Emily and Noah’s Fabulous Villa La Joya Wedding

Emily and Noah’s Fabulous Villa La Joya Wedding

Emily and Noah grew up in the same town and shared a circle of mutual friends, but they didn’t meet until her senior year of college. She spotted him across a bar—with her arm in a massive shoulder brace—and made the first move with a cheeky soccer joke (she had never played). One long conversation that night and the connection was instant.

Years later, Noah proposed during a private photo shoot in a lavender field, followed by a surprise engagement party filled with friends and family. Romantic, thoughtful, and full of love—just like their destination wedding day in the Riviera Maya at Villa la Joya. Get ready for some real wedding inspiration.

Why a Destination Wedding in Mexico?

Fio & Tito Say “I Do” at Villa La Joya: A Dreamy Seaside Wedding Full of Heart

Fio & Tito Say “I Do” at Villa La Joya: A Dreamy Seaside Wedding Full of Heart

Fio and Tito’s love story is one of fate and destiny, from the front steps of their childhood school to the grand staircase of Villa La Joya. Their destination wedding in the Riviera Maya was a colorful, emotional, and joy-filled celebration of a bond that began in their youth and grew into a lifetime promise—sealed with sun, sea, and a whole lot of dancing.

Love Story: From First Kiss to Forever

Fio always had a little crush on Tito back in primary school—but only her closest friends knew. Years later, in 2008, they reconnected at a high school party during their final year. Tito made the first move, inviting her out for a drink—and on August 3, they shared their first kiss.

The years brought them around the world. In 2020, during the quiet and uncertainty of the pandemic, a conversation in New Zealand sparked the start of forever. “We started talking about the future,” Fio shared, “and just like that, we began planning our dream wedding—somewhere by the sea.”

Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony: Emotions on the Grand Stairs

Their destination wedding dreams brought them to the Riviera Maya and straight to Villa La Joya, where the couple instantly fell in love with the elegant architecture, beachfront views, and warm welcome. “It was even more stunning in person than in the photos,” said Fio. “The moment we arrived, we knew we were in the right place.”

Fio and Tito tied the knot on Villa La Joya’s iconic front staircase—the perfect backdrop for their emotional wedding ceremony. Surrounded by pastel florals in hues of blush, mauve, creamy whites, and soft reds, the couple exchanged vows through happy tears and heartfelt words. 

Save your date, book your Riviera Maya wedding at our private villa venue today! 

Fio looked effortlessly elegant in a one-shoulder gown from Rosa Clará—simple, sculptural, and stunning—paired with a glowing, natural makeup look and a soft updo. Tito brought the cool with a lightweight tropical suit and signature sunglasses, keeping it effortlessly stylish through the vows to the last dance.

Villa la Joya Wedding Reception: Pastel Dreams & Disco Balls

The celebration continued in the seaside garden of Villa La Joya—with a personalized dance floor over the pool, hanging lanterns, glowing Edison lights, and a stunning arrangement of lush greenery and sparkling disco balls suspended above, the party scene was set.

Their color palette—pastel tones with touches of red, pink, beige, and gold—blended perfectly with the villa’s natural elegance. “We wanted warmth, but also something youthful and fun,” said Fio. And they absolutely nailed it.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, moving toasts, and nonstop dancing. The dessert table was to die for, delighting everyone’s sweet tooth—both picture-perfect and truly delicious. The drinks flowed, the music bumped (shoutout to DJ Levels), and Fio and Tito celebrated their happiness with their closest friends and family. Shots, sweet dance moves, and joy, a memorable evening of love by the seaside.

A Word to Future Destination Wedding Brides

Fio’s best newlywed advice? “Enjoy every moment—it all goes by too fast. A destination wedding is a dream come true, and what really matters isn’t just how beautiful everything looks, but the energy and excitement you bring. That’s what everyone remembers. Viva la vida!”

¡Muchas gracias Fio y Tito, Que Vivan los Novios! 

Villa la Joya would like to send our thanks and best wishes to Fio and Tito. We were delighted to host your beautiful Riviera Maya wedding day. May you enjoy a lifetime of joy and romance every single day!

Vendor Team That Made the Magic Happen

A destination wedding in the Riviera Maya is a “team sport”, it takes a group of creative professionals to bring our Villa la Joya events to life. We are always grateful, thank you all for your dedication to love stories and romance. And remember darlings, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya!

Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planning: Valentina Corro & Team | Photography: Gaber Studio | Hair & Makeup: LUM Wedding Beauty | Dress & Shoes: Rosa Clará | Floral Design: Kndy Flowers | Ceremony: Ximena – Todo Corazón | Catering: Alta Porta | Cocktails: Minimal | Cake: Lluvia de Azucar | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Tent: Total Tents | SAX Asunción, Paraguay | DJ: Level’s

Start planning your private villa wedding in Mexico today at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

We can’t wait to dive into your vision boards and hear all about your love stories. Reach out to Villa la Joya today to schedule a video call, let’s make destination wedding magic. Besos! 

Courtney and Bobby Get Married in Mexico! Pure Romance and a Grand Fiesta

Courtney and Bobby Get Married in Mexico! Pure Romance and a Grand Fiesta

We were absolutely delighted to host this destination wedding at Villa la Joya. Courtney and Bobby were so sweet and so in love, it was a pleasure to welcome them to our villa by the sea to say “I do” forever and ever, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

How it all began: Friendship, romance and a surprise engagement

Courtney and Bobby met in 2020 at a friend’s housewarming party, where a simple conversation turned into a meaningful friendship—and that friendship soon blossomed into love. Despite the distance between them, they stayed close, talking for hours and slowly building something beautiful. 

When Bobby moved to DC for school, everything clicked into place. In March of 2024, he surprised her with an unforgettable engagement and a celebration surrounded by family and friends.

Why choose a Villa La Joya destination wedding in Mexico?

Courtney and Bobby discovered Villa La Joya on TikTok and instantly fell in love with the beachfront views, elegant sculptural design, and the flexibility to make the space truly their own.

Even before seeing Villa la Joya in person, they were sold—thanks to the warm and responsive staff who made planning from afar feel effortless.

The Ceremony: An elegant destination wedding in the Riviera Maya

The ceremony took place on the grand front steps of Villa la Joya, framed by a stunning floral arch in soft pinks and whites. Romantic touches were everywhere—from the delicate arrangements lining the aisle to the heartfelt and moving vows. 

Sharing those promises and reflecting on the journey that led them there was one of the couple’s most emotional and favorite moments. Their first kiss as husband and wife was dynamite.

The Look: Classic, elegant and chic destination wedding fashion

Bride Courtney was radiant in a breathtaking backless gown with lace décolletage, a long flowing veil, and an elegant bridal bun. Her soft, natural makeup gave her a luminous glow.

Her bridesmaids wore soft pink dresses, while the groomsmen looked sharp in classic grey suits. The groom? Oh-so-handsome in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants—timeless, stylish, and glowing with joy.

The Reception: Sparkling celebration by the sea at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

As the sun set, Villa la Joya’s garden was transformed into an elegant, romantic haven. Soft pink and white florals filled the space, twinkling lights danced above, and a custom dance floor set the stage for an epic night.

The bride changed into a stunning reception dress that turned heads as the newlyweds lit up the night with their electric smiles and sweet dance moves.

Guests danced under the stars, laughed, and celebrated love late into the evening. A magical send-off with sparklers made for the perfect fairytale ending.

A bit of advice from newlywed bride Courtney:

"Destination weddings are the way to go! You don’t just get a day—you get a whole trip full of memories with the people you love most. If you're getting married at Villa La Joya, take advantage of the on-site villas for your bridal party prep. They’re gorgeous for photos and keep things stress-free on the big day."

As the night came to a sparkling close, it was clear—this was the start of an extraordinary lifetime of joy for Courtney and Bobby. From that first conversation in 2020 to dancing under the stars at Villa La Joya, every step of their journey was filled with intention, love, and joy.

Gracias, thank you, and all the best wishes from Villa la Joya

We are so honored to have been part of this beautiful celebration. To the newlyweds: gracias, thank you for sharing your story with us. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and romance together. 

A huge thank you as well to the incredible team of Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this magical day to life. Every detail—from the florals to the flawless planning—was a testament to your talent and passion. Villa La Joya is proud to collaborate with such creative professionals to make dreams come true.

If you're dreaming of a destination wedding in Mexico that blends elegance, romance, and the freedom to make it all your own—contact us today, Villa La Joya is waiting for you. 

Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planner: Jet Set Jes Travel | Photographer: MFields Photography | Bridal Makeup: Tiaza Touch | Wedding Dress: The Bridal Room | Second Look Dress: Sau Lee | Bridesmaids Dresses: Chic Sew | Groomsmen Suits: Olympus Stylings | Florals: Cherry Blossom | Rentals: Koko Events | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cocktails: Private Mixology PDC | DJ: DJ Oow Wee

Dana & George’s Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

Dana & George’s Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

A Destination Wedding in Mexico is Always a Good Idea

Dana and George’s love story spanned the continent— she’s from California, he’s from New York — so no matter where this wedding was held, someone was going to have to travel. That realization sparked a beautiful idea: why not turn it into a destination for everyone?

“Once we considered a destination wedding, Mexico quickly became the obvious choice. The moment we found Villa la Joya, we knew it was the perfect venue.”

The search for the right destination wedding planner led them straight to the Villa Planners team. After interviewing over ten different agencies, Dana and George chose Nancy and Adriana for their warmth, professionalism, and in-depth experience at Villa la Joya. From vendor recommendations to day-of coordination, every detail was handled with care — and countless calls and messages later, the result was a flawless wedding day.

“Thanks to Villa Planners, our wedding day was absolutely perfect!”

A Private Balcony First Look at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

Before the ceremony, Dana and George shared a private first look on the stunning balcony of Villa la Joya. Overlooking the sea, surrounded by palm trees and soft ocean breeze, it was a moment just for them — quiet, heartfelt, and filled with emotion before the festivities began.

A Villa la Joya Wedding Ceremony of Romance, Tradition and Joy

The ceremony took place at Villa la Joya’s elegant front entrance. The color palette — white, gold, and baby pink — created a timeless, romantic look that complemented the venue’s marble architecture beautifully. From the aisle décor to the soft blooms, everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of love.

Guests gathered to witness Dana and George say "I do" in the Riviera Maya sunshine, friends and family had traveled from afar to be a part of this special day. The religious ceremony included beautiful details that honored the faith and traditions of Dana and George.

The Dabkeh, the Drums, and a Dance Floor That Didn't Quit

As the sun set and the reception began, the vibe turned into a full-on fiesta. With a DJ and live music keeping the energy up, the dance floor was packed from the first song to the final farewell.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was the traditional dabkeh — a joyful Palestinian dance that brought generations together in rhythm and celebration. For Dana and George, it was a deeply personal way to honor their heritage and share it with everyone they love.

“As Palestinians, no celebration is complete without the traditional dabkeh dance.”

We LOVE seeing Villa la Joya alive with cultural elements of weddings from all around the world, we are so blessed. Everyone danced. Everyone sang. Everyone celebrated under the stars in true destination wedding fashion.

Best Destination Wedding Advice from the Bride

“Book Villa La Joya and Villa Planners ASAP! They book up fast, and for a very good reason.”

With Love from Villa la Joya

Dana and George, gracias for choosing Villa la Joya to host your destination wedding in the Riviera Maya. It was an honor and a delight to witness your love, your culture, and your connection with everyone around you. From your breathtaking first look to your unforgettable dabkeh dance, your day was filled with beauty, meaning, and joy. We wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy together.

Book your destination wedding at Villa la Joya now, we can’t wait to hear all your dreamy ideas and bring them to life! Let’s chat, schedule a call today and let’s make magic.

Thank You to Our Incredible Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Team

To all the vendors who helped bring this day to life — thank you for your creativity, professionalism, and passion. And remember, at Villa la Joya, we never charge vendor fees because we believe couples should have the freedom to choose the team that fits their vision best.

Wedding Planner: Nancy from Villa Planners | Photography: Amor Amor Weddings | Glam: Makeup by Cristela | Stationary: Zazzle | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Floral Design: Pentaflor | Rentals: Minimal Rent & Hercon Entertainment (dance floor) | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cocktails: Be You Service | Churros: Los Pockets | DJ: Legendary Entertainment

Ellie & Adam’s Romantic Villa la Joya Wedding in the Riviera Maya

Ellie & Adam’s Romantic Villa la Joya Wedding in the Riviera Maya

Ellie and Adam’s love story began in Arizona, with a second date that almost never led anywhere — until it led to forever. When Adam mentioned he was moving to Alaska, Ellie made it clear she wasn’t interested in a long-distance relationship… but life (and love) had other plans. After a year apart, including a deployment, Adam returned to Arizona a day early and proposed in the restaurant where they had their first date.

Years later, they brought their story full circle with a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by friends and family — and far, far away from the Alaskan winter.

Why They Chose A Villa la Joya Riviera Maya Wedding

After attending a destination wedding in the Cancun area back in 2021, Ellie and Adam knew they wanted that same relaxed, multi-day experience for their own wedding. They wanted their guests to enjoy a full week in paradise, not just a single day.

When they discovered Villa la Joya, it was love at first sight. The private oceanfront setting, stunning marble architecture, and flexibility to work with their favorite vendors — without any vendor fees — made it the perfect place to celebrate their next chapter.

"Our planners had shown us multiple resorts and we were struggling to find one that was both affordable for our guests but also flexible enough to let us bring in certain vendors without a ridiculous vendor fee. We then turned to offsite venues, and to be honest, from the first moment I saw Villa la Joya I knew I HAD to get married there. We wanted an oceanfront setting without having to have our toes in the sand, and the variety of the front for our ceremony and the whole back area for our reception was perfect." — Ellie, the bride

Dreaming of your own destination wedding at Villa la Joya? Let’s explore dates, details, and discover how to bring your big day to life.

Getting Ready & Sweet First Looks (Grab the Tissues)

The wedding day began with excitement, glam squads, and quiet emotional moments. Ellie wore a jaw-dropping gown by Martina Liana — a sexy, romantic design featuring a lacy corset-style bodice and a dramatic thigh-high slit that showed off her absolutely enviable figure. She paired her look with Dolce Vita heels and jewelry from Olive & Piper.

Her wedding day bridal style was brought to life by Zoe Elizabeth (makeup) and Kahori Flores (hair). Adam kept it timeless in a black tuxedo by Luca Falcone.

Before heading to the ceremony, Ellie shared an emotional first look with her dad — a powerful, tender moment that set the tone for the day. Then came her first look with Adam, full of love, laughter, and the kind of quiet joy that makes a wedding feel real.

A Pink Floral Wonderland: Destination Wedding Ceremony at Villa la Joya

Guests were welcomed by the sounds of a live violinist as they entered a pink floral wonderland set against the grand marble entrance of Villa la Joya. The ceremony space was overflowing with lush, abundant pink roses — romantic, fresh, and perfectly paired with the villa’s architecture.

Ellie walked down the aisle with her father, who, overcome with emotion, found himself narrating his feelings out loud — sweet, unscripted, and unforgettable.

Cocktail Hour & a Private Moment for Two

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and live music from violinist Jerry while the newlyweds explored the property for portraits. The cocktail area was styled with blonde wood tables and chairs, soft neutral décor, and the same stunning pink florals for a cohesive look.

Ellie & Adam carved out a 10-minute break just for themselves, enjoying their appetizers in peace while watching the sunset — a moment to eat, breathe, and simply be together before rejoining the celebration.

A Reception Under the Stars

As the sun set over the Caribbean, the back garden transformed into a dreamy reception space. The setup featured blonde wood furniture from Oleo, romantic floral arrangements by Cherry Blossom, and warm lighting that created a cozy, elegant atmosphere.

The sweetheart table was framed by the luxe floral arch from the ceremony, with the sea sparkling in the background. Ellie and Adam’s first dance lit up the night — literally — with a surprise fireworks display and oh so much love in their eyes.

Toasts were shared and the dance floor stayed packed all night thanks to an incredible playlist and joyful energy. As the evening wrapped up, guests sipped coffee from The Station Mx and grabbed one last treat from the churro cart — the perfect way to end the night.

With Love and Muchas Gracias from Villa la Joya

Ellie and Adam, thank you for choosing Villa la Joya to host your destination wedding. It was an honor to be part of such a heartfelt, joyful, and beautifully personal celebration. We loved seeing your vision come to life — from your emotional first looks to your unforgettable reception. We wish you both a lifetime of love, adventure, and perfectly timed appetizers.

Future brides and grooms, are you ready to tie the knot? Reach out to Villa la Joya today and let’s start planning your ultimate destination wedding in paradise!

A Huge Thank You to Our Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Dream Team

We’re endlessly grateful to the incredible vendors who helped bring Ellie and Adam’s dream day to life. Your creativity, talent, and professionalism made the entire celebration seamless. And remember — at Villa la Joya, we never charge vendor fees, because we believe couples should have the freedom to work with the team that fits their vision best.

Travel Agents: Paradise Weddings | Planners: Beloved Planners | Wedding Photography: Amor Amor Weddings | Nutrition Coach: 2 Weeks Out Programming | HMU: Zöe Elizabeth (makeup), Kahori Flores (hair, with Zoe) | Spray Tan: Bronzed by SG | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Dress Boutique: Mariee Bridal Scottsdale | Shoes: Dolce Vita | Earrings/Bracelet: Olive & Piper | Ring: Peter & Co. Jewelers (engagement ring & one wedding band), Shane Co. Jewelers (one wedding band) | Stationery: Mint (save the dates), The Knot (invites) | Groom’s Suit: Luca Falcone | Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey | Flowers: Cherry Blossom | Furniture: Oleo Events | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Dessert: Los Pockets, Coffee: The Station Mx | Violinist: Jerry | DJ/AV: Mills James Audio Visual