Floral Trends We LOVE for Weddings in 2025

March 28, 2025

We like to think of Villa la Joya as a beautiful canvas waiting to be painted by the brushes of tastes and styles of each individual bride and groom. Our Italian villa architecture and the lush green gardens are waiting for your unique touch.

Flowers are an essential part of your destination wedding vibe

Express yourself through color and texture and unique combinations. What trends are hot for wedding florals this year? Artsy and free and effortlessly chic, lots of incredible ideas for wedding flowers from our florists in the Riviera Maya. Let’s have a look at some of our faves from our Villa la Joya brides.

Organic Spring Bouquet

Pretty pastel blooms, wispy grasses, and textures create a natural and effortlessly elegant atmosphere. This trend offers depth and dimension while keeping things fresh and modern. A “boho chic” floral look that works so well in the gardens of our private villa venue in the Riviera Maya.

1. Luis Salas Floral, Photo by Jordana Dickson, 2. Cherry Blossom, Photo by Amor Amor Weddings, 3. Cherry Blossom, Photo by Eduardo Paralizabal

Monochromatic Arrangements

Bold and beautiful, single-color floral palettes in rich hues like classic white, pink, and hues of yellow bring beauty & sophistication to wedding décor. POP goes one color for great statement pieces and unique bridal bouquets.

1. MSM Rentals, Photo by LuxArt Weddings, 2. De Flores Corazon, Photo by Paola Marquez, 3. Cherry Blossom, Photo by Julieta Rabadan

Deconstructed Bouquets

Say adios to perfectly polished bridal bouquets! Loose, hand-gathered blooms with long, trailing stems give brides & bridesmaids a chic and relaxed floral look. This is a perfect idea for getting married in the Riviera Maya with a laid back look and vibe. Flowers by Paola Priego, Photo by Andre Gouin

Single Stems

Minimalism is in, with simple yet striking single-stem flowers making a bold statement in centerpieces and bouquets. Inspired by Ikebana, this trend highlights the beauty of each bloom. Traditional roses, blue hydrangea, dahlias, and tulips this is an artistic and affordable choice for wedding flowers.

1 & 3. De Flores Corazon, Photo by Paola Marquez, 2. Cherry Blossom, Photo by Staci Brucks

Tropical Varieties

Exotic flowers like orchids, birds of paradise, and oversized tropical leaves bring vibrant energy to weddings. Perfect for couples who love a global-inspired aesthetic. Of course, tropical flowers for your Riviera Maya wedding are always a great idea!

1. Paola Priego, Photo by Andre Gouin, 2. Grisel Serrano Florals, Photo by Christina Powell

Cascading Blooms

Flowing, elegant, draped floral designs create movement and romance, whether spilling from tablescapes, hanging installations, or over-the-top bouquets. Let it all hang out with your floral dreams.

1. Grisel Serrano Florals, Photo by Christina Powell, 2. Luis Salas Floral, Photo by Johny & Rose Photography

Organic Clusters

Asymmetrical floral groupings replace traditional symmetry, creating naturally scattered arrangements for aisleways, tables, and ceremony spaces. Pretty blooms and texture, fun, flirty, and oh so romantic. Flowers by Pentaflor, Photo by Amor Amor Weddings

Whimsical blooms, minimalist stems, or something wildly unexpected like a pitahaya in your bouquet, 2025 is all about letting your floral choices reflect your personality. At Villa la Joya, we’ve seen it all—from timeless elegance to full-on floral fantasy—and we can’t wait to see what inspires you. Tell us about your vision—our gardens, arches, and breathtaking views are the perfect frame for your floral masterpieces.

*Luis Salas Floral, Photo by Jordana Dickson*

Dhwani and Steve’s Stunning Multicultural Indian Wedding at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

March 19, 2025

We are so excited to share this dynamic destination wedding with you! Dhwani and Steve tied the knot in a sensational, colorful and joyous celebration at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya. Their big day blended Indian, Hakka and Mexican cultural elements for an unforgettable and totally unique wedding. The pics are going to knock you out, are you ready?

Real wedding romantic inspiration and a wonderful way with words

We always ask our newlyweds to answer a few post-wedding questions. Some couples respond with a few points, some don’t respond at all and others give us answers worthy of a bridal magazine. Dhwani and Steve took the time to really give you the inside scoop on planning a Villa la Joya Riviera Maya wedding. We are going to share their words for the truly personal experience of getting married in Mexico.

So, Dhwani and Steve, you are now destination wedding experts, inspire us with your words and pro advice for planning an Indian wedding in the Riviera Maya!

A brief story of how you two met and your proposal?

We met at a party when I accidentally spilled pizza dipping sauce on Steve’s sweater (oops!). I offered to clean it up—little did he know, I don’t exactly do laundry! Later that night, I got the brilliant idea to sneak out for McDonald’s ice cream (forgetting I didn’t have a car), and Steve, being the gentleman he is, drove me. Sadly, the ice cream machine was down (classic McDonald's), but we ended up escaping the party together, driving around in Steve’s brand-new Jeep for hours. That night sparked a friendship that turned into something much more special.

As for the proposal, Steve had it all planned out perfectly. He pampered me before our trip, making it feel like a regular birthday adventure. During our cruise to the Bahamas, we went for a walk through Atlantis. I asked Steve to take a photo by a beautiful fountain, and little did I know, he’d secretly told our tour guide he was about to propose. When we were ready for the picture, Steve turned to me, dropped to one knee, and popped the question. Of course, I said YES!

Why did you choose Riviera Maya, Mexico for your destination wedding?

We always knew we wanted a small, intimate wedding, and when it came to the destination, Steve was clear—he loves Mexico! While we both dreamed of a destination wedding, Steve always had Mexico in mind. However, I knew I didn’t want a typical Indian wedding at a resort, where our friends and family would have to spend an entire week at one place and pay a hefty price. I wanted to offer them more than just a wedding—I wanted to give them an unforgettable experience.

We envisioned a place where we could celebrate, play Holi at the beach, and still have a private, intimate ceremony. That’s when we found Royalton Riviera Cancun, and our journey led us to Villa La Joya. It was the perfect spot, giving us the right balance of privacy and beauty to make our dream wedding come true.

What made you decide on a Villa La Joya wedding?

After finding Royalton Riviera Cancun, we immediately started looking for private venues nearby, and that’s when we came across Villa La Joya. It was exactly what we were looking for—an intimate yet stunning location with a beautiful beach backdrop. The villa gave us the perfect blend of privacy and elegance, allowing us to host a personalized, unforgettable experience for our guests. From the breathtaking views to the serene atmosphere, it felt like the ideal place to celebrate our love and create memories with our closest friends and family.

One of the first things that stood out to us was the over-the-water Mandap and dance floor—it was everything we envisioned for our ceremony and reception.

The other great thing was that there are other villas nearby you can rent for your vendors or wedding party for the after-party, which made the whole experience feel even more special.

The Villa La Joya team was incredible! Mike and Enrique were so amazing to work with, and they made everything feel effortless. A special memory for us was when Mike offered us a two-day complimentary stay at the villa a few months before the wedding to enjoy the property—it was such a nice touch and gave us a chance to soak it all in before the big day.

What was your favorite/most emotional or funniest moment of your wedding day at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya?

Favorite moment: One of our favorite moments was seeing everyone’s reaction to the venue. It was like something out of a dream, and we couldn’t believe how everything came together—from the ceremony to the reception. The atmosphere was absolutely electric! And, of course, we can’t forget the food—it was so delicious, everyone’s still talking about it! We also loved blending our two cultures, and having fun with each ritual and event. Every single part of the day felt like it was a true reflection of us, and getting to share it all with the people we love made it even more special.

Most emotional moment: Walking into the reception and seeing our vision come to life was honestly overwhelming. It felt like a “we made it” moment, and all the planning, hard work, and little details came together perfectly. But the most emotional part was seeing our families come together and just feeling so much love and happiness in the room. Having both sides of our family there to celebrate with us all week made the experience even more incredible—it was a true family celebration, and we’ll cherish that forever.

Funniest Moment: The speeches were definitely one of the highlights! We loved hearing everyone’s stories and memories before the party really kicked off.

What was your wedding theme, colors and inspiration?

Our wedding theme was all about embracing the rich traditions of an Indian wedding, and we wanted to make it unique and memorable. From the start, we had this vision of an over-the-pool Mandap that would later transform into our reception dance floor — it was magical! For the ceremony, we went with a Golden Hour Hindu ceremony to capture that perfect, soft light, making it feel even more special.

Leading up to the big day at Villa La Joya, we had a blast with the pre-wedding events at the Royalton Riviera. It all started with Mendhi & Mimosas, followed by the Grah Shanti and Haldi rituals. The Sangeet was full of energy and excitement, and it felt like the perfect way to build up to the wedding day!

After the ceremony, we had cocktail hour right outside the villa, with games and live food stations, including a Hakka food station and a live Pani Puri station.

Our wedding theme was a mix of elegance, luxury, and intimacy. We chose whites, ivory tones, and added some greenery for a fresh touch. We also loved the idea of floating candles in the pool, which gave the entire space a dreamy vibe.

Our inspiration was all about creating a seamless fusion, from the food (Indian/Hakka and Mexican) to the design. But the real challenge came with transforming the ceremony space into the reception area. We wanted the shift to happen within just two hours during cocktail hour, and thanks to our incredible décor and planning team, they pulled it off perfectly by repurposing rental furniture and florals.

We wanted everyone to feel comfortable, so we provided customized fans to keep things cool. For the reception, we went all out with lights, florals, and the gorgeous Villa La Joya backdrop—it truly felt like the perfect reflection of who we are as a couple.

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

Looking back, we wish we’d reached out to the preferred vendors sooner. If you’re considering Villa La Joya, we highly recommend MSM Rentals! They were incredible to work with, and it's no surprise they’re a preferred vendor. You can totally trust them to make your vision come to life—they were a huge part of why everything went so smoothly!

What advice would you give to other destination brides?

If you're looking for a private, beautiful, and intimate venue, Villa La Joya is the perfect spot. It’s secluded yet stunning, with breathtaking beach views. The villa gave us a custom experience without the typical resort crowds, creating an atmosphere where we could truly celebrate with our closest friends and family. We wouldn't have had it any other way!

Another huge bonus—there are no vendor fees! You’re free to choose the vendors that match your vision, which we love. It made everything feel more personal and customized. If you’re thinking of a private venue, don’t hesitate to give new vendors a chance. Many of them don’t get to work at resorts, and they’ll bring such fresh energy and passion to your wedding.

Day 2 Dhwani and the Girls Getting Ready-9.jpg

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Day 2 The First Look with Bridesmaids and Family-5.jpg

For decor and florals, we can’t recommend Villa La Joya’s preferred vendor (MSM RENTALS!) enough. They did such a fantastic job making our vision come to life. We didn’t use their catering, but we definitely felt that their design team was top-notch.
And a big piece of advice: pick the right photographer. The day will go by in a blur, and you’ll want someone who can capture every moment beautifully. We were so happy with Mark Barski (EightTwoFour)—his photos are just timeless, and he captured our day perfectly.

If you’re planning a baraat, definitely pre-plan your route. It’ll help make things go so much smoother.

Also, if you can, get live music for your cocktail hour. It sets such a great vibe for the reception and really helps to get the party started.

Lastly, we’d say go for the photoshoot package inside the villa. It was such a fun and special experience for us, our wedding party, and our families. We have the most amazing memories from that session, and it’s something we’ll cherish forever!

Thanks so much Dhwani and Steve, we are honored to have hosted your big day. It was an absolute pleasure to celebrate your love at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya. We wish you both a lifetime of joy together.

Major shout out to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who absolutely rocked the day

Wedding days have a lot of moving parts and having the best team of wedding vendors is what will keep you on track. Planning a multicultural Indian wedding in the Riviera Maya is such fun. The decor, the food, traditions and rituals, the fashion, all of it came together for a truly special celebration for Dhwani and Steve. We send huge thanks to all the Riviera Maya vendors who came together to make magic.

Invitations: Here There Weddings (Customized passports with Villa la Joya’s sketch for a personal touch) | Bride’s Outfits: Custom Papa Don't Preach, Chandan Fashion & Deeka Padiya | Groom’s Outfits: Custom Sartaj Fashion, Chandan Fashion & Pallavi Bridal | Wedding Party Outfits (Custom): Chandan Fashion, AsoPalav, Kalki Fashion & Little Muffet | Mangalsutra & Wedding Bands (Custom) India | Welcome Bags & Favors: Local Indian Stores | Henna: Henna Art by Nadia | Pre-Wedding Events: Presidential Suite, TAJ restaurant & Ballroom @ Royalton Riviera Cancun | Travel Agent: Luxe Weddings | Guest Accommodation & Airline: Air Canada Vacations & Royalton Riveria Cancun | Photography & Video: Eight Two Four (Highly recommend!) | MUA: Its by Claudio | Hair: Jo Hair Beauty | Stationery/Furniture Rentals/Florals/Cocktail Games & Signage/Decor: MSM Rentals (Team knows what they're doing at Villa la Joya!) | DJ: Empire Entertainment DJs | MC: Vik the MC (Highly recommend, bring up the energy) | Dhol & Live Tabla: Jittu Singh – Jittu brought the energy during Steve's Baarat and kept it going into the cocktail hour. The Dhol was a hit at the after-party! | Priest: Raj Pandya | Catering: Taste India Cancun | Late Night Taco/Nacho Bar & Popsicle Cart/Vendor Catering: El Vochito Gourmet – Sarah was a lifesaver during the week. | Transfers: Pink Ride MX | Vendor & Wedding Party Accommodation: GA Villas | Bar & Mixology Catering: Oscar Garcia Events | Over-Water Mandap & Dance Floor: Cotizacion | Audio/Visual/Lighting: Audiostage | Event Planner: Pyaar Planning MX

Marie & Nate’s Unforgettable Wedding at Villa La Joya

March 11, 2025

Some love stories start with a glance across the room. Marie and Nate’s? It started with the bass drop at an EDC music festival in Las Vegas in 2019. They super clicked and a long-distance relationship followed, filled with cross-country flights, late-night calls, and the undeniable realization that one of them had to make a move. In 2020, Marie packed her bags and made LA her home.

Fast forward to June 2023, and Nate pulled off the perfect surprise proposal at Sunset Beach. Under the ruse of a casual dinner at a friend’s house, he led Marie to the shore, where a stunning setup of arches and flowers awaited. As he got down on one knee, Marie’s joy turned to happy disbelief when she saw her parents and best friend - flown in from Kentucky and Tennessee- there to witness the moment. But Nate wasn’t done yet; he planned an entire engagement celebration weekend in Catalina Island with their closest family and friends, he is a keeper!

Why Choose Mexico for your wedding?

The moment the couple started planning their destination wedding, the Riviera Maya was a no-brainer. Their first international trip together had been to Tulum, a place that stole their hearts with its beauty, warmth, and incredible memories. What better way to start their new chapter than in a place that meant so much to them?

Choosing Villa La Joya for your destination wedding

With its breathtaking oceanfront views, intimate setting, and the freedom to create a truly personalized wedding, Villa La Joya was the perfect venue. Unlike traditional resorts with rigid vendor restrictions and costly guest accommodations, Villa La Joya offered the couple the flexibility they wanted- an exclusive, private space where they could design their dream wedding, exactly how they envisioned it.

A Day Full of Love, Laughter & Tears: First Look

Every wedding has those moments that stay etched in the heart forever, and for Marie, it was her first look with Nate. While everyone around her had been tearing up all day, she had managed to stay composed - until she saw her soon-to-be husband. In that moment, every emotion she had held back came rushing in, making for one of the most unforgettable memories of their special day.

The Wedding Aesthetic: Elegant, Neutral, and Timeless

Marie and Nate envisioned an elegant wedding with a color palette inspired by nature - whites, tans, and lush greenery. Their goal was to create a setting that felt classic and refined, a celebration that would remain timeless in their hearts and photographs for years to come.

A Rainy Surprise & A Lesson for Future Brides

If they could change one thing? Maybe choosing a later date. Though November is usually the end of hurricane season, rain decided to make a grand entrance on their wedding day. Luckily, they had planned ahead and rented a tent - an absolute lifesaver. In the end, the rain cleared, the air cooled, and the night turned into everything they had dreamed of.

Advice for Destination Brides

Marie’s biggest advice? Have a Plan B! Weather can be unpredictable, and small backups - like a tent - can be the difference between a perfect day and a logistical nightmare.

For Marie and Nate, their wedding was more than just a day - it was a celebration of their journey, their love, and the adventure ahead. And if their story has proven anything, it’s that love, much like a festival anthem, always finds its perfect beat.

Big thank you, muchas gracias

From all of us at Villa la Joya, Riviera Maya, we extend our gratitude to Marie and Nate for inviting us to be a part of your special day. We wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness together!

As always, we send our thanks to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this vision to life. Creative, and professional, we adore you and are honored to work with you all. (And remember, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya!)

A Love Story in Paradise: Gabriella & Andrew’s Villa La Joya Wedding

February 25, 2025

Some love stories take years to unfold. Others begin with a leap of faith - like booking a trip with friends and meeting the one over 8,000 miles from home.

Gabriella and Andrew had spent years moving in the same circles but never actually met until a vacation to Thailand in 2018. Their click was instant, and when they returned home, their love story really got rolling. Four years later, Andrew proposed at their favorite getaway, Lake Havasu, Arizona. It was the perfect beginning to their next chapter - one that would lead them to an unforgettable wedding at Villa La Joya in Mexico.

Why Villa La Joya? A Dream Venue Found on Instagram

The moment Gabriella attended a wedding in Cancun, she knew she wanted to tie the knot in paradise. The Riviera Maya’s beaches, warm breezes, and effortless elegance set the scene for destination weddings in Mexico that delight guests and newlyweds alike.

When Gabriella’s wedding coordinator introduced her to Villa La Joya Riviera Maya, she knew she had found the venue. The Playa del Carmen private villa offered everything she was looking for: timeless elegance, an intimate atmosphere, and breathtaking ocean views - without the challenges of a sandy beach ceremony. After following Villa La Joya on Instagram and seeing the stunning weddings held there, the decision was made.

A Neutral Boho-Rustic Wedding with a Personal Touch

The vision for their private villa wedding was a blend of Gabriella and Andrew’s styles - boho-inspired dried florals for her, and rustic wooden accents for him. Their color palette was soft and neutral, with a carefully chosen pop of olive green to highlight Andrew’s striking green eyes.

From the moment friends and family arrived, they encountered beautiful elements that reflected the bride and groom’s personalities: romantic textures, natural elegance, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that felt both upscale and intimate.

The Moment That Took Everyone’s Breath Away

For all the carefully planned details, nothing could have prepared Gabriella for the moment - when Andrew saw her for the first time as a Riviera Maya bride ready to walk down the aisle.

Andrew isn’t the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. But when Gabriella appeared, walking toward their beachside ceremony, something changed. His eyes met hers, and suddenly, the emotions overwhelmed him. Tears streamed down Andrew’s face when he saw his bride and it was a moment that had everyone reaching for the tissues.

It was a reaction no one had expected - especially Gabriella, who now treasures the memory as one of the most meaningful moments of the day.

What Every Destination Bride Should Know: Gabriella’s Advice

Planning a Riviera Maya wedding from miles away is no small feat, but Gabriella learned a few valuable lessons along the way:

Savor every second. The day flies by faster than you think - take a breath and soak it all in.
Invest in high quality photo and video. These are the memories you’ll cherish forever, and a good photographer is worth every penny.
Trust your local Riviera Maya wedding vendors. DIY might seem like a cost-saver, but between packing, customs, and logistics, the stress wasn’t worth it. The professionals know how to bring your vision to life.

Delegate, delegate, delegate. Brides - your wedding day is not the time to be answering questions or putting out fires. Hand your phone to your Maid of Honor, and let your team handle the details.

A Celebration to Remember

Gabriella and Andrew’s wedding at Villa La Joya was everything they had dreamed of - romantic, elegant, and deeply personal. From a love story that started on the other side of the world to a wedding day in Mexico filled with unforgettable moments, their journey to forever continues side by side. All of us at Villa la Joya send our gratitude and best wishes to the newlyweds, may you enjoy a lifetime of joy together.

Make your destination wedding dreams come true, talk to us today. High season is booking up, it’s time to reserve your wedding date at Villa la Joya!

As always, we send a very special gracias to the Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this vision to life. We are honored to work with such creative professionals and look forward to seeing you again soon at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

A Dream Wedding at Villa la Joya

February 18, 2025

A Love Story from Chicago to Riviera Maya

The love story of charming couple Sun & Wesley began in graduate school in Chicago. Study sessions with friends soon turned into cherished traditions - Korean spa days, late-night dinners, and unforgettable group trips. As their bond deepened, so did their love, leading to a breathtaking Parisian proposal on a private rooftop with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the distance.

When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something extraordinary - something beyond the typical resort experience. They dreamed of an elegant, intimate, and personalized celebration by the ocean. That dream became a reality at Villa la Joya, the perfect venue to bring their vision to life.

A Rainy Start, A Fairy Tale Ending

As their Riviera Maya Wedding day unfolded, the skies grew dark, and a heavy rainstorm loomed. But as if by magic, the moment they were ready to say their vows, the skies cleared, revealing a glowing sunset over the ocean. Walking down the aisle and seeing each other and all their family and friends gathered together in love was an experience that Sun & Wesley will cherish forever.

A Romantic & Elegant Wedding Theme for a Destination Wedding

Sun & Wesley wanted a simple yet elegant theme that complemented Villa la Joya’s natural beauty. They opted for transparent chairs and a circular floral arch for the ceremony, allowing the stunning ocean backdrop to take center stage. Their Villa la Joya wedding reception featured long white tables, delicate floral arrangements in glass vases, and glowing string lights, creating a warm and romantic ambiance. Their wedding colors- classic white and soft pink - added the perfect touch of timeless elegance.

Incredible Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors That Brought the Vision to Life

From the flawless wedding coordination to the stunning décor and exceptional service, every detail was executed to perfection. Their local Riviera Maya wedding planner, Mina from Paradise Weddings & Events, guided them effortlessly through the process, ensuring a seamless day. Gourmet Soberanis delivered an outstanding culinary experience, with guests raving about the food and cocktails - especially the piña coladas!

A mariachi band gave their guests a taste of authentic Mexican entertainment, while the stunning bride and her bridal party radiated beauty thanks to Dani Delgado’s incredible hair and makeup skills - the soft Korean-inspired bridal look they had envisioned was perfect for the big day.

A Few Lessons & Advice for Future Destination Wedding Brides

Looking back, Sun & Wesley had only one small thing they might have done differently - choosing a later wedding date to avoid unexpected rain. While November is typically a safe bet, last year brought unseasonably warm weather and storms, making a last-minute tent rental necessary. Thankfully, the skies cleared just in time for their vows!

Their advice to other destination brides? Hire a great wedding planner who knows the venue inside and out. Give yourself plenty of time to plan, arrive early, and schedule a relaxing day before the wedding. While their pre-wedding trip to Xcaret was fun, they realized that unwinding at the hotel would have been a better choice right before the big day.

Muchas gracias, big gratitude to newlyweds Sun and Wesley

From all of us at Villa la Joya, we extend our mega gratitude to Sun and Wesley for inviting us to be a part of your Riviera Maya wedding day. We wish you both a lifetime of joy and happiness and adventure together!

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