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Real Weddings

Summer and Steve Destination Wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya

October 21, 2024

Summer and Steve joined us at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya to get married in Mexico with their beloved family and friends in attendance. On a magical, sunny, blue-sky day, the bride and groom walked down the aisle and joined together forever. With a moving ceremony and a dynamic wedding reception in our seaside gardens, this was a totally unforgettable destination wedding in Mexico for a fun-loving group!

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

My husband's family is from Mexico City, whereas all of my family lives in the southeast of the USA. It only seemed fair to have everyone meet in the middle! Steve also always dreamed of getting married in Cancun, so I was happy to make that dream come true for him.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya and Villa Planners?

My husband and I both work in design fields, so once we saw the architecture of Villa La Joya, it was a no-brainer that we wanted to be married there. We went with Villa Planners because on our tour date, Adrianna was so kind and knowledgeable, it only seemed right to choose her to plan the wedding. And we made a great choice in doing so!

Choosing a destination wedding in Mexico is the ideal solution for uniting family and friends from all over the world. Summer and Steve brought together their loved ones for a celebration that was more than just one day. A destination wedding in Mexico is a chance for extended “getting to know you” time from both sides and a deeper connection in the network of love for the newlyweds.

Riviera Maya Mexico private villa wedding ceremony: Amor, amor, amor

Summer and Steve celebrated their private villa wedding ceremony at the grand entrance to Villa la Joya. Lush white roses all around and a very personal ceremony that included the traditional “lazos” and a romantic first kiss with dip! Bride Summer surprised her groom with her vows in Spanish, we love that so much!

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

My favorite moment of the day was seeing my husband's reaction to my wedding vows, since he didn't know I practiced for months to say them in Spanish!

What was your wedding theme or inspiration?

I wanted the decor to reflect who Steve and I are to our core; light hearted, fun loving people. I wanted it to feel bright and easy going! All of the pink was just an added bonus.

Bride Summer was glowing in her Justin Alexander gown and groom Steve rocked a morning coat tuxedo look, absolutely elegant. Summer’s veil floated perfectly in the ocean breeze in the tropical paradise of Playa del Carmen.

Destination wedding reception in Mexico: ¡Arriban los novios!

After tying the knot, the newlyweds invited their guests to join them in the seaside gardens of Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya. The lush white florals by La Fiore were stunning, and the arch from the ceremony made a great backdrop for the sweetheart’s table draped in roses and lit by white candles

Anything you would have done differently?

I think that the day was perfect, even with the silly things that happened during it! I wouldn't have done anything differently.

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

Practice, practice, practice your bustle with your bridesmaids BEFORE the wedding! You won't regret it!!!

After cutting the mega-fab four-tiered cake by Pasteleria La Migaja, the party really kicked into gear. Bride Summer changed into a hot little reception dress and she and her ladies put on a high-energy dance number to delight the crowd. The rest of the evening was tequila, champagne and everyone getting down on the dance floor.

Big thanks, muchas gracias and best wishes for a lifetime of joy

All of us at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya and Villa Planners would like to extend our huge thanks, mil mil gracias to Summer and Steve for inviting us to host your destination wedding in Mexico. We had a great time with you and your guests, an unforgettable event. We wish you all the best for a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

Feeling inspired by this real destination wedding in Mexico? Ready to start planning your own private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya? Contact us today at Villa la Joya to schedule a video call to get to know our team and start turning your wedding dreams into reality.

Destination wedding vendors in Mexico: The best in the Riviera Maya

As always, we must give a huge shout-out to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who help make all of our events so phenomenal. Professional, creative, and world-class, we are truly grateful for your passion for wedding perfection. And future brides and grooms take note, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya!

Kiana and Craig: Villa la Joya Riviera Maya Real Wedding Inspiration

September 28, 2024

Are you ready to swoon? We think you will swoon. We swooned. A lot. This is an absolutely inspirational destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, Kiana and Craig know how to throw a fiesta. Villa la Joya was delighted to host this classy, elegant, and fun Playa del Carmen wedding.

Two sleek and sexy bridal looks, cherry wood and white roses. And giant robots serving shots by the cigar bar. Let’s go!!

Magazine-worthy wedding in Mexico: Let’s talk about the bride and groom

This is a wedding where it all came together to perfection, like a feature article in a bridal magazine, s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g. Kiana and Craig are such a beautiful couple and they are clearly madly in love. Their classic looks for their Villa la Joya wedding were the definition of elegance.

Kiana’s bridal gown was simple but in an impactful WOW kind of way. Sexy, sensual, and perfectly flattering to showcase the natural beauty of the bride. Hair and makeup by VO Evolution completed the glowing look and the veil was perfect in the ocean breeze. Craig wore a traditional black tuxedo, or we should say, he rocked a traditional black tuxedo, a model groom beside his beloved bride.

The Seaside Wedding: Garden Ceremony at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Kiana and Craig said their “I do’s” in a moving garden ceremony by the sea. The floral arch and bouquets in white roses and chairs in cherry wood were pure elegance. The loved ones in attendance at this destination wedding in Playa del Carmen showered the couple with love and support and flower petals.

Once the knot was tied, the cocktails began to flow from the mezcal bar and the violinist serenaded the guests with live music. Smiles, hugs and toasts, the emotions were flowing and spirits were high.

Pretty woman, saxophone fireworks and giant robots serving shots

The reception look for Kiana was as gorge as her bridal gown, a look reminiscent of a movie star and oh man those opera gloves. If you are ever hesitant about having a second bridal look, hesitate no more, this is your inspiration to say yes to a reception dress. Sexy, sensual and elegant, fabulous.

The reception was a dynamic event with su-per fun details and entertainment. Live saxophonist with FIREWORKS coming out of his instrument. Giant LED robots serving shots and dancing with guests. Cigar bar rolling all night. The music was a hit and everyone brought their boogie to the dance floor for an epic celebration of love and marriage.

Best wishes to the newlyweds Kiana and Craig: Thanks for choosing Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

All of us at Villa la Joya send our best wishes to the newlyweds for a long and joyous lifetime of love and beautiful moments. We are so grateful and glad you chose to host your private villa wedding in Mexico with us at VLJ, muchas gracias!

As always, a mega big shoutout to all the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who made this such a successful event. It is our honor and privilege to work with these creative professionals. And hey brides, did you know we never charge vendor fees? Wink wink.

Feeling inspired? Check out our Mexico private villa wedding venue, set up a conference call with us today to start planning, we can’t wait to see your vision boards!

Sianna and Keegan’s Bold and Beautiful Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding

September 14, 2024

You are going to swoon over this real Playa del Carmen wedding! Sianna and Keegan brought their dynamic energy and gorgeous aesthetic to Villa la Joya’s marble hallways and tropical gardens. The colors, the textures, the details and oh MY that bridal gown and florals!

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen pre-wedding portraits that took our breath away

The magic of this wedding day started before the guests even arrived. Sianna shared “getting ready” time with her bridal party, donning a bridal gown that hugged her curves and featured a magnificent train and veil that WOWED! The bridal portraits in the hallways of Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen are absolutely worthy of a magazine spread.

Destination wedding “first look” photos in our private villa in Mexico

Groom Keegan joined his soon-to-be-wife for a “first look” in his sharp, traditional black tuxedo and some sweet kicks. The couple’s portraits on the balcony and on the marble stairs utilize the architecture and art of our villa by the sea to create spectacular images of romance that showcase the love story of Sianna and Keegan.

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

We selected Villa La Joya because it reminded us of Italy! The architecture and the venue has this old charm and not to mention it’s stunningly beautiful! Also, Keegans family is Italian and we got engaged at the Trevi fountain in Rome! We picked Mexico because I grew up going with my family so I wanted to bring the family back for a trip of a lifetime!

Sianna and Keegan tied the knot in a moving ceremony in the Villa la Joya seaside garden. The set-up was lovely, white pillars with bursts of color in the florals by Cherry Blossom Mexico. Yes, you can have a beach wedding not on the beach!

We looooved the bridesmaids’ dresses each in their own unique color, combined with the ocean views, bouquets, and florals they made a really beautiful wedding party. The ceremony was really joyous and moving.

Destination wedding reception fun: Mariachis, tears of joy and fashion

My favourite part of the day was listening to all the beautiful speeches from our friends and family! Definitely spent a lot of the day crying haha! Also- the food & drink and dancing was next level.

The light wood furnishings and dinner set-up with more glorious florals, cool cocktail tables, sky tent, and twinkling lights, an unforgettably unique Villa la Joya wedding reception. Sianna and Keegan were celebrated by their loved ones with a mariachi serenade and champagne toasts.

Bride Sianna changed into her killer reception dress and made an impactful entrance with a bright smile. The fashion, totally hot, the short, strapless dress with a soft, sculptural vision in white. Magic. Everyone at this private villa wedding looked gorgeous and happy in their best eleganza.

Muchas gracias, grazie and big thanks to Sianna and Keegan

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our very best wishes to Sianna and Keegan and our thanks for allowing us to host your big day. The colors, the food, the energy, the fashion and the love, it was truly unforgettable!

The best Playa del Carmen wedding vendors: Shout-out and a round of applause

As always, Villa la Joya weddings are a team effort and we are so grateful to work with the very best wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya and from around the world. This gorgeous event was a hit and we send you all our gratitude and a huge round of applause.

Ready to start planning your own private villa wedding in Mexico? We never charge any vendor fees, put those pesos to better use! Join us at Villa la Joya wedding venue to make your vision boards come to life, contact us today.

Brian and Angie’s Gorge Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

September 9, 2024

A love story that was meant to be, Canadian Brian and American Angie met by strange twists of fate that brought them both to a little bar in Minnesota in 2017. Bonding over Guinness and air hockey, the couple clicked and the rest, as they say, is history.

There was something meant to be about us meeting - after being in many of the same places at the same time without knowing one another - we finally met at a little dive bar in Minneapolis called Pats Taps. It took a lot of convincing for Angie to agree to meet on a VERY cold Monday night in January. Angie really sealed the deal when she ordered a Guinness (Brian's favorite beer), and challenged Brian to a game of air hockey.

The love story of Angie and Brian blooms and continues to grow. Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was delighted to host the latest chapter of their tale of amor and romance. Get ready to be inspired by this private villa wedding in Mexico!

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico? Everybody say love

Brian and Angie were united by fate and are blessed to have friends and family from all over Canada and the USA. Choosing Mexico for their destination wedding brought everyone together to share in a grand celebration of unity.

With Brian being from Canada, and Angie having gone to college in Louisiana and now living in Minnesota- they both had friends and family all over. They decided to make Mexico the spot where everyone could meet. The idea of staying at an all inclusive hotel nearby with all of their closest family and friends really sealed the deal for them. Mexico provided good weather, and affordable accommodation options for the guests to enjoy a little vacation while also attending a wedding.

Sharing a vacation in paradise with your guests is one of the best reasons to choose a private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya. Brian and Angie enjoyed quality time with one and all and everyone got to know one another in a relaxing setting before the big day. Their rehearsal dinner on a catamaran was a huge success.

A touch of Europe in Mexico: Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a little taste of Europe in the magical Mexican Caribbean. Our oceanside setting and lush gardens are a great contrast to the architecture of the villa and it all came together as the fabulous backdrop for the wedding of Brian and Angie.

We love architecture, especially European/French/Spanish/Italian-inspired design. It was an easy decision when we saw Villa La Joya and the beautiful design. Villa La Joya was truly so beautiful, and it provided such a gorgeous backdrop for our big day.

Angie was an absolute stunner in her incredible bridal gown, we are still oohing and aahing over all those ruffles. Brian looked super sharp in his traditional tuxedo and the two together absolutely sparkled.

Advice from a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen bride: Newlyweds know best

Advice from our newlyweds is priceless for anyone planning a private villa wedding in Mexico. Real wedding experience and inspiration can spark ideas for your own dream nuptials. Angie shared a few pointers and we agree, more disco balls, always.

I would say screw the timeline to anyone telling you that you need to hurry or stay on track. That is one thing I would change if I could go back. I would have been more vocal about how it was making me feel. It would have allowed us to be more present and really soak it all. No one should feel rushed on their big day!

I would've had more shade via umbrellas for our guests during the ceremony, or just pushed for the ceremony to be in the back instead. The heat really got to people quick!

ALWAYS SAY YES TO A SAXOPHONIST!!!

Disco Balls- and more Disco Balls.

A rehearsal dinner on a catamaran was the best decision we made. My only regret was not hiring a photographer for it!

Thanks so much to Angie and Brian and their super fun guests. We loved this wedding full of warm family love, pretty details and oh so much romance. We wish the newlyweds all the very best for a long and happy lifetime together!

What is our top advice for the best private villa wedding venue in Mexico? Choose your wedding vendors carefully, we work with the most professional in the Riviera Maya. We send our gratitude and love to all the creative geniuses who came together to make this a fabulous private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya, big gracias to all.

Deborah and Fermin’s Romantic Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

August 20, 2024

Villa La Joya is breathtaking in pictures (in person it made me cry). It felt private, like a backyard wedding, with the luxury of an event venue. We loved the idea of it being a space just for us and our guests where we had the freedom to decide every detail. - newlywed bride Deborah.

Deborah and Fermin and their guests filled Villa la Joya with joyous energy in a beautiful celebration of love. Getting married in Mexico surrounded by their closest family and friends was a magical way to tie the knot forever and share sensational moments together. An unforgettable private villa wedding in Mexico, get ready to be inspired by amor.

Let love shine: Simple and classic wedding ceremony at Villa la Joya

This day was all about Deborah and Fermin and their love took center stage through it all. The bridal gown and veil was breathtaking, the detail on the veil’s embroidery was extraordinary. Fermin rocked a traditional black tux as the two became joined for eternity.

Guests were delighted to be welcomed to the wedding ceremony with aguas frescas (cool drinks), parasols, and hand fans to whisk away the afternoon heat. With comfortable padded chairs added to the mix, the guests felt pampered from the start.

Backyard wedding reception in Playa del Carmen: Luxury venue, cozy vibes

The seaside gardens of Villa la Joya have seen a whole lot of love and many inspiring events, each with their own flair and energy. Deborah and Fermin brought cozy, comfy, luxurious ideas to their private villa wedding in Mexico and we loved every bit of it. The party kicked off with a cocktail hour in the comfortable seating areas before moving to the long, family-style tables for dinner.

The flowers were simple and elegant in white and Deborah seemed to be floating on the ocean breeze in that incredible bridal gown and veil. She changed into a sharp white suit for the reception, put her bedazzled white love glasses ON, and shared a fireworks kiss with Fermin that will never be forgotten.

What was your favorite moment of your private villa wedding day?

My ultimate favorite moment was after our speech when we kissed and the fireworks (timed to perfection) went off in the distance. It felt like a movie.

Advice from a private villa wedding expert: Newlywed Bride Deborah

Anything you would have done differently?

I would have taken some time to myself in the morning. I was busy all day getting ready with my loved ones and partying with my friends and family that I never took a step back to bask in the moment.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides planning a private villa wedding?

All the little things don’t matter, rain on your wedding day is good luck and no one cares about the little hiccups. Everything will work out and it will be the best day ever no matter what happens. Don’t stress about the little things.

Thank you so much Deborah, we know your experience and expertise will help many brides relax and find some peace.

Best wishes and big thanks to Deborah and Fermin

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our best wishes and gratitude to Deborah and Fermin. We are delighted you chose to host your private villa wedding in Mexico with us, it was a pleasure to meet you and share in your big day. May you have a long and happy lifetime together, full of joy and laughter!

And of course as always, our thanks to the world-class wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen who make it look so easy. We appreciate your professionalism and creativity and can’t wait to tell more love stories together.

Ready to talk about your own private villa wedding in Mexico dreams? Contact us today to schedule a video call so you can tell us all about it and we can show you around our private Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding venue.

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