Playa del Carmen Wedding at Villa la Joya :: B & B

December 10, 2021

Playa del Carmen Wedding at Villa la Joya | Brittan & Brad

The Playa del Carmen wedding at Villa la Joya of Brittan and Brad was so dreamy, this is one we will never forget! Romantic, elegant and oh so much fun, it was a delight to host this beautiful couple and their families and friends for a destination wedding celebrating LOVE!

Gorgeous bride Brittan shared the experience in her own words and frankly we couldn’t have said it better! Here is a first hand bridal account of planning a wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

Bridal report from Brittan and Brad’s Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding

The first and easiest decision we made was that we wanted a destination wedding. After 2020, lockdowns, and time apart from the people we love, we figured everyone needed a vacation! The only problem was I had no idea what I was doing, lol. Luckily, and one of the perks of being from a small town, our neighbor and close family friend of the Rose’s swooped in to the rescue—It’s a bird, it’s a plane… oh wait, even better, it’s Becky (Travel Consultants International)! She held our hands through the process of finding the perfect location, which then led to the hunt for a venue! We visited what seemed like dozens of resorts looking for an “all in one” kind of package, I mean that’s what people normally do, right?

Well, none of the resort venues had what I was looking for (not that I knew exactly what I was looking for, I just knew they didn’t have it) and the thought of taking such a private moment and putting it in the middle of a resort with strangers/guest milling around just didn’t feel right to me. So, back to Becky and the drawing board. That’s when she pitched the idea of getting married off site of the resort and showed us Villa la Joya, needless to say it was PERFECT!

The Villa staff and crew even helped us to find our wedding planners/most recent loves of my life (Paradise Wedding Events, PWE). PWE connected us with the best vendors, I may be biased but I believe that to be an objective fact. Not only did they guide us through every step of the process, they were able to decode my random blurbs and ideas on what I wanted and turn it into something cohesive and much better than anything I could have come up with on my own.

“Private palace in the Riviera Maya!” - Villa la Joya wedding

As you can imagine, time flew by, and all of a sudden the wedding day had arrived! I knew it would be beautiful, because, you know… it’s a private PALACE in Riviera Maya, attached to the beach, it’s hard to mess that up, but when I arrived for hair and make up I was absolutely floored. Every detail was perfect, even the things I thought I didn’t care about (like napkins-thank you to my mom for convincing me otherwise, she’s the real MVP- love you Mama) came together into exactly what I had envisioned but somehow so much better than I could have ever dreamt. It truly was the best day of our lives, a dream come true. Getting to marry my best friend in the world didn’t hurt either ☺.

*The only thing I would have done differently would be to not stress out about the little things leading up to the day, I realize now I was in great hands and they do this all the time. If you pick a good team, trust them, they won’t let you down!

Bridal advice for your destination wedding in Mexico

Bride advice- Remember you're having a destination wedding for a reason! You knew you didn’t want the typical stress that comes along with a wedding so RELAX. If you have 3 things: a dress you love, a venue that can stand on its own (then decorating is just fun and easy), and wedding planners you trust, you’re set, so have fun and enjoy this time, and if you get stressed just remember … you’ll be on vacation soon! **Incorporate/Do something that speaks to who you are as individuals and as a couple, it’s those special touches that you’ll remember the most.

*Favorite things- I loved having Brad and I’s families be able to be incorporated in our ceremony (his brother officiated and my brothers were the flower men). It really made things that much more special and feel like our families were being united along with us.

Muchas gracias to Brittan and Brad, may you enjoy a lifetime of happiness together!

We extend our thanks to Brittan and Brad for sharing their day with us at Villa la Joya and for these inspiring words for future couples looking to tie the knot. As always, we send big love to all our Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who helped make this an event to remember.

Are you ready to say “I do” on the beach in Mexico? Contact us today and let’s get you married at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

Wedding gown- Adorn Bridal; Nashville, TN—designer, Enzoani “Phoebe”

Photographer- Carro Navarro Photography (Mexico/Ceremony)

Wedding Planner- Paradise Wedding & Events

DJ- Plug In AudioVisual

Florist- Cherry Blossom Mexico

Caterer- Gourmet Soberanis

Travel Agent- Beck Hawkins, Travel Consultants International

Hair/Makeup- Hello Beauty MX

Dessert/Churro Cart- Los Pockets

Things You Forget When Planning a Destination Beach Wedding

December 1, 2021

Things You Forget When Planning a Destination Beach Wedding

Wedding dress? Check. Rings? Check. Two people in love? Check. Sounds like you’ve got it all covered, right? Planning a destination wedding in Playa del Carmen is easy peasy but you may forget a few essential things as you fantasize about your gorgeous day. The wedding planners at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen are here to help! Here are some tips from our pros so no detail is missed in planning your destination wedding in Playa del Carmen.

Plan B in case of rain on your Playa del Carmen wedding day

You’ve chosen a destination wedding with dreams of sunny blue skies and the perfect tropical weather. Of course, the reality is that it just may rain on your wedding day (Alanis Morrissette anyone?), and having a Plan B is a must. Lucky for you, Villa la Joya has incredible Clear Sky Tents to save the day, the only ones of this kind in the Riviera Maya! Stunning tents that will give you great light and protect you from any raindrops that may fall.

Brides are busy being beautiful and in love and bridal gowns don’t have pockets

On the day of your wedding, the last thing you want to worry about is phone calls from vendors or any kind of “business”. Assign a “go-to” person that your wedding vendors can reach on the big day or can be ready to receive the call from Auntie Emma in England who couldn’t attend but wants to send good wishes. No pockets on bridal gowns to carry phones and notepads, leave the bride to her amor and let someone else be the contact.

Consider tips in your budget: Gratuities are greatly appreciated

Tips are not required of course but they are very much appreciated by your hard-working vendors. You don’t want to arrive on your wedding day with any unplanned expenses, set aside a percentage to tip your vendors and staff, they will be truly grateful.

Light up your life! Creative ways to light your Playa del Carmen wedding

Daytime ceremony turns to evening wedding reception as the sun goes down and you are now in the spotlight or in the dark! Plan your Playa del Carmen wedding lighting with our event pros and go beyond the boring and routine set-up!

Fairy lights and chandeliers, candles and torches, dance floors that glow with light, and a whole disco mood if you like! Villa la Joya weddings are full of LIGHT and love and we are excited to share our expertise with you in creating magical event lighting design.

Food: Beyond “chicken or fish”, things to remember when planning your wedding day catering

Number one, please remember to eat on your wedding day! Bride and groom are busy, with butterflies in their tummies but be sure to fuel your body to keep going all day long. It is important to ask your guests for any food allergies or restrictions in advance and notify your Playa del Carmen wedding caterers. You will need to consider meals for your vendors, your wedding photographer and others will be with you all day and will need to be nourished as well.

If I hear that song I will scream: Do Not Playlists for your wedding DJ

In addition to creating the PERFECT playlist for your wedding, you may want to include a DO NOT PLAY EVER list for your DJ. Songs that remind you of your ex or just make you cringe, be sure that your DJ will keep your party hopping with no bad vibes!

Personal touches and important information: Guide your guests in style

You’ve designed your “save the date” and of course your wedding invitations, don’t forget about seating charts, welcome signs, “this way to the bar, that way to the churros” directional posters and all the little details that will guide your guests throughout the day. Remembering this early in your wedding planning makes it easier when working with printers and vendors, keeping the theme, fonts, colors, etc. in one-shot orders. You can use your theme in creating beautiful neon signs too, we LOVE this for the sweethearts’ table or photo booth backdrops at our Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen weddings.

We’ve got you covered! The wedding planners at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen won’t let you forget a single thing, our years of experience ensure that your wedding day flows and nothing is left to chance. We can’t wait to hear your ideas and start working with you in planning YOUR destination wedding in Mexico!

Contact us today to reserve, our 2022 & 2023 weddings are starting to fill up, book your date now and let’s start planning your wedding at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

Photo Credits (no particular order): Moni Adri Photography, LuxArt Weddings, Sea Love Wedding Films, Sweet Caribbean Photography, Jahlcob Photography, Caro Navarro Photography, Bohemia Photography

Playa del Carmen Wedding at Villa la Joya

November 23, 2021

Playa del Carmen Wedding at Villa la Joya :: Will and Sarra

The Playa del Carmen wedding of Will and Sarra was such a gorgeous day full of light, love, and laughter. This beautiful couple brought their nearest and dearest to celebrate their nuptials in Mexico in an elegant day of pure amor at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. The flowers, the decor, and the backdrop of the Mexican Caribbean Sea are all stunning but cannot compare to the beauty of these newlyweds, congratulations Will and Sarra!

A Tale of Two Dresses: A Truly Fashionable Playa del Carmen Wedding

Bride Sarra knocked us out with her wedding dress...twice! Why settle for one bridal gown when you can have TWO? The first dress was absolutely breathtaking with a low back, long sleeves, and a unique keyhole front that made us ooh and ahh. Perfectly elegant and formal for the wedding ceremony under the white floral arch designed by Cherry Blossom.

When Sarra returned as a Mrs. she was in a super sexy and playful dress that wowed everyone in attendance! With hair and makeup by Beso Brides, she looked fantastic all day long, like a model in a magazine beside handsome groom Will in his lightweight suit that was perfect for a beach wedding in paradise.

Playa del Carmen Wedding Reception at Villa la Joya: Will and Sarra Forever

This wedding reception was a FIESTA! After a divine dinner by Gourmet Soberanis and moving and funny speeches by loved ones, the party got started on the dance floor! Paradise Wedding and Events put together a lively event with gorgeous decor, great music, champagne, cigars and a whole lot of tequila! The photos show that a good time was had by ALL, just look at those smiles!

We were so delighted to host Sarra and Will and share their Playa del Carmen wedding day with them. We thank you and your families and friends for bringing such joy to Villa la Joya, it was a pleasure to welcome you all to our gardens of love.

Playa del Carmen wedding at Villa la Joya vendor shoutouts

As always, we send our most heartfelt appreciation to the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors that help make all our events so special. Remember, there is never a vendor’s fee at Villa la Joya, let us help you plan your dream destination wedding in Playa del Carmen without the extra costs! Contact us today, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Planner: Paradise Weddings & Events

Photography: Sea Love Wedding Films

Glam Team: Beso Brides

Florist: Cherry Blossom

Wedding Dress: Calla Blanche

Stationary: Old Paper Shoppe

Catering: Gourmet Soberanis

Rentals: EW Cancun

Live Music: Mike Grabow

DJ: Uno Audiovisual

Destination Wedding Trends 2022

November 21, 2021

Destination Wedding Trends 2022: How does the pandemic affect your beach wedding in Mexico?

Planning a destination wedding in 2022 is an AMAZING idea, we all need light and love and sunshine after the last two years of pandemic. Many couples postponed their weddings during the height of covid but now that travel restrictions are lifting, we are delighted to be welcoming everyone back to celebrate love with a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding!

So what does a 2022 destination wedding in Playa del Carmen look like? There are a few adjustments to be made to “the new normal”, but nothing that will stop you from having the wedding of your dreams. Here are some of our pandemic solutions for planning your big day.

Get outside! The great outdoors is THE place for 2022 weddings

Outdoor gatherings remain a priority for healthy events and that means nothing has changed at Villa la Joya. Our Playa del Carmen weddings in the garden by the sea or the majestic front entrance are perfect for pandemic safety. Outdoor weddings are what we love and your guests will feel fantastic in the ocean breezes.

Of course even outdoor spaces need extra care and the sanitary measures at Villa la Joya remain strict. The health of our staff and our guests is a priority and we follow recommended protocols for your protection and peace of mind.

Outdoors Wedding Reception at Villa La Joya, Riviera Maya, Mexico — Caro Navarro Photography

Smaller guest lists, intimate celebrations top the list of destination wedding trends 2022

A small, intimate wedding in the lush garden of Villa la Joya, surrounded by your most cherished family and friends. No strangers, no acquaintances, no weird Uncle Bob, just those that are truly part of your love story. Being intentional with your guest list will create a magical collection of hearts to share in the joy with you.

A small guest list doesn’t mean you have to leave anyone out, live streaming your wedding is now the norm so EVERYONE can be invited to your virtual party wherever they may be. A whole lot of digital love pours in, lots of our dear Playa del Carmen wedding photographers are offering this service and we are excited about it!

Out with the old and in with the new: Make your own traditions and seize the day

With all the changes in the world, couples are having to adjust and shift and be flexible with their wedding plans. We think this is EXCITING, not a burden! It’s a chance to throw out the old rules of weddings and make your own new traditions and untraditional choices. Be innovative with your selection of entertainment, decor, fashion, you define your own trends for destination weddings in 2022! Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen can’t wait to hear your ideas and brainstorm together to create your own unique wedding day.

The tastiest trend we are seeing is the shift to culinary experiences that go beyond the standard catering menu. Gourmet chefs in Playa del Carmen have a lot of surprises in store and there are specialty chefs for all your foodie requests. Of course, we like to recommend adding a Mexican touch, the churro carts by Los Pockets are always a huge hit!

Love is always on trend: Your beach wedding ceremony is the main event

Putting everything else aside, what we have learned during the pandemic is that LOVE is all that matters. Your ceremony is the chance to share your feelings and express yourself before the ones you love most. You may choose a dear friend or family member to officiate your destination wedding, this adds a personal touch that always has us reaching for the tissues. Everyone on your special guest list will appreciate sharing the emotional experience with you.

Are you ready to tie the knot? Contact us today to start planning your destination wedding in 2022 at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen where it is always all about the amor!

Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya of Megan & Colton

November 1, 2021

Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya | Megan & Colton

This Riviera Maya wedding at Villa la Joya was fashionable, fun and full of love and laughs! Megan and Colton tied the knot in a pretty in pink, boho chic, oh so romantic Villa la Joya wedding and we are so excited to share their big day with you.

Bride Megan is a style and food blogger with a fantastic eye for detail. Working together with Paradise Weddings & Events and some of the best Riviera Maya wedding vendors, this was a gorgeous event that we know will inspire you. Be sure to check out the whole set of Riviera Maya wedding photos by Dani Toscano!

Boho Chic Destination Wedding, Pure Romance at Villa la Joya

The incredible floral team of Cherry Blossom created a magical scene on the Villa la Joya stairs with displays of king protea, dried greenery, and pampas grass flowing and moving in the breeze in soft colors. The ceremony was officiated by a dear family friend which always adds a level of warmth and deep meaning to the joyous occasion.

The cocktail hour in the Villa la Joya garden was cozy and elegant thanks to the rentals by Kay & Tee, the stunning Himalayan salt shot glasses with tequila, and even a visit from Frida the donkey. Chunk the Pug’s presence was felt in some super groovy ways, we love when cherished pets become part of the wedding theme!

Riviera Maya Wedding Reception at Villa la Joya: Megan and Colton know how to throw a party

The celebration of love continued with a fabulous wedding dinner by Gourmet Soberanis Catering, they always bring something special to the table. The reception was full of moving speeches, lots of laughs and boogie oogie oogie and the dance floor with tunes by Plug-in Audiovisual and saxophone by Ariel. Megan and Colton are a picture-perfect couple and we are so delighted to have hosted their dreamy Riviera Maya wedding at Villa la Joya, thanks so much!