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Wedding Planning

Destination Wedding Invitations from Real Brides at Villa la Joya Mexico

Destination Wedding Invitations from Real Brides at Villa la Joya Mexico

Set the scene for romance and stir up excitement about your destination wedding in Mexico. Get inspired and be creative, your wedding invitation is the first look at the theme and vibe of your destination wedding events. Embrace a travel look or go lush and tropical, incorporate your wedding colors or flowers and of course your personality as you invite your guests to join you on the biggest day of your life. 

Seriously romantic or a touch of whimsy and humor, here are some destination wedding invitations from some of the newlyweds we have hosted at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Ready for real wedding inspiration? 

Travel-inspired wedding invitations: Now boarding for love

Sandra & Junior invited loved ones to their Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding with a passport to paradise and a boarding pass RSVP to love.

Using warm and welcoming gold on cream colors with palm trees and a handwritten script, this is an irresistible destination wedding invitation. Have my margarita waiting! 

The travel-themed wedding invitations of Stephanie and Thiago included an elegant Passaporte de Casamento or Passport to Marriage with travel stamps from around the world.

We LOVED the gold-stamped image of Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen for the cover and the passport photo of the happy couple, personalized perfection.

Tayla and Shaun tempted their guests to join them in paradise with a photo of Villa la Joya Mexico and gorgeous glittery gold on the luscious thick, creamy stock. “Our Happily Ever After” written in elegant script is a wedding invitation to a fairy tale day.

Destination wedding invitations with a tropical vibe

Put your guests in the mood for a tropical adventure, wedding invitations with jungle and ocean looks will tempt anyone to run away with you.

Secily and Daniel’s creative take on the tropical theme with fine laser cut leaves giving a peek into a lush jungle color palette was just the right look for their wedding in Mexico.

A’ngelique and Michael had a whisper of the jungle in their elegant tropical wedding invitations with a hint of palm trees, classic type font and a fabulous photo of the couple in the jungle for their “save the date” card.

Simple, elegant, capturing the feelings of love in paradise.

Brittan and Brad had a tropical theme wedding invitation with watercolor palm leaves and a really pretty handwritten script. The theme is truly yours to explore and be creative with, look how different these “tropical, palm trees wedding invitations” are!

The type of font, paper, colors, images, the tropical world is your oyster to make the theme just right for you.

Minimalist wedding invitation for a simple and clean look

Ambrosia and Zefan chose a minimalist wedding invitation with a simple and clean look.

Timeless and elegant the embossed white on white is a classic with a focus on the couple in a perfectly romantic script.

Vintage-look wedding invitation for old-school romance

These super pretty invitations from Christina and John bring you back to a time when writing a letter was as common as a text.

Old-school stationary with tiny flowers and vines, stamps reminiscent of a bygone era where the letter went round the world to find the wedding guests.

Modern destination wedding invitations in a sleek acrylic style

We love the look and feel of these acrylic wedding invitations from Alexis and Ronnie. Polished and sleek, acrylic wedding invitations are a modern twist on traditional stationery.

Looks like glass but light and easy to mail and offers a huge range of options for colors, styles, and creative ideas for the modern couple.

Floral wedding invitations for a garden of delights

Incorporating your wedding flowers in the invitation is a great way to immerse your guests in the feel of your colors and themes. Anastasia and Eliot blended a beautiful watercolor floral design with a modern acrylic twist, classic but youthful and hard to resist.

The response to these destination wedding invitations is sure to be an RSVP YES YES YES to love. We are excited by each and every unique and creative vision of the couples who get married at Villa la Joya Mexico and we cannot wait to see your ideas!

Feeling inspired? Ready to book your own destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen? Contact us today and let’s make magic!

Sea Turtle Conservation in the Riviera Maya

Sea Turtle Conservation in the Riviera Maya

Sea Turtle Conservation in the Riviera Maya:

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

The Riviera Maya sea turtle nesting season is upon us once again and the team at Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary is ready! The location of our wedding venue on the beach of Playa Paraiso is prime nesting territory for endangered sea turtles and it is our mission to do our part in protecting these phenomenal creatures. Sea turtle conservation begins at home, Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is an eco-friendly wedding venue in the Riviera Maya and we are extremely proud of our team’s dedication and passion for sustainability. The Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary invites you to read on to learn about our efforts and how you can help.

Every year the Mexican Caribbean shores welcome the presence of four different species of sea turtles, which include the Loggerhead Caretta Caretta, Green or White Chelonia Mydas, Hawksbill Eretmochelys Imbricata,  and Leatherback Dermochelys Coriacea turtles. The annual Playa del Carmen sea turtle nesting season that takes place from May to October is one of the most remarkable events in the Riviera Maya. During this time, female sea turtles emerge from the ocean and come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand. The Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary team is prepared to protect the mamas, their eggs, and the hatchlings 24/7 during the 2023 sea turtle nesting season. 

The Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary: Patrolling the Beach Since 2011

Our conservationists and volunteers work tirelessly to safeguard the nests from predators and ensure that the eggs hatch safely. This includes day and night patrols monitoring the beach for females coming to shore. The Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary team is specially trained to protect, track and monitor the mothers peacefully and with minimal intrusion. 

If you come upon a nesting female sea turtle in the Riviera Maya, do NOT approach, do not shine lights of any kind, stay quiet and report the sighting to one of the turtle patrols along the beach. The VLJ Sea Turtle Sanctuary team can be found along the stretch of beach known as Playa Paraiso and most hotels in the region will have people who are there to assist.

We relocate the precious eggs (as seen above) to the Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary fenced corrals where they will be safe from harm until they hatch. We’ve built a new corral this year (below the corral in the process of being built) and are excited to have the opportunity to protect even more eggs from predators, the careless footsteps of humans, and natural weather phenomena. 

The sea turtles in the Riviera Maya are exposed to numerous threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, fishing, and poaching. In an attempt to safeguard these endangered animals, The Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary has implemented various conservation efforts. These initiatives encompass diverse activities, ranging from monitoring and securing nesting sites to educating our community and our wedding guests about the significance of conservation. This is our passion project, our love and we’ve been working hard to protect the sea turtles since 2011.

Education is KEY: Protecting the Sea Turtles and Spreading the Message

Regrettably, some humans may inadvertently contribute to the depletion of sea turtle populations by engaging in detrimental activities such as touching, chasing, or disturbing nesting females. It is crucial for visitors to be educated on how to minimize their impact on the environment and protect these magnificent creatures.

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a PLASTIC-FREE wedding venue and we actively encourage everyone around the world to adopt the same policy. Plastics in the sea are one of the biggest threats to sea turtles, even if you are not in the Riviera Maya you can do your part at home with the Three R’s of reduce, re-use and recycle. 



Sea turtles are an indispensable part of the Riviera Maya's marine ecosystem, and it is imperative to protect them to ensure the region's long-term sustainability. By partaking in responsible tourism practices and supporting conservation efforts, Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary is passionate about playing a role in preserving these magnificent creatures for future generations to appreciate.

Would you like to help the sea turtles in the Riviera Maya? We welcome you to contact us with any questions or donations (we are driven by volunteers and donations) to the Villa la Joya Sea Turtle Sanctuary. Ask us about sponsoring a sea turtle nest, our sustainability practices for eco-friendly weddings or even coordinating a baby sea turtle release. We are ready to do our part, we hope you are too!

How to plan the perfect bohemian wedding in Mexico

How to plan the perfect bohemian wedding in Mexico

What is a “boho chic wedding”? We’ve all seen photos of dreamy weddings by the sea with flowing frocks and flowers in everyone’s hair. Soft, comfortable decor and a chill vibe are perfect for a cozy, intimate wedding with relaxed and inviting energy. Is a bohemian wedding in Mexico what you’ve always dreamed of?

How would you describe the “boho style”? Think organic and natural, laid-back, go with the flow, artistic, creative, and a little unconventional. A bohemian wedding is warm and welcoming, a celebration of love and the elements. A little bit hippie, a little bit of elegance, and a whole lot of romance!!

The wedding planners at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen LOVE a delicious bohemian wedding, here are some tips from our experts.

Consider the wedding destination and venue, best by the beach of course!

You’ll want that warm ocean breeze and the swaying palm trees as the canvas to create your own bohemian wedding masterpiece. A lush garden on the sea is the perfect setting for a bohemian wedding. Boho weddings at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen are simply magic.

Guests attire, yes, you can define a dress code for your wedding aesthetic.

Think natural material and neutral colors or floral prints. Asking guests to wear one color like an “all-white” wedding is a gorgeous way to tie the bohemian aesthetic all together. 

Bohemian bridal style.

The bohemian bride is the epitome of romance, lacy and flowing and free, with gowns or dresses that blow in the breeze, softness in hair and makeup, and a natural look that never goes out of style. Floral crowns, vintage bridal dresses with antique lace, braids for hair, soft updos, or long natural locks and curls, the bohemian bride glows.

Soft Lighting and Decor.

Pampas grass and palm leaves, wood, antique metals, dried flowers or neutral colored blooms, candles and lanterns, make it soft, make it cozy, make it elemental. 

Lounge areas for guests to chill with a drink.

Comfy couches, deep pillows, natural textiles and rugs, create a “chill out” area for relaxing between dances and engaging in delightful conversation. A bohemian lounge area is the perfect place to set up an “aguas frescas” table or present your signature cocktails to refresh your guests’ thirst. 

Ready to start planning your own bohemian wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen? We can’t wait to hear your ideas and see your vision boards! Contact us today and let the good vibes flow.

Photo Credits (in no particular order): Sweet Caribbean Photo, Caro Navarro Photography, Amor Amor Weddings, Maricarmen Arcos, Daniel Ramirez Photographer, Jonathan Yacoub Photography,LuxArt Wedding Studio, Julie Roman Photography, Dani Toscano

Tips on Defining Your Wedding Aesthetic

Tips on Defining Your Wedding Aesthetic

Planning your destination wedding can be loads of fun but sometimes the choices are just too much! You love the look of retro but want the romance of vintage and the modern trends of today. How do you define your wedding aesthetic and focus on creating a theme and a vibe that works for you?  Here are some tips from the experts at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

1. Consider your venue, it’s the foundation of the day

 At Villa la Joya we can create almost any kind of theme from romantic, tropical glam, boho-chic, whimsical, minimalist, you name it and we can make it happen in our private villa gardens or main entrance with the best vendors in the Riviera Maya. 

2. Check out real weddings, wedding blogs and social media for ideas and inspiration.

This will give you great direction and a perfect idea of where to start with your own wedding aesthetic. You can begin by making lists of things you like and DON’T like and this will help to define and clarify your wedding look. 

3. Consider the season.

It doesn’t have to be pumpkins for fall and tulips for spring but the time of year can lend ideas to the overall theme of the wedding. The season plays a role of course, you will probably choose heavier, warmer fabrics and colors for fall and winter and softer, flowier looks for spring and summer. (Photo Credits: CocoKnot Weddings, Moni & Adri Photography)

4. Think of your past travels.

What did you love most about the destinations and journeys? Colors, textures, aromas, music, your wedding can reflect the things you love most in the world. Make it a real Mexican celebration, an event with an exotic Moroccan flare or a fabulously elegant French affair. 

5. Consider important family traditions

Or rituals with friends and include them as part of your celebration. This is the best way to personalize your wedding, a moving and emotional way to connect the past to the future. 

6. Ask friends and people you trust and know.

It’s always nice to get feedback and a different perspective. The people who know you best will help define your ideas and gently guide you away from decisions that don’t fit your personality. Take all advice but remember, this is YOUR day and the final decisions are yours to make. If you want a pony with a blanket of flowers, then a pony with a blanket of flowers you shall have no matter what Aunt Karen says. 

Make your lists of “yays” and “nays”, create vision boards, and collect inspiring photos and your wedding aesthetic will soon become clear. We can’t wait to hear all about it and make your wedding dreams come true! Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and let’s make it happen!

Photo Credits (in no particular order): Caro Navarro Photography, Amor Amor Weddings, Moni & Adri Photography, Cocoknot Weddings, Connie Suarez Photography, Paradise Photo Studio, Meraki Weddings, Kape Photography, Fun In The Sun Weddings.

Spring Wedding Ideas 2023 from Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Spring Wedding Ideas 2023 from Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

What’s the best cure for the winter blahs? Planning a spring wedding in 2023 at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! Shake the snow from your boots and put on your sandals, spring has almost sprung and we are ready to welcome you to paradise. We are ALL ready for fresh air and fun, let’s get inspired for those spring 2023 weddings with these great ideas from our expert team of wedding planners at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Get Outside! Outdoor weddings for spring 2023 are a breath of fresh air

Those long dark winter months have you yearning for the sun? Get outside for your spring 2023 wedding! The Villa la Joya gardens are perfect for a delightful spring wedding, with a backdrop of the Mexican Caribbean Sea and a fresh ocean breeze. Bring all your wedding ideas to light in our versatile garden areas that are just waiting for your personal touch and style. From ceremony to sunset cocktail hour to dinner and reception under the stars, the lush Villa la Joya gardens welcome you to a beautiful natural venue for your spring 2023 wedding.

Outdoor wedding ceremony spring 2023 - Flowers, Flowers Everywhere!

The fresh flowers of the season are an essential part of your spring 2023 wedding decor. Lush floral arches, wedding aisle lined with the blooms and a rose petal toss for the newlyweds exit of course. From all white to pale pastels or pops of bright color, let your imagination run wild with floral fantasies.

Floral frolic, light and fresh: Spring 2023 wedding fashion and accessories

A spring wedding is your chance to shed the layers of winter and let the sun shine in and the air caress your skin. Bridal gowns with floral accents, flowing skirts and bared shoulders or daring plunging necklines let you welcome the season in an easy breezy look. Floral hair pieces like natural crowns or loose flowers for the bride and bridal party create a fresh and romantic feel. Floral bridesmaids dresses or pastel color palettes bring the vibes of spring to your wedding fashion. The groom and his guys can get in on the spring feeling with all white suits or pastel guayaberas.

Spring 2023 wedding reception fun at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

The knot is tied and the deed is done, now it’s time to celebrate! After your garden wedding ceremony, invite you guests to indulge in a signature cocktail as they kick back and relax during cocktail hour. Setting up cute seating areas with garden furniture and umbrellas and a floral swing for photos is sure to be a hit. Invite a unique and adorable friend like Frida the donkey who is always happy to pose with guests. Dinner and reception decor should be light, airy and fun and of course you can continue your floral theme throughout the day. Wedding cakes with fresh flowers are divine and perfect for spring. While spring weather in Playa del Carmen is generally pretty darned perfect, you can prepare for spring showers with a beautiful sky tent at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! 

Feeling inspired for your own spring 2023 wedding? Join us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

We seriously LOVE spring weddings and can’t wait to hear all your ideas. Contact us today to start planning your own spring wedding and remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya which means you have total freedom to make this the ultimate spring destination wedding of your dreams!

Photo Credits: LuxArt Weddings, Paradise Photostudio, Sweet Caribbean Photography, Richelle Hunter, Kape Photography, Moni & Adri Photography, Caro Navarro Photography, Bohemia Photography, Maricarmen Arcos, Dani Toscano, Isabella Rodriguez, CocoKnot Weddings, Adrian Bonet Photography