Mila + Shawn had a small, intimate wedding with 30 of their closest friends and family in Yelapa, Mexico – a small fishing village only accessible by boat. They both wanted a non-traditional wedding and decided not to have a wedding party or first dance. After the ceremony officiated by Mila’s best friend who introduced the couple 4 years ago, they had an amazing feast of fresh caught fish and traditionally prepared steak followed by dancing under the stars. Their wedding was all about the location and Verana (the home they rented in Yelapa) is by far one of the most incredibly gorgeous places in the world. Big thanks to Jillian Mitchell for the stunning photos today and congrats to Mila + Shawn!
As passionate travelers, I was researching a new place for us to visit on our next vacation before we were engaged. I stumbled upon Verana through a website called Boutique Homes. I knew instantly that we would go there the next chance we had. A few months later we were engaged and had to start thinking of places to have the wedding. Verana seemed like a place that represented some of the many things we love and enjoy about life and we could have a celebration there that really reflected who we are. We felt Yelapa, Mexico would be perfect: it’s not too far from LA where we and most of our friends and family are loacted, we took our first vacation together to Mexico, and we absolutely love Mexico’s rich culture.
Verana and Yelapa are truly magical places. Both are places that once you’ve been, you’ll always want to return. The panga ride down the coast from the boat dock in Boca de Tomatlan to Yelapa was one of my favorite memories, the beginning, the excitement of discovery and a breathtaking coast line. We will never forget the wonderful, warm, welcoming staff at Verana for making our celebration so special and a fantastic dream come true. Shawn and I look forward to returning to celebrate many anniversaries and reliving the memories of our wedding in the jungle of Yelapa.
Sharing self-composed vows with each other in front of our loved ones.
Enjoy the process. Make it about who you are and don't dwell on the little things that may not happen exactly as planned. Don't put too much pressure on yourselves the day of worrying about all of the guests.
photography: Jillian Mitchell // venue name: Verana // wedding dress: Thai Nguyen Couture // hairpiece: coral found at Verana // bride's shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood // groom attire: Dior Homme // paper goods: Minted // catering: Verana // cake: Verana // music: local trio sourced by Verana // invitations: Minted
The coverage of this beatiful destination wedding is just stunning. I really like the compostion, the play with the available light and the capture of the authentic emotions. Very well done, Jillian.
My best wishes to the couple.
The table runner is absolutly gorgeous! Am I seeing a DIY tutorial in GWS’s future?! I hope, I hope!
Beautiful weddding! I absolutely LOVE the watercolor table cloth (kind of obsessed with watercolor details right now). Would you happen to know where they got that or who made it for them?
AAaaah! GORGEOUS location!! :)
Unbelievably beautiful.
xxx
This wedding is absolutely stunning! simple, heartfelt, and beautifully shot! and the couple are HOT!! xx
This wedding is so beautiful! I am so happy to see it was at Verana! That is where my fiance are going for our honeymoon.
gorgeous day! that last frame is beautiful!
Holy cow, what a STUNNING couple! I love how simple yet gorgeous her makeup is, too. Beautiful wedding overall!
this wedding is epic. love the details!
Best wishes from France.
This is a very beautiful wedding! Is it possible to know where do the bracelet come from?
This photographer really caught the essence of the couple and the whole feel for their wedding. Awesome!
Looks like this was an amazing day, breathtaking photos.
What a beautiful wedding! The bride is gorgeous. Love the braid updo hairstyle.
What a beautiful wedding! I have actually been to Yelapa – no cars, no streets, just laid back beauty!
what a gorgeous celebration! my husband and i went to verana on our honeymoon – it is truly magical!
What amazing photos. This location in Mexico looks like the perfect spot for a wedding, such a beautiful place.
does anyone know the style number of her dress?
Beautiful styling and location. Adds a slight exotic touch to an elegant and sexy wedding.
Amazing photos!! It looks like beautiful place for wedding.
Wow the images are amazing, I can already think of all the possible images I would’ve shot. Great job! Amazing work!
I absolutely love the top down photos and color! SO beautiful. Thanks for sharing this wedding.