Gorgeous Bohemian Nicaraguan Wedding: Maja + Wes

beach rocks portrait

Maja + Wes are from opposite corners of the United States, but their collective thirst for adventure brought them both to Nicaragua, where they met, in 2010. Four years later, they knew they wanted to exchange their vows in the place where it all began: a small town near Popoyo beach, which has become a second home to them. Promising to each other not to get caught up in the hype that weddings naturally bring, a low-key, intimate celebration, put together by the two of them and the people they’re the closest to, was just truly right. Here’s a bit more from Maja about the day:

On the Pacific coast of Nicaragua resides a small, rural village where Wes and I first met. Over a four-year long distance journey, Nicaragua was the grounds that fostered the seeds of our friendship into deeper roots of devotion. It meant a great deal to us to wed in the place where we began, surrounded by our loved ones. And knowing that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, we planned a five-day adventure for our traveling family, with the wedding being the final celebration. 

Thanks so much to Parker Young for these gorgeous photos and Maja + Wes, big congrats on your amazing five-day Nicaraguan adventure and wedding! :)

nicaragua hut

BHLDN bride

BHLDN bride

nicaragua first look

I remember feeling this mixture of absolute amazement and honor the moment Wes and I first saw each other. So grateful, the beauty of seeing each other before the ceremony was having the opportunity to seize a moment where this dreamy day slowed down for the reality of it all to sink in.

nicaragua first look

big tree portrait

bride and groom

bride and groom

bride and groom

nicaragua wedding

motorcycle

Guests arrived at the ceremony site on carts led by oxen. Just one of the many ways Maja + Wes honored Nicaraguan tradition for their big day.

cattle cart

giant tipi

I imagine that every girl feels supernaturally like a princess when she slips into her chosen gown. I slipped into a BHLDN creation. Originally a strapless bride-maid’s dress called Niceties, I added off-the-shoulder trim I found at a fabric store. To top off my dream-look, I completed it with BHLDN’s Baltic Sash and Sakura Halo headpiece. My earrings were a vintage pair found buried in my mother’s collection; and once discovered, I just knew that I wanted to wear them.

tipi and bride

flower girl with feathers

tipi and horse

nicaragua wedding

bride riding in on a horse

tree line ceremony

On their first date, Maja + Wes talked about a mutual dream they had to get married under a tree.  And four years later, their dream became a reality as they exchanged their vows underneath a massive + beautiful  tree in the middle of a desert field.

ceremony under a tree

nicaragua wedding

nicaragua wedding

nicaragua wedding

There was one prominent moment during the ceremony that was of special importance to us; and that was washing the feet of each other’s parents. I remember while we were dating, Wes called me and shared his desire to wash my parent’s feet on our wedding day. We have the same heart for the majority of things and we both wanted there to be a time during the ceremony to publicly share our gratefulness to the ones that raised, served and sacrificed unconditionally the gifts we were about to receive, each other. It was a powerful moment to make that vision come to fruition. 

nicaragua wedding

nicaragua wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Bridal Party: Till Kingdom Come covered by Joel P. West; 
Bride: Sun – Jónsi


Recessional: She Lit A Fire – Lord Huron

First Dance: Thief – Brooke Fraser

nicaragua wedding

nicaragua wedding

nicaragua wedding

bride and groom with little ones

groomsmen with suspenders

cattle cart ride

rocky beach portraits

Following the ceremony, Parker captured some gorgeous portraits of Maja + Wes along the breathtaking Nicaraguan coastline…

rocky beach portraits

rocky beach portraits

rocky beach portraits

sunset

And don’t miss Maja + Wes’ gorgeous wedding film by Eric Hires!

Wes and I are extremely blessed with kinship that has creative juices pumping through their veins. The wedding as a whole was the craftsmanship of communal hands. Every thing about our day was the result of their support.

Thanks so much, Maja + Wes, for sharing your absolutely gorgeous day with us!

photography: Parker Young // venue name: Private property in Popoyo, Nicaragua // event design: bride + family // planning: bride + family // florals: family members // wedding dress: BHLDN // hair stylist: sister // makeup artist: sister // videography: Eric Hires // catering: family friend, Dennis // desserts: family friend's bakery // reception restaurant: Amores del Sol (Lover's of the Sun) // flower girl dresses: mother in law // programs: family // invitations: Wes (groom) // feet washing bowls: locally made // live ceremony music: Joel P. West // reception music: Groove De ACACHIMBA // sash: BHLDN // headpiece: BHLDN // earrings: vintage, from Mother of the bride

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