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Destination weddings

A Riviera Maya Elegant Wedding at Villa la Joya

A Riviera Maya Elegant Wedding at Villa la Joya

Love in Bloom, Fireworks, and Fabulous Fun

There’s something magical about saying "I do" at Villa la Joya, a breathtaking destination wedding venue in Mexico. Recently, lovebirds Jessica and Chris celebrated their big day in an event that was elegant and full of surprises. From dreamy floral designs to exciting entertainment, this wedding was truly unforgettable.

Fabulous Florals and Warm Hues

The wedding ceremony began with a visual feast: a stunning arch of florals in a gradient of warm-colored roses that set the tone for a romantic and luxurious affair. Cherry Blossom Floral brought the couple’s vision to life, creating arrangements that were both timeless and vibrant, perfectly complementing the venue’s lush tropical surroundings and Italian villa vibe.

Family, Friends and a Whole Lot of Love: Group Wedding Portraits 

Villa la Joya is a destination wedding venue in Mexico that looks great from any angle, but looks even better when complemented by smiles. Capturing unforgettable group portraits in front of the stunning backdrop of the villa. Jessica and Chris made sure to include a BIG group shot with all their loved ones, a memory they'll cherish for years to come. Love these destination wedding portraits!

Glamorous Decor and Memorable Moments

White and gold details added a touch of opulence to the reception, with personalized table signs and decor that exuded style. Guests gathered at circular tables- perfect for sparking conversation while sipping on signature cocktails. With a saxophone player serenading the crowd, the atmosphere was chic and relaxed.

Things kicked it up a notch with the bridesmaids making an unforgettable entrance to the reception, they stomped the runway over the villa's pool, adding a playful twist to the day. Fabulous, fashion extravaganza, the champagne-colored dresses and gorgeous ladies brought the party to life. 

Jessica and Chris made their big newlyweds entrance and were given a warm and resounding welcome as husband and wife, together forever. This was a really wonderful group of people, the bride and groom were showered in love and support.

Reception Vibes: Dance, Laugh, and Toast

As the night continued, heartfelt toasts, funny stories, and touching speeches had everyone laughing and tearing up in equal measure. The couple's reception dress code switch-up kept the fashion fresh-  Jessica wowed in stylish reception pants paired with a sexy strapless top.

A champagne tower added a sparkling touch to the night, and the couple's toast to their new life together was made all the more special by the elegant setup.

A Dream Team of Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors

Of course, no event this spectacular comes together without a team of all-star vendors. Mango Weddings orchestrated the day’s perfect flow, while Julie Roman Photography and Frame Films captured every detail, ensuring Jessica and Chris will treasure their day for years to come.

From the glam squad (Beauty Expert) to the gourmet catering (Gourmet Soberanis), this was a day curated with taste and sophistication. Pyrotech set the sky alight with fireworks, and PicMe Photobooth brought an extra layer of fun for guests to enjoy.

An Unforgettable Riviera Maya Wedding 

With Villa la Joya as their canvas, Jessica and Chris painted a wedding day that was uniquely theirs - filled with laughter, tears, fireworks, and unforgettable moments. This destination wedding in Mexico was more than a celebration of love; it was a reflection of a couple who made sure every detail was as extraordinary as their love story.

Everyone at Villa la Joya sends all their best wishes to this sweet couple, may you enjoy a lifetime of joy and love. Thank you for choosing Villa la Joya as your venue for your destination wedding in Mexico, we adored having your vibrant energy in our gardens by the sea. This wedding at Villa la Joya is a perfect reminder that love shines brightest when shared with family, friends, and a little bit of sparkle.


Feeling inspired? Us too, this was gorge! If you are looking for a unique destination wedding venue, you have found us! Private villa weddings, one per day, just you, just your people, just your love story, personalized in every way. This is not a “cookie cutter” all-inclusive resort wedding venue, every event is as unique as the shells on our shores. Let’s talk, hook up with our team by video call and start making magic.

Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Credits:

Planning: Mango Weddings | Photography: Julie Roman | Videography: Frame Wedding Films | Glam: Beauty Expert | Florals: Cherry Blossom | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cake: Lali Pasteles | Rentals: Velvet Event Design & Hercon Entertainment (dance floor) | Entertainment: Pyrotech & PicMe Photobooth | DJ: Plugin Audiovisual

Stunning Modern Formal Wedding in Mexico: Felicidades Marina & Luke!

Stunning Modern Formal Wedding in Mexico: Felicidades Marina & Luke!

Destination wedding inspiration ahead, welcome to the nuptials of the gorgeous young couple Marina and Luke. The two met in college in Colorado and after a few months, Luke gathered up his courage to ask Marina out on a date. The date apparently went well as we are delighted to be here celebrating their Villa la Joya wedding in Playa del Carmen.

Everything about this wedding was just right, simple, modern, formal. The color palette of white with black details and touches of greenery created an ideal scene for romance. The ceremony set-up at the entrance to Villa la Joya featured lush floral arrangements that appeared to flow down the stairs like a waterfall. The reception was a dynamic party that had happy guests dancing all night long.

Classic Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding ceremony

Surrounded by soft and pretty flowers against the Italian architecture of the villa, Marina and Luke exchanged vows in an elegant ceremony. Marina glowed in her gown by Galia Lahav with her natural look enhanced by the talented hands of Zoe Elizabeth hair and makeup by Heather B. Luke, rocked a classic formal tuxedo as he took the hands of his lovely bride with the promise of forever.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Luke and I always knew we wanted a destination wedding, somewhere with beautiful weather and the beach! Mexico made it easy for all of our friends and family to be together! Finding Villa La Joya was an absolute dream which sealed the deal. The Villa is absolutely breathtaking.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen for your wedding?

A private venue on the beach is all I’ve ever dreamed of and Villa La Joya just made those dreams come true. With the elegance and luxury I knew I could have my dream formal wedding there.

Playa del Carmen garden wedding reception: Romance, elegance and FUN

Each and every Villa la Joya wedding is unique and we are always thrilled to watch creative ideas become reality. Marina and Luke worked with our talented Playa del Carmen wedding vendors to create an amazing scenario for the cocktail hour and reception. The white and black theme, the lush white florals with greenery, the pretty place settings and oh those chandeliers, it was all simply divine.

What was your wedding theme or inspiration?

The wedding theme was a modern formal wedding with the pallet being shades of white and touches of black and greenery. I wanted it to feel romantic but also a fun atmosphere for all our guests. In the front of the villa we had our ceremony. We had an electric violinist play during that portion and then switched to a DJ in the back of the house for cocktail hour and reception. The music was a huge hit for all our guests who literally danced ALL NIGHT!

Congratulations Marina and Luke on your Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding!

We would like to extend our huge thanks and a big congratulations to Marina and Luke. We were so honored you chose to host your destination wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, thank you for turning our seaside garden into a wonderland. All of our best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together surrounded by your beautiful family and friends.

As always, a special thanks to the incredibly talented, professional and creative Playa del Carmen wedding vendors whom we simply adore. We could not make wedding magic without you! And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya, let’s put those pesos to something fun!

Planner: Fresa Weddings | Travel Agent: Playa Bella Weddings & Travel | Photography/videography: Amor Amor Weddings | Makeup: Makeup by Heather B | Hair: Zoe Elizabeth Makeup | Wedding Gown: Galia Lahav | Rentals: Kay & Tee Boutique Rentals | Graphics: Elements Graphics | Florals: Luis Salas Florals | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Churros: Los Pockets | Violinist: Tenoch Violinist | DJ: UNO Audiovisual | Content Creators: Follow The Bride

Feeling inspired and want to start planning your destination wedding in Mexico?

Contact Villa la Joya today and tell us all about your vision, let’s get you married in paradise!

Lesly and Nathan’s Romantic Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

Lesly and Nathan’s Romantic Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

California couple Lesly and Nathan celebrated their love story with a romantic Riviera Maya wedding at Villa la Joya Mexico. Joined by friends and family for an intimate ceremony, the couple exchanged vows by the Mexican Caribbean sea and united forever as husband and wife.

Villa la Joya was transformed by the creativity of Lesly and Nathan's planning, with Villa Planners and the best wedding vendors in Mexico. Circular floral arch for the ceremony and oh those table settings for the reception, the flowers were lush and perfect, the decor was classic, and every detail was in place for pure romance. A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits, the reception was lively, tequila was flowing and everyone hit the dance floor with umbrellas in hand.

We asked Lesly and Nathan to share their thoughts with us about their big day. It is such a pleasure to read the responses we get from our couples, we just know you’ll be inspired:

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico?

We picked Mexico for a destination wedding because it has always been a fun place to visit, the culture is beautiful, and the service is always amazing. One of the first vacations we took together as a couple was to Mexico!

Why choose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding?

Villa La Joya was beautiful so it was very easy to pick as our venue. We wanted a venue that wasn’t the traditional venue, we wanted something unique. We dreamt of our wedding overlooking a beautiful view, relaxed, & non traditional. A lot of the venues we inquired also limited the ideas that I had for my inspired wedding, like with vendors, and had a lot of rules that took away from my ideas.

Villa la Joya was the opposite of all that and allowed us to plan the wedding of our dreams. Being that we live in California, we wanted wedding planners to help us with the process. Who better than Villa Planners themselves! They know the venue and a lot of vendors who work at the venue which made it so easy to plan the wedding.

What was your wedding style?

Our wedding theme was inspired by a timeless romantic theme. We wanted our decor to be very classy, elegant, & timeless. Our color scheme was ivory, gold, and red and it was so beautifully brought to life by Florería la Fiore & Planner 1 Events. The red rose represented romance and the gold represented timeless elegance. Very much our style!

Do you have a favorite memory from your wedding day?

My favorite part of the wedding was our first look. It was such a private & emotional moment between my husband and I, and the view that we had was beyond beautiful. It is something that was so personal to us both, that he and I will always remember this time together.

Any advice for brides planning a destination wedding in Mexico?

I would tell other brides to trust the process. Villa la Joya was easy to work with, it makes the wedding planning so easy. Enjoy the day because it feels like it flies by! Don’t forget to take a step back and look at your beautiful wedding and take in the view.

We want to give a shout-out to all of our vendors. To Maria Carmen Arcos Photography for capturing it all. To Gourmet Soberanis for creating our delicious dinner menu and drinks. To Disco Móvil and Kiev Morales Violin for working together and creating the best energy for our guests. And to all of our servers from Villa La Joya, thank you for all your work at serving us, keeping the area so clean, and being so kind to us all. Thank you to all of our vendors!

With much gratitude, a huge thank you to Lesly and Nathan. Gracias!

All our best wishes to Lesly and Nathan for a lifetime of happiness together, we thank you for inviting us to be a part of your love story. It was a pleasure to host your destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

Of course this beautiful wedding was the result of the professionalism and creativity of the best wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya, muchas gracias a todos! You are always welcome at Villa la Joya, with none of those silly vendor fees. Let’s make magic!!!

Send us an email now and tell us all about your destination wedding dreams. It’s time to bring your ideas to life at Villa la Joya!

Spectacular Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Spectacular Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Agreen and Sapiro’s Spectacular Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Modern Tuscan elegance by the sea, a dreamy destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! Real wedding inspiration that will have you ooohing and aaahing, are you ready?

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was absolutely aglow for the wedding of Agreen and Sapiro. Overflowing roses, a stunning altar and sparkling chandeliers, our seaside gardens welcomed the loved ones of this beautiful couple to a grand day of joy and celebration.  

Agreen and Sapiro brought their ideas for a “Modern Tuscan'' wedding to life at Villa la Joya. The setting and details were gorgeous, but what really made this day special was the love of the couple and those who joined them to be a part of their destination wedding day. Viva romance, passion and love, you can feel it in every photo!

The Golden Hour of Love: An Emotional Wedding Ceremony

The sun was absolutely perfect, the skies were blue and the ocean breeze blessed it all with a kiss of the sea. Agreen and Sapiro exchanged vows in a moving wedding ceremony that captured the hearts of all in attendance. The ceremony set-up was stunning, the abundance of white roses, the shining white aisle, and the couple perfectly framed in a pergola-style altar with the backdrop of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. They exchanged words of love for now and forever and sealed the deal with a kiss.

Portraits, cocktails, and a joyous wedding reception at Villa la Joya

The newlyweds shared many a kiss and gazed deeply into each other’s eyes in some of the most fabulous wedding portraits we’ve seen! As Agreen and Sapiro and their bridal party created magazine-worthy photos with Luxart Weddings, their guests were welcomed to cocktails in a white and gold wonderland that set the scene for the elegant reception. 

With golden touches in the table settings, candles and roses, and sparkling chandeliers, the gardens of Villa la Joya were transformed into the couple's dream of a Modern Tuscan vibe. With lots of laughs and tears through the toasts, a delicious dinner and a dynamic reception with fireworks and a glorious cake, Agreen and Sapiro danced the night away surrounded by loved ones in an unforgettable night.

The love story of Agreen and Sapiro: Interview with a destination wedding bride

We asked the newlyweds a few questions about their love story and here is what they shared with us:

A brief story of how you two met? We met the old fashion way! In a bar getting drunk and the rest is history.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

We wanted to enjoy more than just one day with our guests, we wanted everyone to be on vacation and relaxed. We love Mexico and it was a no brainer to be by the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

What made you decide on a Villa La Joya wedding?

From the very beginning, we wanted something that was a show stopper, something grand and spectacular. We looked at so many places and once we saw VLJ, we knew it was the one. Everything from the inside stairs, the view, the fountain and the pool.

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

Our vows were the most emotional. It was from the bottom of our hearts and it was expressing our love from the past and the future.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides?

Give yourself more time than you think the day of and enjoy it, it goes by very quickly!

Big thanks, muchas gracias Agreen and Sapiro!

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our best wishes to the newlyweds for a long and happy lifetime full of laughter and joy! It was our pleasure to meet you and get to know you and witness the love you share. 

As always, a huge thank you to the exceptional wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen. Each and every one of you brings professionalism and passion to creating world-class destination weddings at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Muchas gracias! (And hey, did you know? There are never any vendor fees at VLJ, let your imagination run wild!)

Playa del Carmen Wedding Vendors: 

Wedding Planning. Fresa Weddings

Photo. LuxArt Wedding Studio

Video. Sea Love Wedding Films

Glam. Milas Makeup​​​​​​​​

Flowers. Luis Floral Experience

Wedding Dress. Galia Lahav

Rentals. Planner1 Events + Kay & Tee Boutique Rentals + Grupo Gama

Catering. Gourmet Soberanis

Signs. Elements Graphics

DJ. Plug In Audiovisual

Destination Wedding Don’ts: Etiquette Planning Mistakes

Destination Wedding Don’ts: Etiquette Planning Mistakes

Coordinating a destination wedding involves a whole lot of moving parts, so many details to plan and people and feelings involved. Planning a wedding is something you do once in a lifetime so it’s forgivable if you are not a Miss Manners expert in wedding etiquette. Some rules are “common sense kindness” and others are a little more specific to destination weddings. Here are some etiquette DON’TS when planning your destination wedding so you can avoid any unintentional “faux pas”.

Don’t send your invitations too late! Your “save the date” announcements should be sent 6-12 months in advance and the invitations no less than 3 or 4 months. Give your guests adequate notice to prepare for time off work and to save for the vacation expenses of a destination wedding. Be sure to include an RSVP deadline. 

  1. Don’t mention gifts or registries on the invitation! Save it for the wedding website. Gifts at destination weddings are a bit of a blurry area as your guests will already be spending on their travel so many brides and grooms will forego registries and simply ask for the presence of their loved ones. Asking for monetary gifts towards your wedding expenses or honeymoon is fine, just be sure to make it easy for your guests to safely send money and never ask on the invitation.


  2. Don't forget important invitation details! Beyond the basics of date, time, and location, be sure to specify WHO is invited, if a “plus one” is included, and if children are welcome. 


  3. Don’t limit your guests to only one hotel choice. Provide options in different price ranges and offer your guests travel assistance with a travel agent.  Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen enjoys a magical location, with so many accommodation options all around us, including our own nearby condo for use by the bride and groom. We are happy to help with recommendations on great places to stay for your guests.


  4. Don’t leave your guests dangling in the days leading up to the wedding itself. Play host to pre-wedding time, provide a “Welcome Package” with tropical treats and destination guidance and plan a few events to unite the clans. 


  5. Don’t arrive at any of your planned wedding events late, never leave your guests waiting! It sounds like common courtesy, but it’s always good to have a little reminder. This is most important on your wedding day when being late is not only discourteous to your guests but to your vendors who want to serve your food hot and your drinks cold and keep your timeline on schedule. 


  6. Don’t make your guests pay for anything on your wedding day. Provide round-trip transportation to the venue and don’t even think about a cash bar. 


  7. Don’t forget to greet and thank each guest personally on your wedding day. A receiving line is a tradition for a reason, it gives everyone a chance to share in the love. If you are foregoing a receiving line, be sure to make the rounds to take a moment with everyone who traveled for your big day. 


  8. Don’t disrespect vendors, this really should go without saying. Don’t. Be. Bridezilla. Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and gratitude. Be sure to provide your vendors with a meal and a big thank you for their part in your wedding day. 


  9. Don’t send thank you cards late and don’t send pre-printed cards without a personalized message. Take the time to hand-write a thank you and be sure to get the cards out in a timely fashion. Some etiquette experts say you have up to a year, but really, the sooner the better, generally within three months.


Destination wedding etiquette really is about courtesy and consideration. You are the host and you are welcoming guests, family, bridal party, and vendors to celebrate with you, be thoughtful, be kind, and avoid all the “don’ts” and everyone will have a spectacular day. 


What are your thoughts? Any questions about destination wedding etiquette? Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! 

Photo Credits: Evan White Photography, Maricarmen Arcos, Amor Amor Weddings, Arcos Productions, Two Fourteen Photography