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Wedding Aesthetics

Shannon and William’s Glamourous Villa la Joya Wedding

April 12, 2025

At Villa La Joya, we have the honor of witnessing incredible love stories come to life, and Shannon and William’s Riviera Maya wedding was truly unforgettable. From their Old Hollywood-inspired style to the vibrant "Gucci garden" floral design, their day was the perfect blend of glamour, elegance, and pure fun. Every detail was thoughtful and gorgeous, and we are so excited to share a glimpse into their magical celebration at our villa by the sea in the Riviera Maya.

We asked Shannon to share her expert insights into planning a destination wedding. You are going to love this peek into her experience getting married at Villa la Joya!

A Brief Story of How You Two Met and the Proposal:

We actually met online in 2011 and were friends for a long time. He’s from Cincinnati and I’m from Toronto, so we never really thought anything of it. He would always say he wanted to visit Toronto, and eventually in 2019 he did—and never stopped coming back!

We got engaged on May 25, 2023 (on his birthday!), at Dundas Square in downtown Toronto, where we had our first date.

Why Did You Choose Riviera Maya, Mexico for Your Destination Wedding?

The Canada/US border closed in March 2020, making it impossible to see each other as we lived in separate countries. We didn’t see each other from February 2020 until December 2020. We made the spontaneous decision to spend Christmas in Mexico, where we reunited for the first time all year.

Mexico helped us get through the hardest time in our relationship, so when it came time to choose our wedding location, it wasn’t up for debate.

What Made You Decide on a Villa La Joya Wedding?

I was searching high and low for the perfect venue. I knew immediately we couldn’t get married on a resort. I had a very specific vision—a 1950s at the Bellagio type of vibe.

One day while scrolling Facebook, I saw a photographer post a photo of Villa La Joya and it was love at first sight. I reached out immediately. At first, I was nervous about booking the venue without seeing it in person, but all the information was so thorough—photos, video tours—and the staff was so helpful and responsive, I booked almost immediately.

Most Memorable Moments of Your Wedding Day:

An emotional morning: I had planned a full outdoor wedding with no tents and woke up to a thunderstorm. The power even went out while I was getting my hair and makeup done! Thankfully, it cleared up around 1 p.m. and was perfect for the rest of the day.

A funny moment: My flower girl—my beautiful niece who was only 15 months old at the time—made it halfway down the aisle, then turned around and started running away!

The best moment: William seeing me at our first look. I had been so stressed that morning I couldn’t eat anything. Seeing him calmed all my nerves. I went right back to the condo and started pigging out—in my gown!

Dance floor magic: Once the dance floor kicked off and all the pressure was gone, I didn’t leave the dance floor all night!

What Was Your Destination Wedding Theme, Colors, and Inspiration?

My vibe was 1950s at the Bellagio. My dresses, hair, and makeup were Marilyn Monroe-inspired. My decor theme was "Gucci garden," with vibrant, organic florals.

We want to see your inspiration and ideas! Contact us today and send us your vision board to start planning your own Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding.

Elegant Wedding Ceremony: Tears of Joy and Pure Romance

The grand front steps of Villa La Joya bloomed with vibrant explosions of pink, purple, and blue flowers, creating a stunning and organic setting for the ceremony. Gold chairs added a glamorous touch, perfectly complementing the lively floral arrangements.

Shannon made a breathtaking entrance, showing off her natural beauty and glorious hair in a striking strapless gown paired with a long, lacy veil. William looked classic and polished in a black tuxedo, and after exchanging vows, the groom dipped his new bride in a joyful, celebratory kiss that had everyone cheering.

This Party Rocked: The Oh So Fun Villa la Joya Wedding Reception

The reception space was transformed into a dazzling scene of glamour and fun. Hanging chandeliers cast a romantic glow over the elegant tablescapes adorned with vibrant, organic florals and gold accents. Signature cocktails were served, an audio guestbook captured heartfelt messages, and a cigar bar created a sophisticated lounge vibe.

Shannon changed into a flirty, Marilyn Monroe-inspired reception dress, and the party truly kicked into high gear with the Las Vegas-style showgirls hitting the dance floor, inviting guests of all ages to join the high-energy celebration. It was a night filled with laughter, dancing, and unforgettable memories.

Anything You Would Have Done Differently?

There are a few things, but I think the main one would be to be very careful with the vendors I chose. 99% were amazing, but unfortunately, the first planner I booked scammed us. Thank God for Emily and the staff at Villa La Joya who saved the day! I would have definitely done more research regarding that.

And also... spring for the tent. I was SO stressed all morning worried about the rain, and it was too late to get a tent at that point.

What Advice Would You Give Other Destination Wedding Brides?

Start planning early! Give yourself a lot of time and find a planner you truly trust. Pay attention to any red flags. Do not wait until three months before your wedding like I did!

Big thanks and Congratulations to the Newlyweds Shannon and William

We had a blast at your big wedding bash, thank you so much for inviting us to host your private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya. We loved the glamourous theme and all the thoughtful details! We send you both our best wishes for a lifetime of joy and happiness together.

Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors: Creative Professionals and NO Vendor Fees at Villa la Joya

As always, we would like to extend our gratitude to the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who make all of the weddings at Villa la Joya so very unique. You are all amazing, gracias.

Bridesmaid Dress Trends Taking Over Destination Weddings in 2025

January 26, 2025

Destination wedding bridesmaid fashion in 2025 is all about creativity, personality, and versatility. Gone are the days of uniform styles - this year’s trends highlight individuality while maintaining a cohesive bridal party look. Here are the hottest bridesmaid dress styles that are stealing the spotlight this wedding season in the Riviera Maya.

Floral Bridesmaid Dresses: Romantic and Whimsical

Florals are flourishing this year, with bridesmaid dresses showcasing delicate blooms, bold botanical prints, and watercolor-inspired patterns. These dresses add a touch of romance and complement outdoor weddings in the Villa la Joya garden beautifully.

From soft pastels to vibrant hues, floral prints bring a fresh, natural vibe to any wedding and are a great fit for the architectural beauty of Villa la Joya.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses: Personalized Perfection

The mismatched bridal party look continues to rock 2025 wedding trends, allowing bridesmaids to showcase their unique personal style while maintaining a cohesive look.

Whether it’s variations in color, fabric, or neckline, this approach lets bridal parties create a curated yet effortless aesthetic. Pro tip: stick to a unified color palette or theme for the perfect balance.

Neutral Bridesmaid Dresses: Timeless Elegance

Soft, neutral tones like champagne, taupe, and blush are reigning supreme. These muted hues offer a sophisticated and timeless look, complementing any wedding theme or season. Neutral bridesmaid dresses also photograph beautifully with the natural tropical surroundings of our Villa la Joya wedding venue.

Contact Villa la Joya today, let’s start planning your Riviera Maya wedding

Baby Yellow Bridesmaid Dresses: A Bright New Favorite

A surprising star in 2025 weddings, baby yellow bridesmaid dresses are adding a sunny pop of color to bridal parties. Perfect for spring and summer weddings, this cheerful hue flatters a range of skin tones and brings an uplifting, joyful energy to the celebration. We expect to see more of this fresh trend lighting up our Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen outdoor weddings.

Black Bridesmaid Dresses: Modern and Bold

Black bridesmaid dresses are making waves this year, offering a sleek and sophisticated option for modern brides. These dresses are perfect for evening weddings and formal affairs, and they exude timeless elegance with a contemporary edge.

Bonus: black dresses are universally flattering and a favorite for bridesmaids who want something they can wear again. They look amazing against the marble of Villa la Joya and the turquoise sea of the Mexican Caribbean.

Midi Bridesmaid Dresses: Chic and Versatile

Midi-length dresses are a hit in 2025 for their stylish and practical appeal. Falling between the knee and ankle, this silhouette works great for both casual and formal weddings. Midi dresses pair beautifully with trendy heels or strappy sandals, making them a versatile choice for your bridesmaids in the Riviera Maya.

Bridesmaid fashion in 2025 is all about celebrating individuality and creating stunning visual harmony for your wedding day. Whether your bridal party opts for mismatched styles, sunny baby yellows, or timeless neutrals, these bridesmaid dress trends for 2025 promise to elevate your Villa la Joya destination wedding day with elegance and flair.

We are so excited for wedding season 2025 in the Riviera Maya, color, energy, joy, and love, we are ready to welcome you and yours. Schedule a video call with Villa la Joya today to book our private villa wedding venue in Mexico.

Photo credits in no particular order: Lux Art Wedding Studio, Amor Amor Weddings, Christina Powell, Martin Wilk, Arch Wedding Studio, Bohemia Photography, Staci Brucks, FineArt Studio, Andre Gouin, Kristelle Boulos, Brittany Photography, Caro Navarro Photography, Moni & Adri.

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding Chair Extravaganza

April 27, 2024

Wedding chairs for your destination wedding, are they a big consideration? Oh my yes! Don’t go basic on the chairs. They need to be functional of course and you need to consider the comfort of your guests. They also need to look great in all your destination wedding photos! Ensure they fit your theme, your style and your vision and meet the needs of your guests. Let’s have a look at some wedding chairs from our Villa la Joya couples.

Velvet Wedding Chairs

Add a touch of lush with velvet chairs in a sumptuous color. This plush, richly textured fabric not only elevates the decor but also offers supreme comfort for guests as they dine and socialize. Alexis and Ronnie paired an elegant blue velvet chair with blue details in the table settings for their Villa la Joya wedding. Just gorgeous.

Wishbone Chairs

Crafted with a distinctive Y-shaped back and most often made of wood, wishbone chairs are a great choice for both modern and traditional weddings. They can be adorned with simple decorations like floral garlands or ribbons to match the wedding's theme, enhancing the overall aesthetic while maintaining their classic appeal. Kyla and Mike used classic wishbone chairs in a blonde wood for a fresh look around their reception tables at Villa la Joya. While Tara & Micah also chose wishbone chairs for their whimsical wedding reception.

Crossback Chairs

These are a top choice for outdoor weddings for their rustic charm and functional design. With a distinctive X-shaped back and a solid wooden frame, these chairs exude a warm, inviting vibe that fits outdoor venues like Villa la Joya so well! The simple frame makes it easy to dress up or down, depending on the formality of the event. Kristel and Manny (first pic) created a warm and inviting setting for their Villa la Joya wedding ceremony with crossback chairs in dark wood with comfortable, light seats.

Ghost Chairs

Boo! Ghost chairs! Made from transparent acrylic, these chairs keep the space feeling open and airy, perfect for creating an elegant, contemporary look. The look is oh-so subtle and is effective in not overpowering the natural beauty of the venue or intricate design elements, allowing table settings, floral arrangements, and other decorations to stand out. Marina and Luke (first 2 photos) incorporated ghost chairs both in the ceremony set up and in the Villa la Joya reception by the sea. Heavenly.

Chameleon Chair

Adaptable and elegant, chameleon chairs can be tailored to fit any decor style. With their sleek frame and comfortable seating, these chairs come with interchangeable covers and accessories, allowing for endless customization options. Dressed up with luxurious fabrics, vibrant sashes, or delicate floral details, chameleon chairs provide versatile, stylish seating for guests. Christina and Mark used a simply elegant chameleon chair in this pretty reception setting with a view of the sea at Villa la Joya.

Chiavari Chairs aka Tiffany Chairs

This chair just whispers “special event” and “Oh la la” elegance. We’ve seen chiavari chairs at big awards shows and featured at celebrity events, the chiavari chair (also known as the Tiffany chair) is popular with those seeking a sophisticated look. Their soft cushion and minimalist design make them a great choice for weddings. Cindy and Scott (first photo) incorporated chiavari chairs into their wedding reception decor, we love how well they connect with the glorious centerpiece.

Cane Back Chairs

Vintage charm and delicate intricacy, cane back chairs work well for couples seeking a touch of classic elegance. The woven details of the cane paired with a wooden frame offers a light, airy feel. These chairs work beautifully in settings from rustic outdoor ceremonies to sophisticated poolside receptions. Mai and Ryan (first photo) chose these super pretty cane back chairs in white with natural fibers. A marvelous look for the seaside garden ceremony at Villa la Joya.

Bamboo Chairs

This is the chair for anyone seeking a more casual, beachy vibe for their wedding seating. The bamboo wood comes in a variety of shades and cushion options are endless. Decorate with ribbons and bows, florals or rustic pampas grass. Katie and Robert created an elevated rustic look with these bamboo chairs in an antique finish for their wedding reception by the Villa la Joya pool.

Bentwood Chairs

Bentwood chairs bring elegant curves and a classic look to your special event. Particularly well-suited to romantic and vintage-themed weddings they can also add a touch of sophistication to more modern settings. In natural wood or painted hues, bentwood chairs can be easily customized to match your wedding palette. Tiffany and Anthony opted for white bentwood chairs for the ceremony and black for the reception, pure elegancia at Villa la Joya.

Peacock Chairs

With fan-shaped high backs and woven details, peacock chairs make a stunning statement at weddings. Often crafted from rattan or wicker, they are typically used as VIP seating for the bride and groom. Peacock chairs can be adorned with flowers, vibrant textiles, or soft draping to complement the wedding's theme. Their striking design not only serves as a focal point but also creates enchanting, picturesque opportunities for wedding photos, blending beautifully with outdoor, beach, or garden settings. Tara and Micah’s sweetheart table with peacock chairs in rattan was perfect for a destination wedding by the sea.

Mix and Match

There are really no rules when it comes to selecting your wedding chairs, mix it up! Different chairs for different moments of the day and different elements of the venue. Tara and Micah incorporated the peacock chair, crossback chair for the ceremony and wishbone chair for the reception, total chair heaven with excellent taste and style.

Choosing your wedding chairs is a fun part of the planning process, you have so much room for creativity to create the look and vibe you are dreaming of for your destination wedding day. Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen works with the best wedding vendors in town and they have some amazing chair choices. (Remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya!)

What’s your wedding chair style? Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding venue and let’s make your visions a reality.

PHOTO CREDITS (in no particular order): LuxArt Wedding Studio, Amor Amor Weddings, Moni & Adri, Caro Navarro, Erika Geier Photography, Anna Roussos, CocoKnot Weddings, Parada Studio, Maria Glassford Photography, Luis Tovilla, White Crown Photography, Claudia Klassen, Kape Photograph, Foolishly Rushing In

Maddy and Joey Get Married in Mexico! A Joyous Wedding Day at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

April 18, 2024

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen welcomed lovebirds Maddy and Joey and their nearest and dearest for a bright, bold, and beautiful destination wedding in Mexico. A tropical seaside celebration brought them from across the pond in the UK and we were thrilled to play host to their unforgettable wedding day.

From the UK to Mexico With Love: Maddy and Joey’s Destination Wedding in Mexico

It started in a squid costume and it was love at first sight! Their Halloween meeting in the Isla of Man turned into a forever and ever love for this fun couple. Maddy and Joey tied the knot in a destination wedding in our gardens at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Loved ones traveled from afar to share their love for Maddy and Joey in a dynamic wedding in tropical Mexican style.

Why did you choose a destination wedding in Mexico?

We came on holiday to Mexico in 2018 and loved everything from the culture, scenery, food, music and when we got engaged in 2021 and we considered a destination wedding we knew we wanted to embrace all things Mexico and bring our friends and family to celebrate with us!

What made you decide on Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen and Villa Planners?

I fell across the page of Villa La Joya when looking at private venues in Mexico. We wanted something personal and unique rather than a hotel 'conveyor belt’ wedding where you have limited choices and privacy. When we saw the pictures on Instagram we knew we had to look more into it! We had an initial call with Nancy and planned a site visit for September 2022.

Nancy from Villa Planners was amazing right from the start and we knew she would make our dream wedding come to life, and she did! We would not have had the wedding we did without all her support and hard work behind the scenes! All our guests commented on how smooth the day ran and how impressed with the team they were! We would highly recommend Villa Planners to anyone!

Culture, color, and cuisine: A Mexican-themed wedding in Mexico for our amigos from the UK

If your guests are traveling from the UK to Mexico for a wedding, it has got to be unforgettable and unique. A Mexican themed wedding just makes sense and always promises an exciting celebration. At Villa la Joya we adore sharing our home and our love of Mexico with couples and guests from around the world!

What was your Villa la Joya destination wedding theme or inspiration?

All things Mexican!! Although we are both from the UK, when we decided on our destination wedding we wanted to embrace Mexico! Tropical flowers, Mariachi Band, Churro Cart! We love the culture and it was something very different to what our wedding would have looked like at home and definitely not like any wedding we have been to before!

The tropical flowers by Cherry Blossom were absolutely lush, so much life and color in our gardens. The sound of mariachis filled the air with music and Gourmet Soberanis brought the taste of Mexico to everyone’s lips. Toasts with tequila and champagne, fireworks, and churros from Los Pockets helped fuel the party as everyone danced the night away.

Ask the newlyweds: Reflections on a Mexico destination wedding experience at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

We always like to follow up with our newlyweds and share their reflections with future brides and grooms who may be considering planning a destination wedding. Maddy and Joey were kind enough to pass along their experienced words of wisdom.

What was your favorite moment of your Villa la Joya wedding day?

For me it was that initial moment of coming around the corner walking down the aisle and taking in all of our vision coming to life, it was incredible! The sea was so blue, sun shining, bright tropical flowers, all our closest friends and family and Joey stood at the end of the aisle! - Maddy

For me, I loved seeing our guests' reaction to the villa as it was a complete surprise! They all thought we were getting married at the hotel, and on the wedding day we took them on buses to our secret location of the Villa! - Joey

Anything you would have done differently in planning your destination wedding?

We thought a lot about this and no there is nothing we would’ve done differently!! It was the most perfect day and everything we envisioned came to life! A day we will treasure forever!

Any advice you’d like to share with other couples planning a Playa del Carmen wedding?

Shop around- look at a few different options for each type of vendor, more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better - Nancy was great in helping us weigh up different options for our budget! Also less is more - it’s so easy to keep adding elements to the day, but the Villa is so beautiful by itself that it doesn’t always need all the extras! Our guests were so impressed!

Nancy from Villa Planners brought together the team of Playa del Carmen vendors who made Maddy and Joey’s wedding day such a smashing success. Each and every vendor brought their creativity and professionalism to Villa la Joya and we are always grateful for their expertise.

Qué vivan los novios! Massive congrats to Maddy and Joey!

Long live the newlyweds! We send all of our best wishes to Maddy and Joey, may you enjoy a lifetime of abundance and joy together. We are so happy to have met you and we want to say “gracias”, sending a big thank you for choosing to host your wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

UK brides planning a destination wedding in Mexico and feeling inspired? Tell us all about it!

Contact Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen today to start planning your own wedding in Mexico. From the UK, the USA or Timbuktu, tell us your love story wherever you are, we cannot wait to hear it and to welcome you and yours to our private villa in Mexico!

Secret Garden Wedding at Villa la Joya: Mai and Ryan

March 26, 2024

A destination wedding in Mexico to swoon over, Mai and Ryan tied the knot in an oh-so-romantic celebration of love at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Our tropical garden was bursting with blooms in lavender and blush and every detail was just perfect. Lush, warm, and welcoming and an unforgettable party on the dance floor, are you ready for some real private villa wedding inspiration?

Romance in abundance: Mai and Ryan’s wedding ceremony in Playa del Carmen

Beautiful couple Mai and Ryan met on a dating app and things just clicked. Their connection brought them to Mexico and to the shores of Playa del Carmen to celebrate their love with their nearest and dearest in a romantic wedding ceremony by the sea. Our Villa la Joya garden was overflowing with dreamy floral arrangements in lavender and blush, the circular arch at the altar was a stunner. Pure Love Floral created a fairy land in blooms, a country garden in our tropical corner of paradise.

Bride Mai was aglow in her strapless bridal gown with daring decolletage and a divine train, hair flowing loose and a beautiful bouquet. Ryan rocked a classic black tux by her side, handsome and clearly in love with his bride. They exchanged vows surrounded by the love of family and friends in a warm and moving ceremony. The three little flower girls in lavender were absolutely adorable! The newlyweds came down the aisle together with huge smiles and flower petals raining down upon them. Que vivan los novios!

Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding? Why Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen?

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a private villa in Playa del Carmen with Italian architecture and a garden just waiting to be decorated with your dream theme. We welcome couples from around the world and we love to know why they chose a destination wedding in Mexico and why they invited Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen to host their big day. We asked Mai and Ryan about their experience in choosing a venue for their wedding celebrations.

At first, we were looking at Italia. We wanted a destination wedding but it was just too difficult for our spread-out families and friends. We did some digging on some closer destinations and found Villa la Joya! It was the Italian dream venue that we wanted - but more convenient for our family - which was super important for us.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya?

How could you not!! It is a beautiful 360! The patio overlooking the ocean is breathtaking!

Cozy cocktail hour and a dynamite Villa la Joya garden wedding reception

While Mai and Ryan gazed longingly into each other’s eyes for their portrait shoot, their loved ones gathered in the cozy seating area for a signature cocktail. A delicious dinner by Gourmet Soberanis followed, the small circular tables overflowing with blooms created a perfectly intimate setting for a celebration of love.

Bride Mai changed into a spectacular sequin dress when the party got started, the dance floor was on fire! There were cigars and churros and a magnificent fireworks display over the Mexican Caribbean Sea. A splash of rain and a whole lot of dancing and love, everyone in attendance will remember this wedding forever.

Last questions for the newlyweds: Tell us about your destination wedding experience

What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?:

The fireworks! It was amazing to watch and took everyone by surprise. Luz from Mango Weddings was able to work with Aldo from Legendary Entertainment and Pyrotech to have the fireworks go off at the exact timing of the song drop!

What was the most emotional part of your wedding day?:

Dancing with our family members.

Tell us about your funniest wedding moment:

It rained for 2 minutes and everyone ran for cover with their food. No one was upset and we were all joking that the rain was a paid actor.

Anything you would have done differently in planning your destination wedding in Mexico?

Nothing! Everything was so perfect, from the execution to the staff - all incredible.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides planning a Villa la Joya wedding?

Extend the villa hours (if possible) - the day flies by!

Big thank you and all of our best wishes to Mai and Ryan

From all of us at Villa la Joya, we thank you for inviting us to be your Playa del Carmen wedding venue and we wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

And of course, a huge shout out of gratitude to all the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who make all our Villa la Joya wedding celebrations so perfect. We are so grateful for your creativity and professionalism, we are always confident to offer our couples world-class wedding services in Playa del Carmen. And did we mention there are never any vendor fees?

Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and let’s get planning your own destination wedding in Mexico. Send us your vision and let’s make it happen!

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