On May 3, 2025, Chantal and Jarrell returned to Mexico to say I do — exactly two years after their beachside proposal at Secrets Maroma. Their destination wedding at Villa La Joya was a flawless blend of timeless elegance and modern style, wrapped in a palette of black, white, and lush greenery.

A Love Story That Began in College

Chantal and Jarrell met in college through a mutual friend and formed a bond that stood the test of time. Years later, they reconnected while Jarrell was recovering from wisdom-teeth surgery, and their first SweetFrog date turned into something much bigger. From that day forward, their story unfolded with laughter, adventures, and the kind of love that only deepens with time.

In 2023, Jarrell planned a surprise proposal during a trip to Mexico — a private dinner on the beach where he dropped to one knee beneath the stars. When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew there was no better place to begin their forever than where their forever began.

“We got engaged on May 3, 2023 at Secrets Maroma and knew right away that we wanted a destination wedding. It just felt right to bring all of our loved ones back to Mexico on the same date that we decided to make our love story forever two years later on May 3, 2025.” — Chantal

A Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony of Pure Elegance

“Villa La Joya took our breath away the moment we saw it. It is private, intimate, and has that dreamy ocean backdrop that makes you feel like you stepped straight into a movie. We also loved the flexibility to make it our own, from the décor to the flow of the day. It felt like a true extension of us.” — Chantal

The couple chose to hold their ceremony on the front steps of Villa La Joya, surrounded by tropical gardens and the striking architecture. All-white florals and clouds of baby’s breath created a soft, romantic backdrop, while alternating black and translucent chairs gave the setup a modern edge. The ceremony programs were designed as hand fans, a sweet and thoughtful touch for guests under the Riviera Maya sun.

Chantal was radiant in a mermaid gown with a dramatic train, her hair swept into a soft updo and makeup that glowed naturally. Her bouquet of white lilies mirrored the soft satin of her dress. Jarrell looked equally striking in a white dinner jacket and black tuxedo, with his groomsmen in all-black, a timeless look that never fails to impress.

The bridal party carried the theme effortlessly. Bridesmaids in black dresses stood elegantly beside the bride, their sleek silhouettes enhancing the wedding’s refined aesthetic.

Wedding Design That Defined Sophistication

Guests were invited to wear all black — an unexpected and stunning choice for a tropical destination wedding. The effect was breathtaking. Against the turquoise of the sea and the greens of Villa La Joya’s garden, the monochrome palette felt cinematic and cohesive.

The black-and-white wedding theme continued into the garden reception, where black dinnerware, white linens, and crystal chandeliers created a romantic, modern atmosphere. White lounge furniture invited guests to relax, while every sign and stationery piece — lovingly designed by the bride herself — echoed the theme in elegant black-and-white script.

An Abundance of Joy, Laughter, and Love

During the reception, the couple opted for a long head table with their entire wedding party instead of a sweetheart table, symbolizing the deep bonds they share with their closest friends and family. As the sun set, laughter and emotion filled the night during heartfelt toasts, and happy tears sparkled under the glow of chandeliers.

Their first dances took place on a personalized dance floor built over the pool, one of Villa La Joya’s signature showstoppers, where joy and celebration radiated through every song. Later, Chantal surprised everyone with a second look, a chic, playful mini dress perfect for dancing the night away.

Timeless Beauty in Every Detail

From the delicate white lilies on the cake to the airy floral arrangements that softened the bold black lines, every detail reflected harmony and intention. The design was bold yet romantic, perfectly balanced, just like the couple themselves.

Black might not be the first color that comes to mind for a tropical destination wedding, but it worked magnificently with the turquoise tones of the sea and the lush greens of Villa La Joya’s gardens, proof that elegance has no boundaries when love leads the vision.

“Plan well, but do not lose sight of the joy. Trust your vendors, stay flexible, and remember that your guests are there to celebrate you, not to notice whether every detail goes perfectly. Most importantly, take little pauses during the day to soak it all in. The love, the laughter, the ocean breeze, it all goes by so quickly, and it is worth savoring every second.” — Chantal

Thank You and Best Wishes

All of us at Villa La Joya wish Chantal and Jarrell a lifetime filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love. It was a joy to witness your celebration and see how beautifully your story came to life by the sea.

Special Thanks to the Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors

As always, we salute all the vendors and creative professionals who came together to make this an unforgettable event.

Plan Your Villa La Joya Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen

Dreaming of a Riviera Maya wedding celebration filled with elegance, ocean views, and personalized luxury? Villa La Joya offers an exclusive beachfront venue where your love story becomes art.

Discover more at villalajoya.com and let our team help you create a day that’s timeless, intentional, and completely your own. We can’t wait to hear your ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions About Villa La Joya Weddings

Can I customize the ceremony setup at Villa La Joya?

Absolutely. Every couple has the freedom to design their ceremony layout, floral style, and décor. From classic white florals to bold modern palettes, the Villa’s spaces adapt beautifully to your vision, whether you choose the grand staircase, oceanfront terrace, or garden lawn.

Does Villa La Joya have indoor or covered areas for receptions?

While Villa La Joya is best known for its open-air events, there are flexible covered spaces available in case of unexpected weather. Most couples host dinner and dancing outdoors under chandeliers or string lights, but tents and transparent covers can be added for comfort and peace of mind.

How many guests can Villa La Joya accommodate?

Villa la Joya comfortably hosts weddings of up to 150 guests, though smaller events feel equally intimate and luxurious. Many couples, like Chantal and Jarrell, choose creative seating layouts, such as a long head table paired with round guest tables, to make the most of the space.

Chantal & Jarrell’s Elegant Black-and-White Villa La Joya Wedding