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Fio & Tito Say “I Do” at Villa La Joya: A Dreamy Seaside Wedding Full of Heart

Fio & Tito Say “I Do” at Villa La Joya: A Dreamy Seaside Wedding Full of Heart

Fio and Tito’s love story is one of fate and destiny, from the front steps of their childhood school to the grand staircase of Villa La Joya. Their destination wedding in the Riviera Maya was a colorful, emotional, and joy-filled celebration of a bond that began in their youth and grew into a lifetime promise—sealed with sun, sea, and a whole lot of dancing.

Love Story: From First Kiss to Forever

Fio always had a little crush on Tito back in primary school—but only her closest friends knew. Years later, in 2008, they reconnected at a high school party during their final year. Tito made the first move, inviting her out for a drink—and on August 3, they shared their first kiss.

The years brought them around the world. In 2020, during the quiet and uncertainty of the pandemic, a conversation in New Zealand sparked the start of forever. “We started talking about the future,” Fio shared, “and just like that, we began planning our dream wedding—somewhere by the sea.”

Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony: Emotions on the Grand Stairs

Their destination wedding dreams brought them to the Riviera Maya and straight to Villa La Joya, where the couple instantly fell in love with the elegant architecture, beachfront views, and warm welcome. “It was even more stunning in person than in the photos,” said Fio. “The moment we arrived, we knew we were in the right place.”

Fio and Tito tied the knot on Villa La Joya’s iconic front staircase—the perfect backdrop for their emotional wedding ceremony. Surrounded by pastel florals in hues of blush, mauve, creamy whites, and soft reds, the couple exchanged vows through happy tears and heartfelt words. 

Save your date, book your Riviera Maya wedding at our private villa venue today! 

Fio looked effortlessly elegant in a one-shoulder gown from Rosa Clará—simple, sculptural, and stunning—paired with a glowing, natural makeup look and a soft updo. Tito brought the cool with a lightweight tropical suit and signature sunglasses, keeping it effortlessly stylish through the vows to the last dance.

Villa la Joya Wedding Reception: Pastel Dreams & Disco Balls

The celebration continued in the seaside garden of Villa La Joya—with a personalized dance floor over the pool, hanging lanterns, glowing Edison lights, and a stunning arrangement of lush greenery and sparkling disco balls suspended above, the party scene was set.

Their color palette—pastel tones with touches of red, pink, beige, and gold—blended perfectly with the villa’s natural elegance. “We wanted warmth, but also something youthful and fun,” said Fio. And they absolutely nailed it.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, moving toasts, and nonstop dancing. The dessert table was to die for, delighting everyone’s sweet tooth—both picture-perfect and truly delicious. The drinks flowed, the music bumped (shoutout to DJ Levels), and Fio and Tito celebrated their happiness with their closest friends and family. Shots, sweet dance moves, and joy, a memorable evening of love by the seaside.

A Word to Future Destination Wedding Brides

Fio’s best newlywed advice? “Enjoy every moment—it all goes by too fast. A destination wedding is a dream come true, and what really matters isn’t just how beautiful everything looks, but the energy and excitement you bring. That’s what everyone remembers. Viva la vida!”

¡Muchas gracias Fio y Tito, Que Vivan los Novios! 

Villa la Joya would like to send our thanks and best wishes to Fio and Tito. We were delighted to host your beautiful Riviera Maya wedding day. May you enjoy a lifetime of joy and romance every single day!

Vendor Team That Made the Magic Happen

A destination wedding in the Riviera Maya is a “team sport”, it takes a group of creative professionals to bring our Villa la Joya events to life. We are always grateful, thank you all for your dedication to love stories and romance. And remember darlings, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya!

Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planning: Valentina Corro & Team | Photography: Gaber Studio | Hair & Makeup: LUM Wedding Beauty | Dress & Shoes: Rosa Clará | Floral Design: Kndy Flowers | Ceremony: Ximena – Todo Corazón | Catering: Alta Porta | Cocktails: Minimal | Cake: Lluvia de Azucar | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Tent: Total Tents | SAX Asunción, Paraguay | DJ: Level’s

Start planning your private villa wedding in Mexico today at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

We can’t wait to dive into your vision boards and hear all about your love stories. Reach out to Villa la Joya today to schedule a video call, let’s make destination wedding magic. Besos! 

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

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

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.

Wedding Planner: Nancy from Villa Planners | Photography: Amor Amor Weddings | Glam: Makeup by Cristela | Stationary: Zazzle | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Floral Design: Pentaflor | Rentals: Minimal Rent & Hercon Entertainment (dance floor) | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cocktails: Be You Service | Churros: Los Pockets | DJ: Legendary Entertainment

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

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

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.

Travel Agents: Paradise Weddings | Planners: Beloved Planners | Wedding Photography: Amor Amor Weddings | Nutrition Coach: 2 Weeks Out Programming | HMU: Zöe Elizabeth (makeup), Kahori Flores (hair, with Zoe) | Spray Tan: Bronzed by SG | Dress Designer: Martina Liana | Dress Boutique: Mariee Bridal Scottsdale | Shoes: Dolce Vita | Earrings/Bracelet: Olive & Piper | Ring: Peter & Co. Jewelers (engagement ring & one wedding band), Shane Co. Jewelers (one wedding band) | Stationery: Mint (save the dates), The Knot (invites) | Groom’s Suit: Luca Falcone | Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux | Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey | Flowers: Cherry Blossom | Furniture: Oleo Events | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Dessert: Los Pockets, Coffee: The Station Mx | Violinist: Jerry | DJ/AV: Mills James Audio Visual

Dhwani and Steve’s Stunning Multicultural Indian Wedding at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

Dhwani and Steve’s Stunning Multicultural Indian Wedding at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

We are so excited to share this dynamic destination wedding with you! Dhwani and Steve tied the knot in a sensational, colorful and joyous celebration at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya. Their big day blended Indian, Hakka and Mexican cultural elements for an unforgettable and totally unique wedding. The pics are going to knock you out, are you ready?

Real wedding romantic inspiration and a wonderful way with words

We always ask our newlyweds to answer a few post-wedding questions. Some couples respond with a few points, some don’t respond at all and others give us answers worthy of a bridal magazine. Dhwani and Steve took the time to really give you the inside scoop on planning a Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding. We are going to share their words for the truly personal experience of getting married in Mexico. 

So, Dhwani and Steve, you are now destination wedding experts, inspire us with your words and pro advice for planning an Indian wedding in the Riviera Maya!

A brief story of how you two met and your proposal?

We met at a party when I accidentally spilled pizza dipping sauce on Steve’s sweater (oops!). I offered to clean it up—little did he know, I don’t exactly do laundry! Later that night, I got the brilliant idea to sneak out for McDonald’s ice cream (forgetting I didn’t have a car), and Steve, being the gentleman he is, drove me. Sadly, the ice cream machine was down (classic McDonald's), but we ended up escaping the party together, driving around in Steve’s brand-new Jeep for hours. That night sparked a friendship that turned into something much more special.

As for the proposal, Steve had it all planned out perfectly. He pampered me before our trip, making it feel like a regular birthday adventure. During our cruise to the Bahamas, we went for a walk through Atlantis. I asked Steve to take a photo by a beautiful fountain, and little did I know, he’d secretly told our tour guide he was about to propose. When we were ready for the picture, Steve turned to me, dropped to one knee, and popped the question. Of course, I said YES!

Why did you choose Riviera Maya, Mexico for your destination wedding?

We always knew we wanted a small, intimate wedding, and when it came to the destination, Steve was clear—he loves Mexico! While we both dreamed of a destination wedding, Steve always had Mexico in mind. However, I knew I didn’t want a typical Indian wedding at a resort, where our friends and family would have to spend an entire week at one place and pay a hefty price. I wanted to offer them more than just a wedding—I wanted to give them an unforgettable experience.

We envisioned a place where we could celebrate, play Holi at the beach, and still have a private, intimate ceremony. That’s when we found Royalton Riviera Cancun, and our journey led us to Villa La Joya. It was the perfect spot, giving us the right balance of privacy and beauty to make our dream wedding come true.

What made you decide on a Villa La Joya wedding?

After finding Royalton Riviera Cancun, we immediately started looking for private venues nearby, and that’s when we came across Villa La Joya. It was exactly what we were looking for—an intimate yet stunning location with a beautiful beach backdrop. The villa gave us the perfect blend of privacy and elegance, allowing us to host a personalized, unforgettable experience for our guests. From the breathtaking views to the serene atmosphere, it felt like the ideal place to celebrate our love and create memories with our closest friends and family.

One of the first things that stood out to us was the over-the-water Mandap and dance floor—it was everything we envisioned for our ceremony and reception.

The other great thing was that there are other villas nearby you can rent for your vendors or wedding party for the after-party, which made the whole experience feel even more special.

The Villa La Joya team was incredible! Mike and Enrique were so amazing to work with, and they made everything feel effortless. A special memory for us was when Mike offered us a two-day complimentary stay at the villa a few months before the wedding to enjoy the property—it was such a nice touch and gave us a chance to soak it all in before the big day.

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya?

Favorite moment: One of our favorite moments was seeing everyone’s reaction to the venue. It was like something out of a dream, and we couldn’t believe how everything came together—from the ceremony to the reception. The atmosphere was absolutely electric! And, of course, we can’t forget the food—it was so delicious, everyone’s still talking about it! We also loved blending our two cultures, and having fun with each ritual and event. Every single part of the day felt like it was a true reflection of us, and getting to share it all with the people we love made it even more special.

Most emotional moment: Walking into the reception and seeing our vision come to life was honestly overwhelming. It felt like a “we made it” moment, and all the planning, hard work, and little details came together perfectly. But the most emotional part was seeing our families come together and just feeling so much love and happiness in the room. Having both sides of our family there to celebrate with us all week made the experience even more incredible—it was a true family celebration, and we’ll cherish that forever.

Funniest Moment: The speeches were definitely one of the highlights! We loved hearing everyone’s stories and memories before the party really kicked off.

What was your wedding theme, colors and inspiration?

Our wedding theme was all about embracing the rich traditions of an Indian wedding, and we wanted to make it unique and memorable. From the start, we had this vision of an over-the-pool Mandap that would later transform into our reception dance floor — it was magical! For the ceremony, we went with a Golden Hour Hindu ceremony to capture that perfect, soft light, making it feel even more special.

Leading up to the big day at Villa La Joya, we had a blast with the pre-wedding events at the Royalton Riviera. It all started with Mendhi & Mimosas, followed by the Grah Shanti and Haldi rituals. The Sangeet was full of energy and excitement, and it felt like the perfect way to build up to the wedding day!

After the ceremony, we had cocktail hour right outside the villa, with games and live food stations, including a Hakka food station and a live Pani Puri station.

Our wedding theme was a mix of elegance, luxury, and intimacy. We chose whites, ivory tones, and added some greenery for a fresh touch. We also loved the idea of floating candles in the pool, which gave the entire space a dreamy vibe.

Our inspiration was all about creating a seamless fusion, from the food (Indian/Hakka and Mexican) to the design. But the real challenge came with transforming the ceremony space into the reception area. We wanted the shift to happen within just two hours during cocktail hour, and thanks to our incredible décor and planning team, they pulled it off perfectly by repurposing rental furniture and florals.

We wanted everyone to feel comfortable, so we provided customized fans to keep things cool. For the reception, we went all out with lights, florals, and the gorgeous Villa La Joya backdrop—it truly felt like the perfect reflection of who we are as a couple.

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

Looking back, we wish we’d reached out to the preferred vendors sooner. If you’re considering Villa La Joya, we highly recommend MSM Rentals! They were incredible to work with, and it's no surprise they’re a preferred vendor. You can totally trust them to make your vision come to life—they were a huge part of why everything went so smoothly!

What advice would you give to other destination brides?

If you're looking for a private, beautiful, and intimate venue, Villa La Joya is the perfect spot. It’s secluded yet stunning, with breathtaking beach views. The villa gave us a custom experience without the typical resort crowds, creating an atmosphere where we could truly celebrate with our closest friends and family. We wouldn't have had it any other way!

Another huge bonus—there are no vendor fees! You’re free to choose the vendors that match your vision, which we love. It made everything feel more personal and customized. If you’re thinking of a private venue, don’t hesitate to give new vendors a chance. Many of them don’t get to work at resorts, and they’ll bring such fresh energy and passion to your wedding.

For decor and florals, we can’t recommend Villa La Joya’s preferred vendor (MSM RENTALS!) enough. They did such a fantastic job making our vision come to life. We didn’t use their catering, but we definitely felt that their design team was top-notch.
And a big piece of advice: pick the right photographer. The day will go by in a blur, and you’ll want someone who can capture every moment beautifully. We were so happy with Mark Barski (EightTwoFour)—his photos are just timeless, and he captured our day perfectly.

If you’re planning a baraat, definitely pre-plan your route. It’ll help make things go so much smoother.

Also, if you can, get live music for your cocktail hour. It sets such a great vibe for the reception and really helps to get the party started.

Lastly, we’d say go for the photoshoot package inside the villa. It was such a fun and special experience for us, our wedding party, and our families. We have the most amazing memories from that session, and it’s something we’ll cherish forever!

Thanks so much Dhwani and Steve, we are honored to have hosted your big day. It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate your love at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya. We wish you both a lifetime of joy together.

Major shout out to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who absolutely rocked the day

Wedding days have a lot of moving parts and having the best team of wedding vendors is what will keep you on track. Planning a multicultural Indian wedding in the Riviera Maya is such fun. The decor, the food, traditions and rituals, the fashion, all of it came together for a truly special celebration for Dhwani and Steve. We send huge thanks to all the Riviera Maya vendors who came together to make magic.

Invitations: Here There Weddings (Customized passports with Villa la Joya’s sketch for a personal touch) | Bride’s Outfits: Custom Papa Don't Preach, Chandan Fashion & Deeka Padiya | Groom’s Outfits: Custom Sartaj Fashion, Chandan Fashion & Pallavi Bridal | Wedding Party Outfits (Custom): Chandan Fashion, AsoPalav, Kalki Fashion & Little Muffet | Mangalsutra & Wedding Bands (Custom) India | Welcome Bags & Favors: Local Indian Stores | Henna: Henna Art by Nadia | Pre-Wedding Events: Presidential Suite, TAJ restaurant & Ballroom @ Royalton Riviera Cancun | Travel Agent: Luxe Weddings | Guest Accommodation & Airline: Air Canada Vacations & Royalton Riveria Cancun | Photography & Video: Eight Two Four (Highly recommend!) | MUA: Its by Claudio | Hair: Jo Hair Beauty | Stationery/Furniture Rentals/Florals/Cocktail Games & Signage/Decor: MSM Rentals (Team knows what they're doing at Villa la Joya!) | DJ: Empire Entertainment DJs | MC: Vik the MC (Highly recommend, bring up the energy) | Dhol & Live Tabla: Jittu Singh – Jittu brought the energy during Steve's Baarat and kept it going into the cocktail hour. The Dhol was a hit at the after-party! | Priest: Raj Pandya | Catering: Taste India Cancun | Late Night Taco/Nacho Bar & Popsicle Cart/Vendor Catering: El Vochito Gourmet – Sarah was a lifesaver during the week. | Transfers: Pink Ride MX | Vendor & Wedding Party Accommodation: GA Villas | Bar & Mixology Catering: Oscar Garcia Events | Over-Water Mandap & Dance Floor: Cotizacion | Audio/Visual/Lighting: Audiostage | Event Planner: Pyaar Planning MX

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

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

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.

Venue. Villa La Joya | Coordinator: Shailly Weddings | Photographer: Andre Gouin | Videographer: Sea Love Wedding Films | Hair & Makeup: Zöe Elizabeth | Dress: Glenda Dress by Calla Blanche | Custom Nikes & Veil: @blingbycandi | Stationery & Details: Brought by the bride, set up by Shailly | Furniture Rentals: Minimal Rent | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Bar Service: Be You Service | Churro Cart: Los Pockets MX | DJ: DiscoMovil | Cigar Bar: D. Silvas Cigar Service