A Yelapa Love Story: Bobbi & Eli's Unforgettable Destination Wedding in Mexico


There are weddings, and then there are once-in-a-lifetime experiences—Bobbi and Eli’s destination wedding in Yelapa, Jalisco, Mexico, was one of those rare, soul-stirring weekends where love, friendship, nature, and joy collided in the most magical way. And as a wedding photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more vibrant, heartfelt story to capture.


Yelapa isn't a place you stumble upon—it’s a secret to keep,

Nestled between jungle and the ocean, it’s a little bohemian paradise accessible only by boat. That’s exactly how Bobbi and Eli’s 80 guests arrived: by water taxis that whisked them across the Bay of Banderas from Puerto Vallarta, winding past cliffs and open ocean into this sun-drenched haven. Guests came from all over the United States—Montana, Oregon, Washington—each of them called by love and a promise of adventure in paradise.


The celebration began the moment feet hit the sand.

The first night, a welcome party was held at Sirena Morena, a dreamy beachfront restaurant—twinkle lights in the palm trees, toes in the sand, cocktails flowing, laughter echoing under the stars. It set the tone: relaxed, joyful, full of intention.


The next evening.

After everyone had had time to sleep and recoup from their travel, they all wandered through the narrow, cobbled paths of Yelapa to Tacos Los Abuelos in the pueblo for the welcome dinner. Picture handmade tortillas sizzling on open grills, cold cervezas, and mojitos and margaritas. Plates passed down long tables while stories and laughter were shared. It felt like a family reunion... even for those meeting for the first time.


The morning of the wedding was blissfully slow and golden.

Guests gathered at El Jardín Yelapa, a lush garden hotel with five-star catering, where breakfast was served, coffee was strong, fruit was tree-fresh, and the vibe was peaceful—a perfect moment to prepare for what was to come.


Before the ceremony, some of the wedding party and friends headed to Playa Isabel for some sunbathing and swimming. There’s something so important about saltwater on skin just before vows are spoken—like nature’s own blessing. It was all sunshine, laughter, and warm sand.


And then, the main event.

The ceremony was held at Casa Isabel, high on a cliff with a view that felt like the edge of the world. The couple stood in a circular palapa pavilion that jutted out into the sea breeze, surrounded by nothing but loved ones and ocean air. Just as Bobbi and Eli sealed their vows with a kiss—I kid you not—a pod of humpback whales began breaching in the bay below. Humpbacks come here each year to birth and raise their calves, but that moment? It felt like they were showing up just for Bobbi and Eli. Pure, cinematic magic.


Once the ceremony wrapped, the celebration didn’t pause for a second. In true procession fashion, the whole wedding party grabbed drinks and made their way through the jungle path, down the point, and into the pueblo. Laughter echoed through the palm trees and cobbled streets as they paraded through town like a moving wave. They made their way to the beach below Hotel MiraMar, where we stole some golden-hour group photos just as the sun dipped low behind the cliffs.


After that, it was time to party.

Everyone gathered for cocktails and conversation before climbing up to the rooftop patio of MiraMar Hotel—a stunning spot that turned into a glowing, tropical reception under the stars. Dinner was served, drinks poured, and instead of cake? Pie. (Yes, the famous Pie Lady.) Toasts were made, stories shared, tears wiped away—and then... the dance floor exploded. It wasn’t just dancing; it was full-blown, sweaty, joyful, tequila-fueled, soul-shaking celebration. The kind of party that makes your legs hurt the next day and your heart swell for a lifetime.


Bobbi and Eli, you created something unforgettable. Thank you for trusting me to be part of it—to witness it, to document it, and to carry a little piece of it home in my heart (and camera).

Photographing this wedding was more than documenting a beautiful day—it was telling the story of connection, community, and deep, deep love. Every detail, from the colorful papel picado fluttering in the wind to the spontaneous dances on the beach, was infused with love and deep meaning.


Bobbi and Eli, thank you for letting me be part of your love story. Yelapa will always hold a piece of your hearts—and have a place ready for you to relax in.

💛


Does this wedding story sound dreamy to you?

If your heart is tugging at the idea of an elopement or destination wedding in Yelapa, I’d love to help make it real. I know this place intimately—not just from behind the lens, but from real life. My husband, our three-year-old, and our two chihuahuas migrate south from Utah to Yelapa every winter, snowbird-style. From November through March (sometimes April if it's just too good to leave), you’ll usually find me barefoot, sun-warmed, and happily taco-filled.

I live and breathe this place during those months, and I know it well—where the light hits just right, where to find the best margaritas, how to plan your day around the tides. If you’re dreaming about bringing your love story to life in this magical corner of the world, I’ve got the knowledge, the camera, and the community to help make it seamless.

Let’s chat. I’ll tell you everything I know about Yelapa—and then some.

📸💛🌴


Scenic ocean view with calm blue waters, rocky coastline and wispy clouds in a bright summer sky.
Hands with floral tattoo holding a delicate arrangement of small flowers and greenery against a dark teal background.
A tall palm tree stands against a blue sky overlooking a tranquil bay with mountains and red flowers in the foreground.
A vintage brown lace-up boot sits beneath flowing white lace wedding dress fabric.
Tropical coastline with palm trees and rocky shore under dramatic cloudy skies.
An elegant white lace wedding dress hangs against a dark background with green foliage in an outdoor setting.
Vintage brown bottles mounted upside down on a white wall above a framed artwork on wooden shelf.
People relaxing on a tropical beach with rocky coastline and palm trees on a sunny day.
A group of friends wearing vibrant red and floral dresses pose together on a terracotta patio surrounded by lush greenery.
Circular gazebo with rows of folding chairs overlooking a coastal bay view through arched openings at sunset.
Weathered wooden sign reading 'La casa del jardín' mounted on a rustic stone wall with colorful floral accents.
Vibrant tropical bouquet featuring red ginger flowers, purple lisianthus, orange roses and green foliage held in hand.
Vibrant red bougainvillea flowers bloom along a rocky tropical coastline with turquoise waters and palm trees in the distance.
A couple poses on colorful mosaic stairs at Scala Selarón in Rio de Janeiro, wearing white attire.
Wedding rings in a wooden box surrounded by yellow and blue petals on a textured surface.

What Bobbi and Eli said about working with me:


"Sarah is beyond a photographer! I cannot imagine a more thoughtful and creative human to be in this role!


We got married in Yelapa, Mexico and Sarah went above and beyond to curate a special and memorable way to document our special weekend with 80 friends and family! She was present for all 3 days of celebrations with our people arriving- we did a welcome party, a rehearsal dinner and a wedding day, and she got incredible photos of everything! She helped move people from location to location, she made us comfortable every step of the way and documented so beautifully and professionally. Not to mention, she integrated so well with our friends and family- everyone loved her! We cannot recommend Sarah enough for your special day!"


- Bobbi and Eli Harrison (Bride and Goom)


Utah | Yelapa |Teton Valley and Beyond Destination Photographer