot as summer months, with comfortable temperatures that made the 4:00 PM ceremony timing ideal for both the couple and their guests enjoying this Mexico destination wedding. Relaxed Cocktail Hour on the Terrace Immediately following the ceremony, the 14 guests moved to Casa Garrobo’s expansive terrace for cocktail hour. Luxebox Zihua had created a beautiful charcuterie setup that perfectly complemented the villa’s sophisticated atmosphere while maintaining the relaxed, intimate vibe Maude and Nicolas wanted for their Zihuatanejo micro wedding. This 30-45 minute period allowed me to capture natural family and friends portraits while everyone was still in that post-ceremony glow. The terrace’s multiple levels and stunning views provided endless opportunities for both group photos and candid moments of guests celebrating. What struck me most was the genuine joy everyone shared—when you limit your guest list to only your closest loved ones, every single person is truly thrilled to be there, and that energy shows in every photo. Stunning Couple Portraits with Mountain & Ocean Backdrop At 5:15 PM, I took Maude and Nicolas around Casa Garrobo for their couple portraits. Initially, they had considered going to nearby La Punta for photos, but we quickly realized the villa itself provided everything we needed—dramatic clifftop views, intimate garden spaces, and that golden hour light that makes every photo magical. Casa Garrobo’s unique position offered us multiple backdrop options within steps of their celebration. We captured romantic moments against the mountain views, intimate portraits with the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon, and playful shots throughout the villa’s beautiful architecture. The light at this time of day in February was absolutely perfect—soft, warm, and flattering without the harsh shadows you might get during summer months. This timing also allowed us to create their wedding portraits without feeling rushed or missing out on their celebration. As your Mexico wedding photographer, finding these perfect light conditions is key for truly stunning

When Travis and Vanessa from Austin, Texas reached out to me through Google, they had a beautiful vision: eloping in Mexico to celebrate Vanessa’s roots while creating an intimate day just for the two of them. What made their April 28th elopement truly special was how they perfectly blended meaningful cultural connection with the artistic charm of Todos Santos—one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos. As they shared in their initial inquiry: “Vanessa is from Mexico, so having our special day there would mean a lot.” Their choice of Todos Santos, with its stunning Pacific sunsets, vibrant art scene, and laid-back surfer culture, provided the perfect backdrop for their love story as they prepared to welcome their first child together. Why Travis & Vanessa Chose Todos Santos for Their Mexico Elopement When Travis and Vanessa first contacted me, they already had Todos Santos in mind. They asked for other location recommendations, and since they mentioned loving sunsets and peaceful places, I confirmed they were on the right path. This charming Pueblo Mágico offers everything couples dream of—artistic culture, stunning Pacific sunsets, and authentic Mexican charm without the crowds of larger tourist destinations. What drew them to Todos Santos wasn’t just its beauty, but its authenticity. As seasoned travelers who appreciate genuine experiences, they were attracted to a place where local fishermen still work alongside world-class artists, where centuries-old mission architecture stands beside contemporary galleries, and where every sunset feels like a private performance over the Pacific. Their choice of Villas La Mar proved perfect—just an 8-minute walk from the beach with stunning sunset views right from their balcony. It offered the privacy they wanted while keeping them close to both the ceremony location and the town’s artistic heart. Getting Ready Together at Villas La Mar My 8-hour coverage began at 12:00 PM when my assistant and I arrived at the villa. My assistant helps with recording short vertical videos and supporting couples throughout the day. Melisa Arellano, their hair and makeup artist, arrived at 11:30 AM while we started capturing details—her dress, jewelry, and landscape drone shots.Melisa finished Vanessa’s look by 2:00 PM, and that’s when the couple started getting dressed and ready together. What made this moment truly special was watching them prepare in the same room—an intimate choice that reflected their close bond and the deeply personal nature of their celebration. Vanessa had that beautiful expectant glow, and seeing them help each other prepare for their vows was incredibly moving. These quiet, tender moments are some of my favorites to photograph because they capture the authentic love that brought them to this moment. The villa’s terrace provided the perfect setting for their first portraits of the day. With panoramic views of Todos Santos’ landscape and the Pacific Ocean in the distance, we captured their excitement and anticipation before heading into town for the artistic portion of their day. What I love about Villas La Mar is how it combines luxury with authentic Mexican charm—the perfect setting for couples who want sophistication without losing the genuine Baja California Sur experience. Exploring the Magic of Todos Santos Pueblo Mágico After their villa portraits, we ventured into Todos Santos’ historic center to explore what makes this place truly magical. Todos Santos earned its Pueblo Mágico designation—a prestigious recognition requiring specific cultural, historical, and aesthetic criteria—and you feel that magic immediately upon arrival. The town’s colorful colonial architecture, vibrant art galleries, and cobblestone streets provided endless opportunities for romantic portraits. As we wandered through the artistic heart of Todos Santos, Travis and Vanessa were amazed by the authentic charm that sets this place apart from typical tourist destinations. Our first stop was Jazamango Café, a cozy restaurant that perfectly embodies Todos Santos’ bohemian spirit. Over lunch, they relaxed into the experience, and I captured candid moments of them enjoying this special time together. The café’s intimate atmosphere and authentic Mexican charm made it feel like we were documenting not just their elopement day, but a genuine slice of local life. The light at 4:00 PM was still quite bright but beautifully warm—perfect for showcasing both the town’s colorful architecture and Vanessa’s natural glow. Sweet Moments at Jazamango Café & Ice Cream Adventures After lunch, we continued exploring the town, and what happened next became one of the most memorable moments of their entire day. While they were enjoying ice cream together, a sweet local puppy decided to join their romantic moment—completely uninvited but absolutely welcome! Travis and Vanessa were delighted by their furry photo-bomber, and it immediately reminded them of their two dogs back home in Austin. These are the spontaneous, unplanned moments that make elopements so special and authentic. As their Mexico elopement photographer, these unexpected moments are exactly why I encourage couples to embrace the adventure of eloping abroad. Mexico has a way of surprising you with beautiful, unplanned experiences that become the most treasured memories. Sunset Beach Ceremony with Pacific Ocean Waves As evening approached, we returned to Villas La Mar for their intimate ceremony—the highlight of the day. The timing was perfect for capturing Todos Santos’ famous Pacific sunsets, and the sound of massive waves provided a dramatic natural soundtrack for their vows. The beach location, just steps from their villa, offered complete privacy while showcasing the raw beauty of Baja California Sur’s coastline. The Pacific Ocean’s powerful waves at Todos Santos create an awe-inspiring backdrop—though as I always tell couples, these waters demand respect and are best admired from the shore. Always double-check the tides before deciding the exact ceremony location: https://www.tide-forecast.com/ Travis and Vanessa exchanged personal vows they had written themselves. The combination of Vanessa’s pregnancy glow, the golden sunset light, and the powerful ocean backdrop created some of the most romantic images I’ve ever captured. What made this ceremony truly special was how it honored both their love story and this new chapter as they prepared to become parents. Celebrating their marriage in Mexico felt deeply meaningful and authentic. Private Chef Dinner Back at the

When Darcy and Breyden reached out to me through Instagram, they were planning something truly special – a boat-access elopement at one of Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning hidden beaches. December 12th turned out to be the perfect day for their adventure, complete with whale sightings, dolphin encounters, and an intimate beach ceremony surrounded by their closest friends. What made their celebration unique was the atmosphere they created – no family drama, just good friends ready to celebrate love. Sometimes the best elopements happen when you’re surrounded by people who are genuinely excited to be there, and that’s exactly what Darcy and Breyden achieved. Getting Ready at Velas Vallarta Resort My day with Darcy and Breyden began at Velas Vallarta, where they were staying for their elopement celebration. I love documenting the getting-ready process because it captures those quiet, anticipatory moments before the adventure begins. Darcy was getting ready with her girlfriends while Breyden was in a different room with his guy friends. They popped champagne in their rooms, a perfect way to start the celebration and calm any pre-ceremony nerves. After the first look at the beach, we took photos with their friends, and I have to say,  the energy was incredible. Having only friends there (no family) created such a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Everyone was genuinely excited to be part of this adventure, and you can feel that joy in every single photo. The Boat Adventure to Colomitos Beach At 2:40 PM, we headed to Marina Puerto Vallarta to board our private boat with Pato Bobo Adventure Boat.The 40-minute journey to Colomitos Beach was an adventure in itself, with a stop at Los Arcos de Mismaloya for photos along the way. But here’s what made this trip truly unforgettable, just before we arrived at Colomitos Beach, we spotted whales! There’s nothing quite like seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat right before your wedding ceremony. It felt like nature was blessing their union. As a photographer, I need to mention something important: boat photography requires a different skill set. You need good balance to stand and take pictures while the boat moves with the waves, and you definitely can’t get seasick. My experience volunteering with CONANP for two years, exploring islands and spending time on boats, definitely prepared me for moments like these. Beach Ceremony with Friends We arrived at Colomitos Beach around 4:30 PM, and while the boat company had prepared for us to potentially do the ceremony on the boat, the weather was perfect for getting down to the beach. They sent an extra, smaller boat to help us get closer to shore,  though I have to admit, jumping from the boat to the beach was a bit tricky with the waves! Since this beach is accessible by boat and also by hiking, there were a few people around. I politely asked them if we could have 20-30 minutes for the ceremony, and everyone was so kind and understanding. This is one of those moments where being respectful and friendly goes a long way. One of Darcy’s friends served as their officiant, which made the ceremony even more personal and meaningful. They exchanged vows with the sound of waves as their soundtrack and their closest friends as witnesses,  it was absolutely perfect. Wildlife Encounters: Whales and Dolphins The wildlife encounters were definitely the highlight of their day. Seeing whales just before the ceremony felt like a magical blessing, but the adventure wasn’t over yet. On our way back to Marina Puerto Vallarta, we encountered dolphins playing in the boat’s wake. These spontaneous moments are exactly why I love boat elopements in Puerto Vallarta. December is prime whale-watching season, so there’s always a chance you’ll witness something extraordinary. These aren’t experiences you can plan for – they’re pure magic when they happen. Planning Tips for Colomitos Beach Elopements If you’re considering an elopement at Colomitos Beach, here’s what you need to know: For detailed timeline planning, check out our “How to Elope in Mexico: Ultimate Guide to Legalities & Planning”, but know that Darcy and Breyden’s December afternoon ceremony timing worked beautifully for the lighting and weather conditions. Weather Considerations: December isn’t as humid as August and July, making it more comfortable for outdoor ceremonies. However, last December I noticed Puerto Vallarta was pretty crowded, so if you want to avoid crowds, consider January or February instead. Tide Levels Matter: Always check tide levels for your ceremony day. Use https://www.tide-forecast.com/ to plan accordingly. This affects both boat access and beach space. Weekday Advantage: Since locals also access this beach by hiking, consider a Tuesday or Wednesday ceremony for more privacy. Boat Company Flexibility: Companies like Pato Bobo Adventure Boat can adapt to conditions – they were ready to do the ceremony on the boat if needed and provided extra support to get us to shore safely. Photography Considerations: Make sure your photographer is comfortable on boats and has experience with maritime photography. It requires different skills than land-based shooting. Best Times to Visit Colomitos Beach Prime Season: December, January, and February offer the best weather conditions with less humidity and calmer seas. Crowd Considerations: December can be busy due to holiday travelers. January and February typically offer more privacy. Wildlife Bonus: December through March is whale-watching season, so you might get lucky like Darcy and Breyden did! Sunrise Alternative: If you’re morning people, consider a sunrise ceremony for ultimate privacy and stunning golden light. After their adventure, Darcy and Breyden were so thankful I was part of their boat elopement experience. The combination of stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and genuine friendship made their day truly unforgettable. As your Mexico elopement photographer, I specialize in adventurous locations like boat-access beaches and have the experience needed to capture your day perfectly – whether we’re on land or sea. Let’s connect and start planning your unique love story!