At a glance: This real wedding at Villa la Joya in the Riviera Maya included a full Catholic ceremony, a private villa setting, a family-friendly celebration, and a late-night reception with live entertainment and fireworks.
We were honored to host Lilia and Felix’s wedding at Villa la Joya, welcoming their families and friends for a day that blended faith, celebration, and time spent together from first toast to farewell.
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this would be a celebration meant to be shared. Guests of all ages settled in, children explored the grounds, conversations carried easily through the villa, and the pace felt calm and unforced. The day unfolded from first looks to final hugs and a classic car exit.
The Story of Lilia & Felix
Their journey began years ago at a mutual friend's party back in high school. It wasn’t a night of long conversations; instead, it started with simple eye contact across the room. A few days later, Felix reached out with a message, and as they say, the rest was history.
Fast forward through years of shared growth and milestones, including Lilia’s nursing school graduation. She thought she was heading to a photoshoot to celebrate her hard work as a new nurse, but Felix had a much bigger celebration in mind. He turned that graduation milestone into a life-changing surprise by proposing right there during the session.
The Ceremony
We watched as Lilia arrived in a horse-drawn carriage, wearing a full princess gown with a dramatic train and long veil. The wide ceremony aisle gave her space to move slowly and really take in the moment. Felix waited at the altar in a classic black tuxedo, surrounded by family and friends.
The ceremony took place overlooking the sea, framed by a rectangular floral arch that echoed the clean lines of the villa’s architecture.
The bridal party added softness and contrast to the setting, with blush gowns and sand-toned tuxedos that worked beautifully against the stone and greenery of the villa.
Lilia and Felix chose a full Catholic ceremony, including the lazo tradition. Faith and family were at the center of this moment. Guests sat close, children included, and the ceremony unfolded with intention and emotion.
This matters to many of the couples we host. Our space supports full religious ceremonies, without time limits or space constraints, so traditions and culture are never shortened or rushed.
THE Reception
As daylight faded, we moved into the reception spaces around the Villa la Joya pool. Lilia and Felix personalized the setting in white and gold, filling the space with white roses, candles, chandeliers and soft, twinkling lights.
A sweetheart table beneath string lights became a natural focal point, drawing guests in and setting a relaxed tone for the evening. A custom dance floor was installed directly over the pool for the couple’s first dance and the celebration that followed.
We loved watching this moment. As Lilia and Felix twirled beneath the lights, dry fireworks framed the scene and guests gathered around the pool, glasses raised, fully present. It was dramatic and romantic, one of those moments everyone remembers being part of.
For the reception, Lilia stepped into a sleek, curve-hugging gown, and Felix changed into a white dinner jacket as the evening shifted fully into party mode.
The Party
The night stayed lively and joyful.
Live entertainers, a DJ, robotic performers, and a 360 video booth kept guests on their feet. Champagne flowed. Late-night ice cream made its way through the crowd. Kids, parents, and grandparents danced together, creating the kind of multi-generational atmosphere that makes weddings feel deeply personal.
Fireworks lit up the Playa del Carmen sea as the celebration carried on. Some guests kicked off their shoes, others kept dancing. Conversations flowed, laughter filled the space, and family and friends raised glasses of champagne and tequila to toast the newlyweds.
This is one of the things we love most about hosting weddings at Villa la Joya. When everything happens in one private setting, the night finds its own rhythm.
The Goodbye
To close the evening, everyone gathered at the Villa la Joya entrance for a classic car exit. Friends and family lined the path as fireworks lit the night sky, sending Lilia and Felix off with cheers, hugs, and heartfelt good wishes.
It was a joyful and complete ending to a full day shared together.
Our Thanks and Best Wishes
From all of us at Villa la Joya, thank you to Lilia & Felix for trusting us with such an important celebration. We wish you a lifetime filled with partnership, shared adventures, and continued joy.
Looking back at their day, we’re reminded of how much intention went into their choices. Lilia and Felix told us they fell in love with the private, off-resort feel here, especially that old-world, "Tuscany castle" atmosphere that feels so unique by the sea. They chose to work with our Villa Planners team because they wanted that deep, local expertise.
We are also grateful to the incredible vendors who brought this wedding together with care, creativity, and professionalism:
Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planner: Nancy at Villa Planners | Photography: Arch Wedding Studio | Hair & Makeup: 312glambymel | Wedding Dress: Sima Couture | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Floral Design: Cherry Blossom | Rentals: Canteiro Weddings & Hercon Entertainment (dance floor) | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Be You Service | Wedding Cake: Lali Pasteles | Desert/Ice Cream: Los Pockets | Entertainment: Disco Ball Cancun & Musik Entertainment (carriage & robot) & Mariachi Oro del Caribe Mexicano & Musharps Entertainment (violin) | Photobooth & 360 Video: Picme Photobooth | Music Equipment: UNO Audiovisual | DJ: djmarcoent
From our bride: “Advice i would give other brides, planning a destination wedding is hard, especially from another country, but is not impossible. Find a great team to help you, and remember why you’re doing it, and at the end of the day, it’s about you and your husband.”
Planning a Wedding at Villa la Joya
If you are planning a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya and are looking for a private villa that supports full Catholic ceremonies, flexible timelines, family-friendly celebrations, and late-night receptions, we would love to share more about hosting your wedding at Villa la Joya.
Get in touch to start the conversation. We would be happy to hear what you are planning.
