"The venue itself is absolutely breathtaking, timeless architecture, luxurious details, immaculate grounds, and endless photo opportunities at every turn. There's also a condo that mirrors the house's elegance, perfect for getting ready, with the same care and attention to detail throughout." — Carolane
When Carolane and Aaron began planning their destination wedding, they were looking for more than a beautiful venue. They wanted a place where family could gather, traditions could be honored, and every guest would feel part of the celebration.
We were honored that they chose Villa la Joya to host their big day. Planned by Villa Planners and Adriana Hiromoto, their Riviera Maya wedding welcomed family and friends from Israel, Africa, London and Canada for a week that culminated in an oceanfront ceremony rooted in Jewish tradition.
A Week, Not a Day
For Carolane and Aaron, Mexico wasn't simply the backdrop. It was an opportunity to slow everything down.
"We wanted to extend the celebration beyond the wedding day, so we arranged for everyone to stay at a nearby resort for the week. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we could have made. Instead of the festivities ending after one day, we got a full week of seeing our family and friends every day, sharing meals, spending time together, and simply enjoying having everyone in one place. That extra time together made the whole experience even more special."
It's a pattern we see often at Villa la Joya. Guests arrive as separate travelers and leave as one group. Kids find each other by day two. By the time the ceremony begins, half the room already feels like home.
Warmth First, Design Second
Carolane and Aaron chose Villa la Joya after their first visit, and it wasn't the architecture that closed the deal.
"What really captured us was the warmth of everyone we met. They were welcoming, kind, and genuine from the very beginning, making us feel at home instantly. It was important to us that our wedding felt personal and intimate, and we knew this was a place where we could create that feeling."
That same feeling shaped the design.
An ivory, cream, white and gold palette. A flowing white huppah overlooking the Caribbean. Lush floral arrangements that seemed to grow naturally around the ceremony space rather than overpower it. A custom monogram woven quietly through the stationery, welcome details, and a personalized dance floor.
Nothing shouted. It didn't need to.
Jewish Tradition, Family, and a Beautiful Beginning
Before the ceremony, Carolane and Aaron gathered with their closest family beneath the marble arches and grand staircase to sign the ketubah, the traditional Jewish marriage contract, illustrated with a Tree of Life.
Outside, the ceremony unfolded beneath the huppah, the Caribbean stretching out behind it. Young ring bearers led the processional, followed by two flower girls scattering petals ahead of Carolane's entrance. Aaron broke the glass beneath his foot, and cries of "Mazel Tov!" carried across the garden as everyone celebrated the beginning of their marriage.
The Hora, Then Dinner Beneath the Café Lights
After cocktail hour came one of the most joyful traditions of the day: the hora. Family and friends surrounded Carolane and Aaron and lifted them high on chairs, music and applause filling the garden. Within minutes, the dance floor belonged to everyone.
Dinner followed beneath strands of café lights. Curved serpentine tables wrapped around the pool, dressed with white florals, candlelight, and warm wood chairs — exactly the quiet, composed look the couple had envisioned. Heartfelt speeches and champagne toasts honored both families before the celebration drifted naturally back to the dance floor.
"I wish we could freeze that moment forever."
When we asked Carolane about her favorite memory, she didn't hesitate.
"Hands down, our first look. When he saw me, he became so emotional, and so did I. That moment captured everything: anticipation and pure happiness."
Then she smiled, remembering what happened next.
"And true to Aaron, even in such an emotional moment, he somehow made me laugh. He always brings joy and lightness, even in the most meaningful moments. It was pure happiness, and one of those moments I wish we could freeze in time forever."
Those quiet moments often become the ones couples treasure most.
Into the Night
After dinner, Carolane and Aaron returned to the personalized dance floor for their first dance beneath the café lights. Cold spark fountains marked the beginning of an evening filled with live saxophone, cake cutting, fireworks and a celebration that carried well into the night.
Kids danced beside grandparents. Friends filled the courtyard. Somewhere along the way, Aaron traded his tuxedo jacket for suspenders as the evening settled comfortably into party mode.
It was joyful, relaxed and exactly what the couple had hoped to share with the people they love most.
Carolane's Advice for Future Destination Brides
"Just enjoy the process. Yes, it's stressful and long, but when it's done and you look back, you'll want to start it all over again. Trust your vendors, trust the process, and most importantly, stay present for every moment."
We couldn't agree more.
Special Thanks
Thank you, Carolane and Aaron, for letting us be part of a celebration this full of family, tradition, and genuine joy. You built a week where everyone you love could simply be together, and that's a rare thing. We wish you a lifetime of exactly it.
Our thanks as well to Adriana Hiromoto, Villa Planners, and the talented Riviera Maya vendors whose creativity and care brought every detail to life.
Vendors
Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planner: Wedding Planner: Villa Planners & Adriana Hiromoto | Photography: Daniel Ramirez Photo | Videography: OME Weddings | Hair & Makeup: Zoé Elizabeth Team | Bride's Dress: Monique Lhuillier via White Montreal | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Stationery: Custom Designed | Florals: De Flores Corazón | Furniture & Rentals: Canteiro Weddings & Archive Rentals | Live Saxophone: Ariel Rossini | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cake & Bakery: Lali Pasteles | Churros: Los Pockets | Open Bar Service: Be You Service | Dance Floor & Entertainment: Hercon Entertainment | Photo Booth: PicMe Photobooth | Fireworks: Pyrocaribe | DJ: Uno Audiovisual DJs
