Mexico Destination Wedding: Laura & Kevin’s Boho Beautiful Day

Mexico Destination Wedding: Laura & Kevin’s Boho Beautiful Day

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was delighted to host the absolutely beautiful wedding of Laura and Kevin. This smart, busy couple knew what they wanted and went for it, a wedding in Mexico with all their loved ones celebrating their union by the sea. The elegant simplicity of this dreamy boho wedding day was blessed with the warmth of the Mexican sunshine and picture-perfect moments. 

Romantic “first look” moments on the Villa la Joya balcony

We LOVE “first look” moments and the photos of Laura and Kevin seeing each other for the first time on their Playa del Carmen wedding day are absolutely priceless. Pure love, devotion to one another and a “forever and ever and ever” feeling that will bring a happy tear to your eye. The Villa la Joya balcony and staircases, blue skies, palm trees and the Mexican Caribbean Sea were the backdrop for the main event, Laura and Kevin gazing into each other’s eyes.

Playa del Carmen wedding ceremony: Laura and Kevin united in amor

Laura and Kevin celebrated their love and life together with a romantic wedding ceremony on the main entry stairs of Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. We ADORED Laura’s wedding gown, lacy and flowy and oh my gosh it has pockets. Kevin wore a traditional tux with a blush bow tie, looking sharp next to his gorgeous bride. The circular arch of white roses and pampas grass and Laura’s gorgeous bouquet by Pentaflor were the perfect floral accompaniments. The wedding ceremony was moving, funny and inspiring.

Dance, dance, dance the night away: Vibrant wedding reception with all the right moves

Laura and Kevin just couldn’t hold back from letting loose on the dance floor with their funky guests. The choreographed first dance of the bride and groom was out of this world and the rest of the evening was a wild ride on the dance floor. The live saxophone player was a hit and a highlight! With beer and tequila flowing and a late snack of yummy churros from Los Pockets, the wedding reception of Laura and Kevin will be remembered by all as a legendary celebration of love. 

We send our most heartfelt congratulations to Laura and Kevin, thank you so much for choosing us to play host to your Mexico destination wedding. We wish you both all the best for a lifetime of  joy together.

Thank you, gracias to our amazing Playa del Carmen wedding vendors

As always, we send our big huge gracias to the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who helped make this day so magical. There are never any vendor fees for weddings at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, let’s make your dreams come true! Contact us today to start planning your own destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Top Wedding Trends to Embrace in 2024

Top Wedding Trends to Embrace in 2024

As the destination wedding industry continues to evolve, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for couples looking to tie the knot. From ultra-personalized ceremonies to eco-conscious celebrations, here are the top wedding trends to watch out for in the coming year.

1. CEREMONIES WITH CELEBRANTS

Couples are leaning away from traditional officiants and are now opting for celebrants who add a fun, personal touch to their ceremonies. Celebrants create a customized experience that reflects the couple's unique love story and everyone adores an intimate tale of amor.

2. WEDDING WEEKENDS

The trend of extending wedding celebrations over an entire weekend is gaining momentum, though we’ve always known this is one of the best reasons to have a destination wedding! Couples are embracing the idea of hosting rehearsal dinners, catamaran trips, and farewell brunches to celebrate with their loved ones beyond the wedding day. The Riviera Maya is a perfect setting for these multi-day celebrations with trendy restaurants and endless adventures in the ocean and jungle. (First Photo taken at Thompson Playa del Carmen & Second Photo at Reef 28 Rooftop)

3. RETURN OF WEDDING VEILS

Thanks to celebrities like Sophie Habboo, Sofia Richie & Kourtney Kardashian, dramatic wedding veils are making a comeback. Brides are seeking to replicate these iconic looks, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to their bridal ensembles. A veil flowing in the ocean breeze with the backdrop of the Villa la Joya architecture, simply fabulous.

4. RETRO WEDDING STYLE

Nostalgia is in the air as couples look to the past for wedding inspiration. Vibrant colors, nostalgic flower arrangements, and disco-themed reception attire are all making a resurgence. Embrace the charm of yesteryears with a wedding that exudes timeless style. Photos below from Kyla & Mike’s one-of-a-kind destination wedding.

5. WEDDING SAXOPHONIST

Music is an essential part of any wedding, a live saxophonist can add a touch of sophistication and romance to your special day. The dulcet tones of the saxophone will set the perfect ambiance for your ceremony, cocktail hour or reception.

6. CREATIVE WEDDING RENTALS

Destination weddings require creative solutions for decor and we know the best world-class vendors to bring your visions to life. Couples are now exploring rental options to transform their venues, from chic lounge areas to stylish bars and captivating dance floors and sky tents. These rentals allow couples to personalize their wedding spaces effortlessly.

7. VERSATILE WEDDING FASHION

Brides in 2024 are embracing versatile bridal fashion choices. Two-piece wedding gowns and natural fabrics are the go-to options. Mix and match tops and bottoms to create custom looks for different wedding moments, from the ceremony to cocktail hour, formal portraits and late-night party. The evolution of the wedding fashions throughout the day are part of the telling of your unique love story.

8. BOLD & VIVID COLOR PALETTES

Are we saying adios to pastels? In 2024, weddings will be all about bright and eye-catching color palettes. Coral, electric blue, and vivid yellow shades will take center stage, adding energy and vibrancy to your wedding decor.

9. ECO-CONSCIOUS WEDDINGS

With a growing awareness of environmental issues, couples are incorporating eco-friendly elements into their weddings. We invite our couples to consider our Sea Turtle Protection program, where they can make donations or sponsor a nest or a turtle. To date in 2023, we have released a record-breaking 6,982 hatchlings and continue to protect nesting sites. We are still seeing mama turtles come to our shores almost every night. We prioritize a sustainable and eco-conscious approach to weddings, minimizing the use of plastic and maximizing our care for the environment.

As you plan your 2024 destination wedding, consider these exciting trends to make your celebration truly memorable. Whether you're drawn to retro style, eco-conscious choices, or vibrant color palettes, there's a trend to suit every couple's unique vision for their big day. Embrace the trends that resonate with you and create a Villa la Joya wedding that reflects your love story in the most meaningful way. 

Contact Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen today to start wedding planning and setting your own trends. What are your exciting new ideas for 2024 weddings in Mexico?

Photo Credits: Amor Amor Weddings, Moni Adri Photography, Maricarmen Arcos, Bohemia Photography, Martin Wilk, Jahlcob Photo, Hannah Rosser Photography, Anna Roussos, DemiEve Photo, Diptych Studio, Daniel Ramirez, Kape Photography

Spectacular Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Spectacular Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Agreen and Sapiro’s Spectacular Mexico Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Modern Tuscan elegance by the sea, a dreamy destination wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! Real wedding inspiration that will have you ooohing and aaahing, are you ready?

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was absolutely aglow for the wedding of Agreen and Sapiro. Overflowing roses, a stunning altar and sparkling chandeliers, our seaside gardens welcomed the loved ones of this beautiful couple to a grand day of joy and celebration.  

Agreen and Sapiro brought their ideas for a “Modern Tuscan'' wedding to life at Villa la Joya. The setting and details were gorgeous, but what really made this day special was the love of the couple and those who joined them to be a part of their destination wedding day. Viva romance, passion and love, you can feel it in every photo!

The Golden Hour of Love: An Emotional Wedding Ceremony

The sun was absolutely perfect, the skies were blue and the ocean breeze blessed it all with a kiss of the sea. Agreen and Sapiro exchanged vows in a moving wedding ceremony that captured the hearts of all in attendance. The ceremony set-up was stunning, the abundance of white roses, the shining white aisle, and the couple perfectly framed in a pergola-style altar with the backdrop of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. They exchanged words of love for now and forever and sealed the deal with a kiss.

Portraits, cocktails, and a joyous wedding reception at Villa la Joya

The newlyweds shared many a kiss and gazed deeply into each other’s eyes in some of the most fabulous wedding portraits we’ve seen! As Agreen and Sapiro and their bridal party created magazine-worthy photos with Luxart Weddings, their guests were welcomed to cocktails in a white and gold wonderland that set the scene for the elegant reception. 

With golden touches in the table settings, candles and roses, and sparkling chandeliers, the gardens of Villa la Joya were transformed into the couple's dream of a Modern Tuscan vibe. With lots of laughs and tears through the toasts, a delicious dinner and a dynamic reception with fireworks and a glorious cake, Agreen and Sapiro danced the night away surrounded by loved ones in an unforgettable night.

The love story of Agreen and Sapiro: Interview with a destination wedding bride

We asked the newlyweds a few questions about their love story and here is what they shared with us:

A brief story of how you two met? We met the old fashion way! In a bar getting drunk and the rest is history.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?

We wanted to enjoy more than just one day with our guests, we wanted everyone to be on vacation and relaxed. We love Mexico and it was a no brainer to be by the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

What made you decide on a Villa La Joya wedding?

From the very beginning, we wanted something that was a show stopper, something grand and spectacular. We looked at so many places and once we saw VLJ, we knew it was the one. Everything from the inside stairs, the view, the fountain and the pool.

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day?

Our vows were the most emotional. It was from the bottom of our hearts and it was expressing our love from the past and the future.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides?

Give yourself more time than you think the day of and enjoy it, it goes by very quickly!

Big thanks, muchas gracias Agreen and Sapiro!

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our best wishes to the newlyweds for a long and happy lifetime full of laughter and joy! It was our pleasure to meet you and get to know you and witness the love you share. 

As always, a huge thank you to the exceptional wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen. Each and every one of you brings professionalism and passion to creating world-class destination weddings at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Muchas gracias! (And hey, did you know? There are never any vendor fees at VLJ, let your imagination run wild!)

Playa del Carmen Wedding Vendors: 

Wedding Planning. Fresa Weddings

Photo. LuxArt Wedding Studio

Video. Sea Love Wedding Films

Glam. Milas Makeup​​​​​​​​

Flowers. Luis Floral Experience

Wedding Dress. Galia Lahav

Rentals. Planner1 Events + Kay & Tee Boutique Rentals + Grupo Gama

Catering. Gourmet Soberanis

Signs. Elements Graphics

DJ. Plug In Audiovisual

Destination Wedding Don’ts: Etiquette Planning Mistakes

Destination Wedding Don’ts: Etiquette Planning Mistakes

Coordinating a destination wedding involves a whole lot of moving parts, so many details to plan and people and feelings involved. Planning a wedding is something you do once in a lifetime so it’s forgivable if you are not a Miss Manners expert in wedding etiquette. Some rules are “common sense kindness” and others are a little more specific to destination weddings. Here are some etiquette DON’TS when planning your destination wedding so you can avoid any unintentional “faux pas”.

Don’t send your invitations too late! Your “save the date” announcements should be sent 6-12 months in advance and the invitations no less than 3 or 4 months. Give your guests adequate notice to prepare for time off work and to save for the vacation expenses of a destination wedding. Be sure to include an RSVP deadline. 

  1. Don’t mention gifts or registries on the invitation! Save it for the wedding website. Gifts at destination weddings are a bit of a blurry area as your guests will already be spending on their travel so many brides and grooms will forego registries and simply ask for the presence of their loved ones. Asking for monetary gifts towards your wedding expenses or honeymoon is fine, just be sure to make it easy for your guests to safely send money and never ask on the invitation.


  2. Don't forget important invitation details! Beyond the basics of date, time, and location, be sure to specify WHO is invited, if a “plus one” is included, and if children are welcome. 


  3. Don’t limit your guests to only one hotel choice. Provide options in different price ranges and offer your guests travel assistance with a travel agent.  Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen enjoys a magical location, with so many accommodation options all around us, including our own nearby condo for use by the bride and groom. We are happy to help with recommendations on great places to stay for your guests.


  4. Don’t leave your guests dangling in the days leading up to the wedding itself. Play host to pre-wedding time, provide a “Welcome Package” with tropical treats and destination guidance and plan a few events to unite the clans. 


  5. Don’t arrive at any of your planned wedding events late, never leave your guests waiting! It sounds like common courtesy, but it’s always good to have a little reminder. This is most important on your wedding day when being late is not only discourteous to your guests but to your vendors who want to serve your food hot and your drinks cold and keep your timeline on schedule. 


  6. Don’t make your guests pay for anything on your wedding day. Provide round-trip transportation to the venue and don’t even think about a cash bar. 


  7. Don’t forget to greet and thank each guest personally on your wedding day. A receiving line is a tradition for a reason, it gives everyone a chance to share in the love. If you are foregoing a receiving line, be sure to make the rounds to take a moment with everyone who traveled for your big day. 


  8. Don’t disrespect vendors, this really should go without saying. Don’t. Be. Bridezilla. Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and gratitude. Be sure to provide your vendors with a meal and a big thank you for their part in your wedding day. 


  9. Don’t send thank you cards late and don’t send pre-printed cards without a personalized message. Take the time to hand-write a thank you and be sure to get the cards out in a timely fashion. Some etiquette experts say you have up to a year, but really, the sooner the better, generally within three months.


Destination wedding etiquette really is about courtesy and consideration. You are the host and you are welcoming guests, family, bridal party, and vendors to celebrate with you, be thoughtful, be kind, and avoid all the “don’ts” and everyone will have a spectacular day. 


What are your thoughts? Any questions about destination wedding etiquette? Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen! 

Photo Credits: Evan White Photography, Maricarmen Arcos, Amor Amor Weddings, Arcos Productions, Two Fourteen Photography

Riviera Maya Wedding: Classy, Elegant, and Oh So Chic

Riviera Maya Wedding: Classy, Elegant, and Oh So Chic

Chelseay and Stanley’s Riviera Maya Wedding: Classy, Elegant, and Oh So Chic!

The Riviera Maya wedding of Chelseay and Stanley was a classic affair, formal and elegant yet warm and welcoming and full of love. A little bit of rain couldn’t put a damper on the day as the sunshine radiated from the newlyweds and their dear ones. Destination wedding fashion, fireworks, and funk on the dance floor, get ready to be inspired by the gorgeous Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding of Chelseay and Stanley.

Getting Ready and First Look: Eleganza and Anticipation with Chelseay and Stanley

The Riviera Maya wedding day of Chelseay and Stanley got rolling as the bride and groom got ready in their wedding finery with their closest friends and family. Chelseay wore a beautiful white peignoir over black undergarments for the “getting ready” shoot with her bridesmaids in black, timeless elegance. 

Groom Stanley was a vision in formal wedding style, his white tuxedo beside his groomsmen all in classic black tuxes was a striking combination. The “first look” photos are so endearing, the anticipation on the faces of the bride and groom simply radiate amor on the balcony of Villa la Joya Riviera Maya.

Formal Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony: Classic, Moving and Magical

Chelseay and Stanley celebrated their love in a classic and formal Riviera Maya wedding ceremony in the gardens of Villa la Joya. The rain couldn’t take away from the magic of these lovebirds as they exchanged vows under the sky tent with their most cherished family and friends witnessing the moment they became man and wife forever and ever.  

Kids at destination weddings? Oh yes, please! A pretty in pink flower girl and a touch of humor with the “Ring Security” ring bearer, this was a family-friendly Riviera Maya wedding that welcomed all ages to share in the love and fun. The ceremony was full of laughter and tears and a whole lot of amor. 

Riviera Maya Wedding Reception at Villa la Joya: Dance the Night Away

The Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding reception of Chelseay and Stanley was a classic celebration with a dynamic party for all! From the glorious sky tent lit with fairy lights to the stunning flowers, delicious catering and a magnificent cake, every little detail was perfect. Moving toasts and funny speeches had everyone honoring the newlyweds as they raised a glass to their future. 

Family and friends brought all their best fashion eleganza for a night of big fun, but nobody outshone the bride in her incredible reception gown that took everyone’s breath away. 

We adored the simple and elegant theme of this wedding, white with black, pink and gold touches, absolutely gorgeous down to the tiniest detail. From “save the dates” to last dance, Chelseay and Stanley were incredibly thoughtful with each and every moment of this beautiful event.

Villa la Joya Riviera Maya Wedding: All the Best to Newlyweds Chelseay and Stanley!

From all of us at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya, we send a huge thank you and best wishes for a future full of love to Chelseay and Stanley. We are so delighted you chose a Villa la Joya wedding and we can’t wait to share your inspiring photos with the world. 

Feeling inspired by this formal Riviera Maya wedding at Villa la Joya? Contact us today

Villa la Joya weddings are just what YOU want them to be, totally customizable, flexible, and waiting for your personal touch. Are you planning a formal Riviera Maya wedding or something boho chic and relaxed? An intimate celebration for an exclusive group or a huge party for all your family and friends, tell us your wedding ideas, we can’t wait to make your dreams come true. Contact us today!

As always, a huge thank you to the world-class Riviera Maya wedding vendors for your creativity and professionalism, mil gracias. 

Wedding Planning. Dream Weddings Riviera Maya 

Photography. Moni & Adri Weddings

Video. One Cameraman

Glam. Beauty Experts & Sasha Cheveux

Wedding Dress. Wedding Angels Bridal

Floral Design. Corazon Luxury Weddings

Rentals. MSM Rentals

Catering. Gourmet Soberanis

Cake. Pure, Sweet & Chic

Dance Floor. Hercon Entertainment

Fireworks. Pyrotech

DJ. Uno Audiovisual & DJ Swade