A warm breeze blows out across the vast open stretch of sand and ocean that is Rancho Santana, Nicaragua. Palm tree leaves sway just above my head as a kaleidoscope of butterflies dance around wildflowers in the warm orange waning light of sunset. A thin strip of wispy clouds mirror the coastline heading north in a sky that is an explosion of color. A few pelicans glide along the water’s surface. The sound of crashing surf is like a soft song.

I have a confession to make. I fell for for this place. And I fell hard. It was love at first site. Upon arrival for Steve and Amy’s week long Rancho Santana, destination wedding I was enamored. The rustic Spanish style architecture is a dreamy compliment to the rugged Nicaraguan tropical landscape. Dense forests give way to gorgeous beaches, steep rock cliffs, and an amazing polyculture farming system. In all there are 2,700 acres of rolling hills and five unique beaches along with a variety of luxury and rustic accommodation options.

This is the first installment in a two part series. My team and I photographed with Steve and Amy for an entire week (five days total).  This portion of the story includes yoga sessions (led by Amy who is also a yoga instructor!) in a jungle tree platform, a beach party at Playa Los Perros, and a fabulous welcome pool party at the Playa Rosada Clubhouse. If you want to skip head to the wedding day and part two, click here.