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Romantic Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Romantic Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Joanna and Raphael’s Romantic Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

This Mexico destination wedding is overflowing with pretty details, romantic touches, a super sweet bride and groom and a whole lot of love from family and friends. We are excited to share the Villa la Joya wedding love story of Joanna and Raphael with you. Ready to be inspired?

How to plan a romantic wedding in Mexico: Private villa wedding magic with Joanna and Raphael

Joanna and Raphael’s Villa la Joya wedding was simply perfection, a “how to” of planning a classic romantic beach wedding without the sand. Every detail was thoughtful and elegant, from the striking circular floral arch for the ceremony on the Villa la Joya stairs to the tiniest buds on the wedding cake and the surprise fireworks over the sea. The gold table settings, lush blush roses with pampas grass, an elegant sweethearts table with a chandelier, we could go on and on and on and on. 

A little rain on their wedding day didn’t dampen the spirit of the celebration of love. The sky tent over the Villa la Joya pool with all of the twinkly lights and surrounding palm trees created a beautiful setting, rain or shine. The personalized dance floor in the calligraphy style of the day’s signs and programs was a fab touch! Gourmet Soberanis outdid themselves with their Playa del Carmen wedding catering, delicious and beautifully presented.

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico? How did you decide on a Villa la Joya wedding?

We always ask our newlyweds why they chose a destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. We are so glad they did, thanks Joanna and Raphael!

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

“Our families are from opposite coasts in the United States, and we wanted a location that would be a compromise for both sides. However, we didn't love the idea of getting married in Texas. So, we thought of doing a destination wedding to host a wonderful time for our families and friends. Many of them hadn't been to Mexico before and we absolutely loved our visits to the Cancun area, so we settled on Playa Del Carmen. Raphael's mom was so happy when we told her our wedding was in Mexico - she danced all around the house and called all her sisters to let her know. “

What made you decide on Villa La Joya?

“We went to a few resorts and didn't love the idea of the wedding not being completely private. As soon as we saw Villa La Joya, we knew that was it! Villa La Joya is so beautiful and ethereal; it fit perfectly with the romantic theme that we were looking for.“

Reflections of a Mexico destination wedding newlywed: Advice and thoughts from bride Joanna

The day goes by so quickly, with so much emotion and a flurry of activities, it’s hard to soak it all in. Reflecting on the experience of planning a destination wedding in Mexico, lovely Joanna was kind enough to share her thoughts and advice from a newlywed bride.

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day?

Our favorite memories of our wedding day have to be:

1. Our first look: it was filled with so many tears, but also so much laughter. It was such a special moment and it felt surreal knowing that I was seeing my husband for the first time.

2. Having all of our friends and family in one place coming to celebrate our love and the coming together of two families. We had such a great time hosting everyone all week - it felt like one big sleep over at the resort!

3. Fireworks: Who doesn't love fireworks? It was such a surprise for our guests and really brought the whole wedding together!

Anything you would have done differently on your wedding day?

We would have eaten more! The food at the wedding was so phenomenal. Chef Tomas Soberanis did not disappoint. Huge shout out to him and his team - everyone remembers yummy food at a wedding. At least I do!

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides?

1. Eat lots, drink lots, and be merry (married)!

2. Your photographer is your best friend that day.

3. Don't stress about the details - you won't notice them when you're enjoying the day.

Sage advice from a savvy bride, thanks so much Joanna. We wish you and Raphael a phenomenal lifetime of happiness and amor together!

Plan your own romantic wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya, contact us today

We know this was a super inspirational wedding, are you ready to start planning your own? We can’t wait to hear your ideas and make all your dreams of romance come true with the best wedding vendors in Mexico. Contact us today!

As always, a super big muchas gracias to all the world-class vendors who made this day such a romantic success. 

Wedding Planning - Pride Maya Weddings

Photography - Two Fourteen Photography

Video - Frame Wedding Film

Glam Team - Daniela Delgado

Floral Design - Cherry Blossom

Rentals - EW Cancun

Catering - Gourmet Soberanis

Bar & Cocktails - Be You Service

Cake - Lali Pasteles

Churros - Los Pockets

Dance Floor & Lighting - Grupo Gama

DJ - Evolution Mix

Photobooth - La Cabina

Family-Friendly Destination Wedding

Family-Friendly Destination Wedding

Margaret and Kyle’s Family-Friendly Destination Wedding

We just adore a family-friendly wedding at Villa la Joya and we were thrilled to host the nuptials of Margaret and Kyle. This sweet couple were joined together forever in love surrounded by generations of family and friends. With a moving ceremony and a warm and welcoming reception, gorgeous boho details and SO much family amor, this is a real wedding in Mexico that will just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Boho Beautiful Villa la Joya Wedding Ceremony: An Afternoon of Magic and Light

Margaret and Kyle’s wedding day was such fun, starting off getting ready with their nearest and dearest and enjoying a little “first look” prank on the groom. A lighthearted way to kick off this day full of blessings.  

The wedding ceremony took place on the steps of the Villa la Joya grand entrance with luscious pampas grass and dried florals, a stunning A-frame arch at the altar, and the warmth of the afternoon sun creating a beautiful light. Margaret was picture-perfect with her flowing hair and gown by L'Amour by Calla Blanche and groom Kyle was handsome in his classic tux and bowtie, no socks of course. 

Unique Family-Friendly Destination Wedding Ideas: Fun for All Ages

The knot was tied and the newlyweds invited everyone to the Villa la Joya garden for the cocktail hour and reception. The garden was set up with a cute little tent with big pillows and crafty ideas for the little ones. The grownups shared champagne toasts and ceviche and got in on the kids’ bean bag toss and played on the swing. 

Margaret and Kyle joined their loved ones for dinner at the long reception tables, an alternative to the sweethearts’ table that really brings everyone together. After a divine meal by Gourmet Soberanis, toasts were raised that brought tears and laughter and the rest of the evening was a blur of smiles on the dance floor.

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico? Why choose Villa la Joya?

We always like to ask our newlyweds to share their experience in planning their destination weddings at Villa la Joya. Margaret and Kyle were kind enough to share their thoughts and inspirations.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Our first vacation was to the Mayan Riviera over the Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend. We planned and booked our trip a few weeks before that weekend. The night before while out for drinks, Kyle realized his passport was expired, and he couldn't make the flight. He got an emergency passport later that morning (I went anyways!) and met him the next day at the resort :) We continued to vacation to Mexico almost every year together, and enjoyed the people, the food and the general vibe. We also wanted to spend more than 24 hours with our family and friends celebrating this big milestone in our lives and we knew if we got married in Mexico, we can enjoy the company of the closest people in our lives throughout the week.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya?

We both wanted a venue that was away from the resort and one that would be memorable. I came across the Villa on instagram and fell in love with the possibilities. Shortly after, we met the team at Paradise Wedding and Events, and they were very familiar with the Villa, as they've planned multiple weddings there. We knew we were in great hands after taking a tour a few months later!

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day? 

The most memorable, as cheesy as it sounds, was seeing all our friends and family together on our special day. Many of the guests didn't actually look up the venue prior to the wedding (I thought they would!), and so when the guests turned the corner after the ceremony, they were in complete shock with the back of the villa. Seeing pure joy, happiness and love is all we wanted on the day of our wedding!

Big thanks and muchas felicidades to newlyweds Margaret and Kyle 

We had such fun hosting the family-friendly destination wedding of Margaret and Kyle and we send our big thanks for choosing Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. It was a real pleasure to host this day full of love, playfulness and joy. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

As always, a big warm abrazo to the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who brought their creativity and professionalism to the event. We thank you all for lighting up the Villa with your magic and remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! 

Wedding Planners: Paradise Wedding & Events

Photo/Video: Maricarmen Arcos Photography

Makeup/Hair: Zoe Elizabeth

Dress Designer: L'Amour by Calla Blanche

Flowers: Cherry Blossom

Catering: Gourmet Soberanis

Rentals: EW Cancun

Cake: Lali Pasteles

DJ: Uno Audiovisual

Ready to start planning your own family-friendly destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya? Contact us today and let’s make your wedding dreams come true!

Next Level Wedding Fashion and Fun

Next Level Wedding Fashion and Fun

Kyla and Mike Get Married in Mexico! Next Level Wedding Fashion and Fun

Stop what you are doing and get ready to be inspired, you have got to see all the photos of the magnificent Villa la Joya wedding of Kyla and Mike. Each and every photo is like something out of a bridal magazine! Kyla is a photographer and you could see her keen eye for color, light and fashion in all the details. 

Bride and groom brought their family and friends together in Playa del Carmen to share their love for one another and for the magic of Mexico. We are so happy to have hosted this luxurious wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and can’t wait to show you all the eleganza!

Why choose a wedding in Mexico? Tell us about your big day!

We asked Kyla and Mike a few questions about why they chose a wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and their own words definitely say it best: 


“Kyla and Mike were exhausted and ready to head back to their resort after working and being in the sun all day. But once they saw the gorgeous cenote and swam in the natural spring water, they were refreshed. They don't believe in holistic stuff, but something happened at that cenote that made them feel so rejuvenated and energized again. It made them feel happy and at peace. 

From there, Tulum became their favorite place. It's a mystery, It's lowkey and it's intimate - and they want to share those exact same feelings with their closest friends and family.”

What made you decide on Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen? We wanted a Tuscan vibe!

How did you come up with your gorgeous wedding theme and colors? We wanted to choose colors that highlighted the colors of the villa. We didn't want to do a design that didn't fit into the villa well or matched the narrative of the villa. We wanted to accent it.

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day? The most emotional would have been seeing my husband for the first time. We were already married previously, and this was our celebration. We've been through hell and back throughout the planning process as we awaited for the reward of having this wedding at VLJ. That moment finally came and we felt as though we were finally able to breathe.

Anything you would have done differently? Chosen different shoes! Haha. That's about it! Everything was absolutely perfect. My shoes were killing me though. They were the Dior slingbacks haha.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides? GET A PLANNER! Planning a wedding without a planner can be insanely strenuous. Also, don't cheap out on a great photographer. They hold the memory of your day in the photos they deliver to you. Do your due diligence to make sure you find the perfect person that you absolutely trust!

Fashion, elevated eleganza, and a theme of “Outshine the Bride”

We were simply blown away by the wedding of Kyla and Mike and one of the things that made it so unique was the instructions for guests to “Outshine the Bride”, not your typical dress code for a wedding but it was OH so perfect for the family and friends of Kyla and Mike. 

We want all of our guests to dress as if they're going to the MET gala. Put on your best pair of shoes and think... Red carpet, and glamorous! ​Some examples include sequins, fun patterns, floor-length gowns, interesting sleeves, bold accessories, etc.

These guidelines for glamor added layers of textures and colors to all the wedding photos and to the mood of the day. Inviting their guests to run wild with their fashion allowed everyone to let their own personal creative style and flair shine through and the photos are simply out of this world. 

Muchas felicidades to Kyla and Mike and big thanks for a Villa la Joya wedding extravaganza we will never forget!

We wish Kyla and Mike all the best for a lifetime of joy and happiness together. This is one of our fave Villa la Joya weddings ever and we are so grateful you invited us to host your day of love and light and everything gorgeous. Muchas gracias!

And as always, a huge wave of gratitude to the wedding vendors in Mexico who came together to bring this joyous celebration to life. It is always exciting to work with the best in making wedding dreams a reality and remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya Mexico!

Planner. Mango Weddings

Designer. Hugo Martin Weddings

Photographer. Anna Roussos & Thanos Asfis

Video. Sea Love Wedding Films

Bride MUA. Angye Abarca

Bride Hairstyle & Color. Morgan B. Hair

Gown. Rime Arodaky at Lovely Bride DC. Second Dress. @stiohn

Tailoring. Tang’s Bridal

Suit. Suit Supply

Stationery IJ Design Studio @spoonknifefork

Florals. Pure Love Floral Design

Rentals. Oleo Events & Velvet Events Design & Hercon Entertainment

Signs. Weddings Creative Lab

Catering. Gourmet Soberanis

DJ & MC. Sonner.mx & @mcaldospirit

Pretty in Pink Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding

Pretty in Pink Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding

Sadett & Maximiliano: Pretty in Pink Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding

Muchas felicidades and big congratulations to Sadett and Maximiliano who recently painted Villa la Joya pink with their romantic Playa del Carmen wedding. There were endless divine details and the elegant florals by Vicente Coral created a magical setting perfect for amor. You are definitely going to want to see ALL the wedding photos by Isabella Rodriguez, this was a joyous celebration of love with family and friends.

Catholic Wedding Ceremony Playa del Carmen: Religious and Civil Ceremonies

Can you have a traditional Catholic ceremony at a destination wedding in Mexico? Yes, you can! We are often asked this question and we are always happy to help plan a religious wedding in Playa del Carmen. 

Sadett and Maximiliano incorporated both a religious and a civil ceremony into their wedding day, sharing their faith and commitment for a lifetime. The Villa la Joya grand entrance staircase witnessed this gorgeous couple exchanging their vows, Sadett in a stunning bridal gown that showed off her enviable figure and Maximiliano in an absolutely fabulous pink suit. With loved ones in various shades of pink, it was a remarkably romantic scene.

Inspired wedding reception decor: Intimate, elegant and playful fiesta

Sadett and Maximiliano had such a unique and personalized reception set-up, with intimate tents and extravagant florals and lights. The dance floor over the pool, the luscious sweethearts table, and live music, we loved every moment and detail. The cake by Doux Melange was a cascade of white sugar roses and a tribute to the couple’s beloved dogs who could not attend. 

After a gourmet meal by Banquetes Camino Premium catering and toasts that elicited tears and laughter, the party really kicked off. The smiles on the dance floor say it all, this was an epic fun fiesta and the perfect way to join the families together in grand style. Generations from young to old joined together to dance the night away and wish the newlyweds a long and happy life together.

Inspired by this real Playa del Carmen wedding? Let’s start planning!

We were absolutely inspired by the wedding of Sadett and Maximiliano. It's a pleasure to work with dynamic couples to bring their creative ideas to life. Of course, this is the combined efforts of all the wedding vendors who came together at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen for a spectacular day. We ADORE meeting vendors from around the world in collaboration to create the perfect destination wedding in Mexico and we send our gratitude to all who brought the magic to Sadett and Maximilliano’s big day.

Angelica Wedding Planner

Photo - Isabella Rodriguez

Glam Team- Angy Maquillista

Florals & Rentals - Vicente Coral

Catering - Banquetes Camino Premium

Cake - Doux Melange

360 Booth - Elements Party

Total Tents

PME DJ’s

Intimate Wedding in Playa del Carmen - Haley & Andrew

Intimate Wedding in Playa del Carmen - Haley & Andrew

Intimate Wedding in Playa del Carmen: Haley and Andrew Joined in Love

Congratulations to Haley and Andrew for celebrating their love and the union of their families in an intimate wedding in Playa del Carmen at Villa la Joya. Simple, elegant and full of romance, Haley and Andrew tied the knot in a destination wedding in Mexico surrounded by their closest family and friends. This is what wedding dreams are made of, gorgeous details and a couple radiating love. Ready for some real wedding inspiration?

Our in-house team of Villa Planners worked with the best Playa del Carmen wedding vendors to create a magical day for Haley and Andrew. All you need to do is look at the photos of the faces of the bride and groom as they exchange their moving vows and you can see that they are madly in love and in perfect harmony. 

Why plan a destination wedding in Mexico? Why choose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding?

We know that a destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is an ideal choice for tying the knot, but we always like to ask our newlyweds why they chose us for their special day. We reached out to Haley and Andrew and here is what they shared with us about their reasons for planning an intimate wedding in Playa del Carmen at Villa la Joya. 

Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Mexico will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was one of the only places we could travel to during COVID, so it was where we spent our first two trips together abroad. Mexico was where we spent our first New Years Eve together, and where we celebrated Haley’s 30th birthday.  It was where much of the love we now share grew into what it is today!  There’s something about the beauty and energy of Mexico that we both gravitate to. We wanted to share our love for each other with our friends and family in a place that means so much to us. We couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else!

Why choose a Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen wedding?

There are so many reasons why we chose Villa La Joya.  First and foremost, the beauty of the estate!  We also wanted the scenic views of the ocean with the elegance of a proper venue. We loved that we could make the space our own, which our wedding planner Nancy and all of our vendors made happen! Villa La Joya is tucked away in the perfect location. It’s just a short drive from the airport with lots of hotel options. Villa La Joya is a hidden gem, and we feel so lucky to be able to say we got married there!

Delicious details and a warm and welcoming setting made for love

Everything about this Villa la Joya wedding was designed to be warm and inviting to all in attendance. We loved the circular arch of dried flowers and roses by Cherry Blossom, lush and a little bohemian and a perfect backdrop for the ceremony and reception. Bride Haley was simply stunning in a lacy gown and her natural beauty was accentuated by the talented makeup artist Sara Tamargo. The food was divine, with catering by Gourmet Soberanis and the AMAZING cake and desserts by Lali Pasteles, it was rave reviews all around for the delicious fare of this intimate wedding in Playa del Carmen.

Any advice for other couples planning a wedding in Mexico?

Use Villa Planners!  Nancy and her staff were incredibly wonderful, and they know the venue so well, it definitely helped a lot since we don’t live in Mexico.  Also, come for a site visit if you can.


We rented a couple of villas in Playa Paraiso next to Villa La Joya for our families and it was nice to have everyone so close.  It also made our wedding day so much easier because we were already there and didn’t have to worry about transportation, etc.

We did most of our photographs before the ceremony, so we were able to enjoy most of our cocktail hour, which was nice.

All of our vendors were amazing; we highly recommend them!  

Muchas gracias, big thanks and wishes for a lifetime of happiness

We send our gratitude and our warmest wishes to newlyweds Haley and Andrew, we are thrilled you chose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding. It was a pleasure to get to know you both and to share in your intimate wedding day. Muchas felicidades, we know you will enjoy a lifetime of joy and happiness together.

Feeling inspired by this intimate destination wedding in Mexico? Contact us today at Villa la Joya!

Let’s get planning! Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and share your dream wedding ideas with us, let’s make magic together! Villa Planners is ready to assemble our power team of Playa del Carmen wedding vendors to make your day uniquely yours. 

As always, we send our gratitude to our partners in planning, the best Playa del Carmen wedding vendors with their creativity, professionalism and skills in bringing romance to life. BIG thanks. And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya, let your imagination run wild!


Vendors

Planners - Villa Planners

Photography - LuxArt Wedding Studio

Flowers - Cherry Blossom

Hair & Makeup - Sara Tamargo

Cake & Desserts - Lali Pasteles

Food - Gourmet Soberanis

Churro Cart - Los Pockets

DJ - Uno Audiovisual

Furniture/Décor - Canteiro Weddings

Drinks/Alcohol - Barras Libres

Décor Items - Magic Love