Secret Garden Wedding at Villa la Joya: Mai and Ryan

Secret Garden Wedding at Villa la Joya: Mai and Ryan

A destination wedding in Mexico to swoon over, Mai and Ryan tied the knot in an oh-so-romantic celebration of love at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Our tropical garden was bursting with blooms in lavender and blush and every detail was just perfect. Lush, warm, and welcoming and an unforgettable party on the dance floor, are you ready for some real private villa wedding inspiration?

Romance in abundance: Mai and Ryan’s wedding ceremony in Playa del Carmen

Beautiful couple Mai and Ryan met on a dating app and things just clicked. Their connection brought them to Mexico and to the shores of Playa del Carmen to celebrate their love with their nearest and dearest in a romantic wedding ceremony by the sea. Our Villa la Joya garden was overflowing with dreamy floral arrangements in lavender and blush, the circular arch at the altar was a stunner. Pure Love Floral created a fairy land in blooms, a country garden in our tropical corner of paradise.

Bride Mai was aglow in her strapless bridal gown with daring decolletage and a divine train, hair flowing loose and a beautiful bouquet. Ryan rocked a classic black tux by her side, handsome and clearly in love with his bride. They exchanged vows surrounded by the love of family and friends in a warm and moving ceremony. The three little flower girls in lavender were absolutely adorable! The newlyweds came down the aisle together with huge smiles and flower petals raining down upon them. Que vivan los novios!

Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding? Why Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen?

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a private villa in Playa del Carmen with Italian architecture and a garden just waiting to be decorated with your dream theme. We welcome couples from around the world and we love to know why they chose a destination wedding in Mexico and why they invited Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen to host their big day. We asked Mai and Ryan about their experience in choosing a venue for their wedding celebrations.

At first, we were looking at Italia. We wanted a destination wedding but it was just too difficult for our spread-out families and friends. We did some digging on some closer destinations and found Villa la Joya! It was the Italian dream venue that we wanted - but more convenient for our family - which was super important for us.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya?

How could you not!! It is a beautiful 360! The patio overlooking the ocean is breathtaking!

Cozy cocktail hour and a dynamite Villa la Joya garden wedding reception

While Mai and Ryan gazed longingly into each other’s eyes for their portrait shoot, their loved ones gathered in the cozy seating area for a signature cocktail. A delicious dinner by Gourmet Soberanis followed, the small circular tables overflowing with blooms created a perfectly intimate setting for a celebration of love.

Bride Mai changed into a spectacular sequin dress when the party got started, the dance floor was on fire! There were cigars and churros and a magnificent fireworks display over the Mexican Caribbean Sea. A splash of rain and a whole lot of dancing and love, everyone in attendance will remember this wedding forever.

Last questions for the newlyweds: Tell us about your destination wedding experience

What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?:

The fireworks! It was amazing to watch and took everyone by surprise. Luz from Mango Weddings was able to work with Aldo from Legendary Entertainment and Pyrotech to have the fireworks go off at the exact timing of the song drop!

What was the most emotional part of your wedding day?:

Dancing with our family members.

Tell us about your funniest wedding moment:

It rained for 2 minutes and everyone ran for cover with their food. No one was upset and we were all joking that the rain was a paid actor.

Anything you would have done differently in planning your destination wedding in Mexico?

Nothing! Everything was so perfect, from the execution to the staff - all incredible.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides planning a Villa la Joya wedding?

Extend the villa hours (if possible) - the day flies by!

Big thank you and all of our best wishes to Mai and Ryan

From all of us at Villa la Joya, we thank you for inviting us to be your Playa del Carmen wedding venue and we wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

Planner. Mango Weddings | Photo. Foolishly Running In | Video. Gallardo Films | Glam. Angye Abarca | Flowers. Pure Love Floral | Dress. Martina Liana | Catering. Gourmet Soberanis | Cake. Lali Pasteles | Rentals. Archive Rentals, Velvet Design, Hercon | Happenings. Cigar Bar, Los Pockets, Pyrotech | DJ. Legendary Entertainment

And of course, a huge shout out of gratitude to all the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who make all our Villa la Joya wedding celebrations so perfect. We are so grateful for your creativity and professionalism, we are always confident to offer our couples world-class wedding services in Playa del Carmen. And did we mention there are never any vendor fees?

Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and let’s get planning your own destination wedding in Mexico. Send us your vision and let’s make it happen!

Donalda and Mike’s Luxurious Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

Donalda and Mike’s Luxurious Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

Donalda and Mike’s Luxurious Private Villa Wedding in Mexico: Full of Surprises and WOW Moments

We only host unique weddings, no two are ever the same. Our private villa welcomes celebrations of amor and we adore each and every event. Villa la Joya is more than just a wedding venue in Mexico, it’s a place to tell your love story, your way. When we heard about the surprises and details planned by Donalda and Mike, we couldn’t wait for the big day. Are you ready for some real wedding inspiration? 

Albanian multicultural wedding in Mexico: Elegance, Style and Fashion

No spoilers, but the bride pulled off some magnificent costume changes in this one! 

“Chic and classy”, the private villa wedding of Donalda and Mike brought fairy tale elegance to a moving ceremony on the steps of Villa la Joya. Classic white and gold, candles lining the altar and a breathtaking floral arch with a hint of pink, a really glorious ceremony set up. 

Bride Donalda had her first wow moment as she walked down the aisle in a corseted gown with a fabulous train, sparkling tiara with flowing veil and loose blonde locks. A princess, formal look with a hint of sexy. Groom Mike went with a classic black tuxedo, very handsome next to his bride. 

This was a family wedding, the charming ring bearer and pretty little flower girls were perfect little attendants and absolutely fashionable. The family and friends that traveled to Mexico to share in the celebration were oh so chic in their wedding finery and formal gowns.

Why choose a private villa wedding in Mexico? Tell us your love story that led you to Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

“We met through mutual friends. He was supposed to be my tutor for my nursing exam because our mutual friend recommended him and we hit it off from there. Mike popped the question to marry him on 3/15/21 in Mexico and for that reason, our wedding had to be at the same place where he asked me to be his wife.

Villa La Joya checked all the boxes for our dream wedding! I had this vision of a very exclusive and chic wedding and it seemed the perfect place!

The most emotional moment was when we exchanged our vows in front of our family and friends! The funniest moment was when we did our champagne tower! I wouldn’t have changed anything else from our wedding day! Everything was planned with so much dedication and love!

Choose Villa La Joya for your destination wedding venue! You won’t be disappointed!

Dancing the night away: An unforgettable wedding reception with big surprises

Our seaside garden and all of Villa la Joya was bedecked in white and pink flowers and gold details and a fabulous sweethearts table for the newlyweds to shine. We loved the lights woven into the flowers and the throne-like chairs. 

The pool was covered to make room for dancing and the white chandeliers added a warm glow. Bride and groom glided across the floor in their first dance, they were toasted by loved ones and then the evening really kicked off.

Bride Donalda gave us everything we want in a bride who understands how to blend fashion and culture. We don't know how she did it, but she managed FOUR complete outfit changes throughout the wedding! That is some serious skill on her part and we send major kudos to the planners and vendors who kept the magic night flowing. 

After enjoying the reception dinner in her wedding gown, Donalda changed into a sleek cocktail dress with marvelous feathers on the shoulders with her hair up in a twist. She was serenaded by drums before bringing us her next surprise. 

Albanian wedding dance: Tradition and culture in a destination wedding

Seeing the Albanian dance and music brought to life during the reception was such a thrill for everyone in attendance. The bride’s traditional costume is all handmade and hand-stoned, twinkling and sparkling as she twirled with her groom. Totally breathtaking. 

Donalda had one more change in store, slipping into something a little more comfortable in a sexy look with a divine slit skirt. She told us that surprising the guests with the changes is part of the tradition and we can definitely get behind this idea. Absolutely WOW.

Të trashëgoheni, muchas felicidades, and congratulations to Donalda and Mike

We are so grateful you invited us to share in your celebration of love. From all of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, we send you our most heartfelt wishes for a long and happy lifetime together. 

Planner: Erik DeAbreau | Photography: Dave Alor | Hair & Makeup: Beauty on Wheels | Flowers: Velo de la Novia | Rentals: Barbarella Event Rentals | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Catering: ALX Catering | Cocktails: Barras Libres RM | Drums: Drums in Paradise | Fireworks: Pyrotech

Alexandra and Xavier Get Married in Mexico

Alexandra and Xavier Get Married in Mexico

High school sweethearts Alexandra and Xavier celebrated their 10th anniversary with a wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Romantic and timeless, surrounded by the love of family and friends, this real wedding love story by the sea touched our hearts, ready to be inspired? 

Interview with a destination wedding bride: Alexandra shares her experience and planning tips

Why choose Mexico for your destination wedding? What is your theme and dream decor? What is your inspiration for choosing Villa la Joya as your Playa del Carmen wedding venue? We really want to know and we ask all our couples to answer a few questions about their experience planning a wedding in Mexico.

Alexandra and Xavier were super lovely in every way and kindly agreed to a little question and answer. We loved their responses and so will you, helpful info, a romantic tale, and a wealth of pretty pictures.

Why did you choose Mexico for your destination wedding?:

We had vacationed in Mexico 3 years prior (2019) to celebrate our dating anniversary and absolutely loved it. From the weather, to the beaches, to the people, and the food we loved everything about it. When we began wedding planning we wanted to do something more unique as neither of our families or friends had been to a destination wedding and we also wanted to be able to spend more quality time with our guests. For these reasons, we decided to do a destination wedding and deciding on Mexico was a no-brainer. We wanted our family and friends to experience all the things we loved about Mexico.

What made you choose Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen for your wedding venue?:

Initially when looking for a wedding venue the most important thing we looked for was privacy. This is what led us to look into private venues as opposed to hotels. Then when we found Villa La Joya, we did a site visit as well, and it checked off all of our boxes. Absolutely stunning both outside and inside, overlooking the water, no outside vendor fees, and the nicest staff. We also did not want to be in the sand. Additionally, it was very convenient to be able to rent out the condo nearby to get ready.

Timeless elegance and romance and oh those fabulous florals

Tell us about your wedding theme/inspiration:

The inspiration was romantic yet timeless. Alexandra's favorite season is Fall because of the colors of the tree leaves. So we went with a muted fall colors inspiration for the florals.

Alexandra and Xavier turned the garden of Villa la Joya into their own personal paradise with the help of the best Playa del Carmen wedding vendors. The ceremony featured a gorgeous display of flowers by Luis Salas Floral Experience. The asymmetrical arch at the altar was magnificent. Bride and groom shared a magical kiss after tying the knot and walked down the aisle bedecked in petals

Cozy cocktail hour and unforgettable destination wedding reception

While the newlyweds posed for their wedding portraits with White Crown Photography, family and friends enjoyed champagne, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres. The cocktail hour seating area included welcoming white couches with splashes of blue and gold, the color theme a delightful contrast to the softness of the flowers.

Anything you would have done differently in planning your destination wedding day?:

The only thing we would have done differently is scheduled more time for family portraits on the inside of the villa. We got family portraits outside of the villa but the inside of the Villa is stunning so we wanted more pictures of it but forgot to mention it to our wedding planner.

Thanks, Alexandra, great tip! Scheduling your wedding shot list with your Playa del Carmen wedding photographers and planners is an important task to ensure you get all the photos you have in mind in the time you have available.

The lively reception included great food, as always Gourmet Soberanis catering in Playa del Carmen knocked it out of the park. We adored the sweetheart table, the floating florals in the pool, the chandeliers, the personalized dance floor, the fireworks, and the churros, the whole reception was a delight for the senses. All the details and decor were gorgeous but it was the unforgettable speeches that really made this a night to remember.

Do you have a favorite most/emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day?:

Other than getting married, our most emotional moments were during the speeches our family and friends made. Neither of us normally enjoys speeches because, to be quite frank, we tend to find them boring. But our friends and family poured their hearts out and we, as well as our guests, were a bucket of tears.

The funniest moment of our wedding was when our guests lifted Xavier into the air on a chair and then accidentally dropped him.

Destination wedding in Mexico: Advice from a real bride experience

Advice for other brides planning a wedding in Mexico?:

Do whatever is going to make you and your fiance the happiest. Only invite people who genuinely care and love you as individuals and support your relationship. You are not only going to be seeing them on your wedding day but be spending time with them at the hotel you choose to stay at. Therefore, you want to be able to enjoy their company. Secondly, get a good wedding planner. I definitely recommend Natalia from Weddings on the Beach.

The staff at Villa La Joya, shout out to Enrique, were the nicest people and made everything run so smoothly. Our guests were even complimenting on how great they were. We really enjoyed our wedding thanks to all of the staff at Villa La Joya and all of the amazing vendors. We'd like to thank everyone for all of their hard work and appreciate the genuine care they put into our wedding.

Thank you, mil gracias and wishes for a lifetime of joy together!

From all of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen, we send our enormous appreciation to Alexandra and Xavier for choosing us as their wedding venue in Mexico. It was lovely to meet you and share your big day with your amazing family and friends. Your future is bright and full of joy together, we can see it by the way you gaze into each other’s eyes with so much love.

As always, we send our gratitude to the BEST wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen who brought the vision to life. Creative and professional, we enjoy working with you all so much, muchas gracias.

Feeling inspired and ready to start planning your own destination wedding in Mexico? 

We are waiting to hear from you at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Let’s brainstorm and vision board and bring your wedding dreams to life. Contact Villa la Joya today, no vendor fees, no other weddings on YOUR big day. ¡Viva el amor!

Planner: Weddings on the Beach | Photo and Video: White Crown Photography | Hair & Makeup: Salty Beauty | Travel specialist: Playa Bella Weddings & Travel | Florals: Luis Salas Floral Experience | Tables, Welcome sign, decor, etc.: Velvet Design | Dessert: Los Pockets | Minister: Santiago Carranza | Food: Gourmet Soberanis | Entertainment: Drums in Paradise | DJ/MC: LB Productions | DJ equipment rentals: DJ Tekiwa

Imani and Tyler’s Fabulous Wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya

Imani and Tyler’s Fabulous Wedding in Mexico at Villa la Joya

Bright, bold, and beautiful, Imani and Tyler’s wedding was a dynamic day of romance and fun. Family and friends joined together to toast the newlyweds and have a fabulous party on the dance floor. Lots of laughter, some tears (of joy of course), and a colorful beginning to a lifetime of happiness together. Ready to be inspired by amor, fashion, and decor?

To first look or not to first look? Why not a creative combination of both?

The wedding boards are filled with all kinds of great questions, some of which require a factual response and others an opinion. Opinions are clearly divided on whether or not to have a first look at a destination wedding! Imani and Tyler mixed things up by having a family first look and a fingertip moment of anticipation between bride and groom. 

Just. Gorgeous. Imani and Tyler’s Villa la Joya wedding ceremony

With a pretty blue sky and fluffy little clouds blessing the afternoon, Imani and Tyler tied the knot forever in a joyous wedding ceremony on the steps of Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen. Bright flower pillars by Cherry Blossom Florals framed the gorgeous couple as they became partners forever and ever.

Imani was glowing in her bridal gown that showed off all her curves and Tyler rocked the white tuxedo jacket with his handsome good looks. The bridesmaids in green jewel tone dresses and the groom’s party in sharp black tuxes, we love the photos by Evan White Photography that paint a striking picture of this fashionable group.

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen: Destination wedding reception

There were SO many incredible details in this wedding, from the beautiful centerpieces by Cherry Blossom Florals and the jewel tone table settings, the personalized dance floor over the Villa la Joya pool, and fresh churros from Los Pockets.

This was one fabulous party on the dance floor. There was choreo, there were smooth moves by the newlyweds and there were some funky sneakers and glorious fashion from the guests. Champagne toasts and a cake from Lali Pasteles took our breath away!

Fireworks, late night snacks, non-stop music, this was a night to remember! We are so grateful to Imani and Tyler for inviting us to host your destination wedding at Villa la Joya. It was a real pleasure to witness the love you have for one another and the support of your loved ones from near and far. We wish you both an incredible lifetime of music, dance and joy together!

Destination wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen: Villa la Joya says GRACIAS!

As always, we would like to extend a huge thanks to the Playa del Carmen wedding vendors who always manage to transform Villa la Joya into a personalized dream come true for our brides and grooms. Professional, creative, world-class, you always blow us away, thank you.

Feeling inspired by this real wedding in Mexico? Contact us today at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen to start planning your own unique destination wedding! 

Planner. Dreams Weddings Riviera Maya | Photo. Arch Wedding Studio | Video. Pedro Noriega | Hair & Makeup. Crispin Beauty | Flowers. Cherry Blossom | Wedding Dress. Designer Loft Bridal | Rentals. EW Cancun | Dance Floor. Hercon Entertainment | Catering. YD Events | Wedding Cake. Lali Pasteles | Churros. Los Pockets | PicMe Photobooth | DJ. PlugIn Audiovisual

Villa la Joya Wedding Elegance: ¡Felicidades Kelsey and Diego!

Villa la Joya Wedding Elegance: ¡Felicidades Kelsey and Diego!

A destination wedding in Mexico just made sense for newlyweds Kelsey and Diego. Their love story began in Rhode Island, moved to Texas and finally to Boston. Groom Diego was born in Mexico and with their family and friends scattered throughout the US, a destination wedding in Playa del Carmen was the perfect way to bring everyone together in a celebration of their love. 

Villa la Joya welcomed the couple and their loved ones to a romantic day of elegance and beauty. Bride Kelsey was striking in her gorgeous gown by Dany Tabet, lacy, frilly, strapless figure-hugging magic with a flowy train and veil. Handsome groom Diego wore a classic black tuxedo and a million watt smile. One look at their photos and you can clearly see the energy of love flowing between them.

A brief story of how you two met?

It all started in Providence, RI where we both settled after college for our first jobs and met up for a drink. On our first date, we immediately connected over our closeness to our families and our love of travel - two things that have stayed true to this day, over 6.5 years later.

Through our shared love of travel, spicy food, and family, we quickly fell for each other. Over the last several years, our love story has taken us from Rhode Island to Texas and now finally to Boston. When we're not traveling or hiking in the mountains, we love to cook new recipes at home or catch concerts in the city. Our family and friends mean the world to us and we feel so fortunate to have been surrounded by so much love for our wedding day.

A moving wedding ceremony with personal touches of love and family

Kelsey and Diego exchanged vows and became husband and wife forever and ever on the stairs of Villa la Joya. The scene was set with incredible flowers by Harmonia in a nude color palette, with two pillars of blooms framing the couple in love and lining the wedding aisle.

This was a really special ceremony, incredibly moving to have a wedding officiant who knows and loves the bride and groom. Personal touches in the wedding ceremony included family memories, a sweet ring bearer with bubbles, and vows written by the couple in love, Kelsey and Diego invited everyone to share in their big day.

“Our ceremony was so special as Kelsey's sister whom we are both close with wrote a personal ceremony, intertwining some of our favorite memories and weaving in her own memories of our love. We had never heard it before so it was very emotional and special. Additionally, we wrote our own vows so it was emotional to share those and feel the incredible love we share for each other.”

Choosing a destination wedding venue in Mexico in the age of Instagram

Would you choose a wedding venue without a site visit? In the Instagram age, this is not such a crazy thing to consider and that is how Kelsey and Diego decided on a Villa la Joya wedding. After months of planning and digital communication, we were delighted to meet the couple and welcome them to their wedding by the beach in the tropical gardens of Playa del Carmen.

What made you decide on Villa La Joya?

We loved how the villa was next to the beach with its elegance and beauty. Fun fact: we actually booked the villa before ever seeing it in person. When we finally got to come see it in person a few months later, it was even more beautiful and stunning than the photos. We were blown away by the natural beauty, warmth, and elegance of Villa La Joya.

Private, personalized, and elegant, a Villa la Joya wedding reception to remember

The wedding celebration of Kelsey and Diego continued with a warm and welcoming wedding reception in the gardens of Villa la Joya. The elegant decor with the nude color palette and pretty centerpieces, fireworks, and signature drinks, just perfect with the ocean breeze and a whole lot of amor. Big thanks to the incredible Playa del Carmen wedding vendors and their creative professionalism in bringing the newlyweds’ vision to life.  

Anything you would have done differently? 

“I don't think so! Overall our day went extremely well and we're so happy with how everything turned out.”

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

“Make sure to enjoy the planning process and most importantly, be present and enjoy the day! Everyone says it, but it truly goes by in the blink of an eye. I'm so thankful we enjoyed all of the planning and were able to soak in every moment of our wedding day.”

Congratulations and muchas gracias Kelsey and Diego

All of us at Villa la Joya wish Kelsey and Diego a lifetime of joy and happiness together. We are so grateful you invited us to share in your wedding day and allowed us to play host to your family and friends.

Are you feeling inspired by this real wedding in Mexico? Reach out to us today and let’s start planning your Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding. Personalized, private (only one wedding per day, it’s just for you!) and we will never charge a vendor fee. Forget the resorts and their repetitive cookie-cutter weddings, let’s make your wedding dreams come true exactly as you envision.

Planner. Yucatan Love Weddings | Photography. Fabrizio Simoneen | Video. One Camera Man | Glam Team. VO Evolution | Dress. Dabny Tabet | Florals. Harmonia Floral | Rentals. Minimal 4.0 | Catering. Gourmet Soberanis | Bar Service. Molokos Bar Experience & Barras Libres Riviera Maya | DJ UNO Audiovisual