Antoinette and Eddie’s wedding at Villa la Joya was joyful, stylish, and absolutely sensational. From an emotional first look to a packed dance floor that stayed alive late into the night, their celebration blended romance with high-energy fun in a way that felt effortless and deeply personal.
This was also a special wedding for Villa Planners. It marked the first wedding planned by Cristina as part of the Villa Planners team, and it could not have been a more perfect introduction.
This destination wedding at Villa la Joya in Riviera Maya, Mexico blended romantic design, cultural connection, and a high-energy poolside dance floor celebration.
How They Met and the Proposal
Antoinette and Eddie first met fifteen years ago at Syracuse University. They dated in college, but after graduation their lives pulled them in different directions. Antoinette moved to New York City, Eddie to Los Angeles. They stayed close over the years, and in the summer of 2021, fate brought them back together in New York. This time, everything aligned.
They closed the distance for good in 2023 when Antoinette moved to Los Angeles. On May 18, 2024, Eddie proposed during sunset on the white-sand beaches of Anna Maria Island, Florida.
“He got down on one knee just as the sky turned gold and pink, and asked me to marry him. It was pretty spectacular.”
Why They Chose Riviera Maya for Their Destination Wedding
Riviera Maya was a natural choice. Mexico holds deep personal meaning for both of them, and it offered the perfect setting to bring their families together.
“Mexico holds a very special place in both our hearts,” Antoinette shared. “I used to live in Mexico and spent many vacations in Riviera Maya with my family. Eddie’s father and his side of the family are from Mexico City, so celebrating in a place that reflects our shared connection to Mexican culture just felt right.”
They wanted a coastal summer wedding without sand underfoot, a destination that felt accessible for guests traveling from around the world, and a place where English and Spanish could coexist as naturally as their story.
Choosing Villa la Joya and Villa Planners for Their Wedding
Villa la Joya checked every box. The Spanish-French architecture, oceanfront setting, and timeless design made it feel elegant without being formal, secluded without feeling remote.
“The Spanish-French architecture felt timeless, like a love letter to culture and heritage,” Antoinette said. “Hidden away yet full of soul, it felt like our home for the weekend.”
Villa Planners was the obvious choice to bring it all together.
“Planning a destination wedding is no small feat. It’s equal parts logistics and leap of faith, and working with a talented, seasoned team made all the difference.”
A Ceremony Framed by Flowers
The ceremony took place on the iconic Villa la Joya staircase, where towering floral pillars framed the couple as they exchanged vows. Lush arrangements in warm sunset tones created a dramatic yet welcoming focal point, highlighting the villa’s architecture without overpowering it.
Earlier in the day, Antoinette shared emotional first looks with her father and with Eddie, moments filled with quiet intensity and love.
Antoinette’s strapless gown featured a clean, sculpted bodice and a full skirt that moved beautifully as she walked. A delicate veil softened the look, creating an intimate, romantic first look between the couple that felt completely unfiltered.
A Storm, a Pause, and Perfect Timing
The wedding took place in late August, right in the heart of Mexico’s Canícula, the hottest stretch of the year. Late-summer weddings in Riviera Maya often require flexibility, experienced planners, and venues designed to adapt quickly.
A sudden storm rolled in just an hour before the ceremony.
“We’d been obsessively checking the forecast all week,” Antoinette said. “By Friday night, the rain chances had dropped, so we confidently said, ‘No tent. We’re fine.’”
Then the rain came, hard and cinematic. While Antoinette waited, Cristina and the Villa Planners team worked tirelessly to protect every detail. Chairs, flowers, and décor, all saved. Just as Antoinette headed to the villa for her first look, the rain stopped. The sun returned, and the rest of the day unfolded flawlessly.
“When the sun finally came out, the only thing I could feel was pure gratitude for the team that refused to let the weather win.”
Wedding Reception Details and High-Energy Celebration at Villa la Joya
The reception design brought the “dreamy tropical sunset” theme to life. Warm yellows, pinks, reds, and oranges filled the space through florals, signage, and tablescapes. Custom signage welcomed guests with color and warmth, setting the tone from the start.
Dinner tables featured soft pink linens, gold accents, candlelight, and layered florals that felt romantic and light. The sweetheart table overflowed with blooms, creating a striking focal point for heartfelt and hilarious speeches.
The pool was transformed into a full dance floor, a unique use of Villa la Joya’s layout that allowed guests to dance beneath twinkling string lights and disco balls. This monogrammed dance floor is a signature way couples personalize Villa la Joya’s space for large, energetic receptions.
Antoinette changed into a second dress for the reception, a sleek, figure-hugging sheath paired with heart-shaped glasses that perfectly matched the energy of the evening. Dry fireworks lit up the dance floor as the couple shared a dramatic dip, and the party only escalated from there.
There were tequila shots, photo booth antics, nonstop dancing, and the kind of laughter that carries late into the night.
A Perfect Day, Exactly as It Was
Asked if she would change anything, Antoinette’s answer was simple.
“Absolutely nothing. It was flawless, rainstorm and all.”
Her advice to future destination brides says it all.
“Plan as much as you can, as detailed as you can, but once you get here, remember to have fun.”
A Thank You
Antoinette and Eddie, thank you for trusting Villa la Joya and Villa Planners with such a meaningful celebration. Your wedding was a true reflection of joy, culture, and connection, and it was an honor to be part of it.
A heartfelt welcome and congratulations to Cristina on her first wedding with Villa Planners. What a stunning beginning.
Vendor Team at Villa la Joya
Venue: Villa la Joya |WeddingPlanner: Cristina, VillaPlanners | Officiant: Paula | Photographer/Videographer: Filmcraft Stories | Photobooth: FilmcraftBooth | Hair & Makeup: Prep Tulum | DressDesigner: “Antoinette” by Maggie Sottero | Flowers: Charm Floral Design | Furniture: Oleo Events | Bar Furniture: MSM Rentals | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Catering & Bar Service: Gourmet Soberanis | Cake: Pasteleria La Migaja | Churros: Los Pockets | DJ: UNO AudioVisual
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that feels effortless, personal, and unforgettable, Villa la Joya in Riviera Maya, Mexico offers a setting where celebrations unfold naturally and beautifully.
Villa la Joya and Villa Planners are now booking the 2026 destination wedding season, let’s save your date, contact us today.
Villa la Joya Wedding FAQs
Can you personalize a wedding at Villa la Joya?
Absolutely. Villa la Joya is designed to be fully customizable, with flexible layouts that allow couples to make the space entirely their own. From ceremony locations and reception flow to dance floors over the pool, sky tents, lighting, and décor, the villa becomes your canvas. Whether your vision is elegant and minimal or bold and high-energy, the venue adapts to your style rather than the other way around.
What happens if it rains on your wedding day in Riviera Maya?
Riviera Maya is a tropical destination, and experienced planning makes all the difference. Villa Planners are experts in navigating local weather patterns and preparing for every scenario. With thoughtful planning, backup layouts, and timing adjustments, weddings move forward smoothly even when conditions change. During certain seasons, your planner may recommend a sky tent as a “just in case” option to ensure comfort and peace of mind without compromising your design.
Is Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen a private wedding venue?
Yes. Villa la Joya is a 100% private wedding venue in Playa del Carmen and hosts only one wedding per day. When you celebrate here, the villa is entirely yours, allowing your event to unfold without interruptions or shared spaces. This level of privacy is one of the reasons Villa la Joya is in such high demand, and booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
Can we bring in outside wedding vendors?
Yes, absolutely. Villa la Joya welcomes outside vendors and does not charge vendor fees. Couples have full creative freedom to choose the professionals who best match their vision, without unnecessary restrictions or added costs. Villa Planners also work closely with many of the top wedding vendors in Riviera Maya and are happy to guide couples toward trusted, experienced teams if support is needed.
