The Best Real Wedding Story You’ll Read in 2022: Ashley and Alden’s Emotional Destination Wedding in Playa del Carmen
At Villa la Joya we are blessed to work with incredible love stories every single day. We become immersed in your tales of amor, we cry during your speeches, we are true romantics and we can’t just get enough! The story of Ashley and Alden is one we will never forget, a love story of overcoming obstacles and making dreams come true. Have the tissues ready, this is a tearjerker and it is simply one of the most romantic destination weddings in Playa del Carmen we have ever had the honor to host.
The beginning of something beautiful: From Eastern Washington University to romantic beach vacations in Mexico
How it all began:
Alden and I met when he was recruited to Eastern Washington University to play basketball. I was going to Eastern as well and Alden ended up also getting a scholarship for football, where he helped win the 2012 National Championship. He stayed in Spokane after college and that is where our relationship blossomed.
Why did you choose a wedding in Mexico?
We love Mexico. It is one of our favorite places to vacation. We got engaged during peek covid times and we thought what better way to get married than in our favorite place (Mexico.) It gave our guests something to look forward to after being stuck inside for so long. We had never been to Cancun, only Cabo. But Cancun took our breath away and is now our “go-to” going forward for vacation.
Overcoming the odds to stand at the altar: Emotional moments reveal the power of love
Love is magic, it heals, it overcomes the odds and it brings light to all of our lives. The power of love shone through in the Playa del Carmen wedding ceremony of Ashely and Alden at Villa la Joya.
The whole day was an emotional rollercoaster, for us, our guests and our family. 5 years ago Alden was a victim of a crime where he was shot 11 times. The doctors gave him a 4% chance of ever walking again. Alden was left wheelchair bound and it rocked all of our worlds. With a ton of practice and determination Alden knew he would stand at the altar. So, the day of our wedding Alden was able to stand at the altar and walk down the aisle. I do not think there was a dry eye in the venue at that time. He also got to stand for our first dance, it was the most magical day of our lives.
This was truly one of the most emotional wedding ceremonies we have had the joy of hosting at Villa la Joya. The moment Alden stood at the altar to declare his forever love to Ashley is something we will never, ever forget. Love is magic, love is powerful, love heals and love makes the world go round.
Stunning style and details at the destination wedding of Ashley and Alden
Why did you choose Villa La Joya for your destination wedding in Playa del Carmen?
We knew we wanted a private venue to make it more personal. Nothing had really caught our eye. We researched and researched and when we saw Villa La Joya we knew it was our venue. The endless options to make our wedding show our personal style, the breathtaking views, and honestly the venue itself is STUNNING. You pull up to the villa and you feel like you are in a dream. There is nothing like Villa La Joya and I wish I could do that day over and over.
Apart from the magical love story, Ashley and Alden’s wedding was absolutely gorgeous! Elegant and stylish, every detail was simply perfect. We LOVED the cover over the pool, the dried flowers, the cake, the decor, it was a wedding straight from a bridal magazine.
What would you change about your Playa del Carmen wedding day?
I wouldn’t have changed anything, to be honest. It was a perfect day for me. My advice to future brides is to soak up every moment of your day, it goes by fast. Do not sweat the little things, there will always be a few hiccups the day of. Most importantly remember why you are there and how blessed you are to have so much love surrounding you two that day.
Muchas gracias to Ashley and Alden, thank you for inspiring us with your love story
We are grateful to Ashley and Alden for choosing Villa La Joya for your destination wedding in Mexico. We are truly moved and changed by your story and inspired by your love. We wish you both all the best for a life of happiness and joy!
Contact us today to start planning your own destination wedding in Mexico! Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is waiting to hear from you!
Looking for wheelchair-accessible wedding venues in Mexico? Send us a message today to ask about our accessibility and all the ways we can make YOUR Playa del Carmen wedding day pure magic.
As always, thanks to our wonderful Playa del Carmen wedding vendors and remember, there are no vendor fees at Villa la Joya! Let’s make your wedding dreams come true.
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