This unforgettable Puerto Vallarta wedding weekend was all about effortless vibes, coastal views, and meaningful moments—from a cliffside ceremony to a gender reveal under the stars. Capturing it all was Vanessa Todd, who shot the weekend on both digital and film. Her work brought a fresh, editorial edge to the gallery while still feeling super personal—like a visual time capsule of every candid laugh, sunset glow, and emotional moment.
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Style: Modern, romantic, fun, youthful
Time of planning: 2 months
Number of guests: 31
Setting: Casa Valerie
Season: Winter
Juliette and Matthew’s story began with a glance across the room on a night out—she was with friends, he was working as a club promoter, and when their eyes met, something just clicked. He helped her and her group inside, and the rest, as they say, was history. Their engagement happened during a dreamy trip to the Bahamas, with crystal-clear waters and a swim with the famous pigs.
When it came time to choose a wedding location, Puerto Vallarta felt like the perfect fit. It was already a special place for them, having made great memories while attending a friend’s wedding, and they couldn’t wait to create more.
Rehearsal Dinner
The couple hosted a vibrant three-day celebration at Casa Valerie, making the most of their destination wedding by leaning into the local charm of Puerto Vallarta. They started with a long-form rehearsal dinner at Le Kliff, a stunning seafood restaurant perched on the cliffs, where guests enjoyed a family-style meal set to the sounds of a live mariachi band. It was all about connection and relaxation—poolside hangs at the villa, breathtaking views, and quality time with loved ones.
Wedding Day
Couple's Morning & Fashion
The fashion vision was all about being modern and romantic. With less than two months to plan, Juliette found a gown off the rack at a bridal shop and had it perfectly tailored to fit her. The dress featured an illusion lace bodice and a sleek fitted skirt, but her favorite detail was the delicate ruffle sleeves that clipped on for an effortless off-the-shoulder moment.
One of the sweetest parts of the getting-ready morning was choosing her final look—trying different jewelry options with her mom and sister by her side, making that decision together in real time.
Matthew kept it classic with a black tuxedo, staying true to a clean black-and-white palette without any color accents.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on the lower pool deck of Casa Valerie, with the infinity pool creating a stunning, endless backdrop of ocean and cliffside views. Seating was kept minimal—just two rows for family, each adorned with decorative fans for a thoughtful touch.
Juliette and Matthew had one non-negotiable: seeing each other for the first time at the altar. That choice made the moment electric, as all the excitement built up to their walk down the aisle. Their very first words to each other that day were their vows, making the exchange deeply emotional and unforgettable.
"In that moment, as we looked into each other’s eyes, all the anticipation and emotion felt so genuine and pure—it truly was a beautiful memory that I will forever cherish."
Reception Decor
Casa Valerie, the stunning villa that hosted the wedding weekend, needed little enhancement—its natural beauty spoke for itself. Rather than focusing heavily on décor, the couple and their planners at Chic Concepts centered their vision around how they wanted to feel and spend time with their loved ones. Embracing the villa’s black-and-white modern aesthetic, they incorporated a chic checkered dance floor for the reception and kept the floral design all white, letting the elegant setting shine.
Celebration
Guests enjoyed the whole reception, including a first dance, emotional speeches from loved ones, a champagne toast, and a surprise gender reveal for Juliette and Matthew’s baby. The atmosphere was intimate and electric, capped off by a sparkler-lit final dance under the stars.
One of the most unforgettable moments came during dinner when Juliette shared the news of her pregnancy with their family and friends. As guests processed the joyful surprise, she followed it with the gender reveal—”Beautiful Boy” began to play, and the crowd erupted with cheers, laughter, and tears. Juliette and Matt embraced, completely overwhelmed with happiness as their loved ones surrounded them.
After-Wedding Cruise
The wedding weekend’s final day was about cruising into celebration mode. Juliette and Matthew hosted an all-white yacht party, where guests showed up in white while the couple switched it up and wore all black. It was the perfect vibe shift after the wedding: laid-back, stylish, and effortlessly cool.
Sailing along the Puerto Vallarta coast with drinks flowing, music up, and the sun setting over the water, it felt less like the end of something and more like the beginning of a new chapter—just with better views and even better energy.
Advice from the couple:
• If I could share one piece of advice, especially for anyone getting ready for a wedding in two months, it would be to consider hiring a wedding planner. They can make a big difference in bringing your dream wedding to life while helping you stay within your budget!
PHOTOGRAPHER Vanessa Todd | PLANNER & FLORALS Tamara Bradly, Chic Concepts | BRIDAL DRESS & VEIL Princeton Bridal | BRIDAL SHOES Nina Shoes | GROOM’S TUX Men’s Wearhouse | HAIR & MAKEUP Paola Amaral Makeup | DJ & LIGHTING Michael, Vallarta Weddings | REHEARSAL DINNER Le Kliff | VENUE Casa Valerie | YACHT PARTY Chicca Loca Tours | CATERING Josue Jimenez, Concepto Catering
