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!

VENDORS:

Janice & Adam’s Timeless Love Story

February 13, 2025

A Romantic Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

Love has a way of bringing people together when they least expect it. For Janice and Adam, fate led them to a small dive bar in a new city - where they realized they had unknowingly shared the same college campus eight years earlier. From that moment on, everything felt effortless, like they had known each other forever.

A year later, their love story brought them to a Riviera Maya engagement, where Adam got down on one knee under the tropical sky and asked Janice to spend forever with him.

Why choose the Riviera Maya for a destination wedding?

Janice and Adam always imagined a wedding with warm ocean breezes, soft white sands, and an intimate, magical setting. The Riviera Maya checked every box. Stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and endless sunshine -it was the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of their love story.

Villa la Joya: Private, Elegant, and Unforgettable

When it came to choosing a wedding venue in Mexico, they wanted something beyond the typical resort experience. They were looking for privacy, exclusivity, and a place that felt uniquely theirs. The moment they discovered Villa la Joya, they knew it was the one!

A private estate by the ocean, Villa la Joya blends beachside beauty with upscale elegance. With breathtaking ocean views, lush gardens, and timeless architecture, it created the perfect balance of luxury and intimacy - where they could celebrate with their closest friends and family without distractions.

The Wedding Day: Emotions, Elegance & Unforgettable Moments

Janice and Adam’s wedding was classic and sophisticated, with a pristine white palette and lush greenery that felt timeless yet modern. Every detail reflected their vision of a refined, romantic celebration.

The most emotional moment? The vows. Hand in hand, they promised forever and ever, surrounded by the people who mattered most. It was real, raw, and unforgettable.

The Only Thing They’d Change? More Time for Photos!

If Janice had one piece of advice, it would be to schedule more time for photos. The day flew by, and while their photographer captured incredible moments, she wishes they had carved out just a little extra time to soak it all in.

Janice’s Advice for Future Destination Brides

Planning a destination wedding in Mexico is an adventure, and Janice has one tip: hire a local wedding planner! Coordinating from afar can be overwhelming, but having an expert to handle logistics and design made all the difference. Instead of stressing, they got to relax and enjoy every second.

The Details That Made It Perfect

From the moment Janice walked down the aisle, she radiated modern elegance in her Alyssa Kristin gown, paired with her chic Harlo AU shoes. Every element -from the lush floral arrangements to the elegant stationery - was carefully chosen to reflect their personal style.

Your Own Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

If you’ve been dreaming of a romantic beachfront wedding without the resort crowds, Villa la Joya is the perfect venue. We only host one wedding per day, so it’s truly your private paradise - no strangers in your photos, no multiple brides, just your moment, your way.

📅 Ready to start planning? Schedule a call with our team—we’d love to hear all about your wedding vision!

The Best Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors

Creating wedding magic takes an incredible team, and we are grateful to work with the best. We send all our gratitude to the talented Riviera Maya wedding vendors behind this celebration:

Jazmine & Danny’s Spectacular Destination Wedding at Villa la Joya

January 31, 2025

When a luxury travel agent from New York City ties the knot in paradise, you know it’s going to be unforgettable. Newlyweds Jazmine and Danny brought elegance, love, and plenty of glamour to their stunning destination wedding at Villa la Joya.

With her dark hair and radiant beauty, Jazmine wowed in a strapless wedding gown featuring a chic slit, while Danny was every bit the dashing groom in a white dinner jacket with black lapels. Their little one, baby Madison, joined them for this beautiful family-friendly affair, along with sweet flower girls in white, adding an extra layer of charm to the celebration.

A Private Villa Wedding Ceremony in White Elegance

The wedding ceremony took place on the iconic front steps of Villa la Joya, framed by exquisite white floral arrangements that set a romantic, timeless tone. After exchanging vows, the couple and their guests enjoyed a unique cocktail hour complete with an oyster bar featuring freshly shucked oysters and lobster tails sizzling on the grill - an indulgent touch that perfectly matched the luxe vibe of the day.

Contact Villa la Joya Riviera Maya today to start planning your own private villa wedding in Mexico!

A Reception Fit for Royalty

Dining and dancing under floating chandeliers and surrounded by crystal accents, the poolside Villa la Joya reception was a dazzling display of elegance. The sweethearts’ table, framed by a breathtaking round floral backdrop, was a stunning focal point of the evening. Guests were treated to an incredible live band that kept the dance floor jumping, while fireworks lit up the Riviera Maya night to welcome the newlyweds.

Jazmine turned heads with her stunning reception dress, and Danny showed off his sharp style with a hat and shoes perfect for their first spin as husband and wife. The pair dazzled their guests with a show-stopping dance, complete with dry fireworks and fantastic live music.

All of us at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya send our thanks and our best wishes to Jazmine and Danny. We had a great time and we thank you for a memorable celebration of love!

A Dream Wedding Brought to Life

From the carefully curated details to the flawless execution, this wedding was a testament to the magic that happens when you bring together a beautiful couple, an amazing team of vendors, and a private villa wedding venue like Villa la Joya. We send all our gratitude to the incredible professionals who made this destination wedding in Mexico pure magic.

Vendors:

Our planner, Adri, had an incredible time working with Jazmine and Danny, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have been part of their unforgettable day.

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