Sayulita Wedding at Hacienda Sayulita

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A Sayulita Love Story & Intentional Destination Wedding

Amy & Brendon’s connection to Sayulita started long before they planned their Sayulita wedding. In 2017, they took a spontaneous trip to Sayulita, which sparked their love for the town. Fast forward to 2023, they were supposed to take a vacation to Hawaii, but wildfires forced them to change plans at the last minute. Since Sayulita had such a special place in their hearts, they decided to return to where their love story began. Coming back to Sayulita felt like honoring their six years together—like coming home. And in a way, they were. As their Sayulita wedding photographer, it was an honor to document their story and witness them coming home, yet again.

During their 2023 visit to Sayulita, I had the honor of meeting Amy & Brendon and documenting their engagement photos. We visited Playa Carricitos, where Amy & Brendon first encountered the ocean after Brendon’s mom passed. The ocean had meant so much to her, so when we arrived, Amy & Brendon felt an overwhelming connection to her in that moment.

Both Amy & Brendon have lost a parent—Amy’s dad and Brendon’s mom. Brendon’s mom passed away while living in the Dominican Republic, and the ocean was a central part of her life. During their 2023 trip to Sayulita, Amy & Brendon returned to Carricitos several times. This beach became a meaningful, sacred place for them, and it holds a piece of their hearts.

Fast forward to wedding planning! After having such a connected experience in Sayulita, Amy & Brendon had a very clear idea on how they wanted to celebrate their wedding. Naturally, they opted for Sayulita, Mexico as the wedding destination because of its deep significance to the couple. But they didn’t want just another destination wedding—they wanted something deeper, more intentional. And that’s exactly what they created.

Why Sayulita Was the Perfect Choice

Amy & Brendon hosted their wedding at Hacienda Sayulita, a beautiful villa that can accommodate up to 20 guests. It was the ideal setting for their intimate, intentional celebration. They wanted to be with their closest people all week long, and Hacienda Sayulita offered the perfect space for that. With its gorgeous views and cozy, welcoming accommodations, it was everything they had envisioned for their celebration. The villa even provided meals and hospitality, making it easy for them to spend time with their guests without worrying about logistics.

For the ceremony, Amy & Brendon chose Playa Carricitos, the beach where their love for Sayulita became deeper. The place where their connection to Bren’s mom became embodied through the ocean. The location was deeply significant, and they wanted to honor it on their wedding day. As a wedding photographer in Sayulita, it moves me that they formed such a strong bond with Carricitos. It felt imperative to the couple that they celebrate their union on these serene shores.

Creating Lasting Memories with Loved Ones

For Amy & Brendon, the most important thing was creating memories with their loved ones. Their wedding was about curating a meaningful experience rather than focusing on tradition. They wanted their celebration to center on quality time together, and they achieved that beautifully.

Amy and Brendon rented Hacienda Sayulita, which they promptly renamed “Villa Blezy” as an ode to their last name, with the intention of having everyone together for their celebration. They even created a logo and put it on tote bags, hats, and a sign. It felt important for their wedding to feel deeply personal, and every little detail was thoughtfully curated. They also decided to rent a fleet of golf carts so they could roll around town with all of their favorite people! How fun to be cruising through the streets of Sayulita, 10 golf carts in tow with all of your best friends.

Amy & Brendon invited me (and my mom) to their welcome dinner the night before the wedding. We went to Hacienda Sayulita, where we enjoyed delicious street tacos catered by A La Carte Wedding & Event Services. It was a wonderful evening spent catching up with Amy & Brendon and meeting their friends and family. Amy’s mom and my mom hit it off right away, and it was such a special way to start the celebrations. After sunset, we called it a night to rest up for their special day.

The Wedding Day: Relaxed and Intentional

The wedding day started with a relaxed morning by the pool, followed by brunch with their guests. Amy gifted Brendon a custom-made handkerchief with a note from his mom—such a thoughtful and personal touch to bring his mom’s presence into their celebration.

Amy got ready with her girlfriends, while Brendon hung out by the pool with his friends. As we got closer to ceremony time, Amy & Brendon’s wedding entourage hopped into their golf carts and left for the beach.

First Look

After Villa Blezy cleared out, it was time for Amy & Brendon to see each other for the first time. The first look took place at Hacienda Sayulita, where I had scouted a quiet, beautiful spot. Brendon waited with anticipation as Amy approached, stunning in her open-back gown from The Bar. The moment was full of emotion as they shared a quiet, intimate first look before heading to the ceremony.

Pre-Ceremony Sayulita Wedding Portraits

We had a few moments to spare before it was time to leave for the ceremony, so we took a few wedding portraits around the villa before meeting the group at the beach. Hacienda Sayulita has so many beautiful textures and backdrops that are just perfect for wedding day portraits. As a Sayulita wedding photographer, this venue was a dream come true. It was so fun to savor this moment with them, and document some quiet portraits before the excitement of the rest of the day!

We then ventured to the beach, making our way through town in our golf cart! I got to ride on the back while Brendon drove Amy & I through Downtown Sayulita, the jungle, finally arriving at Playa Carricitos.

The family & friends were all waiting for us. I helped get everyone situated and in position on the beach, and then it was time.

Playa Carricitos: A Wedding Sacred Ceremony Space

Bren’s best friend officiated the wedding, which made it that much more special. Brendon made his way down to the ceremony site, followed by Amy. They exchanged their sweet intentional vows and rings as promises to each other, with the sound of waves crashing behind them.

Amy & Brendon’s ceremony was everything they wanted: personal, relaxed, and full of love. They opted for no chairs, no arch, just the sound of the waves and the view of the ocean. Their guests stood around them in a semi-circle, connecting with them in a way that made the moment even more meaningful. Halfway through the ceremony, Amy asked everyone to come in closer so they could fully soak in the beauty of the moment with them. It felt so intimate, so full of love.

Once the ceremony ended, we spent some time capturing family portraits and wedding couples photos. We wandered around Playa Carricitos, which holds so much significance for Amy & Brendon. I encouraged them to pause, to ground into the moment, and to take it all in. Notice the sounds, the smells, the colors. This is what it’s all about. (And my hope is that their Sayulita wedding photos will always bring them back to that exact feeling.)

A Cozy Family Dinner with Sunset Views

After portraits, we headed back to Hacienda Sayulita. In place of a traditional reception, Amy and Brendon opted for a cozy family-style dinner next to the pool during blue hour. They got to take in the sunset from their stunning view at Hacienda Sayulita, overlooking the town and the main beach.

The cozy dinner moment was such a unique touch. The long table by the pool was the perfect setting for their guests to gather, share a meal, and connect. The tablescape was beautifully designed with blue and white Mexican-styled plates with handmade sea-inspired details for name cards (courtesy of Amy). The name cards were tied with ribbon onto seashells in memory of Bren’s mom. Every detail was so intentional, and it was so special to have all 30 guests sitting together at one long table celebrating Amy & Brendon.

The floral design by Flora Amor was a standout detail throughout the wedding day as well. Amy & Brendon’s family style dinner featured bud vases with deep pink, marigold, whites and green. The overall design included a vibrant yet simple color palette, mixing white flowers with pops of color. Amy’s bouquet was made up of white blooms with blue flowers sprinkled in.

Dancing, Swimming, and Sparklers

After dinner, speeches were made by Brendon’s best friend, Amy’s brother, and the couple themselves. The mood was light and joyful, and once the speeches were finished, Amy & Brendon jumped into the pool (in their swimsuits), followed by their guests. Amy’s mom and my mom danced on the dance floor, while everyone else mingled and relaxed. It was a fun and spontaneous moment that wrapped up their perfect day.

Sayulita Wedding Floral Design and Details

The wedding color palette was simple, tropical, and elegant, with whites, off-whites, deep greens, and pops of color. The floral design by Flora Amor was a standout throughout the day. Amy’s bouquet featured white flowers with blue accents, and the bud vases on the long table included deep pink, marigold, and green blooms.

The floral arrangements, combined with the tropical vibe of Sayulita, created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The family-style dinner, the thoughtful details, and the laid-back vibe all made Amy & Brendon’s celebration uniquely their own.

A Truly Unique Celebration

Amy & Brendon’s wedding was a beautiful reflection of who they are as individuals and as a couple. Every aspect of their celebration—whether it was the venue, the details, or the overall experience—was thoughtfully planned to reflect their personalities. They didn’t follow the typical wedding script, and that’s what made their day so special.

I was lucky enough to be with them through the entire planning process. From the moment they decided on Sayulita, they reached out to me to document their wedding. As a Sayulita wedding photographer, I was able to share my expertise and make recommendations. Together, we brainstormed ideas, reviewed timelines, and made sure everything was planned perfectly. Throughout it all, Amy kept telling me how grateful she was for the ease and clarity I provided throughout this process. It was an honor to be there, not only for the wedding day but as a part of their journey.

Amy & Brendon, thank you for inviting me to celebrate you. It’s easy to celebrate two people as wonderful as you.

FAQ for Couples Considering a Wedding in Sayulita, Mexico

Why should I consider Sayulita for my wedding?
Sayulita offers stunning beaches, lush jungle landscapes, and a laid-back vibe. From intimate micro weddings to full scale destination weddings, it is an ideal location for a relaxed yet beautiful wedding. As a Sayulita wedding photographer who’s seen it all, the possibilities are endless!
When is the best time to get married in Sayulita?
The best time to get married in Sayulita is between November and April, during the dry season when the weather is perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
How far is Sayulita from Puerto Vallarta?
Sayulita is only about a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, making it an easily accessible destination for both couples and guests.
What venues are available for a wedding in Sayulita?
Popular venues include Hacienda Sayulita, which offers beautiful accommodations and views, and Playa Carricitos, a stunning beach for intimate ceremonies. Check out my Mexico Wedding Venue Guide for more available venues!
How can we make our wedding feel personal and unique?
Focus on what matters most to you. Whether it’s a meaningful location like Playa Carricitos or a relaxed reception, your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple.

Amy and Brendon’s wedding was everything I love about weddings—authentic, meaningful, and full of love. It was a celebration that wasn’t just about a day, but about honoring the journey that led them to this moment. And as their wedding photographer in Sayulita, I’ll always be grateful to have been a part of it.

If you’re ready to start planning your wedding or elopement in Mexico—or just want a guide you can trust—reach out here.

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I’m here to support you with expert insight, grounded energy, and beautiful photos that help you remember how it all felt.

Kristi Littman is a luxury wedding photographer based in Portland, Oregon and Sayulita, Mexico, and is currently booking 2025 & 2026 weddings and elopements, foreign and domestic.

Want to book Kristi for your luxury wedding, adventure elopement, or engagement session? Visit the contact page to inquire, or email Kristi directly at kristilittmanphoto@gmail.com. ✨

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