An Intimate Elopement at Verana Hotel: Nicole & David’s Love Story


When two chefs fall in love, you can imagine the kind of passion, creativity, and soul that fills their lives — and their kitchen. Nicole and David, both talented chefs based in Los Angeles, California chose to skip the big wedding bustle and instead eloped to the lush, jungle-wrapped paradise of Verana Hotel, nestled above the quiet village of Yelapa, Mexico.


Just the two of them, a bottle of champagne sent from their close friend and minister back in California, and the sun setting over the Pacific — it couldn’t have been more perfect.


Nicole wore a flowing linen dress that moved with the breeze, and David kept things simple in linen. They exchanged vows on the terrace of their private casita at Verana Hotel, overlooking the jungle canopy and distant sea, with the sound of birds and ocean breeze as their only witnesses. Afterwards, they dined together in privacy into the night.


There was no schedule to keep. No audience. Just deep breaths, soft laughter, and quiet tears. Afterward, they shared that bottle of champagne, under the stars.


Their elopement was a reminder of why I love what I do. Stripping away the noise to document what truly matters — connection, emotion, and the subtle details that speak volumes. The way Nicole gently fixed David’s collar. The tears that surprised even them. The way their hands found each other without thinking.


Verana Hotel was more than a backdrop — it was a character in their story. With its artful design, secluded charm, and earthy luxury, it perfectly matched the intentional, soulful way Nicole and David live and love.




If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s about you, your story, and nothing else — this is it. 

Two boats cruising across blue ocean waters near rocky coastline under cloudy sky.
Champagne bottle with decorative wooden name tag against blurred green foliage background.
Colorful tablecloth setup on outdoor patio surrounded by lush tropical garden and orange stucco wall.
Couple standing by infinity pool overlooking coastal mountain landscape at sunset.
A newlywed couple stands in a rustic doorway wearing bohemian-style wedding attire and holding a small floral bouquet.
White lace wedding dress hanging on wooden hanger against tropical palm foliage.
Close-up of a colorful floral arrangement with white daisies, orange lilies and red blooms against a dark background.
Wedding rings placed on a vintage black and white photograph on dark wooden surface.
A person wearing relaxed white linen clothing and sandals stands on tile flooring in a rustic interior space.
Vintage black and white photograph displayed on a teal and gray patterned textile.
Person in white shirt gazes at palm frond arch overlooking mountain landscape on stone patio.
White linen shirt hanging on wooden hanger in tropical outdoor setting.
A tender moment during wedding preparations as someone adjusts the groom's boutonniere against a warm amber background.
A romantic floral arrangement in a mason jar with tropical flowers sits beside green limes on a wooden table.
A concrete wall with 'Veanna' graffiti text surrounded by lush tropical plants and foliage in sunlit garden setting.
A palm-framed archway stands on a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean, with a scenic coastal view in the background.
Scenic coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and deep blue Mediterranean waters on a sunny day.
Two people share an intimate moment on a grassy lawn framed by palm fronds and tropical flowers in a beach wedding setting.
A couple stands together under a tropical palm-frond arch decorated with pink flowers in an outdoor garden setting.
A couple embraces under a tropical palm arch decorated with red flowers during an outdoor ceremony at sunset.
Couple in light colored bohemian wedding attire stands on grass with mountains and palm fronds in background.
An intimate moment captured during a wedding ceremony with palm trees in the background.
A romantic tropical wedding ceremony with palm fronds and flowers creating an arch on a grassy hillside.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment among palm fronds at sunset in tropical setting.
Couple standing together at sunset on an oceanview terrace with coastal scenery.
Close-up of hand holding champagne glass with gold ring, wearing white linen clothing.
Smiling man in pink polo and hat holding a cocktail outdoors.
Pink flowering plant in terracotta pot against vibrant yellow wall with rustic wood accent.
Two wedding rings placed on top of a vintage black and white photograph on a wooden surface.
Colorful floral arrangement with white daisies, red blooms, and orange birds of paradise in a glass vase.
Orange patio umbrella on an ocean-view terrace with tropical plants and a winding pathway at sunset.
Tranquil water garden with lily pads and reeds reflecting in still water against a colorful tropical landscape.
Vintage field guide illustration showing different types of whales and marine mammals in shades of blue on a white background.
Luxurious infinity pool overlooking mountainous landscape with palm-thatched roof in foreground.
Stone steps lead to a rustic doorway built into a rock wall, surrounded by lush forest trees and foliage.
Modern garden landscape with sculpted topiary bush and yellow building in sunlight.
Weathered wooden post marker stands among dense tropical plants and green foliage.
Dreamy seascape view of blue ocean horizon with soft white clouds in the sky.
Yellow villa with orange patio umbrellas and lounge chairs in landscaped garden setting.
A palm-framed wedding arch overlooking the ocean with stone wall and tropical landscape in the background.
Rustic wooden door set in yellow stucco wall with orange modern chair and overhanging tree creating cozy courtyard scene.
Palm frond arch decorated with pink flowers against mountainous backdrop and blue sky.
Cozy bedroom with white draped canopy over a blue bed with orange and navy accent pillows.
White and orange floral arrangement in a rustic terracotta vase displayed on a wooden table.
A cozy outdoor patio with orange umbrella and lounge chair nestled among lush tropical foliage and yellow walls.
Colorful geometric hanging chair on a porch surrounded by tropical trees and natural light.
Adobe-style yellow building with dramatic shadow patterns cast by surrounding foliage.
Orange outdoor lounge chairs with champagne glasses under matching umbrella beside tropical garden setting.
A lone white sailboat on calm blue ocean waters with misty mountains in the distance under a bright sky.
Silver medallion necklace with ribbon lying on weathered wooden surface in moody lighting.
Close-up of delicate pink Crown of Thorns flowers with green leaves against a dark background.
A couple in light colored wedding attire embracing near large windows with lush greenery outside.
A couple poses together in a sunlit veranda, wearing coordinated white outfits in a rustic setting.
Two people embrace in flowing white attire while standing beside large windows with lush greenery visible outside.
Smiling bride in white dress embraces partner during intimate outdoor wedding moment.
A romantic couple in white attire embrace on a Spanish-style terrace with lush tropical plants and terra cotta tiles.
A couple shares a loving glance outdoors, with the bride wearing a flowing white dress and groom in white shirt.
A couple in white wedding attire stands intimately on a terracotta patio surrounded by lush tropical plants and yellow walls.
Elegant photography scene with a white dress in a rustic doorway framed by an orange stucco wall.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a stone path surrounded by lush tropical foliage in a garden setting.
A couple shares a romantic moment with champagne under a palm archway at a scenic coastal celebration.
Close-up shot of hands with a ring and wine glass stem against a soft neutral background.
A lone bird silhouetted against a moody blue sky with wispy white clouds.
A romantic couple stands together on a grassy lawn with tropical greenery and trees in the background at sunset.
A couple stands under a palm frond arch decorated with pink flowers at a tropical beach wedding ceremony.
A couple shares an intimate moment in a dreamy garden setting with mountains visible in the background.
A couple stands on stone steps surrounded by lush tropical foliage in a romantic garden setting.
A happy couple shares a romantic moment on a cliff overlooking the ocean during their seaside wedding ceremony.
A couple in white attire descends rustic stone steps surrounded by tropical foliage and a yellow wall.
A couple stands at the edge of an infinity pool overlooking a tropical landscape during sunset.
Cream colored dress reflects beautifully in a still swimming pool creating a mirror-like reflection at dusk.
A couple in wedding attire poses together at the edge of an infinity pool with tropical greenery in the background.
A romantic couple in white wedding attire embrace on a stone path surrounded by lush tropical garden foliage.
A couple in white attire standing by a luxurious infinity pool overlooking lush tropical mountains at sunset.
A white boat cruises across blue ocean waters near a sandy beach with overhanging tree branches in the foreground.

Verana FAQ


Verana is a secluded, design-forward boutique hotel nestled in the jungle hills above Yelapa, Mexico. Accessible only by boat and a short hike, it offers a unique blend of rustic charm and refined simplicity.


Getting there

Verana is located just outside the village of Yelapa, in the hills above the Bay of Banderas. It’s remote, peaceful, and only accessible by boat, which makes getting there part of the experience.


The journey from Puerto Vallarta International Airport takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. After landing, you’ll drive roughly 45 minutes south to a small beach town called Boca de Tomatlán. From there, a private boat—arranged by Verana—will take you along the coast to a landing spot near the property. Once you arrive, you’ll hike about 15 to 20 minutes up a steep trail through the jungle to reach the hotel. Staff will be there to greet you and carry your bags (sometimes with the help of mules).


Because of the travel time and limited daylight, it’s best to arrive in Puerto Vallarta before 3 PM. I also also recommend packing light, using a backpack or duffel, and wearing shoes you’re comfortable walking in.


Verana’s team can coordinate all your transfers—just share your flight info ahead of time, and they’ll take care of the rest.


What’s the History of Verana?

Verana was founded in 1997 by Heinz Legler and Veronique Lievre, a husband-and-wife team of set and interior designers from Los Angeles. Originally intended as a single home, the project evolved organically into a collection of handcrafted casas built entirely without machines. Constructed using local materials and transported by boat and mule, Verana was designed to blend seamlessly into the landscape, embodying the concept of a "handmade hotel" .


What Are the Accommodations Like?

Verana features around 10 unique, open-air casas, each thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding jungle and ocean views. These casas range from palapa-style huts to modern treehouses, many offering outdoor showers, private plunge pools, and panoramic vistas. The design emphasizes simplicity and immersion in nature, with rooms intentionally lacking TVs and mini-fridges to encourage guests to disconnect .


The standard occupancy for the entire property is up to 20 guests, with two guests per casa. However, Verana can accommodate up to 28 guests in total, with additional guests incurring a surcharge.


For events such as weddings, Verana can host up to 50 people for the ceremony and dinner, though overnight accommodations remain limited to the 28-guest maximum.


The Casas

Although all of the casas at Verana are beautiful, comfortable, and unique in their own ways, I personally recommend renting Casa Grande for wedding couples getting ready. It’s especially spacious, open, and private, with floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with natural light—perfect for photography. It also features multiple private patios and a gorgeous, oversized bathroom that makes getting ready feel relaxed and luxurious.


Food and Drinks

Dining at Verana is a communal experience, with meals served in a central open-air restaurant. The cuisine focuses on fresh, local ingredients, offering a blend of traditional Mexican flavors and contemporary dishes. Guests can expect a rotating menu that highlights seasonal produce and regional specialties. The bar complements meals with a selection of wines, cocktails, and local spirits.


What Activities Are Available?

Verana offers a variety of activities that cater to both relaxation and adventure:


  • Nature Excursions: Snorkeling, whale watching, dolphin spotting, and fishing trips are available, allowing guests to explore the rich marine life of the Bay of Banderas.


  • Hiking: Guided hikes to nearby waterfalls and through the jungle provide opportunities to experience the local flora and fauna.verana.com


  • Cultural Experiences: Cooking classes and tequila tastings offer a taste of regional traditions and flavors.

  • Wellness: Yoga sessions and spa treatments are available, with the spa offering outdoor treatments that capitalize on the tranquil surroundings .


For more detailed information or to make a reservation, visit Verana's official website: verana.com



Utah | Yelapa |Teton Valley and Beyond Destination Photographer