Some love stories take years to unfold. Others begin with a leap of faith - like booking a trip with friends and meeting the one over 8,000 miles from home.

Gabriella and Andrew had spent years moving in the same circles but never actually met until a vacation to Thailand in 2018. Their click was instant, and when they returned home, their love story really got rolling. Four years later, Andrew proposed at their favorite getaway, Lake Havasu, Arizona. It was the perfect beginning to their next chapter - one that would lead them to an unforgettable wedding at Villa La Joya in Mexico.

Why Villa La Joya? A Dream Venue Found on Instagram

The moment Gabriella attended a wedding in Cancun, she knew she wanted to tie the knot in paradise. The Riviera Maya’s beaches, warm breezes, and effortless elegance set the scene for destination weddings in Mexico that delight guests and newlyweds alike.

When Gabriella’s wedding coordinator introduced her to Villa La Joya Riviera Maya, she knew she had found the venue. The Playa del Carmen private villa offered everything she was looking for: timeless elegance, an intimate atmosphere, and breathtaking ocean views - without the challenges of a sandy beach ceremony. After following Villa La Joya on Instagram and seeing the stunning weddings held there, the decision was made.

A Neutral Boho-Rustic Wedding with a Personal Touch

The vision for their private villa wedding was a blend of Gabriella and Andrew’s styles - boho-inspired dried florals for her, and rustic wooden accents for him. Their color palette was soft and neutral, with a carefully chosen pop of olive green to highlight Andrew’s striking green eyes.

From the moment friends and family arrived, they encountered beautiful elements that reflected the bride and groom’s personalities: romantic textures, natural elegance, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt both upscale and intimate.

The Moment That Took Everyone’s Breath Away

For all the carefully planned details, nothing could have prepared Gabriella for the moment - when Andrew saw her for the first time as a Riviera Maya bride ready to walk down the aisle.

Andrew isn’t the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. But when Gabriella appeared, walking toward their beachside ceremony, something changed. His eyes met hers, and suddenly, the emotions overwhelmed him. Tears streamed down Andrew’s face when he saw his bride and it was a moment that had everyone reaching for the tissues.

It was a reaction no one had expected - especially Gabriella, who now treasures the memory as one of the most meaningful moments of the day.

What Every Destination Bride Should Know: Gabriella’s Advice

Planning a Riviera Maya wedding from miles away is no small feat, but Gabriella learned a few valuable lessons along the way:

  • Savor every second. The day flies by faster than you think - take a breath and soak it all in.

  • Invest in high quality photo and video. These are the memories you’ll cherish forever, and a good photographer is worth every penny.

  • Trust your local Riviera Maya wedding vendors. DIY might seem like a cost-saver, but between packing, customs, and logistics, the stress wasn’t worth it. The professionals know how to bring your vision to life.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Brides - your wedding day is not the time to be answering questions or putting out fires. Hand your phone to your Maid of Honor, and let your team handle the details.

A Celebration to Remember

Gabriella and Andrew’s wedding at Villa La Joya was everything they had dreamed of - romantic, elegant, and deeply personal. From a love story that started on the other side of the world to a wedding day in Mexico filled with unforgettable moments, their journey to forever continues side by side. All of us at Villa la Joya send our gratitude and best wishes to the newlyweds, may you enjoy a lifetime of joy together.

Make your destination wedding dreams come true, talk to us today. High season is booking up, it’s time to reserve your wedding date at Villa la Joya!

As always, we send a very special gracias to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this vision to life. We are honored to work with such creative professionals and look forward to seeing you again soon at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Venue. Villa La Joya | Coordinator: Shailly Weddings | Photographer: Andre Gouin | Videographer: Sea Love Wedding Films | Hair & Makeup: Zöe Elizabeth | Dress: Glenda Dress by Calla Blanche | Custom Nikes & Veil: @blingbycandi | Stationery & Details: Brought by the bride, set up by Shailly | Furniture Rentals: Minimal Rent | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Bar Service: Be You Service | Churro Cart: Los Pockets MX | DJ: DiscoMovil | Cigar Bar: D. Silvas Cigar Service