Real Destination Wedding in Mexico

Real Destination Wedding in Mexico

Alexis and Ronnie Tie the Knot: Real Destination Wedding in Mexico

What do you get when a NYC wedding planner gets married in Mexico? An absolutely stunning real destination wedding in Mexico with perfect details oozing elegance and romance. Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen set the scene for this special day, we were delighted to welcome Alexis and Ronnie to our seaside home. Get ready to be inspired, the wedding photos by Kape Photography capture all the magic and love!

Wedding Planner Wedding Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Villa la Joya was excited to work together with beautiful bride Alexis and her handsome groom Ronnie. Alexis is a NYC wedding planner so we knew right away we could talk the same language and that this couple would have some exciting ideas for their destination wedding in Mexico. After years of planning other people’s weddings, it was time for Alexis to shine and celebrate her love with Ronnie surrounded by the warmth of family and friends. 

The “getting ready” photos show just how fun this couple is. Alexis had her girls around her and they not only captured magazine-worthy fashion moments but they let loose and had some laughs. Groom Ronnie and his guys shared champagne toasts and had some fun in the limo with the light-up rainbow roof. The “first look” moment is one of our top faves ever, the smile on Ronnie’s face is about a million watts of love.

Destination Wedding in Mexico: Romantic Wedding Ceremony by the Sea

Walking on water, walking on sunshine, walking on air! The ceremony set-up design was breathtaking, we loved seeing the transformation of the Villa la Joya pool and gardens. The white aisle floating on the pool, the circular arch of luscious flowers, the velvet blue chairs, and the parasols to give guests a little shade, there are just too many details, we could go on and on. 


After declaring their forever love in a moving ceremony by the sea, the newlyweds joined family and friends for a cocktail hour in the front courtyard of Villa la Joya. Signature cocktails were a big hit, we loved the special stir sticks honoring their cute little pooch! Tacos and “botanas” and smiles all around, the party was just getting started.

Joyous destination wedding Mexico reception: Colorful, dynamic, elegant, and oh-so romantic and fun

After the cocktail hour, guests were invited to return to the pool and gardens which had been transformed into an elegant reception area. The table settings were so lush, the royal blue and gold with the dried boho chic centerpieces, just…well, frankly it left us speechless. Everyone enjoyed a delicious Mexican buffet dinner before kicking off the emotional and hilarious toasts to the newlyweds. Tears and laughter and moving words of shared memories and toasts to the future had everyone captivated.

The rest of the evening was all about getting down on the dance floor, tequila shots and champagne toasts, cake and churros and a million laughs. Alexis and Ronnie sure know how to throw a party, this was a Mexico destination wedding reception that will never be forgotten! 

We wish Alexis and Ronnie a lifetime of true happiness together and we thank you for allowing us to host your destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! 

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

Alexis and Ronnie knocked it out of the park with this wedding, we know you are feeling the love! Are you ready to start planning your own destination wedding in Mexico? Drop us a line today, we can’t wait to hear all your ideas! How will you transform Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen into your own personalized paradise? 


Muchas gracias to the professional Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who made this such a fantastic day. We are so fortunate and grateful to work with the best! (And remember, never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya!) 


Planner: Paradise Weddings & Events & Events By Lexx

Florist: Cherry Blossom

Makeup: @alexisonthebeat

Hair: @hellobeautymx

Photo: Kape Photography

Rentals: Canteiro Weddings

Caterer: Gourmet Soberanis

A/V: Plug In Audiovisual

DJ: @iknowmikemusic

Fireworks: Pyrotech

Churro Cart: @lospocketsmx

Cake: Pasteleria La Migaja

Invitations: Golden Moments Design

Linens: The Finishing Touch NY

Photobooth: @picme_photobooth

Acrylic Signs: @brooklyn_rustics

Bride’s Dress: Pantora Bridal

Groom’s Tux: Indochino

Groomsmen Suit: The Black Tux

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.

Damola & Gene’s Perfectly Romantic Playa del Carmen Wedding

Damola & Gene’s Perfectly Romantic Playa del Carmen Wedding

This is one of those Playa del Carmen weddings we adore, full of family love, the warmth of friends and gorgeous details (no, really, GORGEOUS). Stunning bride Damola tied the knot forever with her strikingly handsome groom Gene in a Playa del Carmen wedding ceremony of bohemian elegance and a wedding reception party that was simply legendary. Ready for some real destination wedding inspiration at Villa la Joya? 

“First look” MAGIC with Damola and Gene at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Bride Damola took our breath away with her luxurious bridal robe by BMF Gallery, an extravaganza of tulle that set the tone for romance and fashion. Groom Gene was a dream in a white dinner jacket and black vest and he shared some special moments getting ready with his guys.

We asked Damola to share with us her favorite part of her Playa del Carmen wedding day:

The favorite part of our wedding day was our first look and everything leading up to it. The emotional walk up the beautiful staircase, the tap, and ultimately the first look was a moment we will both cherish for a lifetime.

The “first look” photos are priceless, the love just radiates from Damola and Gene and the architecture of Villa la Joya sets a beautiful scene. With the “first look” on the stairs and a portrait session on the Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen balcony, the bride and groom shared some special time to calm the butterflies before walking down the aisle.

Romance rules at the Playa del Carmen wedding of Damola and Gene

From start to finish, this was a wedding of romance and pure amor and beauty in all the details. The ceremony on the stairs of Villa la Joya was framed by the marble arch and columns and a luxe circular arch of cream flowers and dried arrangements. La Chica de las Flores Cancun created a masterful bridal bouquet of cascading flowers and we loved ALL the floral design of the day, luscious and lovely. The table decor and centerpieces were unique and simply perfect, have a look at all the photos by Julie Roman Photographer. 

The reception was a celebration of family and friends, moving champagne tributes, and fun tequila toasts. Damola changed into a short bridal gown for the reception to kick it up on the dance floor. The guests got down and boogied all night long and enjoyed the churro snacks by Los Pockets. A grand time was had by all and it was an unforgettable evening of love. 

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

We always ask our newlyweds to tell us why they chose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding in Mexico, here is what Damola shared with us: 

Well that’s a no brainer! The venue is absolutely breathtaking. A destination wedding was something Gene and  I always wanted and chose The Villa La Joya as our venue before ever seeing the venue in person. VLJ is the most luxurious location and screamed both of our personalities! 

We decided to visit Mexico in December prior to our wedding in November where we went for a site visit and we fell in love all over again. Pictures do no justice to the VLJ. We were welcomed by the awesome staff members. At that point we knew for sure we were in great hands. We would do it all over again in a heartbeat!

Would you have done anything differently? Any advice for future brides and grooms?

Not a thing! Our wedding weekend and wedding day was the most perfect day ever. Our family and friends till now have not stopped talking about our wedding and the Villa La Joya of course! The next morning we had friends ask if we could do it all over again…haha!

Trust the process and keep calm. Do your homework as it relates to choosing a wedding planner and venue. I truly believe your wedding planner is a critical part of your big day! Luisa from Weddings Riviera Maya and her team made our day and wedding event PERFECT!  Budget and create a priority list for your must-haves. After all, there’s still life after your big day!

We want to extend our gratitude to newlyweds Damola & Gene for inviting us to host your special day. We wish you all the best for a lifetime of happiness together!

Feeling inspired by this romantic Playa del Carmen wedding? Contact us today at Villa la Joya!

Are you ready to start planning your own Playa del Carmen wedding in Mexico? We can’t wait to hear your ideas and bring them to life at a private villa wedding at Villa la Joya. No cookie cutter weddings here, you can bring YOUR vision to life with the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors of your choice. No vendor fees, no choosing your wedding from Column A or B, a private villa wedding is your day, just the way you want it. 

Big thanks to all the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who made this such a gorgeous day, as always we are grateful, we couldn’t do it without you!

Wedding Vendors:

Planner: Weddings Riviera Maya

Photo: Julie Roman Photography

Video: LUX LikeArt

MUA: Alejandra Leon M&H

Wedding Dress: Elysee Bridal Design at One Bridal Boutique

Reception Dress: Revolve

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Bridal Robe: BMF Gallery

Bride Wig: Dark and Deluxe Wigs

Jewelry: Ai & Eva Bridal Jewelry

Nails: @_rachel_nails_

Rings: Verragio & Cartier

Photo Booth: La Cabina Mexico

Churro Stand: Los Pockets

Custom Petal Cones: @yinvivo

Floral: La Chica de las Flores Cancun

Rentals: Velvet Events Design

DJ: Hercon Entertainment

Bar: @caribbeandrikity

Caterer: Online Mayan Chef

Cake: Lluvia de Azucar

Transportation: @karma_trails_dmc

Invitations: Ink and Bows

Jenny and Danny’s Private Estate Wedding in Mexico

Jenny and Danny’s Private Estate Wedding in Mexico

Jenny and Danny get married at Villa la Joya, a private estate wedding in Mexico full of romance and pretty details. The couple met on a dating app called “Coffee Meets Bagel”, which is a great name for an app and a fun “How We Met” story for the grandkids. The young couple was surrounded by their closest family and friends for an intimate garden wedding and an unplugged reception. 

Getting ready and first looks: Champagne, laughter and fashion

Looking at the “getting ready” photos, you can feel the building excitement and the loving support of the family that surrounds Jenny and Danny. Bride and groom exchanged beautiful gifts with their bridal parties and enjoyed champagne to toast the day ahead. Bride Jenny was radiant with her dark hair falling in waves on the white lace of her stunning Ines di Santo wedding gown and groom Danny was rocking a sharp grey suit from Suit Supply, a gorgeous couple. 

Jenny and Danny shared a classic “first look” moment and gazed into one another’s eyes with looks of love in a portrait session on the balcony and throughout the halls of Villa la Joya. We adore “first looks” before a wedding, it’s a special time for the couple to relax and connect with one another before the excitement. The “first look” wedding photos by Cocoknot capture the pure love and happiness that exudes from Jenny and Danny, priceless. 

Private villa wedding in Mexico: Jenny and Danny tie the knot in an elegant garden wedding at Villa la Joya

The wedding ceremony of Jenny and Danny was romantic, elegant and the right mix of fun and emotion. The “flower men” dance by the brothers was a brilliant way to set the mood for joy.The split arch of flowers by Cherry Blossom framed the couple at the altar with a beautiful backdrop of ocean and sky as they said their “I Do’s” in an unplugged wedding ceremony. The “big dip and kiss” as they came down the aisle as newlyweds goes in our Top Ten Ceremony Kisses, totally suave and smooth and romantic!

Why choose a private estate wedding in Mexico? Why book a Villa la Joya wedding?

Choosing a private estate wedding in Mexico is the ideal way to share your love with your family and friends in an exclusive and unique setting. A Villa la Joya wedding gives you all the flexibility in the world to create and plan the wedding of your dreams. We like to ask our newlyweds why they decided on a Villa la Joya wedding in Mexico, here is what Jenny & Danny shared with us…


Mexico is so beautiful, the people there are always so kind and welcoming. We vacation to Mexico often, as it is only a 2-hour flight from Houston, Texas. We love it so much, we wanted it to be where we celebrated our special day too. 


Villa La Joya was exactly our style. Clean, minimal, and the option for an outdoor lawn ceremony overlooking the beach without being on the beach (we hate sand!) The venue is absolutely breathtaking. The photos we saw on Instagram are exactly how it is in person.

We would like to send Jenny and Danny our big congratulations and wishes for a long and happy lifetime together. We are so pleased to have met you and we thank you for allowing us to host your private estate wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya. We loved the details of the personalized coconuts and the churro cart, fun little dashes of Mexico!

Feeling inspired by this private estate wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya? Contact us today

Let’s bring your wedding dreams to life, we can’t wait to hear your ideas. Villa la Joya Mexico and Villa Planners welcome you to the world of totally personalized weddings with the best vendors in the Riviera Maya and never any vendor fees! Our beautiful private villa awaits and our team of experienced wedding professionals is ready to make wedding magic with you. Contact us today!

As always, a big thank you to the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who made Jenny and Danny’s day so special. 

Wedding Vendors

- Venue: Villa La Joya

- Wedding Planner: N/A (I planned the wedding myself) 

- Wedding Day of Coordination: Villa Planners (Nancy & Adriana)

- MakeUp: N/A (I did my own hair and makeup)

- Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo

- Suit: Suit Supply

- Floral: Cherry Blossom

- Photography: CocoKnot Weddings

- Videography: My Love Films

- Desserts: Los Pockets

- Coconuts: Ko’Coo Coconuts

- Audio: Disco Movil Cancun

Lindsay and Jack’s Romantic Wedding in the Riviera Maya

Lindsay and Jack’s Romantic Wedding in the Riviera Maya

Lindsay and Jack get married! This Riviera Maya wedding at Villa la Joya was such a romantic affair. We were honored to host the wedding and coordinate as Villa Planners to celebrate the union of Lindsay and Jack. What started out as friendship blossomed into a sweet romance and a surprise engagement with a walk by a lake in Aspen. They joined together before family and friends in a Villa la Joya wedding full of joy. 

Extra, extra, read all about it! The best day ever, Jack and Lindsay are getting married!

The big day started off in the Villa la Joya condo, the excitement building as bride and groom got ready with their loved ones. Silver and white balloons, champagne and a fabulous personalized newspaper announcing the headline of the day. This was such a fun idea! Bride Lindsay donned a soft and flowing bridal gown with a pretty lacy veil on her natural blonde waves while groom Jack wore an elegant formal white jacket and black bow tie, a gorgeous couple.

A moving Riviera Maya wedding ceremony and a funtastic wedding reception at Villa la Joya

Jack and Lindsay had such a special wedding ceremony, officiated by their beloved friends Britt and Bailey and filled with the love of family and friends. The aisle was lined with stunning white roses, a striking contrast to the wedding party in black. Jack and Lindsay shared a private communion to begin their new lives together as partners forever, a truly special moment they’ll always remember. 

With a cocktail hour in the Villa la Joya garden, the celebration really kicked off. We loved the comfy cozy seating areas and the abundant white roses by Pentaflor. Gourmet Soberanis outdid themselves with a delicious buffet and the cake by Lali Pasteles was just perfect. Lindsay changed into a cute little white dress with a boa that was made for dancing. The reception was full of moving and funny toasts and a whole lot of boogie was left on the dance floor.

Why get married in Mexico? Why choose a Villa la Joya wedding?

We always ask our newlyweds why they chose to get married in Mexico at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya and for their advice for future couples. Here is what Lindsay and Jack shared with us:

“We weren't originally planning on Mexico, and instead, we were going to get married at Jack's parent's home in the mountains. After thinking it over, we thought that would be too much work. Jack and I chose Mexico after seeing Villa la Joya on Instagram one day. We fell in love with the house and knew we had to get married there. When we sent in an inquiry, the Villa Planners reached out. We were comforted by Adriana and Nancy as we found out how knowledgeable and organized they were. We decided to go with them as our planners because they were easy to talk to and so fun to work with.

For advice, I would say definitely get to Mexico at least 5 days prior to the wedding. I would also say to spend lots of time planning out the DJ songs/ announcements and maybe print out instructions. I would also recommend renting out the condo before and after the wedding as a "home base". 

MUCHAS gracias to Lindsay and Jack and big congratulations! 

We were really delighted to work with Lindsay and Jack in making their Riviera Maya wedding dreams come true with Villa Planners and Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. We send you much love and gratitude and wishes for a long and happy lifetime together!

Are you next? Let us host and plan your Riviera Maya wedding at Villa la Joya!

Send us an email today and we’ll get started making those Riviera Maya wedding dreams come true. Villa Planners and Villa la Joya are waiting for you in paradise! 

As always, a HUGE thanks to all the Riviera Maya wedding vendors that helped make this special day so beautiful. We are so lucky and grateful to work with the very best.

Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors:

Planners: Villa Planners IG: @villaplanners

Photos: Demi Wallace IG: @demievephoto 

Makeup: Beso Brides  IG: @besobrides

Flowers: Pentaflor IG: @eve_claisse

Rentals: Canteiro Weddings IG: @canteiroweddings

Food: Gourmet Soberanis IG: @gourmetsoberanis

Cake: Lali Pasteles IG: @lalipasteles

Alcohol: Barras Libres IG: @barraslibresrm

DJ: Disco Movil IG: @disco_movil_cancun 

Transportation: Mistica