A Love Story from Chicago to Riviera Maya

The love story of charming couple Sun & Wesley began in graduate school in Chicago. Study sessions with friends soon turned into cherished traditions - Korean spa days, late-night dinners, and unforgettable group trips. As their bond deepened, so did their love, leading to a breathtaking Parisian proposal on a private rooftop with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance.


When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something extraordinary - something beyond the typical resort experience. They dreamed of an elegant, intimate, and personalized celebration by the ocean. That dream became a reality at Villa la Joya, the perfect venue to bring their vision to life.

A Rainy Start, A Fairy Tale Ending

As their Riviera Maya Wedding day unfolded, the skies grew dark, and a heavy rainstorm loomed. But as if by magic, the moment they were ready to say their vows, the skies cleared, revealing a glowing sunset over the ocean. Walking down the aisle and seeing each other and all their family and friends gathered together in love was an experience that Sun & Wesley will cherish forever.

A Romantic & Elegant Wedding Theme for a Destination Wedding

Sun & Wesley wanted a simple yet elegant theme that complemented Villa la Joya’s natural beauty. They opted for transparent chairs and a circular floral arch for the ceremony, allowing the stunning ocean backdrop to take center stage. Their Villa la Joya wedding reception featured long white tables, delicate floral arrangements in glass vases, and glowing string lights, creating a warm and romantic ambiance. Their wedding colors- classic white and soft pink - added the perfect touch of timeless elegance.

Incredible Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors That Brought the Vision to Life

From the flawless wedding coordination to the stunning décor and exceptional service, every detail was executed to perfection. Their local Riviera Maya wedding planner, Mina from Paradise Weddings & Events, guided them effortlessly through the process, ensuring a seamless day. Gourmet Soberanis delivered an outstanding culinary experience, with guests raving about the food and cocktails - especially the piña coladas!

A mariachi band gave their guests a taste of authentic Mexican entertainment, while the stunning bride and her bridal party radiated beauty thanks to Dani Delgado’s incredible hair and makeup skills - the soft Korean-inspired bridal look they had envisioned was perfect for the big day.

A Few Lessons & Advice for Future Destination Wedding Brides

Looking back, Sun & Wesley had only one small thing they might have done differently - choosing a later wedding date to avoid unexpected rain. While November is typically a safe bet, last year brought unseasonably warm weather and storms, making a last-minute tent rental necessary. Thankfully, the skies cleared just in time for their vows!

Their advice to other destination brides? Hire a great wedding planner who knows the venue inside and out. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, arrive early, and schedule a relaxing day before the wedding. While their pre-wedding trip to Xcaret was fun, they realized that unwinding at the hotel would have been a better choice right before the big day.

Muchas gracias, big gratitude to newlyweds Sun and Wesley

From all of us at Villa la Joya, we extend our mega gratitude to Sun and Wesley for inviting us to be a part of your Riviera Maya wedding day. We wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness and adventure together!

VENDORS:

Wedding Planner. Mina from Paradise Weddings & Events | Photography. Amor Amor Weddings | Hair & Makeup. Dani Delgado | Flowers. Cherry Blossom & Shushugreen (bouquets) | Rentals: MSM Rentals | Catering. Gourmet Soberanis | DJ. Plugin Audiovisual