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Adorable Getting Ready Moments from Villa la Joya Brides

Adorable Getting Ready Moments from Villa la Joya Brides

Adorable Getting Ready Moments from Villa la Joya Brides

The day of your wedding you’re probably full of nervous excitement. Butterflies in your stomach, full of energy and anticipation for the big day you have been waiting for. The time comes to start getting ready and you find yourself surrounded by family and friends and all the love they have to give. It’s a great time to try to relax, have some fun and create magical memories even before you walk down the aisle. Raise a glass with the girls and savor a hug from your mom, here are some of our favorite fun getting-ready moments from the brides at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Start the day with a champagne toast, raise a glass (or a bottle) to love!

Bride Cynthia knows how to have fun with the girls, forget the glass, just pass the bottle! A little liquid courage and a toast to happiness, the spontaneous moment was beautifully captured by Luxart Photographers. We love the looks on the faces of every bridesmaid, so many stories in one great image!

LuxArt Wedding Studio

Innocence and magic of a family-friendly wedding in Playa del Carmen

There is no doubt about it, the magical innocence of children at weddings is something that creates interactions that will touch your heart. Bride Diana and this sweet flower girl share a precious moment, captured by the photographers at Amor Amor Weddings.

Amor Amor Weddings

Circle of love: Pre-wedding embrace for Erika and Kirsten’s Villa la Joya bridal party

Group hug! This sweet moment at the Villa la Joya wedding of Erika and Kirsten just gives us all the feels. Warmth, joy and happiness ooze out of this photo set amidst the columns of Villa la Joya, captured by photographer Martin Wilk.

Martin Wilk

Shine on you crazy diamond! Bride Melissa is aglow with the girls

This was such a sweet moment, bride Melissa cozied up with her bridesmaids admiring the engagement ring. Last moments before the wedding band is added, enjoy it ladies! This getting ready moment loveliness was captured by Vida Linda Photography for Melissa’s Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding.

Vida Linda Photography

Up, up and away with these beautiful bridal balloons at Natalia’s Playa del Carmen wedding

Gimme a “B”, gimme an “R”, gimme an “IDE”, these delightful silver balloons perfectly frame an intimate moment of coziness with bride Natalia and her bridesmaids. The relaxed moment in their “getting ready” robes with the formal bridal gown standing ready is just perfect. Captured by the photographers of Amor Amor Weddings Playa del Carmen.

Amor Amor Weddings

Give us a twirl and play in the light! Joyful moment with bride Nataliya

Putting on your bridal gown the day of your wedding is a truly transformative moment and one full of joy! Grab your bouquet and give a twirl, bride Nataliya shows off her pretty gown and veil in a ray of light captured by Connie Weddings.

Connie Weddings

Sweet and tender motherly love at bride Rachael’s Playa del Carmen wedding at Villa la Joya

“Just” a peck on the cheek but oh so much more, this moment with the bride and mom has us reaching for the tissues. So much warmth, love and that extra special something that will be cherished for always in this photo by Monica Lopez.

Monica Lopez Photography

No peeking! The first look at bride Secily was a beautiful surprise for her bridesmaids

Eyes closed and cover your face, the bride is coming to take your breath away! This is a super sweet moment with the bridesmaids in pink awaiting the big reveal of bride Secily as she descends the stairs. Photo by Amor Amor Weddings Playa del Carmen.

Amor Amor Weddings

Anyone got a craving for pizza? Getting ready snacks with fun bride Sandra and the girls

Your wedding day is a marathon, not a sprint, remember to eat and fuel up long before the wedding reception dinner! We love this casual shot of bride Sandra digging into a little pepperoni and jalapeño pizza with the girls, it’s sure to put a smile on your face. Photo by Sweet Fire Wedding Photographers.

Inspired by these Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen brides? Let’s start planning!

We can’t wait to hear your ideas for your dream wedding in Playa del Carmen, contact us today to get the ball rolling and start “getting ready” for the big day!

Villa la Joya Weddings Bridal Inspiration

Villa la Joya Weddings Bridal Inspiration

To Veil or Not to Veil: Villa la Joya Weddings Bridal Inspiration

The history of the wedding veil is long and varied and means different things in different cultures and religions. While for many the veil is a symbol of purity and innocence, for others it has evolved into a fashion statement that signifies whatever the bride wants it to! A wedding veil adds an element of mystery and magic but is it right for you?

Once in a lifetime, when else do you get to wear a pretty veil?

The beauty of the bridal veil is that it is unique, a once in a lifetime chance to live out every girl’s dream. How many little girls pranced around with towels on their head playing bride? If you’ve always envisioned yourself in a long flowing veil, then just go for it! It’s your big day and it’s an opportunity you only get once.

Con: Outdoor weddings, wind and veils can be complicated!

While we envision our veils blowing lightly in the breeze, unfortunately, we can’t control the weather! A strong wind can interfere with your veil look getting caught up in the decor and creating a hazard! Stay away from candles and be careful with which way the wind blows! 

Pro: Use the wind in your veil to create epic destination wedding photos

The breeze in your veil can be a benefit and not a hindrance if you get it blowing the right way! An ocean breeze and the veil floating and flowing from a gorgeous bride, some of the best wedding photos we’ve seen come with a beautiful veil moment. The best Playa del Carmen wedding photographers know exactly how to capture these moments when the wind and light is just perfect and the veil frames the bride’s beauty like magic.

Sweet Caribbean Photo

The big reveal! A wedding veil creates drama and romance

The traditional “reveal” of the bride at the altar with the lifting of the veil is the fairy tale moment you’ve been waiting for. Everyone’s heart is aflutter as the veil is lifted to reveal the beautiful bride, the groom at her side at the altar with a look of wonder. Locking eyes with love, a magical moment when the veil is lifted, pure romance!

Caro Navarro Photography

Many couples choose to do a “first look” photo shoot and a veil is the PERFECT accessory for amazing photos. The groom awaits on the Villa la Joya balcony and the bride glows, inviting her love to look beneath the veil and share an intimate moment of pure amor. 

Con: Wedding veils are just too fussy for a destination wedding outdoors

A wedding veil can be a bother, a nuisance that causes more anxiety than peace. It’s another accessory that you need to pack and then preserve without crushing. Veils can blow in your face at exactly the wrong moment and become a negative focal point if you can’t say your vows with lace in your face. Many of our Villa la Joya brides are looking for a “less fussy” experience in a destination wedding and a wedding veil is just “too much” for the themes of our outdoor weddings with a more laid-back vibe.

Wedding veils can change up your bridal look from ceremony to reception

Your wedding day is your chance to shine and a wardrobe change is a fun way to show off your style. A veil is a great way to change up your look throughout the day. A long veil for the ceremony can be changed to a shorter veil look, a tiara or a whole new hairstyle with bling or flowers for the reception. Veil on, veil off, it’s up to you gorgeous bride! 

Are you inspired by these Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding photos? Are you Team Veil or Team Not to Veil? Will you wear a veil to your own beach wedding in Playa del Carmen? Contact us today and let us know, we LOVE hearing both sides of the debate and can’t wait to hear your ideas and make your destination wedding in Mexico a dream come true. 

Pro Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Destination Wedding in Mexico

Pro Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Destination Wedding in Mexico

Pro Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Destination Wedding in Mexico

Congrats, you’ve decided on a destination wedding in Mexico for your nuptials, GREAT move. Now what? Apart from building your Pinterest boards with images of white veils blowing in the breeze, turquoise ocean, and swaying palm trees, you’re going to need a great team to get this celebration of love done right without a lot of stress. (Photo credits below: Monica Lopez Photography, Moni & Adri Photography, Gareth Davies Photography)

The pros at Villa Planners Playa del Carmen are here for you with years of expertise and a passion for creating magical destination weddings in Mexico just the way you envision them. The team has put together some basic tips to get you started making your wedding dreams come true without losing your sanity!

Hire a Local Playa del Carmen Wedding Planner and Come On Down!

Do a scouting trip, you’ll want to FEEL the place where you will wed and find the perfect fit for your ceremony and reception. Villa la Joya offers a Playa del Carmen condo close to our venue and we’ll be happy to help you set up a planning trip. It’s a must, going into your wedding blind is the definition of stress! 

Villa La Joya Condo. Photo by Caro Navarro Photography

Hire a local Playa del Carmen wedding planner! This is key, working with a local wedding coordinator who has relationships with all the vendors is a huge advantage. Meet your vendors and do a menu tasting. You’ll want to sit down with caterers to sample their wares.

Villa Planners Playa del Carmen can help you connect with those that match your style and budget. Tasting parties are such fun, especially with wine and tequila!

Villa Planners Team. Photo by Jorge Scherer

Create a Destination Wedding Budget with a Pro

Minimize expenses. You want to get the biggest bang for your buck and you CAN have the luxury wedding of your dreams at affordable prices. Working with Villa Planners Playa del Carmen who have the inside scoop on pricing and things like seasonal flowers and foods is a great way to save in unexpected ways. At Villa la Joya, we have NO vendor fees and this will allow you to spend on more important things. Like dessert. 

Consider unexpected expenses, there are often things like weather that we can’t control. Having a little extra in your budget for a Clear Sky Tent or umbrellas for all is a good idea,  just in case.

Moni & Adri Photography

Wedding websites and pre-wedding events: Inform, entertain and wow your guests

Create a wedding website to give guests all the important info about the journey and offer a variety of accommodation options for different budgets. A Villa la Joya wedding means your guests can stay at the Playa del Carmen hotel, condo or villa of their choice. Your wedding website can include guest books, live streaming of the special day, wedding registries and instructions for pre-wedding events and galleries of photos. 

Speaking of which, plan additional events for you and your guests, the wedding is only part of the fun. Have a rehearsal dinner on a yacht, sup yoga class, a zipline bachelor party or a fun excursion for all to one of the nearby Mayan ruins or eco-parks. Take full advantage of all the activities the destination has to offer.

George Kossieris Photo

Feeling inspired? Come on down, let’s get started planning your destination wedding in Mexico with Villa Planners Playa del Carmen!

Candice and Daniel Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding Magic

Candice and Daniel Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding Magic

Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen Wedding Magic

The Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding of Candice and Daniel was a day full of the warmth and happiness of family and friends celebrating love! We asked bride Candice to share her thoughts to inspire future couples in love, we know you will adore this magical story of a perfect Playa del Carmen wedding.

How did you meet the love of your life?

We actually don't agree on how we first met! Candice (the bride) remembers meeting Daniel (the groom) during her high school freshman year chemistry class. But Daniel insists that they actually met the summer before when they both took part in a lifeguarding summer camp! I guess we'll never know...

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico?

It goes without saying that Mexico (especially the Riviera Maya) is a dream destination - where the landscape is beautiful, the costs are affordable, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming. But for us this was more than just about aesthetics and money, we ultimately chose Mexico because it's where Daniel is from! He was born in Mexico City, so it felt special to mark this amazing occasion in a place that already means so much.

Why choose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding?

We found Villa La Joya through Instagram and it's actually how we met our amazing wedding planners and the rest of our vendor team! When we first stepped foot through the gates of Villa La Joya, it was like walking into the best of every venue we'd previously visited. The location had the authentic Mexican spirit we were looking for, but it also had the dreamy beachy view without compromising the castle-like aesthetic of a traditional villa. The pool gave the venue another dimension, especially once we knew we could cover part of it with a larger dance floor! We absolutely fell in love with the venue at first sight. It looked better than any of the photos we had drooled over on Instagram and the inspiration for our wedding flooded in immediately - the excitement to get married was made even more electric as soon as we settled on Villa La Joya!

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding day?

After endless hours of planning, several cross-country visits, and one or two pandemic-related panic attacks, it felt like a miracle that the day even happened. We were so lucky to have the absolutely amazing wedding planning and vendor team that we had - none of this would have been possible without every single one of them. They made the experience effortless and fun. We have to say that our favorite part of the wedding is when 1 AM came around and almost EVERY SINGLE GUEST was still on the dance floor. When all of the groomsmen decided to do a (surprise!) choreographed dance that really topped off the night. Our dream team really came through to make this the absolute best night of our lives. The ambiance, the decor, the food, the music, all of it was spectacular - how can we pick just a single moment or thing? The first dances and speeches were incredibly emotional, the ceremony was gorgeous, and the first look brought laughter and tears. We genuinely feel so fortunate to have had this night.

Did you do any pre or post-wedding events for your group?

Yes! We did a couple of pre-wedding events in the Riviera Maya!

The wedding was on a Friday, so the Wednesday before we went to Xoximilco with whoever was able to make it. It was a great experience and a wonderful way to have our friends and family meet one another before the big day. This was absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a fabulous way to get a little taste of Mexico all while on a party boat! 10/10 recommend!

We also chose to have a rehearsal dinner with our bridal party on the night before the wedding. We catered the dinner by Nero Tacos and Triciclo, and this was a smash hit! It was a perfect introduction to Mexican tacos and desserts/street snacks. Since most of our bridal party was staying at the Gilda Villas next door to Villa La Joya, that's where the rehearsal took place. This made it easy for everyone to arrive at the location and also allowed us to have a pool party as a rehearsal dinner! It was wonderful!

Anything you would have done differently? Any tips for planning a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding?

I think the only thing that I would have done differently is not to spend so much time stressing out over the planning in the lead-up to the wedding. Trust that your incredible planner team and vendors have it all under control (because they do!). On the day of, I wouldn't have changed a thing. It was the most surreal day and I visit it in my dreams often 

My best advice is to make sure you get a great wedding planning and vendor team on your side! That will make the biggest difference. Focus on the joy and warmth that surrounds you on the big day - that's really what matters. Don't stress on the day of your wedding, just know you planned everything with your team and they will figure it all out while you enjoy all the hard work that led up to the wedding day. I even turned my phone off and gave it to one of my maids of honor so that I wasn't receiving messages that would distract me from the event. Trust me, they can wait until the next day!

Thanks again for being the BEST venue!

Muchas gracias Candice and Daniel! All the best for a future full of love and happiness

We would like to extend our big thanks to Candice and Daniel for choosing a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding, it was our pleasure to host you and your amazing family and friends. These lovebirds were simply glowing and amor was the theme of the day, a union not only of Candice and Daniel but of their families forever. Gracias to all for a wonderful event!

Feeling inspired? Contact us today to start planning your own private villa wedding in Playa del Carmen at Villa la Joya.

As always we would like to extend our gratitude to all the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who helped make this a stunning event. If you can dream it, we can make it happen and there are NO vendor fees at Villa la Joya! Email us today!

Venue: Villa La Joya

Wedding Planners: Paradise Wedding & Events (Gaby, Anna & Mina)

Photographer: Caro Navarro Photography 

Photographer (engagement shoot): DriftCurrent Adventures  (underwater photos)

Videographer: Amare Weddings Mexico

MUA: Zöe Elizabeth Makeup

Flowers: Cherry Blossom Mexico

Caterer: Gourmet Soberanis

Desserts: Lluvia de Azucar; Los Pockets (churro cart)

Rentals: EW Cancun

Alcohol: Barras Libres

Music/DJ: Plug In Audiovisual

Dress: Pronovias (top + ceremony skirt); David's Bridal (reception skirt)

Accommodations: Gilda Villas

Transportation: Xelbor

Dance Floor/Pool Cover: Hercon Entertainment

2022 Wedding Cake Trends We’d Like to See More Of

2022 Wedding Cake Trends We’d Like to See More Of

2022 Wedding Cake Trends We’d Like to See More Of

2022 wedding cake trends have us oooohing and aaaaahing and excited to see all your ideas come to life at your Villa la Joya wedding! The wedding cake plays such an important role in the wedding day and it has a long history going back to the days of ancient Rome! The breaking of a barley cake over the bride’s head for fertility has evolved into a delicious tradition of beauty and flavors. Looking for fab 2022 wedding cake trends? Let’s get inspired!

Fresh wedding cake fun with florals and fruits

Make it light, make it bright, and keep it fresh, the traditional wedding cake with a twist is all the rage for 2022. Take a traditional white tiered cake and make it come alive with fresh flowers that unite your wedding theme or fresh fruits for a yummy touch. 

Forget the sugar flowers, decorating your 2022 wedding cake with fresh floral blooms is a trend we absolutely love. Match white roses to the bride’s bouquet or go full tropical with fresh blossoms from the Mexican Caribbean. (From Left to Right: La Migaja Pastelería & Gareth Davies Photography; Lluvia de Azucar & Moni Adri Photography)

Decorating your wedding cake with fresh chocolate-covered strawberries is a sure way to delight your guests. A color pop of red and a sweet touch, the strawberry also hearkens to the ancient rituals as an offering to Venus the Goddess of Love! (From Left to Right: Lluvia de Azucar & Moni Adri Photography; Amor Amor Weddings; La Migaja Pastelería & Moises Castellon Photography)

Simple. Modern. Elegant. 2022 wedding cake trends works of art

The KISS rule; “Keep It Simple, Silly”. We do love a good kiss and we adore cakes with simplicity and elegance. The wedding cake vendors in Playa del Carmen are ARTISTES, every cake is a marvel of beauty and a true reflection of the style of the couple in love. 

Take a simple white tiered cake and add a twist, a dash of gold, geometric design, or masterful minimalism with just a touch of metallic sparkle. White on white on white with architectural designs and you have an elegant masterpiece. (From Left to Right: La Migaja Pastelería & Lux Art Photography; La Migaja Pastelería & Sweet Caribbean Photo; Lluvia de Azucar & Ynot Images)

Ditch the cake? Why not?! 2022 weddings bring dessert tables and churro carts

We know not all of our brides are “traditional”, that’s what makes our job as Playa del Carmen wedding planners so darned fun! One of our favorite ideas for 2022 is forgetting about the cake altogether and having a dessert table. Endless treats in all flavors and colors, spectacular dessert displays are creative and delicious.

How about adding a churro cart?! A sweet Mexican dash of love to your wedding day that is fun for everyone. The churro is a hit every time, fresh, hot pastry dipped in sugar or cinnamon that your guests can bedazzle with chocolate or caramel. (From Left to Right: Los Pockets & Lux Art Photography; La Migaja Pastelería & Sweet Caribbean Photo)

What’s your favorite 2022 wedding cake trend? Are you planning a destination wedding and looking for more inspiration?

Contact Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen today! We LOVE hearing creative wedding cake ideas and are excited to recommend an incredible Riviera Maya wedding cake vendor for your big day at our private villa. And remember, no vendor fees at Villa la Joya!