From Office Romance to a Gondola Proposal in Venice
Courtney & Beattie’s and love story began at work, from co-workers to newlyweds and forever-after partners! After two years of friendship, they went on their first date and never looked back. Their romance took a fairy-tale turn when Beattie proposed on a gondola ride in Venice, Italy. With the canals of Venice as their backdrop, the moment felt like it was straight out of a movie - setting the stage for their future picture-perfect destination wedding in Mexico.
Why Choose Riviera Maya for a Destination Wedding?
When it came time to plan their wedding, Courtney & Beattie knew they wanted more than just a one-day celebration - they wanted a full experience. The Riviera Maya offered the perfect blend of natural beauty, tropical vibes, and vacation fun for their guests.
"Your wedding is the only time when everyone you love is gathered in one place to celebrate YOU - embrace that for as long as you can!" says Courtney. They embrace it by turning their wedding day into a wedding week, a major celebration in paradise.
Why Villa La Joya and Villa Planners Are the Perfect Match
Courtney and Beattie fell in love with Mexico wedding venue Villa La Joya from the moment they saw it online. Its elegant architecture, reminiscent of Italian villas, brought back memories of their Venetian engagement, making it feel like fate.
What sealed the deal was the ability to personalize every detail. Villa La Joya’s blank canvas appeal allowed the couple to design their dream wedding from the ground up. Partnering with Villa Planners, the venue’s expert in-house wedding planning team, made the experience even better.
"Not only do they know the villa inside and out and have outstanding relationships with the vendors, but they are also 100% committed to making your wedding day absolutely perfect," Emily shared.
A Riviera Maya Wedding Day Filled with Joy, Tears, and Surprises
While every moment of their big day was unforgettable, the couple’s favorite memory was sharing a secret that left their guests in awe - they had eloped exactly one year earlier! We LOVE a surprise reveal!
The announcement sparked cheers, laughter, and happy tears, turning the celebration into a truly magical and emotional event.
"We wouldn’t have traded that moment for the world," Courtney says.
Timeless Elegance Meets Tropical Vibes
Courtney and Beattie chose a classic black-and-white wedding theme with a Riviera Maya tropical twist. Their décor stayed true to timeless elegance with crisp monochrome details, while their vibrant florals added pops of color, giving the celebration a modern and exotic feel.
The inspiration? Emily’s parents’ 1991 wedding - a black-and-white affair that stood the test of time.
No Regrets, Only Gratitude
When asked if they would change anything, Courtney was clear - “Not a single thing!”
From start to finish, our partners at Villa Planners made sure every detail was flawless. Their dedication to perfection ensured the couple’s vision came to life, leaving Courtney and Beattie with memories they’ll treasure forever.
Advice for Future Destination Wedding Brides
Courtney’s advice to brides planning a destination wedding in Mexico?
Hire a great wedding planner. Their experience will save you time, stress, and guesswork.
Communicate your vision. Be clear about your expectations, so your team can bring them to life.
Savor every moment. Slow down, breathe, and soak it all in.
"You’ve worked so hard to plan this day - ENJOY it with your new spouse!"
Ready to Plan Your Own Villa La Joya Wedding in Mexico?
If you’ve been dreaming of a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, Villa La Joya offers the luxury, elegance, and personalized experience you deserve. With the expert guidance of Villa Planners, your dream wedding can become a reality - just like it did for Courtney and Beattie. We love hearing your plans and seeing your vision boards and we cannot wait to meet you.
Contact us today to start planning your own unforgettable celebration in paradise!
Mexico Wedding Vendors in the Riviera Maya: Masters of Their Craft
We are so grateful to all the incredible vendors who came together to make this event flow and glow. You consistently bring professionalism and creativity to the weddings we host at Villa la Joya and it is a delight to work with you all. And hey brides, did you know? There are never any silly vendor fees at Villa la Joya! Let’s rock your wedding dreams and your budget.
Planner. Villa Planners | Photo. Luxart Wedding Studio | Video. Frame Wedding Film | MUA. Zoe Elizabeth Makeup | Rentals. EW Cancun | Flowers. Cherry Blossom | Dress. Martina Liana | Shoes. Vince Camuto | Perfume. Maison Margiela | Catering. Gourmet Soberanis | Cake. Lali Pasteles | Churros. Los Pockets | Photo Booth. Print the Moment | Fireworks. Pyro Caribe | Saxophone. Ariel Rossini | Cigar Roller. Enrique | Dance Floor & Lighting. Hercon Entertainment | DJ. Plug In Audiovisual | Get Away Car. Abraham Rodriguez