Destination Wedding Mexico: Mark and Stephanie’s Gorgeous Villa la Joya Wedding in Playa del Carmen
The Villa la Joya wedding of Mark and Stephanie was simply dreamy! This adorable couple joined us to tie the knot surrounded by the love of family and friends. Stephanie was kind enough to send us her thoughts about her destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya, we know you will be inspired.
Words from the Bride: Destination Wedding Mexico Villa la Joya Amor
Mark and Stephanie met in the late summer of 2014 in Santa Monica, California. Stephanie had just moved to Santa Monica for a college internship and Mark had been living there for nearly six years. Mark had just returned home from a business trip when a couple of friends convinced him to beat the jet lag and join them for Sunday Funday. Stephanie and her friend were at the restaurant when Mark's pal asked them to pull up a chair to watch the football game. Mark tried to play a shy guy, but eventually made his move on Stephanie and they've been together ever since.
Mark and Stephanie both share a passion for traveling. One of the first trips the couple ever took together was to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was a beautiful trip and so many happy memories were made. When it came to planning the wedding, Stephanie knew she wanted it to be a destination. Both of their families are so spread out so it was important that the location could be accessible and enjoyed by all. Stephanie wanted as close to a beach wedding as you could get without being on the beach. She also loved the idea of overlooking the property on a high balcony and having a grand staircase for photos. After a couple of searches on Instagram Stephanie found Villa La Joya and instantly fell in love. Now all she had to do was convince Mark. They took a very quick trip down to Playa del Carmen (pre-covid) and it took about 3 seconds for Mark to say okay this is the place!
Stephanie: My favorite moment had to be our first dance, it was a moment where we could relax and just be together and enjoy the night. We also had floor sparklers go off during the dance which was a fun surprise for all of our guests.
Mark: My favorite moment would be our first look. It was upstairs on the grand balcony and it was so special to see Stephanie in her dress and all ready for our big day! It was also a relief knowing that all of our planning had come together and we could just enjoy our time with one another.
We had all of our guests stay at Paradisus in Playa del Carmen and this was so great for us because the resort offers so many activities for large groups. We had a welcome drinks gathering at the resort two nights before the wedding. This was a casual way for everyone to meet and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We also had a rehearsal dinner at the Thompson Hotel on the rooftop. This was a very intimate and special dinner to thank those that are the closest to us before the big day!
We really would not change a thing! We had an obstacle to face with Covid, but besides that everything ran very smoothly and we appreciated all of the hard work from our vendors to make everything happen!
My advice to other brides/couples would be to trust that everything will come together. All of the vendors work together throughout the years on several weddings and all complement each other so well. If your wedding is in the late spring/summer pack a small fan because it is hot;)
Muchas gracias, big thanks from Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!
From all of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, a huge thank you to Stephanie and Mark for choosing us to host your destination wedding in Mexico! It was a pleasure to welcome you to our home and we wish you all the best for an incredible life together.
Super big thanks to our Playa del Carmen wedding vendors of course and as always, no vendor fees at Villa la Joya! Contact us TODAY to start planning your dream destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! Can’t wait to hear your ideas and your stories of love!
Leila Wedding Planner - Wedding Coordinator
Sweet Caribbean - Photo & Video
Beso Brides - Hair and Makeup
Cherry Blossom - Florist
Easy Gourmet - Catering
Plug In Audiovisual - Music & Dance Floor
La Migaja - Cake
Papeliux - Dessert Table
Pastor Christian - Officiant
Royal Table - Rentals