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Wedding Inspiration

Big Congratulations! Nathalie and Camil Get Married in Mexico

Big Congratulations! Nathalie and Camil Get Married in Mexico

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was delighted to host the destination wedding of Nathalie and Camil. This beautiful young couple traveled to Mexico to get married and brought their nearest and dearest along for a joyous celebration of their love. Romance, family and a perfect day to tie the knot in paradise.

Romantic and Elegant Garden Wedding in Playa del Carmen

Nathalie and Camil met in university and their love story quickly blossomed and just keeps on glowing and growing. The couple dreamed of a “romantic and elegant garden wedding theme” and our Playa del Carmen wedding vendors set a magical scene by the sea. The gardens of Villa la Joya were aglow with candlelight, sparklers, and the smiles of family and friends.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Because it’s the perfect warm destination where everyone will have a good time.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya for your wedding venue in Mexico?

Villa La Joya stood out as the only venue that perfectly combined intimacy with elegance, all set against the stunning backdrop of a beachfront location.

Personal and Moving Family Wedding Ceremony at Villa la Joya

Bride Nathalie glowed sexy and sophisticated in her white strapless bridal gown with a gorgeous neckline and “nude illusion” inserts, a pretty veil and her hair loose and flowing in the ocean breeze. Groom Camil wore a classic white tuxedo jacket with black pants, chic and handsome beside his beautiful bride.

The wedding altar arch of colorful garden flowers created a frame for the ceremony with the waves of the sea as a natural backdrop. The officiant was a loved one of Nathalie and Camil which always makes the ceremony personal, moving and a true ode to the love of the bride and groom and the union of their families. Pretty flower girls and adorable ring bearers, this was a family-friendly wedding that welcomed guests of all ages to celebrate love.

What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?

We didn’t do a first look, so we hadn’t seen the venue before walking down the aisle. When we each walked in for the ceremony, seeing how beautiful everything was and seeing each other for the first time that day was incredibly special and emotional.

Warm and Welcoming Villa la Joya Destination Wedding Reception

The gardens and pool area of Villa la Joya were decorated with warm wood furniture, glorious displays of garden flowers and candles. The champagne corks were popping, conversation flowing and music had people dancing and twirling even during the cocktail hour.  

As the sun went down, the twinkling lights and candles lit up the happy faces of the newlyweds and the guests. The toasts brought tears and laughter and set the tone for a wonderful wedding reception celebration of both family and romantic love. Bride Nathalie changed into her gorgeous reception dress and was the brightest star on the dance floor beside her newlywed husband.

The best advice for destination wedding brides from bride Nathalie

“Pretend you’re a guest at your own wedding, don’t try to control anything that day. Just relax and enjoy the moment.”

We ask all our Villa la Joya newlyweds to share tips for couples planning a destination wedding. The advice we received from Nathalie was spot on, we loved her answer to pretend you are a guest at your own wedding!!

After all the wedding planning, the ins and outs of decor and cuisine and flowers and cake and travel, when it is all said and done and you are preparing to walk down the aisle, just relax and enjoy the moment. Feel the love. Raise a glass. Embrace the most important people in your life. Dance with abandon. Kiss and laugh and cry happy tears. Priceless moments.

Thank you to Nathalie and Camil, we wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together

From all of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, we extend our gratitude to Nathalie and Camil for allowing us to be a part of your Mexico destination wedding day. We send our most heartfelt wishes for a long and joyous life together, may all your days be filled with laughter and love. 

Feeling inspired by this real destination wedding in Mexico? Let us know and let’s start planning!

We just know these real destination wedding photos will inspire you, it was such a gorgeous day!  Share your love story with us at Villa la Joya, reach out now and let’s make your Mexico wedding dreams come true. We work with world-class professional wedding vendors to bring your destination wedding vision to life. And oh, we never charge a vendor fee. Those pesos are best spent on magical moments!

Big gracias to all the destination wedding vendors who made Nathalie and Camil’s day simply marvelous. 

Wedding Planner: Tailor Made Dreams | Photo: Black Hat Studio | Video: Cinema & Graphics | Hair & Makeup: Gamaliel Hair & MUP | Flowers: Grisel Serrano | Rentals: Oleo Events | Caterer: Taller Gourmet | Wedding Cake: Pasteleria La Migaja | Live Music: Grace Brother Band | AV & DJ: Kinetic Events 

Real Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen: Gillian and Alystair

Real Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen: Gillian and Alystair

We have a delicious, luscious, divine real destination wedding for you today! Gillian and Alystair joined together in marriage in the gardens of Villa la Joya in a fantastic celebration of amor. They brought their loved ones together for the first time for a Texas/England gathering of friends and family to toast the newlyweds on this exciting new chapter of their lives. 

Love knows no borders: This romantic story needs a map and we are living for it

Ali and I met while we were both working in the British Virgin Islands- we met at a Day of the Dead themed Halloween party where he was dressed like Harry Potter… a few months after dating we moved to England together, then to the United States where we had our *first wedding* in Puerto Rico.

With an introduction like this, we were eager to get to know Gillian and Alystair and welcome their adventurous energy to Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen for a fabulous seaside wedding.

Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Why is Mexico the best place for a destination wedding? A million reasons of course, the frequent flights from around the world to the Cancun International Airport, the spectacular views of the Mexican Caribbean, the tropical weather, the warm and welcoming Mexican hospitality, the world-class wedding venues and vendors, oh my! We asked Gillian why they chose a wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico:

Our families had never met and with all of Ali’s family being in England, and mine in Texas, we wanted to figure out a place where everyone could get to easily and enjoy their times on their own vacation, Cancun was an easy choice!

What made you decide on a wedding at Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen?

Being very event oriented I knew I wanted a blank canvas for our wedding and you just can’t get that at most resorts in the area. I looked at several venues towards Tulum, but ultimately decided that it would be too far for guests. In addition, I also fell in love with the Team that ran Villa La Joya. Enrique is an amazing person and will always be someone I stay in communication with for years to come. 

A special shout out to Enrique from bride Gillian, we are so grateful to have such an amazing team at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! Communication with our brides and grooms is absolutely essential to the wedding planning process and we are really blessed to make new friends along the way.

What was your destination wedding theme or inspiration?

When we decided to have a second wedding so our families could meet we wanted to pick a date very close to the original wedding date and March 17th, St. Patricks Day was available at Villa La Joya. My father had passed the December before and his absolute favorite color on my sister and I was green. So it just felt right to have a green-centric wedding in the sense of floral and decor. 

The wedding ceremony on the steps of Villa la Joya was such a gorgeous blend of formal elegance and lush jungle greens. Bride Gillian wore a stunning bridal gown, lace veil, and full train and her bridal bouquet of white florals and green grasses was just wow! New husband Ali was dashingly handsome in his traditional, formal black tuxedo. The smiles on the newlyweds' faces as they came down the aisle, were totally priceless.

Destination wedding reception dreams come true

My florist, Luis Sales, took my vision of wild, overgrown moss like arrangements and made it all come together. The moss lamps are my favorite thing ever. He had sent me a photo of some arrangements the night before and it's what made me go to sleep feeling SO excited for our wedding day. 

The florals for this Villa la Joya wedding reception were truly outstanding and totally unique! The vision of the bride was brought to life by the creative genius of Luis Sales, just look at these moss lamps and centerpieces! 

The wedding cake was another unique creation, a white sheet with oodles and oodles and oodles of strawberries. Berry delicious and eye-catching! With funny and moving toasts, a fabulous dinner, and a whole lot of action on the dance floor, newlyweds Gillian and Ali shared their wedding reception with the people they love in an unforgettable evening.

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

My absolute favorite, and Ali’s I believe, was when his best friends were able to take over our DJ’s setup. They’d been asking for months and I thought no way our DJ would allow it, and he did! Our friend Caleb is a very talented DJ and always plays every party so having that was a lil slice of home for my husband.

Anything you would have done differently in planning your destination wedding? Advice for future couples?

I would have started our wedding earlier! The time flew by so quickly from 6 to 11. My initial worry was guests being too hot, and they might have been if we started earlier, but I would have liked one more hour!

Soak it all in and let go that day! Some logistical advice- think about your makeup, Mexico is very humid. So much so that my makeup was gone 15 min into photos and I barely wore any for the actual wedding.

Big thanks and all of our best wishes to Gillian and Ali

We are delighted to have met you both and to have hosted the marvelous union of your international families at your destination wedding in Mexico. Enrique sends his “holas” and all of us at Villa la Joya wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness together. 

As always, we extend our gratitude to the world-class wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen who make all our Villa la Joya weddings so very unique and special. We couldn't do it without you! And did you know? There are never any outside vendor fees at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! Save your pesos for the fun stuff. Contact us today to start planning your own destination wedding in Mexico! 

Design: Kathie Kessler | Photo & Video: Pink Balance Weddings | Hair + Make Up: I Do Forever | Florist: Luis Salas Floral Experience | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Catering: YD Events by Yazmin Del La Mora | DJ: UNO Audiovisual 

Donalda and Mike’s Luxurious Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

Donalda and Mike’s Luxurious Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

Donalda and Mike’s Luxurious Private Villa Wedding in Mexico: Full of Surprises and WOW Moments

We only host unique weddings, no two are ever the same. Our private villa welcomes celebrations of amor and we adore each and every event. Villa la Joya is more than just a wedding venue in Mexico, it’s a place to tell your love story, your way. When we heard about the surprises and details planned by Donalda and Mike, we couldn’t wait for the big day. Are you ready for some real wedding inspiration? 

Albanian multicultural wedding in Mexico: Elegance, Style and Fashion

No spoilers, but the bride pulled off some magnificent costume changes in this one! 

“Chic and classy”, the private villa wedding of Donalda and Mike brought fairy tale elegance to a moving ceremony on the steps of Villa la Joya. Classic white and gold, candles lining the altar and a breathtaking floral arch with a hint of pink, a really glorious ceremony set up. 

Bride Donalda had her first wow moment as she walked down the aisle in a corseted gown with a fabulous train, sparkling tiara with flowing veil and loose blonde locks. A princess, formal look with a hint of sexy. Groom Mike went with a classic black tuxedo, very handsome next to his bride. 

This was a family wedding, the charming ring bearer and pretty little flower girls were perfect little attendants and absolutely fashionable. The family and friends that traveled to Mexico to share in the celebration were oh so chic in their wedding finery and formal gowns.

Why choose a private villa wedding in Mexico? Tell us your love story that led you to Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

“We met through mutual friends. He was supposed to be my tutor for my nursing exam because our mutual friend recommended him and we hit it off from there. Mike popped the question to marry him on 3/15/21 in Mexico and for that reason, our wedding had to be at the same place where he asked me to be his wife.

Villa La Joya checked all the boxes for our dream wedding! I had this vision of a very exclusive and chic wedding and it seemed the perfect place!

The most emotional moment was when we exchanged our vows in front of our family and friends! The funniest moment was when we did our champagne tower! I wouldn’t have changed anything else from our wedding day! Everything was planned with so much dedication and love!

Choose Villa La Joya for your destination wedding venue! You won’t be disappointed!

Dancing the night away: An unforgettable wedding reception with big surprises

Our seaside garden and all of Villa la Joya was bedecked in white and pink flowers and gold details and a fabulous sweethearts table for the newlyweds to shine. We loved the lights woven into the flowers and the throne-like chairs. 

The pool was covered to make room for dancing and the white chandeliers added a warm glow. Bride and groom glided across the floor in their first dance, they were toasted by loved ones and then the evening really kicked off.

Bride Donalda gave us everything we want in a bride who understands how to blend fashion and culture. We don't know how she did it, but she managed FOUR complete outfit changes throughout the wedding! That is some serious skill on her part and we send major kudos to the planners and vendors who kept the magic night flowing. 

After enjoying the reception dinner in her wedding gown, Donalda changed into a sleek cocktail dress with marvelous feathers on the shoulders with her hair up in a twist. She was serenaded by drums before bringing us her next surprise. 

Albanian wedding dance: Tradition and culture in a destination wedding

Seeing the Albanian dance and music brought to life during the reception was such a thrill for everyone in attendance. The bride’s traditional costume is all handmade and hand-stoned, twinkling and sparkling as she twirled with her groom. Totally breathtaking. 

Donalda had one more change in store, slipping into something a little more comfortable in a sexy look with a divine slit skirt. She told us that surprising the guests with the changes is part of the tradition and we can definitely get behind this idea. Absolutely WOW.

Të trashëgoheni, muchas felicidades, and congratulations to Donalda and Mike

We are so grateful you invited us to share in your celebration of love. From all of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, we send you our most heartfelt wishes for a long and happy lifetime together. 

Planner: Erik DeAbreau | Photography: Dave Alor | Hair & Makeup: Beauty on Wheels | Flowers: Velo de la Novia | Rentals: Barbarella Event Rentals | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Catering: ALX Catering | Cocktails: Barras Libres RM | Drums: Drums in Paradise | Fireworks: Pyrotech

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!

Tania and Steve's Magical Mexico Wedding at Villa La Joya

Tania and Steve's Magical Mexico Wedding at Villa La Joya

A Stolen Kiss, A Romantic Beginning

Tania and Steve's love story started with a bold stolen kiss on a San Diego yacht during a sizzling 4th of July celebration in 2017. Their connection deepened during a birthday bash in Jamaica, where the tropical vibes sealed their fate. Originally set to part ways due to Steve's planned move, the magic of the moment convinced him to stay in San Diego and the rest is history.

Why choose Mexico: A Destination Wedding Love Affair

United by their love for adventure, Tania and Steve dreamt of a destination wedding. Italy was the initial idea, but the allure of Mexico, with its vibrant culture, delectable food, and, of course, tequila, proved irresistible. Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen, our picturesque wedding venue in Mexico reminiscent of Tania's Italian dreams, became the perfect canvas for their love story.

The ceremony at the grand entrance of Villa La Joya was nothing short of enchanting. An absolutely amazing floral arch adorned the steps, framing Tania and Steve's vows in a setting that seamlessly blended elegance with an abundance of white roses. Villa la Joya bloomed with the fashionable energy of the bridal party. Bride and groom radiated style and amor, Tania’s lacy bridal gown and veil were nothing short of perfect and Steve’s look in a light suit and a black shirt was super chic. 

Too hot for a wedding in Mexico? No way! Breezy, splashy, refreshing fun at Villa la Joya

Their wedding day in Playa Del Carmen turned out to be a scorcher, making even Steve's knees break a sweat during the ceremony! The sweet detail of providing guests with fans was definitely welcomed. The breezy garden provided relief during the cocktail hour, and the ocean brought unexpected splashes along the villa's beachside. Initial concerns about the weather turned into unexpected joy as guests embraced the refreshing mist, turning an unforeseen twist into a memorable part of their day.

The Night Sky Lit Up: Fireworks, Churros and Dancing To the Beat of Love

As the day turned to night, Villa La Joya set the stage for a spectacular celebration. Fireworks illuminated the sky, casting a magical glow on Tania and Steve's first dance. The dance floor transformed into a huge party with everyone getting down to the funky beats. 


Tania changed into her reception attire, a gown that accentuated every curve, exuding elegance and grace. The night unfolded into a fabulous fiesta full of big hugs and lots of laughs, a testament to the love and joy that surrounded the couple and their guests.

Reflections and Advice for Destination Wedding Brides

Looking back, Tania wishes they had chosen Villa La Joya right from the start of the wedding planning process. The festivities ended too soon, and she told us she would extend the celebration until 1 am to keep the dance floor rocking. Her advice to brides: trust the process, enjoy moments with your partner, and don't sweat the small stuff. Your day will be a masterpiece, especially if you choose professionals who understand your vision.

We are delighted and grateful that Tania and Steve chose Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. We send you big congratulations and wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.

Feeling inspired to get married in Mexico? Join us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Each and every love story is an inspiration, are you ready to start planning your destination wedding in Mexico? Start with us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, we can’t wait to bring your visions to life! Contact us today!

Big thanks, muchas gracias: Our fabulous Mexico wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen make magic every time

As always, we send our gratitude to the incredible group of creative professionals who are always welcome at Villa la Joya, you are the best wedding vendors in Mexico! And remember, never any vendor fees, let’s put those pesos to the gorgeousness of the day! 

Mexico Wedding Vendors Playa del Carmen: 

Planner Fer Gallegos | Photos Andre Gouin | Video Sea Love Wedding Films | Florals Mandarinna Studio | Rentals Planner 1 Events | Zoë Elizabeth Makeup | Dress Grace Loves Lace | Catering Icaza Creativos | Cake Lluvia de Azucar | Dance floor Hercon Entertainment | Fireworks Pyrocaribe | PicMe Photo Booth and Video 360 | DJ Audio Cancun