What made you decide on Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen as your destination wedding venue?
The venue speaks for itself! We considered other venues, but ultimately Villa La Joya was the first and easiest decision we made. It allowed us to create the wedding of our dreams without added vendor fees like most resorts.
Llana and Matt, along with a guest list of 100 loved ones, filled Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen with energy and amor at this big destination wedding in Mexico. A grand celebration with lovely details, a “minimalist boho” vibe, and a joyous reception with everybody on the dance floor.
Seaside Wedding Ceremony: Emotional Moments with Llana and Matt
Bride Llana glowed in her striking bridal gown with nude illusion, lace, and a veil that was perfect for the ocean breeze. Groom Matt was elegant and handsome in his traditional black tuxedo as the couple exchanged their vows in the Villa la Joya garden. The ceremony had more than a few happy tears, get those tissues ready!
A brief story of how you two met?
We met 14 years ago in Miami when I went on vacation for a girl's trip. It was a quick meet and greet the first day and we didn't see each other again. Fast forward to the fall of 2022, we had been friends on Facebook and Instagram, but finally decided to engage in some fun sports banter (he's a Georgia Bulldog and I'm all Tennessee Vols). We talked daily and finally had our first date when he decided to come to Nashville for NYE. The rest is history! He proposed at my parent's house in May of last year and we got married this May.
Big fiesta reception for 100 guests! Laughter, tears, fireworks, and surprises at Villa la Joya
Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a wedding venue ready to welcome your large guest list wedding plans. Llana and Matt and 100 of their nearest and dearest celebrated BIG wedding fun. Moving speeches, first dances that made everyone cry (again), fireworks, and a bridal reception change surprise that knocked everyone out!
The funniest moment was when I was reintroduced during the reception with my bridal party after I chopped my hair off and changed dresses. We came out to a song like Nightclub Bottle Girls with oversized letters/strobe lights and they spelled our new last name backward with the large letters. A moment everyone will never forget and we still laugh about it to this day!
We’ve seen brides change “looks” for the reception but this is the first “full haircut “ transformation we’ve seen! Absolutely LOVED this moment with Llana and her bridesmaids for her reception reveal.
Tips for planning a big destination wedding in Mexico?
Anything you would have done differently?
The day was perfect, however, we would have added some large industrial fans or shade to the front during our cocktail hour. It was too hot for everyone so everyone mostly stood on the side to catch the ocean breeze. We also would have started a couple of hours later to allow for it to cool down just a bit more.
Any advice you’d like to share with other brides?
To the bridal party, I would suggest getting the bridal suite. It made the whole day flow so smoothly and we never felt rushed. To the couple, time flies by so do your best to get photos done as soon as you can and get back to the party! As for the time of the year, if you are having any portion of your wedding day in the front during the hotter months, make sure your guests are hydrated and have fans because it is hot in the front.
Big wedding, big congratulations, and big gratitude to Llana and Matt
All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our thanks to Llana and Matt for entrusting us with your vision for a big destination wedding in Mexico. You are surrounded by so much love and support and it was truly a warm and welcoming day. We send you wishes for a long and happy lifetime together, muchas gracias.
Feeling inspired and ready to start planning your own destination wedding with a big guest list? Contact us today and let’s discuss your vision!
The best wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya
As always, we send our big, huge thanks to the professional and creative wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya who bring us dreamy events every time. And remember, we never charge vendor fees, Mexico weddings big or small. Muchas gracias amigos.
Wedding Planner. Pride Maya Weddings | Photo & Video. Fine Art Studio Weddings | Makeup & Hair. Alejan Mua & Oscar Makeupartist & Smith Jana Hair | Wedding Dress. Olia Zavozina | Suit. The Black Tux | Flowers. Moss N Stone | Rentals. Msm Rentals | Dance Floor. Gama Group | Catering. Gourmet Soberanis | Cocktails. 🍹 Be You Service | Cake. Lali Pasteles | Audio. Uno Audiovisual | DJ. Its Mr Anderson | Travel. Wish To Wander Travel