Viewing entries tagged
Boho Wedding

A Love Story in Paradise: Gabriella & Andrew’s Villa La Joya Wedding

A Love Story in Paradise: Gabriella & Andrew’s Villa La Joya Wedding

Some love stories take years to unfold. Others begin with a leap of faith - like booking a trip with friends and meeting the one over 8,000 miles from home.

Gabriella and Andrew had spent years moving in the same circles but never actually met until a vacation to Thailand in 2018. Their click was instant, and when they returned home, their love story really got rolling. Four years later, Andrew proposed at their favorite getaway, Lake Havasu, Arizona. It was the perfect beginning to their next chapter - one that would lead them to an unforgettable wedding at Villa La Joya in Mexico.

Why Villa La Joya? A Dream Venue Found on Instagram

The moment Gabriella attended a wedding in Cancun, she knew she wanted to tie the knot in paradise. The Riviera Maya’s beaches, warm breezes, and effortless elegance set the scene for destination weddings in Mexico that delight guests and newlyweds alike.

When Gabriella’s wedding coordinator introduced her to Villa La Joya Riviera Maya, she knew she had found the venue. The Playa del Carmen private villa offered everything she was looking for: timeless elegance, an intimate atmosphere, and breathtaking ocean views - without the challenges of a sandy beach ceremony. After following Villa La Joya on Instagram and seeing the stunning weddings held there, the decision was made.

A Neutral Boho-Rustic Wedding with a Personal Touch

The vision for their private villa wedding was a blend of Gabriella and Andrew’s styles - boho-inspired dried florals for her, and rustic wooden accents for him. Their color palette was soft and neutral, with a carefully chosen pop of olive green to highlight Andrew’s striking green eyes.

From the moment friends and family arrived, they encountered beautiful elements that reflected the bride and groom’s personalities: romantic textures, natural elegance, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt both upscale and intimate.

The Moment That Took Everyone’s Breath Away

For all the carefully planned details, nothing could have prepared Gabriella for the moment - when Andrew saw her for the first time as a Riviera Maya bride ready to walk down the aisle.

Andrew isn’t the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. But when Gabriella appeared, walking toward their beachside ceremony, something changed. His eyes met hers, and suddenly, the emotions overwhelmed him. Tears streamed down Andrew’s face when he saw his bride and it was a moment that had everyone reaching for the tissues.

It was a reaction no one had expected - especially Gabriella, who now treasures the memory as one of the most meaningful moments of the day.

What Every Destination Bride Should Know: Gabriella’s Advice

Planning a Riviera Maya wedding from miles away is no small feat, but Gabriella learned a few valuable lessons along the way:

  • Savor every second. The day flies by faster than you think - take a breath and soak it all in.

  • Invest in high quality photo and video. These are the memories you’ll cherish forever, and a good photographer is worth every penny.

  • Trust your local Riviera Maya wedding vendors. DIY might seem like a cost-saver, but between packing, customs, and logistics, the stress wasn’t worth it. The professionals know how to bring your vision to life.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Brides - your wedding day is not the time to be answering questions or putting out fires. Hand your phone to your Maid of Honor, and let your team handle the details.

A Celebration to Remember

Gabriella and Andrew’s wedding at Villa La Joya was everything they had dreamed of - romantic, elegant, and deeply personal. From a love story that started on the other side of the world to a wedding day in Mexico filled with unforgettable moments, their journey to forever continues side by side. All of us at Villa la Joya send our gratitude and best wishes to the newlyweds, may you enjoy a lifetime of joy together.

Make your destination wedding dreams come true, talk to us today. High season is booking up, it’s time to reserve your wedding date at Villa la Joya!

As always, we send a very special gracias to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this vision to life. We are honored to work with such creative professionals and look forward to seeing you again soon at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Venue. Villa La Joya | Coordinator: Shailly Weddings | Photographer: Andre Gouin | Videographer: Sea Love Wedding Films | Hair & Makeup: Zöe Elizabeth | Dress: Glenda Dress by Calla Blanche | Custom Nikes & Veil: @blingbycandi | Stationery & Details: Brought by the bride, set up by Shailly | Furniture Rentals: Minimal Rent | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Bar Service: Be You Service | Churro Cart: Los Pockets MX | DJ: DiscoMovil | Cigar Bar: D. Silvas Cigar Service

Big, Bold and Beautiful Mexico Destination Wedding: Llana and Matt

Big, Bold and Beautiful Mexico Destination Wedding: Llana and Matt

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

Stephanie & Evan's Romantic Minimalist Wedding at Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen

Stephanie & Evan's Romantic Minimalist Wedding at Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen

In the magic hour of golden light, Stephanie and Evan became man and wife in the garden of Villa la Joya, Playa del Carmen. The gorgeous couple exchanged vows in a simple and elegant destination wedding ceremony by the sea attended by their friends and family decked out in some fantastic fashions. 

Villa la Joya was excited to welcome Stephanie and Evan from “across the pond” and to see all the dreams and planning come to life in their fall wedding in Mexico. This couple from the UK met in their hometown and lived a wandering life following Evan’s career as a rugby player before settling down in Newcastle where Evan proposed outside Bamburgh Castle. (We adore love stories with castles!)

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico? 

"We chose Mexico as our destination, as Mexico was our first big holiday together, and we have so many memories here. Having been to Mexico twice before our wedding, and the fact we both love the sun, beach, and holidays we felt it was the perfect choice. When we booked our wedding date, we went back to our first holiday in Mexico and realized the first day we spent in Mexico was the 26th of October, so it felt extra special and as though it was meant to happen," Stephanie shared about their decision.

How did you choose Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen as your wedding venue in Mexico?

"We had been searching up and down for the perfect venue, and we actually came across Villa La Joya on social media (Instagram). We instantly fell in love with the venue, from the views, interior, and external area. We instantly got in touch with the Villa La Joya team, who were incredible and so helpful," Stephanie said about discovering Villa La Joya.

How would you describe your Mexico destination wedding style?

"We are both minimalist people, we don’t really have a favourite colour or flower. We love classic, simple but effective. So we thought black and white for the wedding party would give this look. Filled with pampas which is all over our home decor. When we look back at pictures we absolutely love them, with the white touches of black and gold," Stephanie described the wedding style.

The rectangular arch for the ceremony bedecked in white flowers and pampas, the chandeliers and candles lighting the reception, the divine minimalist cake and a live musician playing saxophone, there were so many details that made this a perfectly elegant affair. And oh what a party too, elegant doesn’t mean “stuffy”, this group rocked it out on the dance floor. 

"Our favourite moment of our wedding was each of our guests enjoying themselves, and also telling us how incredible the whole experience from the holiday to the wedding day was. The surprise of them turning up to Villa La Joya and their faces seeing how incredible the venue is, was the icing on the cake," Stephanie shared her joy.

Advice for brides planning a destination wedding in Mexico?

"I don’t think there is anything different we would have done. We had 2 years of planning and prepping, so we felt fairly organized and just ready to enjoy the day," Stephanie reflected on the wedding planning process.

Stephanie's advice for brides is personal and straightforward. "Trust your gut, do what makes you both happy. It is your day and that’s what matters the most. Soak up every moment, take time after the ceremony to spend time together alone to watch your guests enjoy themselves, and to also have a little toast together. (Let’s be honest, wedding planning isn’t always straightforward). Oh, and don’t forget that Moet for the morning of the wedding... trust me it settled those nerves."

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Stephanie and Evan, wishing them a lifetime filled with love and joy. Stephanie and Evan, thank you for allowing Villa La Joya to play a part in your enchanting love story.

Special thanks are due to the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors whose professionalism, creativity, and talent contributed to making this affair truly elegant:

Planner: Lucy Gallagher | Photo: Martin Wilk | Video: About Time Wedding Films | Hair & Makeup: Zoe Elizabeth | Florals: Cherry Blossom | Rentals: Kay & Tee | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cake: Lali Pasteles | Sax: Ariel | DJ: Disco Movil

Evan and Stephanie's wedding was a celebration of love, simplicity, and the beauty of a carefully chosen destination. If you're inspired by their story, contact Villa La Joya and let us help bring your dream destination wedding to life. Our team, along with the best wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen, is ready to make your ideas a reality. Send us a message today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

Family-Friendly Destination Wedding

Family-Friendly Destination Wedding

Margaret and Kyle’s Family-Friendly Destination Wedding

We just adore a family-friendly wedding at Villa la Joya and we were thrilled to host the nuptials of Margaret and Kyle. This sweet couple were joined together forever in love surrounded by generations of family and friends. With a moving ceremony and a warm and welcoming reception, gorgeous boho details and SO much family amor, this is a real wedding in Mexico that will just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Boho Beautiful Villa la Joya Wedding Ceremony: An Afternoon of Magic and Light

Margaret and Kyle’s wedding day was such fun, starting off getting ready with their nearest and dearest and enjoying a little “first look” prank on the groom. A lighthearted way to kick off this day full of blessings.  

The wedding ceremony took place on the steps of the Villa la Joya grand entrance with luscious pampas grass and dried florals, a stunning A-frame arch at the altar, and the warmth of the afternoon sun creating a beautiful light. Margaret was picture-perfect with her flowing hair and gown by L'Amour by Calla Blanche and groom Kyle was handsome in his classic tux and bowtie, no socks of course. 

Unique Family-Friendly Destination Wedding Ideas: Fun for All Ages

The knot was tied and the newlyweds invited everyone to the Villa la Joya garden for the cocktail hour and reception. The garden was set up with a cute little tent with big pillows and crafty ideas for the little ones. The grownups shared champagne toasts and ceviche and got in on the kids’ bean bag toss and played on the swing. 

Margaret and Kyle joined their loved ones for dinner at the long reception tables, an alternative to the sweethearts’ table that really brings everyone together. After a divine meal by Gourmet Soberanis, toasts were raised that brought tears and laughter and the rest of the evening was a blur of smiles on the dance floor.

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico? Why choose Villa la Joya?

We always like to ask our newlyweds to share their experience in planning their destination weddings at Villa la Joya. Margaret and Kyle were kind enough to share their thoughts and inspirations.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Our first vacation was to the Mayan Riviera over the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend. We planned and booked our trip a few weeks before that weekend. The night before while out for drinks, Kyle realized his passport was expired, and he couldn't make the flight. He got an emergency passport later that morning (I went anyways!) and met him the next day at the resort :) We continued to vacation to Mexico almost every year together, and enjoyed the people, the food and the general vibe. We also wanted to spend more than 24 hours with our family and friends celebrating this big milestone in our lives and we knew if we got married in Mexico, we can enjoy the company of the closest people in our lives throughout the week.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya?

We both wanted a venue that was away from the resort and one that would be memorable. I came across the Villa on instagram and fell in love with the possibilities. Shortly after, we met the team at Paradise Wedding and Events, and they were very familiar with the Villa, as they've planned multiple weddings there. We knew we were in great hands after taking a tour a few months later!

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day? 

The most memorable, as cheesy as it sounds, was seeing all our friends and family together on our special day. Many of the guests didn't actually look up the venue prior to the wedding (I thought they would!), and so when the guests turned the corner after the ceremony, they were in complete shock with the back of the villa. Seeing pure joy, happiness and love is all we wanted on the day of our wedding!

Big thanks and muchas felicidades to newlyweds Margaret and Kyle 

We had such fun hosting the family-friendly destination wedding of Margaret and Kyle and we send our big thanks for choosing Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. It was a real pleasure to host this day full of love, playfulness and joy. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

As always, a big warm abrazo to the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who brought their creativity and professionalism to the event. We thank you all for lighting up the Villa with your magic and remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! 

Wedding Planners: Paradise Wedding & Events

Photo/Video: Maricarmen Arcos Photography

Makeup/Hair: Zoe Elizabeth

Dress Designer: L'Amour by Calla Blanche

Flowers: Cherry Blossom

Catering: Gourmet Soberanis

Rentals: EW Cancun

Cake: Lali Pasteles

DJ: Uno Audiovisual

Ready to start planning your own family-friendly destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya? Contact us today and let’s make your wedding dreams come true!

How to plan the perfect bohemian wedding in Mexico

How to plan the perfect bohemian wedding in Mexico

What is a “boho chic wedding”? We’ve all seen photos of dreamy weddings by the sea with flowing frocks and flowers in everyone’s hair. Soft, comfortable decor and a chill vibe are perfect for a cozy, intimate wedding with relaxed and inviting energy. Is a bohemian wedding in Mexico what you’ve always dreamed of?

How would you describe the “boho style”? Think organic and natural, laid-back, go with the flow, artistic, creative, and a little unconventional. A bohemian wedding is warm and welcoming, a celebration of love and the elements. A little bit hippie, a little bit of elegance, and a whole lot of romance!!

The wedding planners at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen LOVE a delicious bohemian wedding, here are some tips from our experts.

Consider the wedding destination and venue, best by the beach of course!

You’ll want that warm ocean breeze and the swaying palm trees as the canvas to create your own bohemian wedding masterpiece. A lush garden on the sea is the perfect setting for a bohemian wedding. Boho weddings at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen are simply magic.

Guests attire, yes, you can define a dress code for your wedding aesthetic.

Think natural material and neutral colors or floral prints. Asking guests to wear one color like an “all-white” wedding is a gorgeous way to tie the bohemian aesthetic all together. 

Bohemian bridal style.

The bohemian bride is the epitome of romance, lacy and flowing and free, with gowns or dresses that blow in the breeze, softness in hair and makeup, and a natural look that never goes out of style. Floral crowns, vintage bridal dresses with antique lace, braids for hair, soft updos, or long natural locks and curls, the bohemian bride glows.

Soft Lighting and Decor.

Pampas grass and palm leaves, wood, antique metals, dried flowers or neutral colored blooms, candles and lanterns, make it soft, make it cozy, make it elemental. 

Lounge areas for guests to chill with a drink.

Comfy couches, deep pillows, natural textiles and rugs, create a “chill out” area for relaxing between dances and engaging in delightful conversation. A bohemian lounge area is the perfect place to set up an “aguas frescas” table or present your signature cocktails to refresh your guests’ thirst. 

Ready to start planning your own bohemian wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen? We can’t wait to hear your ideas and see your vision boards! Contact us today and let the good vibes flow.

Photo Credits (in no particular order): Sweet Caribbean Photo, Caro Navarro Photography, Amor Amor Weddings, Maricarmen Arcos, Daniel Ramirez Photographer, Jonathan Yacoub Photography,LuxArt Wedding Studio, Julie Roman Photography, Dani Toscano