Saltwater & Vows — Nia & Michael’s Dreamy Yelapa Wedding on the Bay of Banderas

Some weddings feel like they were written by the sea—and Nia and Michael’s was literally one of them.

Set against the backdrop of Yelapa, a tiny village on Mexico’s Pacific coast where the jungle meets the ocean, this destination wedding wasn’t just about two people getting married—it was a gathering of kindred spirits who live with salt in their hair and adventure in their hearts.

Nia and Michael are no strangers to the tides. Michael, a professional captain, and Nia have lived aboard their 30-ft sailboat, Azul, in the Bay of Banderas for some time. It was during their seasons anchored just offshore that they fell in love with Yelapa—not just for its beauty, but for the way it quietly cradles a simple, soulful kind of life. It didn’t take long before they knew: this was the place they wanted to say I do.

And their people showed up for them—literally. Guests arrived by sailboat, dinghy, panga, and paddleboard, pulling ashore barefoot and windswept. Many live on boats themselves or in the beautiful coastal villages that dot the Mexican Pacific—San Pancho, Sayulita, La Cruz, Punta Mita. There was something so special about a wedding where so many guests came from the sea.

The energy was pure joy. A celebration of community, love, and the freedom of life lived outside the box. From the first arrivals to the final barefoot dances, it was clear: this wasn’t your average destination wedding. This was a floating village of chosen family, gathered in honor of a love that sails.

Nia, glowing and windswept, looked like she had stepped right out of a storybook. Michael, grounded and full of quiet strength, held her hand like it was home. They were married on the beach in front of Miramar with the ocean just steps away, the jungle rustling behind them, and friends lining the shore with salty tears and wide, knowing smiles.

After the ceremony, the party unfolded with the same natural ease you’d expect from two sailors in love with life. There were toasts full of belly laughs and more tears, seafood and tacos, Ricia and Tequila Passed around and music that drifted out over the bay as stars began to fill the sky.

The whole day felt like a perfect anchorage—calm, wild, safe, and deeply alive.



Nia and Michael, thank you for inviting me to capture this incredible chapter of your story. Your wedding was not only stunning, it was a testament to what love looks like when it's free, fearless, and rooted in something deeper than tradition. Wishing you calm seas, strong winds, and endless sunsets wherever you go next.

Here’s the sailor’s toast that their beautiful friend gave:

“There are good ships, there are wood ships.

There are ships that sail the sea.

But the best ships are friendships—

And may they always be.”

Planning a wedding that reflects your off-the-beaten-path love story?

Whether it’s on land or sea, I’m here to document it with heart, soul, and salty toes. Let’s talk about how we can make magic—wherever your journey takes you.

⚓