Marie & Nate’s Unforgettable Wedding at Villa La Joya

Some love stories start with a glance across the room. Marie and Nate’s? It started with the bass drop at an EDC music festival in Las Vegas in 2019. They super clicked and a long-distance relationship followed, filled with cross-country flights, late-night calls, and the undeniable realization that one of them had to make a move. In 2020, Marie packed her bags and made LA her home.

Fast forward to June 2023, and Nate pulled off the perfect surprise proposal at Sunset Beach. Under the ruse of a casual dinner at a friend’s house, he led Marie to the shore, where a stunning setup of arches and flowers awaited. As he got down on one knee, Marie’s joy turned to happy disbelief when she saw her parents and best friend - flown in from Kentucky and Tennessee- there to witness the moment. But Nate wasn’t done yet; he planned an entire engagement celebration weekend in Catalina Island with their closest family and friends, he is a keeper!

Why Choose Mexico for your wedding?

The moment the couple started planning their destination wedding, the Riviera Maya was a no-brainer. Their first international trip together had been to Tulum, a place that stole their hearts with its beauty, warmth, and incredible memories. What better way to start their new chapter than in a place that meant so much to them?

Choosing Villa La Joya for your destination wedding

With its breathtaking oceanfront views, intimate setting, and the freedom to create a truly personalized wedding, Villa La Joya was the perfect venue. Unlike traditional resorts with rigid vendor restrictions and costly guest accommodations, Villa La Joya offered the couple the flexibility they wanted- an exclusive, private space where they could design their dream wedding, exactly how they envisioned it.

A Day Full of Love, Laughter & Tears: First Look

Every wedding has those moments that stay etched in the heart forever, and for Marie, it was her first look with Nate. While everyone around her had been tearing up all day, she had managed to stay composed - until she saw her soon-to-be husband. In that moment, every emotion she had held back came rushing in, making for one of the most unforgettable memories of their special day.

The Wedding Aesthetic: Elegant, Neutral, and Timeless

Marie and Nate envisioned an elegant wedding with a color palette inspired by nature - whites, tans, and lush greenery. Their goal was to create a setting that felt classic and refined, a celebration that would remain timeless in their hearts and photographs for years to come.

A Rainy Surprise & A Lesson for Future Brides

If they could change one thing? Maybe choosing a later date. Though November is usually the end of hurricane season, rain decided to make a grand entrance on their wedding day. Luckily, they had planned ahead and rented a tent - an absolute lifesaver. In the end, the rain cleared, the air cooled, and the night turned into everything they had dreamed of.

Advice for Destination Brides

Marie’s biggest advice? Have a Plan B! Weather can be unpredictable, and small backups - like a tent - can be the difference between a perfect day and a logistical nightmare.

For Marie and Nate, their wedding was more than just a day - it was a celebration of their journey, their love, and the adventure ahead. And if their story has proven anything, it’s that love, much like a festival anthem, always finds its perfect beat.

Big thank you, muchas gracias

From all of us at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya, we extend our gratitude to Marie and Nate for inviting us to be a part of your special day. We wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

As always, we send our thanks to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this vision to life. Creative, and professional, we adore you and are honored to work with you all. (And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya!)