Gorgeous Jewish Destination Wedding in Mexico

Gorgeous Jewish Destination Wedding in Mexico

Yael and Alex Get Married! Gorgeous Jewish Destination Wedding in Mexico

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was delighted to welcome Yael & Alex and their guests to celebrate their joyous day with us. This traditional Jewish destination wedding in Mexico was simply magic, sunshine, love, romance, family, and gorgeous details. The bride and groom were surrounded by loving family and friends as they exchanged vows and declared their forever love. 

Yael and Alexander started the day getting ready with their wedding party and enjoying a photo shoot with Amor Amor Weddings. The bridesmaids wore oh-so-pretty pink and the bride was glowing in her stunning gown. Yael’s bridal gown was ideal for a wedding by the beach, strappy, backless, daring, and sexy, it showed off her magnificent figure perfectly. 

Groom Alex wore a traditional tux, with no socks, of course, it’s the fashion for an outdoor wedding by the beach. The bride and groom shared a “first look” moment on the Villa la Joya balcony, gazing into each other’s eyes with all the love in the world and giving a little twirl. 

Traditional Jewish destination wedding ceremony in Mexico

Can you have a traditional Jewish wedding in Mexico? Yes, you can! Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen welcomes couples of all faiths to join us in our home by the sea. We understand the unique needs of a Jewish destination wedding and are happy to help in creating a magical blend of the traditions of the faith and the tropical vibe of Playa del Carmen. 

Yael and Alex exchanged vows in a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony in Mexico. The chuppah (bridal canopy) is an essential part of the Jewish wedding, a sanctified place of four posts supporting a cloth covering, open to the sides. It represents the new home that the bride and groom will share together. Yael and Alex joined together under the chuppah decorated with an abundance of gorgeous pink roses by Cherry Blossom Florists. The rabbi blessed their union, witnessed by all the people who love Yael and Alex in an emotional and moving ceremony and they were united forever in amor!

Mazel tov, let the party begin! The dynamic wedding reception of Yael and Alex

A romantic first dance, moving toasts, delicious kosher catering by Gourmet Soberanis, a fabulous dessert table, fireworks and churros, and adorable kids on the dance floor, the reception of Yael and Alex was pure fun and celebration. The Jewish wedding reception traditions of cutting the Challah bread, the Hora chair dance, and the prayers of blessing made this an unforgettable night for all. Music, dancing, tasty treats, and entertainment on a beautiful Playa del Carmen evening, we thank Yael and Alex for inviting us to be a part of their magical day. 

Thank you, gracias, mazel tov, and congratulations to Yael and Alex

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our gratitude and best wishes to Yael and Alex! May you enjoy a lifetime of happiness together and may your days forever be full of sunshine and love. 

Are you looking to plan a Jewish destination wedding in Mexico? We invite you to contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! We can’t wait to hear your ideas and work together to create the perfect wedding day of faith, tradition, and tropical beauty. 

As always, a huge thank you to our incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors, we couldn’t do it without you. And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya, put those pesos to use for something gorgeous! 

Mango Weddings - Planner

Amor Amor Weddings - Photo

Angye Abarca - MUA

Cherry Blossom - Flowers

Gourmet Soberanis - Catering

Lali Pasteles & Lluvia de Azúcar - Cake and dessert table

Velvet Event Design - Rentals

Los Pockets - Churros

Drums in Paradise - Entertainment

TI Fusion Band - Music

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

Intimate Wedding in Playa del Carmen - Haley & Andrew

Intimate Wedding in Playa del Carmen - Haley & Andrew

Intimate Wedding in Playa del Carmen: Haley and Andrew Joined in Love

Congratulations to Haley and Andrew for celebrating their love and the union of their families in an intimate wedding in Playa del Carmen at Villa la Joya. Simple, elegant and full of romance, Haley and Andrew tied the knot in a destination wedding in Mexico surrounded by their closest family and friends. This is what wedding dreams are made of, gorgeous details and a couple radiating love. Ready for some real wedding inspiration?

Our in-house team of Villa Planners worked with the best Playa del Carmen wedding vendors to create a magical day for Haley and Andrew. All you need to do is look at the photos of the faces of the bride and groom as they exchange their moving vows and you can see that they are madly in love and in perfect harmony. 

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

We know that a destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is an ideal choice for tying the knot, but we always like to ask our newlyweds why they chose us for their special day. We reached out to Haley and Andrew and here is what they shared with us about their reasons for planning an intimate wedding in Playa del Carmen at Villa la Joya. 

Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

Mexico will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was one of the only places we could travel to during COVID, so it was where we spent our first two trips together abroad. Mexico was where we spent our first New Years Eve together, and where we celebrated Haley’s 30th birthday.  It was where much of the love we now share grew into what it is today!  There’s something about the beauty and energy of Mexico that we both gravitate to. We wanted to share our love for each other with our friends and family in a place that means so much to us. We couldn’t have imagined getting married anywhere else!

Why choose a Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen wedding?

There are so many reasons why we chose Villa La Joya.  First and foremost, the beauty of the estate!  We also wanted the scenic views of the ocean with the elegance of a proper venue. We loved that we could make the space our own, which our wedding planner Nancy and all of our vendors made happen! Villa La Joya is tucked away in the perfect location. It’s just a short drive from the airport with lots of hotel options. Villa La Joya is a hidden gem, and we feel so lucky to be able to say we got married there!

Delicious details and a warm and welcoming setting made for love

Everything about this Villa la Joya wedding was designed to be warm and inviting to all in attendance. We loved the circular arch of dried flowers and roses by Cherry Blossom, lush and a little bohemian and a perfect backdrop for the ceremony and reception. Bride Haley was simply stunning in a lacy gown and her natural beauty was accentuated by the talented makeup artist Sara Tamargo. The food was divine, with catering by Gourmet Soberanis and the AMAZING cake and desserts by Lali Pasteles, it was rave reviews all around for the delicious fare of this intimate wedding in Playa del Carmen.

Any advice for other couples planning a wedding in Mexico?

Use Villa Planners!  Nancy and her staff were incredibly wonderful, and they know the venue so well, it definitely helped a lot since we don’t live in Mexico.  Also, come for a site visit if you can.


We rented a couple of villas in Playa Paraiso next to Villa La Joya for our families and it was nice to have everyone so close.  It also made our wedding day so much easier because we were already there and didn’t have to worry about transportation, etc.

We did most of our photographs before the ceremony, so we were able to enjoy most of our cocktail hour, which was nice.

All of our vendors were amazing; we highly recommend them!  

Muchas gracias, big thanks and wishes for a lifetime of happiness

We send our gratitude and our warmest wishes to newlyweds Haley and Andrew, we are thrilled you chose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding. It was a pleasure to get to know you both and to share in your intimate wedding day. Muchas felicidades, we know you will enjoy a lifetime of joy and happiness together.

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

Let’s get planning! Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and share your dream wedding ideas with us, let’s make magic together! Villa Planners is ready to assemble our power team of Playa del Carmen wedding vendors to make your day uniquely yours. 

As always, we send our gratitude to our partners in planning, the best Playa del Carmen wedding vendors with their creativity, professionalism and skills in bringing romance to life. BIG thanks. And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya, let your imagination run wild!


Vendors

Planners - Villa Planners

Photography - LuxArt Wedding Studio

Flowers - Cherry Blossom

Hair & Makeup - Sara Tamargo

Cake & Desserts - Lali Pasteles

Food - Gourmet Soberanis

Churro Cart - Los Pockets

DJ - Uno Audiovisual

Furniture/Décor - Canteiro Weddings

Drinks/Alcohol - Barras Libres

Décor Items - Magic Love

A Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Love Story

A Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Love Story

Brittney and John Get Married in Mexico! A Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen Love Story

Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen has had the honor of hosting so many couples in love looking to celebrate their special day in a unique and unforgettable way. We take great pride in providing exceptional service and helping couples bring their dream wedding to life.

We had the pleasure of hosting this beautiful wedding celebration of Brittney and John, a lovely couple who made the decision to get married in Mexico. Their love story is adorable, they met in middle school and have been friends for 20 years, realizing after college that their true love had been right in front of them all along. After searching for the perfect venue in New York and finding nothing that “felt right”, they opened their search to a destination wedding in Mexico and fell in love with Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen.

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

We can tell you all the reasons we think you should choose a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding, but we think it’s best to hear it from the newlyweds! Here is what Brittney and John shared with us about planning their wedding in Mexico:

We got engaged in July of 2021 and started looking at venues in New York soon after. All of the venues we looked at were nice, but they didn't feel special or "different" from the many weddings we've been to as guests. We really weren't crazy about any and we realized we didn't want a traditional wedding. We discussed having a destination wedding and that's when we really started getting excited about planning! 

We looked at a few destinations and narrowed it down to Mexico. We immediately fell in love with Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen - it's stunning and we loved that you can do exactly what you want. I also didn't want a "beach" wedding, so I loved that VLJ had a different feel to it, yet it was on the beach and made for the perfect backdrop. After speaking to Mike and Enrique I knew Villa la Joya was our venue. They really cared about us before we even chose a date. From there, we decided to work with Nancy and Adrianna of Villa Planners and had the best experience. Overall, I can't say enough about them and how great they all have been.

Fun, fabulous and full of amor: The details and decor set the scene for love

Everything about this Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding was just right, it was a pleasure to work together with Brittney and John in making their dreams come true. The crescent arch of white roses was the perfect frame for the ceremony and the reception, Pentaflor Playa del Carmen florists created a truly stunning floral display. The touches of Mexican flair included a mariachi serenade, a visit from Frida the donkey, a delicious Mexican buffet and tasty churro treats.This was an elegant affair that was joyous and fun, from tequila toasts to twerking on the dance floor, a grand time was had by all. 

Any advice or tips for planning a wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya?

We asked Brittney and John to share their best tips for planning a destination wedding in Mexico, here is what they kindly shared with us. 


- Make vision boards! It was so helpful to SEE our wedding after creating our wedding vision board(s). It was also helpful to share our vision boards with our vendors, so they knew exactly what we wanted. Be specific and detailed about what you want.

- There will be "hiccups" on your wedding day, so expect them, but it doesn't take away from the day at all! Just enjoy being in the moment and have fun. 

- Play songs you like, eat food you love, have the entertainment you'd enjoy and include yourself in the little details. By doing these things, your wedding is YOURS and unique to you. The details do matter!

-Add extra time in the timeline for getting ready! Sometimes makeup/hair can take longer than the artists recommend, so adding time will help avoid any delays. 

-Work with a planner! I am a very organized person and I am a planner myself, but I needed a wedding planner. I think it's a must when planning a destination wedding. They know a lot of the vendors, they help monitor payments and due dates, and they are great to bounce ideas off of rather than asking friends/family. We loved working with Nancy and Adrianna!

Muchas felicidades to Brittney and John, we wish you all the best for a long and happy life together

We send our gratitude to the newlyweds for inviting us to host your destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. It was a pleasure to get to know you and a joy to work together in creating a memorable and magical day. We send you all our best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.

Feeling inspired by this fun and dynamic destination wedding in Mexico? Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

Once you have enjoyed perusing all the incredible photos of this real wedding and feeling all the feels, send us an email to get started planning your own destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. We are romantics at heart and we love hearing all your stories and making your wedding dreams come true. Send us your vision boards and let’s make memories together!


As always, we extend our huge thanks and muchas gracias to all the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who worked together in creating this unforgettable day. We work with the best, most creative professionals in the industry to bring your vision to life and remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya!