The team at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is grateful to spend our days immersed in love stories and making wedding dreams come true. We are excited to share these stories with you and while I always enjoy writing these tales, sometimes the bride’s words are just so moving that I don’t need to write a thing or change a word.
Bride Joanna shares with us the love story of how she met husband Rafa:
Their love story began with a chance encounter in high school. Joanna and Rafael’s paths converged, sparking a connection that would change their lives forever. After that fateful meeting, Joanna extended a heartfelt invitation to Rafael, inviting him to be a part of her quinceañera celebration. Little did they know that this simple gesture would set the stage for an enduring love story.
As they navigated the trials and tribulations of adolescence, fate threw them a curveball when Joanna received a life-altering diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Facing this daunting challenge at such a tender age, they were forced to make a profound decision about starting a family earlier than planned. With unwavering devotion to each other, Joanna and Rafael chose to embrace the moment, and together, they welcomed a beautiful daughter into the world. This unexpected twist in their journey would lead them down a path of maturity and responsibility they never could have anticipated.
Now, 15 years after that serendipitous encounter, Joanna and Rafael are on the verge of a heartwarming union, sealing their love in matrimony. Their remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the extraordinary bond that can be forged between two souls. Their impending wedding is a culmination of their enduring love story, a celebration of their unwavering commitment, and a reminder that love can conquer any challenge life throws their way.
Pass the tissues please, yes, we are crying already and we haven’t even gotten to the ceremony.
Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding ceremony?
We picked Mexico as our destination since it served as a midpoint for both families, as some relatives couldn’t join us in the United States. Additionally, Mexico’s beauty, culture, and all its offerings were appealing factors for our decision.
Joanna and Rafa said “We do” in the gardens of Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. The set-up was delightfully romantic, the geometric altar aligned with the Mexican Caribbean sea in the background and framing our gorgeous couple perfectly.
Florals by Cherry Blossom brought a luscious touch to the altar, the aisle and of course those amazing bouquets. We adore sweet flower girls and ring bearers coming down a grass aisle lined by flower petals.
What made you decide on a wedding reception at Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen?
Villa la Joya captured our attention with its stunning architecture and the beautiful Playa Paraiso beach. When we visited the location in person, it truly left us speechless and filled us with emotions. We instantly knew that our celebration had to take place at the exquisite Villa la Joya.
We totally loved the set-up starting with Total Tents and their gorgeous translucent tent with flowing waves of fabric. Beautiful table settings and florals, personalized dance floor and the lighting for the reception over the Villa la Joya pool, just perfect. Moving toasts, tequila and a whole lot of dancing, it was a magic night of celebration and a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding to remember.
Any advice you’d like to share with other brides planning a destination wedding in Mexico?
Savor the Present. It’s easy to get carried away with planning and striving for perfection, but things have a way of falling perfectly into place. A helpful tip, though, would be to avoid bringing your personal phone near water – my phone got wet and stopped working just a day before the wedding, a funny mishap in hindsight!
Gracias Joanna and Rafa: Thanks for your inspirational destination wedding love story!
We thank you both for inviting Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen to be part of the wedding chapter of your love story. From all of us, we send you both wishes for a long, healthy, and happy lifetime together!
As always, we share our gratitude with the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who make all our Villa la Joya events so special. Professional, creative, world-class, gracias.
Planner. Mafer, Mi Amorcito Corazon | Photo. Ruben Chan Photography | Glam. Beauty Expert | Flowers. Cherry Blossom | Rentals. Love Memories| Catering. Gourmet Soberanis | Cake. Nube Reposteria | PhotoBooth. Pic Me | Music. Banda Vakeros