A Puerto Vallarta Wedding Rooted in Intention + Intimacy

Some couples carry a quiet kind of love—the kind you feel more than you see. That was exactly what I experienced with this couple from the very first moment we met for their engagement shoot. Their connection wasn’t flashy or loud, but it was undeniably present—palpable, grounding, and real. You could tell they had found something rare in each other. Something sacred. Callan, he watched Julia gently, like a sunflower opening at the first sight of dawn- never pushed, only observed and adored. Julia orbited around Callan, always gravitating and being pulled into him while being her own beautiful, radiant force—never dimmed, only amplified by his love for her. 

When they asked me to be their wedding photographer in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, I felt incredibly honored. And from the moment I arrived, it was clear: every single piece of their day was built with intention. Nothing was thrown together. Every guest invited, every item chosen, the way the day unfolded—it was all thoughtful and aligned with what they value: intimacy, peace, and joy.

The night before the wedding, they hosted a welcome dinner at a friend’s art gallery tucked within the city—a space overflowing with creativity. Ambient lighting hung softly among the abundant greenery, casting a warm glow over dinner tables surrounded by towering walls of art. Every inch of the space held meaning, just like the people gathered within it. Even that dinner was an intentional part of their wedding experience—an offering of gratitude and presence before the vows, grounding the celebration in connection.

The next day, we woke in the family villa in Puerto Vallarta for the wedding, a place rich with personal history and connection. Generations had gathered in that space. Memories lingered in the walls, on the balconies, through the gardens. Scattered throughout the villa were striking pieces of art—sculptures and paintings that were anything but traditional. Some were bold, even provocative, creating a kind of visual tension when placed in the context of a wedding. And yet, it worked. The juxtaposition added a layer of complexity and soul, reminding us that love isn't always polished or expected—it’s layered, honest, and deeply human. This wasn’t just a beautiful backdrop—it was another place filled with stories. And this wedding would become another.

One of my favorite moments was how they began the day: waking up together, having coffee and breakfast side by side, and then sharing their vows privately as the waves crashed below and birds sang overhead. I couldn’t hear the words—they weren’t mine to hear. But I felt every bit of it. It was a quiet honor to witness and capture that moment. You could tell how much they cherished one another. To them, loving each other wasn’t casual—it was a privilege.

Later, we moved into the more traditional parts of the day, but even those were touched with the same kind of sacred softness. There was no stress. No chaos. Just presence. When they saw each other for the first time during their private first look, she gifted him a handkerchief she had embroidered herself. He was in awe. Every gesture from her felt like a treasure to him.

Their ceremony was unlike anything I’ve ever photographed. It wasn’t made to check boxes. It was deeply theirs. Guests took turns warming their wedding rings, passing them through hands filled with love and energy. They made pinky promises—something they’ve always done—and invited others to join in. A whole sea of pinky promises surrounded them, weaving a tangible sense of community and love.

Then came the speeches. Emotional, heartfelt, overflowing with admiration and connection. The kind of speeches that remind you that weddings aren’t just about the couple, but about the village that helped shape them.

And then—the celebration. Pure joy. They danced under fireworks gifted to them, with custom tattoos of their beloved dog’s face, a playlist that felt like them in music form, and a sea of laughter and light.

This wedding reminded me what’s possible when you let go of the “shoulds” and plan from the soul. When you tune out the noise and ask: What do we really want this to feel like? Who do we really want to be with?

They answered those questions with grace. And what unfolded was a day not just of beauty, but of truth, connection, and wild, sacred joy.