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riviera maya weddings

Dana & George’s Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

April 29, 2025

A Destination Wedding in Mexico is Always a Good Idea

Dana and George’s love story spanned the continent— she’s from California, he’s from New York — so no matter where this wedding was held, someone was going to have to travel. That realization sparked a beautiful idea: why not turn it into a destination for everyone?

“Once we considered a destination wedding, Mexico quickly became the obvious choice. The moment we found Villa la Joya, we knew it was the perfect venue.”

The search for the right destination wedding planner led them straight to the Villa Planners team. After interviewing over ten different agencies, Dana and George chose Nancy and Adriana for their warmth, professionalism, and in-depth experience at Villa la Joya. From vendor recommendations to day-of coordination, every detail was handled with care — and countless calls and messages later, the result was a flawless wedding day.

“Thanks to Villa Planners, our wedding day was absolutely perfect!”

A Private Balcony First Look at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

Before the ceremony, Dana and George shared a private first look on the stunning balcony of Villa la Joya. Overlooking the sea, surrounded by palm trees and soft ocean breeze, it was a moment just for them — quiet, heartfelt, and filled with emotion before the festivities began.

A Villa la Joya Wedding Ceremony of Romance, Tradition and Joy

The ceremony took place at Villa la Joya’s elegant front entrance. The color palette — white, gold, and baby pink — created a timeless, romantic look that complemented the venue’s marble architecture beautifully. From the aisle décor to the soft blooms, everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of love.

Guests gathered to witness Dana and George say "I do" in the Riviera Maya sunshine, friends and family had traveled from afar to be a part of this special day. The religious ceremony included beautiful details that honored the faith and traditions of Dana and George.

The Dabkeh, the Drums, and a Dance Floor That Didn't Quit

As the sun set and the reception began, the vibe turned into a full-on fiesta. With a DJ and live music keeping the energy up, the dance floor was packed from the first song to the final farewell.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was the traditional dabkeh — a joyful Palestinian dance that brought generations together in rhythm and celebration. For Dana and George, it was a deeply personal way to honor their heritage and share it with everyone they love.

“As Palestinians, no celebration is complete without the traditional dabkeh dance.”

We LOVE seeing Villa la Joya alive with cultural elements of weddings from all around the world, we are so blessed. Everyone danced. Everyone sang. Everyone celebrated under the stars in true destination wedding fashion.

Best Destination Wedding Advice from the Bride

“Book Villa La Joya and Villa Planners ASAP! They book up fast, and for a very good reason.”

With Love from Villa la Joya

Dana and George, gracias for choosing Villa la Joya to host your destination wedding in the Riviera Maya. It was an honor and a delight to witness your love, your culture, and your connection with everyone around you. From your breathtaking first look to your unforgettable dabkeh dance, your day was filled with beauty, meaning, and joy. We wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy together.

Book your destination wedding at Villa la Joya now, we can’t wait to hear all your dreamy ideas and bring them to life! Let’s chat, schedule a call today and let’s make magic.

Thank You to Our Incredible Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Team

To all the vendors who helped bring this day to life — thank you for your creativity, professionalism, and passion. And remember, at Villa la Joya, we never charge vendor fees because we believe couples should have the freedom to choose the team that fits their vision best.

Ellie & Adam’s Romantic Villa la Joya Wedding in the Riviera Maya

April 23, 2025

Ellie and Adam’s love story began in Arizona, with a second date that almost never led anywhere — until it led to forever. When Adam mentioned he was moving to Alaska, Ellie made it clear she wasn’t interested in a long-distance relationship… but life (and love) had other plans. After a year apart, including a deployment, Adam returned to Arizona a day early and proposed in the restaurant where they had their first date.

Years later, they brought their story full circle with a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by friends and family — and far, far away from the Alaskan winter.

Why They Chose A Villa la Joya Riviera Maya Wedding

After attending a destination wedding in the Cancun area back in 2021, Ellie and Adam knew they wanted that same relaxed, multi-day experience for their own wedding. They wanted their guests to enjoy a full week in paradise, not just a single day.

When they discovered Villa la Joya, it was love at first sight. The private oceanfront setting, stunning marble architecture, and flexibility to work with their favorite vendors — without any vendor fees — made it the perfect place to celebrate their next chapter.

"Our planners had shown us multiple resorts and we were struggling to find one that was both affordable for our guests but also flexible enough to let us bring in certain vendors without a ridiculous vendor fee. We then turned to offsite venues, and to be honest, from the first moment I saw Villa la Joya I knew I HAD to get married there. We wanted an oceanfront setting without having to have our toes in the sand, and the variety of the front for our ceremony and the whole back area for our reception was perfect." — Ellie, the bride

Dreaming of your own destination wedding at Villa la Joya? Let’s explore dates, details, and discover how to bring your big day to life.

Getting Ready & Sweet First Looks (Grab the Tissues)

The wedding day began with excitement, glam squads, and quiet emotional moments. Ellie wore a jaw-dropping gown by Martina Liana — a sexy, romantic design featuring a lacy corset-style bodice and a dramatic thigh-high slit that showed off her absolutely enviable figure. She paired her look with Dolce Vita heels and jewelry from Olive & Piper.

Her wedding day bridal style was brought to life by Zoe Elizabeth (makeup) and Kahori Flores (hair). Adam kept it timeless in a black tuxedo by Luca Falcone.

Before heading to the ceremony, Ellie shared an emotional first look with her dad — a powerful, tender moment that set the tone for the day. Then came her first look with Adam, full of love, laughter, and the kind of quiet joy that makes a wedding feel real.

A Pink Floral Wonderland: Destination Wedding Ceremony at Villa la Joya

Guests were welcomed by the sounds of a live violinist as they entered a pink floral wonderland set against the grand marble entrance of Villa la Joya. The ceremony space was overflowing with lush, abundant pink roses — romantic, fresh, and perfectly paired with the villa’s architecture.

Ellie walked down the aisle with her father, who, overcome with emotion, found himself narrating his feelings out loud — sweet, unscripted, and unforgettable.

Cocktail Hour & a Private Moment for Two

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and live music from violinist Jerry while the newlyweds explored the property for portraits. The cocktail area was styled with blonde wood tables and chairs, soft neutral décor, and the same stunning pink florals for a cohesive look.

Ellie & Adam carved out a 10-minute break just for themselves, enjoying their appetizers in peace while watching the sunset — a moment to eat, breathe, and simply be together before rejoining the celebration.

A Reception Under the Stars

As the sun set over the Caribbean, the back garden transformed into a dreamy reception space. The setup featured blonde wood furniture from Oleo, romantic floral arrangements by Cherry Blossom, and warm lighting that created a cozy, elegant atmosphere.

The sweetheart table was framed by the luxe floral arch from the ceremony, with the sea sparkling in the background. Ellie and Adam’s first dance lit up the night — literally — with a surprise fireworks display and oh so much love in their eyes.

Toasts were shared and the dance floor stayed packed all night thanks to an incredible playlist and joyful energy. As the evening wrapped up, guests sipped coffee from The Station Mx and grabbed one last treat from the churro cart — the perfect way to end the night.

With Love and Muchas Gracias from Villa la Joya

Ellie and Adam, thank you for choosing Villa la Joya to host your destination wedding. It was an honor to be part of such a heartfelt, joyful, and beautifully personal celebration. We loved seeing your vision come to life — from your emotional first looks to your unforgettable reception. We wish you both a lifetime of love, adventure, and perfectly timed appetizers.

Future brides and grooms, are you ready to tie the knot? Reach out to Villa la Joya today and let’s start planning your ultimate destination wedding in paradise!

A Huge Thank You to Our Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Dream Team

We’re endlessly grateful to the incredible vendors who helped bring Ellie and Adam’s dream day to life. Your creativity, talent, and professionalism made the entire celebration seamless. And remember — at Villa la Joya, we never charge vendor fees, because we believe couples should have the freedom to work with the team that fits their vision best.

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.

Marie & Nate’s Unforgettable Wedding at Villa La Joya

March 11, 2025

Some love stories start with a glance across the room. Marie and Nate’s? It started with the bass drop at an EDC music festival in Las Vegas in 2019. They super clicked and a long-distance relationship followed, filled with cross-country flights, late-night calls, and the undeniable realization that one of them had to make a move. In 2020, Marie packed her bags and made LA her home.

Fast forward to June 2023, and Nate pulled off the perfect surprise proposal at Sunset Beach. Under the ruse of a casual dinner at a friend’s house, he led Marie to the shore, where a stunning setup of arches and flowers awaited. As he got down on one knee, Marie’s joy turned to happy disbelief when she saw her parents and best friend - flown in from Kentucky and Tennessee- there to witness the moment. But Nate wasn’t done yet; he planned an entire engagement celebration weekend in Catalina Island with their closest family and friends, he is a keeper!

Why Choose Mexico for your wedding?

The moment the couple started planning their destination wedding, the Riviera Maya was a no-brainer. Their first international trip together had been to Tulum, a place that stole their hearts with its beauty, warmth, and incredible memories. What better way to start their new chapter than in a place that meant so much to them?

Choosing Villa La Joya for your destination wedding

With its breathtaking oceanfront views, intimate setting, and the freedom to create a truly personalized wedding, Villa La Joya was the perfect venue. Unlike traditional resorts with rigid vendor restrictions and costly guest accommodations, Villa La Joya offered the couple the flexibility they wanted- an exclusive, private space where they could design their dream wedding, exactly how they envisioned it.

A Day Full of Love, Laughter & Tears: First Look

Every wedding has those moments that stay etched in the heart forever, and for Marie, it was her first look with Nate. While everyone around her had been tearing up all day, she had managed to stay composed - until she saw her soon-to-be husband. In that moment, every emotion she had held back came rushing in, making for one of the most unforgettable memories of their special day.

The Wedding Aesthetic: Elegant, Neutral, and Timeless

Marie and Nate envisioned an elegant wedding with a color palette inspired by nature - whites, tans, and lush greenery. Their goal was to create a setting that felt classic and refined, a celebration that would remain timeless in their hearts and photographs for years to come.

A Rainy Surprise & A Lesson for Future Brides

If they could change one thing? Maybe choosing a later date. Though November is usually the end of hurricane season, rain decided to make a grand entrance on their wedding day. Luckily, they had planned ahead and rented a tent - an absolute lifesaver. In the end, the rain cleared, the air cooled, and the night turned into everything they had dreamed of.

Advice for Destination Brides

Marie’s biggest advice? Have a Plan B! Weather can be unpredictable, and small backups - like a tent - can be the difference between a perfect day and a logistical nightmare.

For Marie and Nate, their wedding was more than just a day - it was a celebration of their journey, their love, and the adventure ahead. And if their story has proven anything, it’s that love, much like a festival anthem, always finds its perfect beat.

Big thank you, muchas gracias

From all of us at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya, we extend our gratitude to Marie and Nate for inviting us to be a part of your special day. We wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

As always, we send our thanks to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this vision to life. Creative, and professional, we adore you and are honored to work with you all. (And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya!)

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

February 25, 2025

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.

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