Emma and Liam’s wedding in the picturesque Sayulita, Mexico, was an effortlessly elegant celebration full of vibrant, tropical vibes. Photographer Aleksandra Samsonova captured every moment perfectly, from the ocean-view ceremony to the lively mariachi-filled reception. With thoughtful touches, such as a surprise donkey and a song Emma wrote for Liam, their day felt deeply personal and full of heart.
Location: Sayulita, Mexico
Style: Dreamy, tropical, and vibrant
Number of guests: 44
Time of planning: 1 year
Setting: Villa’s Backyard
Season: Winter
Emma first spotted Liam during a gym tour in Brisbane and instantly knew she had to meet him. A few months (and a bit of courage) later, she invited him to one of her shows—and the connection was instant. “He was so easygoing, kind, and lovely. I had never met a guy like him.”
Six years later, Liam proposed on Emma’s 30th birthday in front of all their family and friends. The couple always dreamed of a destination wedding. “We both always wanted to get married in Mexico,” Emma shares—and that’s exactly where their next chapter began.
Bride's Morning & Fashion
Emma’s wedding morning was filled with electric excitement—the kind that buzzes in the air when everything feels exactly right. She wore a fitted silk dress by Selezza London, elevated by a dramatic cloud-like off-the-shoulder tulle detail that turned every step into a statement. Her veil, from Bloom Australia, featured delicate embroidery with her initials and the wedding date, adding a meaningful layer to the look.
Paired with heels and styled by Graciela Saldivar, Emma’s soft waves, luminous skin, and nude lips brought a fresh, modern glow. Her bridal party, dressed in vibrant pinks and vintage sunglasses, set the tone for a celebration that was as playful as it was bold.
Groom's Fashion
Liam’s entire wedding wardrobe came from H&M, costing just around $150—”an amazing deal, and the boys looked great,” the bride shared. She had packed multiple outfits for him for each occasion, but his luggage didn’t make it to Mexico. Much of the lead-up to the wedding was spent calling airlines and airports in search of the missing bag, which finally arrived the night of the welcome dinner. Despite the chaos, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement heading into the big day.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at Villa Del Oso in Sayulita—a dream venue set high on a hill with breathtaking views of the ocean. With 44 guests flying in from around the world, mainly from Australia, embraced the vibrant spirit of Mexico while keeping it deeply personal.
Their ceremony space featured a custom papel picado with their initials, framed by soft pink flowers and vibrant greenery. Guests were welcomed with white parasols to keep cool under the sun, adding a thoughtful and stylish touch to the experience. The setting felt personal, celebratory, and unmistakably Mexico.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, guests made their way down a grassy hill to the reception space—where the mood shifted into celebration mode, wonderfully captured by Aleksandra Samsonova. As the sun began to set, cocktails flowed, papel picado flags fluttered under festoon lights, and the DJ set the tone for the night ahead.
The newlyweds made their entrance alongside the bridal party, led by a live mariachi band—a true standout moment. For many guests, it was their first time experiencing mariachi, and the energy was unforgettable.
Planning & Decor
Once the venue was secured, its natural beauty took center stage, so Emma kept furniture and décor minimal, blending soft pinks, vibrant oranges, and subtle Mexican touches. Drawing inspiration from Pinterest and her own vision, she discovered their planners, Sunset Soiree, on Instagram, and their expert help with catering, florals, décor, and logistics brought the entire aesthetic to life with effortless style and thoughtful detail.
Dinner & Party
After the photos, Emma switched up her look and rejoined the party—this time with her husband and a real donkey with a flower crown, stealing the show.
As the sun dipped in a stunning sky, everyone dug into a classic Mexican feast from Don Pedro’s, then wrapped it up with fresh churros from a local spot that had everyone coming back for more. Staying true to tradition was the vibe—they wanted their guests fully immersed in the rich culture and flavors of Mexico.
After dessert, the speeches started — first Emma’s father, then Liam’s mother, followed by her siblings Amy and George, Liam’s best man, their brother-in-law Lachie, and her best friend, Pat. Every word was heartfelt and unforgettable; they laughed, cried, and shared so many special moments together.
To close it out, she surprised Liam with a song she’d “written just for him.” Keeping it secret for months, the reveal was magical. As soon as she shared it, the music started up again, and the celebration carried on late into the night.
Advice from the couple:
• My advice would be to have your wedding a few days after you arrive. We had arrived in Mexico a few weeks beforehand, and everyone was feeling quite tired, and some people got sick before the wedding. Not ideal, but if I could do it again, that’s what I would do differently.
PHOTOGRAPHY Aleksandra Samsonova | PLANNING Courtney Bialy – Sunset Soiree | VIDEOGRAPHY Jaden Marc | VENUES Villa del Oso, Xochi Sayulita, Don Pedro’s Sayulita | FLORALS Mireya Quintero – Flor Mimo | HAIR & MAKEUP Graciela Saldivar | DRESS Selezza London | BRIDE Emma Sheppard | CATERING Don Pedro’s Sayulita | DJ Ryan Webb – Sayulita Sound | RENTALS Unique Rentals, Del Cabo Rentals, Sunset Soiree | ALTAR Blanca & Omar Morales – Maracas Mexico | BRIDAL PARTY PJs Piyama Co.
