Vivian & Khai’s Destination Wedding at Villa La Joya Riviera Maya

Vivian & Khai’s Destination Wedding at Villa La Joya Riviera Maya

A romantic oceanfront celebration filled with color, heart, and chic wedding style.

The Love Story: From Hinge to “I Do”

Vivian and Khai’s story began on Hinge, where a first date over ramen turned into something much more. Khai brought his sweet corgi, Peanut, and instantly made an impression.

“The conversation was effortless,” Vivian says. “We had so much in common—family values, spice tolerance, and music taste.”

The proposal came in their backyard, under twinkle lights strung across their pagoda.

With help from friends and family, Khai created a moment straight from a movie.

Peanut trotted out in a tuxedo and carried the first question: “Will you be Peanut’s mom?” Then came the second: “Will you marry me?” There was no hesitation.

Why get married in Mexico? Why Villa La Joya?

The couple had always loved vacationing in Mexico. “The people are so nice, the weather is beautiful, and the vibes are immaculate,” says Vivian.

They wanted a beachside ceremony—but not a sandy one. Villa La Joya was the perfect fit. A private estate by the sea, elegant and secluded. No resort crowds. Just ocean views, tropical gardens, and an atmosphere that felt like home.

Bold Wedding Fashion, Romantic Details

Khai wore a deep red tuxedo with black lapels — a striking look that stood out beautifully against the villa’s classic architecture. Seriously, we LOVED this look. 

Vivian chose a shimmering Maggie Sottero gown with a structured corset bodice and flowing skirt that moved with grace through every moment. This bridal gown was perfect for a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, romantic yet sexy, flawless.

A Villa la Joya Garden Ceremony in Full Bloom

The ceremony took place in the garden, beneath the swaying palms with the ocean just beyond. Floral towers in vivid shades of red, orange, and hot pink framed the altar, bursting with texture and tropical color.

Designed by Pri Ola, the florals brought a sense of joy and richness to every scene — lush, artful, and unforgettable. The bouquets, the tables, the towers, florals played a big part in making this an amazingly gorge event.

Guests were seated facing the sea, surrounded by greenery and soft light. There were no distractions. Just beauty, and the sound of the waves.

Riviera Maya Wedding Reception Beside the Sea

Round reception tables were set beneath the open sky, surrounded by blush velvet chairs and wooden accents that gave warmth and ease.The table settings were elegant and inviting and great for making conversation. Velvet chairs are just the ultimate.

As the sun faded and the candlelight began to glow, the evening took on a magical softness.

It felt like an intimate dinner at a seaside villa with everyone they loved most. Which is exactly what it was. A private villa wedding in Mexico is the solution for anyone seeking a personal, exclusive, and unique celebration.

A Dance to Remember

Their reflections glimmered in the water below, the Caribbean Sea stretching out behind them. It was quiet. Romantic. Swoon. 

Bride’s Sassy Reception Look & After Party Glow

Vivian changed into a sleek white satin mini dress with a halter neckline and open back — perfect for dancing under the stars. Her sparkling heels added just the right touch of party glam. Bridal fashion realness! She was an absolute star on the dance floor with Khai. (Did we tell you how much we adored his red tux?)

The villa glowed with warm light as guests filled the dance floor. The music rocked, the laughter echoed, and the entire night shimmered with love and energy.

“When we finally sat down to eat and looked around,” Vivian recalls, “We just felt so grateful. Everything was perfect.”

Advice From a Destination Wedding Bride

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, Vivian’s advice is simple:

“Get a wedding planner — it makes the planning process more fun and is totally worth the investment.”

“And DO IT!”

With Love from Villa La Joya Riviera Maya 

To Vivian and Khai — thank you for choosing Villa La Joya to celebrate your love. It was an honor to host your unforgettable day, and we wish you a lifetime of joy, adventure, and corgi cuddles.

Our heartfelt thanks to the talented team of wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya who helped bring this vision to life. Please note: Villa La Joya does not charge vendor fees, giving couples the freedom to choose the creative partners that fit their style best.

Planning your own destination wedding?

We’d love to meet you. Schedule a consultation with our team at Villa la Joya and let’s start dreaming together. Tell us your love story, share your Pinterest boards, and we will bring your vision to life with the perfect private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya. 

Vendor Team

Venue: Villa La Joya | Planning: Anna Gram at Mango Weddings | Photography: Martin Wilk | Videography: Arturo at OneCameraMan | Glam: Furniture: Angye Abarca | Dress: Maggie Sottero | Tux: Suit Supply | Florals: Pri Ola | Furniture: Oleo Events | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | DJ: Plug In Audiovisual

Emily and Noah’s Fabulous Villa La Joya Wedding

Emily and Noah’s Fabulous Villa La Joya Wedding

Emily and Noah grew up in the same town and shared a circle of mutual friends, but they didn’t meet until her senior year of college. She spotted him across a bar—with her arm in a massive shoulder brace—and made the first move with a cheeky soccer joke (she had never played). One long conversation that night and the connection was instant.

Years later, Noah proposed during a private photo shoot in a lavender field, followed by a surprise engagement party filled with friends and family. Romantic, thoughtful, and full of love—just like their destination wedding day in the Riviera Maya at Villa la Joya. Get ready for some real wedding inspiration.

Why a Destination Wedding in Mexico?

Keeping things intimate was key. Rather than a 200+ guest list back home, the Riviera Maya allowed Emily and Noah to gather just their closest loved ones for a full weekend of connection and celebration. Travel has always been part of their love story, and sharing a tropical getaway with both sides of the family felt once-in-a-lifetime. A civil ceremony at home beforehand meant those who couldn’t travel were still included.

A Seaside Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony with Heart

Emotional Moments in the Villa La Joya Garden by the Sea

Villa La Joya offered everything the couple wanted for a destination wedding in Mexico—privacy, elegance, and ocean views without the sandy shoes. The ceremony took place in the seaside garden, framed by a circular floral arch in shades of white and kissed by the ocean breeze. 

As Emily walked down the aisle in her strapless lace gown, Noah couldn’t hold back his emotions. Noah’s father officiated, making this an incredibly personal and intimate ceremony that moved everyone in attendance.

An Elegant Mexico Wedding Reception Under the Stars

Dinner, Dancing, and Beachy Vibes

As golden hour lit the Villa la Joya Riviera Maya garden, guests gathered beneath the tent set over the pool for an elegant dinner. Tables were styled with simple single and double roses, letting the setting speak for itself. Guests toasted the newlyweds with a mix of heartfelt moments and hilarious stories (yes, there were happy tears). 

As the bride changed into a breezy white sundress for the reception, the energy shifted from classic to carefree. The dance floor came alive. The smiles and laughs were abundant. Noah showed off some very smooth moves—and the whole crowd got down with him, laughing and dancing all night long.

Personal Touches and Playful Details

There were barefoot beach moments, laughter on the sand, and a heart-shaped cherry-topped cake that added a playful twist to the polished setting. Signature cocktails and drinks were flowing. A live saxophonist roamed the dance floor, bringing the party to life with every note.

A Sparkling Send-Off on the Riviera Maya Beach

As the stars came out and string lights twinkled over the pool, guests lit sparklers for a glowing send-off. And when the venue emptied out, Noah and Emily stayed back for one last private dance—just the two of them, wrapped in light, love, and everything that mattered most.

Gracias and all the best wishes to the newlyweds Emily and Noah

All of us at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya send our warmest wishes to Emily and Noah for an incredible life together as a new family. Thank you for inviting us to host your big day, we are grateful and honored and will remember you fondly.May you enjoy lifetimes of joy, laughter, and barefoot beach memories.

Wedding vendor gratitude and an invitation to lovers around the world

As always, we want to share our gratitude to the creative professionals who make our private villa weddings in the Riviera Maya so magical every single time. We love working with you and we look forward to welcoming you to the next real wedding at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya.

Invitation to lovers! Are you considering a destination wedding in Mexico? Give us a shout today and let’s talk about your private villa wedding dreams, show us your vision boards! We can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to Villa la Joya Riviera Maya. 

Vendors:

Planner: Pride Maya Weddings | Save the Date: Minted | Invites: The Knot | Photographer: Jess Living Photo | Video: Jesica Talento Films | Make up: Daniel Perez Astorga | Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero | 2nd Dress: Mac Duggal | Decor: MSM Rentals | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Bar: BeYou Service | Cake: Lali Pasteles | Sax: Ariel Saxophonist | DJ: UNO Audiovisual

Fio & Tito Say “I Do” at Villa La Joya: A Dreamy Seaside Wedding Full of Heart

Fio & Tito Say “I Do” at Villa La Joya: A Dreamy Seaside Wedding Full of Heart

Fio and Tito’s love story is one of fate and destiny, from the front steps of their childhood school to the grand staircase of Villa La Joya. Their destination wedding in the Riviera Maya was a colorful, emotional, and joy-filled celebration of a bond that began in their youth and grew into a lifetime promise—sealed with sun, sea, and a whole lot of dancing.

Love Story: From First Kiss to Forever

Fio always had a little crush on Tito back in primary school—but only her closest friends knew. Years later, in 2008, they reconnected at a high school party during their final year. Tito made the first move, inviting her out for a drink—and on August 3, they shared their first kiss.

The years brought them around the world. In 2020, during the quiet and uncertainty of the pandemic, a conversation in New Zealand sparked the start of forever. “We started talking about the future,” Fio shared, “and just like that, we began planning our dream wedding—somewhere by the sea.”

Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony: Emotions on the Grand Stairs

Their destination wedding dreams brought them to the Riviera Maya and straight to Villa La Joya, where the couple instantly fell in love with the elegant architecture, beachfront views, and warm welcome. “It was even more stunning in person than in the photos,” said Fio. “The moment we arrived, we knew we were in the right place.”

Fio and Tito tied the knot on Villa La Joya’s iconic front staircase—the perfect backdrop for their emotional wedding ceremony. Surrounded by pastel florals in hues of blush, mauve, creamy whites, and soft reds, the couple exchanged vows through happy tears and heartfelt words. 

Save your date, book your Riviera Maya wedding at our private villa venue today! 

Fio looked effortlessly elegant in a one-shoulder gown from Rosa Clará—simple, sculptural, and stunning—paired with a glowing, natural makeup look and a soft updo. Tito brought the cool with a lightweight tropical suit and signature sunglasses, keeping it effortlessly stylish through the vows to the last dance.

Villa la Joya Wedding Reception: Pastel Dreams & Disco Balls

The celebration continued in the seaside garden of Villa La Joya—with a personalized dance floor over the pool, hanging lanterns, glowing Edison lights, and a stunning arrangement of lush greenery and sparkling disco balls suspended above, the party scene was set.

Their color palette—pastel tones with touches of red, pink, beige, and gold—blended perfectly with the villa’s natural elegance. “We wanted warmth, but also something youthful and fun,” said Fio. And they absolutely nailed it.

Guests were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, moving toasts, and nonstop dancing. The dessert table was to die for, delighting everyone’s sweet tooth—both picture-perfect and truly delicious. The drinks flowed, the music bumped (shoutout to DJ Levels), and Fio and Tito celebrated their happiness with their closest friends and family. Shots, sweet dance moves, and joy, a memorable evening of love by the seaside.

A Word to Future Destination Wedding Brides

Fio’s best newlywed advice? “Enjoy every moment—it all goes by too fast. A destination wedding is a dream come true, and what really matters isn’t just how beautiful everything looks, but the energy and excitement you bring. That’s what everyone remembers. Viva la vida!”

¡Muchas gracias Fio y Tito, Que Vivan los Novios! 

Villa la Joya would like to send our thanks and best wishes to Fio and Tito. We were delighted to host your beautiful Riviera Maya wedding day. May you enjoy a lifetime of joy and romance every single day!

Vendor Team That Made the Magic Happen

A destination wedding in the Riviera Maya is a “team sport”, it takes a group of creative professionals to bring our Villa la Joya events to life. We are always grateful, thank you all for your dedication to love stories and romance. And remember darlings, there are never any vendor fees at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya!

Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planning: Valentina Corro & Team | Photography: Gaber Studio | Hair & Makeup: LUM Wedding Beauty | Dress & Shoes: Rosa Clará | Floral Design: Kndy Flowers | Ceremony: Ximena – Todo Corazón | Catering: Alta Porta | Cocktails: Minimal | Cake: Lluvia de Azucar | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Tent: Total Tents | SAX Asunción, Paraguay | DJ: Level’s

Start planning your private villa wedding in Mexico today at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

We can’t wait to dive into your vision boards and hear all about your love stories. Reach out to Villa la Joya today to schedule a video call, let’s make destination wedding magic. Besos! 

Courtney and Bobby Get Married in Mexico! Pure Romance and a Grand Fiesta

Courtney and Bobby Get Married in Mexico! Pure Romance and a Grand Fiesta

We were absolutely delighted to host this destination wedding at Villa la Joya. Courtney and Bobby were so sweet and so in love, it was a pleasure to welcome them to our villa by the sea to say “I do” forever and ever, surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

How it all began: Friendship, romance and a surprise engagement

Courtney and Bobby met in 2020 at a friend’s housewarming party, where a simple conversation turned into a meaningful friendship—and that friendship soon blossomed into love. Despite the distance between them, they stayed close, talking for hours and slowly building something beautiful. 

When Bobby moved to DC for school, everything clicked into place. In March of 2024, he surprised her with an unforgettable engagement and a celebration surrounded by family and friends.

Why choose a Villa La Joya destination wedding in Mexico?

Courtney and Bobby discovered Villa La Joya on TikTok and instantly fell in love with the beachfront views, elegant sculptural design, and the flexibility to make the space truly their own.

Even before seeing Villa la Joya in person, they were sold—thanks to the warm and responsive staff who made planning from afar feel effortless.

The Ceremony: An elegant destination wedding in the Riviera Maya

The ceremony took place on the grand front steps of Villa la Joya, framed by a stunning floral arch in soft pinks and whites. Romantic touches were everywhere—from the delicate arrangements lining the aisle to the heartfelt and moving vows. 

Sharing those promises and reflecting on the journey that led them there was one of the couple’s most emotional and favorite moments. Their first kiss as husband and wife was dynamite.

The Look: Classic, elegant and chic destination wedding fashion

Bride Courtney was radiant in a breathtaking backless gown with lace décolletage, a long flowing veil, and an elegant bridal bun. Her soft, natural makeup gave her a luminous glow.

Her bridesmaids wore soft pink dresses, while the groomsmen looked sharp in classic grey suits. The groom? Oh-so-handsome in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants—timeless, stylish, and glowing with joy.

The Reception: Sparkling celebration by the sea at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

As the sun set, Villa la Joya’s garden was transformed into an elegant, romantic haven. Soft pink and white florals filled the space, twinkling lights danced above, and a custom dance floor set the stage for an epic night.

The bride changed into a stunning reception dress that turned heads as the newlyweds lit up the night with their electric smiles and sweet dance moves.

Guests danced under the stars, laughed, and celebrated love late into the evening. A magical send-off with sparklers made for the perfect fairytale ending.

A bit of advice from newlywed bride Courtney:

"Destination weddings are the way to go! You don’t just get a day—you get a whole trip full of memories with the people you love most. If you're getting married at Villa La Joya, take advantage of the on-site villas for your bridal party prep. They’re gorgeous for photos and keep things stress-free on the big day."

As the night came to a sparkling close, it was clear—this was the start of an extraordinary lifetime of joy for Courtney and Bobby. From that first conversation in 2020 to dancing under the stars at Villa La Joya, every step of their journey was filled with intention, love, and joy.

Gracias, thank you, and all the best wishes from Villa la Joya

We are so honored to have been part of this beautiful celebration. To the newlyweds: gracias, thank you for sharing your story with us. We wish you a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and romance together. 

A huge thank you as well to the incredible team of Riviera Maya wedding vendors who brought this magical day to life. Every detail—from the florals to the flawless planning—was a testament to your talent and passion. Villa La Joya is proud to collaborate with such creative professionals to make dreams come true.

If you're dreaming of a destination wedding in Mexico that blends elegance, romance, and the freedom to make it all your own—contact us today, Villa La Joya is waiting for you. 

Venue: Villa La Joya | Wedding Planner: Jet Set Jes Travel | Photographer: MFields Photography | Bridal Makeup: Tiaza Touch | Wedding Dress: The Bridal Room | Second Look Dress: Sau Lee | Bridesmaids Dresses: Chic Sew | Groomsmen Suits: Olympus Stylings | Florals: Cherry Blossom | Rentals: Koko Events | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cocktails: Private Mixology PDC | DJ: DJ Oow Wee

Dana & George’s Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

Dana & George’s Riviera Maya Wedding at Villa la Joya

A Destination Wedding in Mexico is Always a Good Idea

Dana and George’s love story spanned the continent— she’s from California, he’s from New York — so no matter where this wedding was held, someone was going to have to travel. That realization sparked a beautiful idea: why not turn it into a destination for everyone?

“Once we considered a destination wedding, Mexico quickly became the obvious choice. The moment we found Villa la Joya, we knew it was the perfect venue.”

The search for the right destination wedding planner led them straight to the Villa Planners team. After interviewing over ten different agencies, Dana and George chose Nancy and Adriana for their warmth, professionalism, and in-depth experience at Villa la Joya. From vendor recommendations to day-of coordination, every detail was handled with care — and countless calls and messages later, the result was a flawless wedding day.

“Thanks to Villa Planners, our wedding day was absolutely perfect!”

A Private Balcony First Look at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

Before the ceremony, Dana and George shared a private first look on the stunning balcony of Villa la Joya. Overlooking the sea, surrounded by palm trees and soft ocean breeze, it was a moment just for them — quiet, heartfelt, and filled with emotion before the festivities began.

A Villa la Joya Wedding Ceremony of Romance, Tradition and Joy

The ceremony took place at Villa la Joya’s elegant front entrance. The color palette — white, gold, and baby pink — created a timeless, romantic look that complemented the venue’s marble architecture beautifully. From the aisle décor to the soft blooms, everything felt intentional, elevated, and full of love.

Guests gathered to witness Dana and George say "I do" in the Riviera Maya sunshine, friends and family had traveled from afar to be a part of this special day. The religious ceremony included beautiful details that honored the faith and traditions of Dana and George.

The Dabkeh, the Drums, and a Dance Floor That Didn't Quit

As the sun set and the reception began, the vibe turned into a full-on fiesta. With a DJ and live music keeping the energy up, the dance floor was packed from the first song to the final farewell.

One of the most unforgettable moments of the night was the traditional dabkeh — a joyful Palestinian dance that brought generations together in rhythm and celebration. For Dana and George, it was a deeply personal way to honor their heritage and share it with everyone they love.

“As Palestinians, no celebration is complete without the traditional dabkeh dance.”

We LOVE seeing Villa la Joya alive with cultural elements of weddings from all around the world, we are so blessed. Everyone danced. Everyone sang. Everyone celebrated under the stars in true destination wedding fashion.

Best Destination Wedding Advice from the Bride

“Book Villa La Joya and Villa Planners ASAP! They book up fast, and for a very good reason.”

With Love from Villa la Joya

Dana and George, gracias for choosing Villa la Joya to host your destination wedding in the Riviera Maya. It was an honor and a delight to witness your love, your culture, and your connection with everyone around you. From your breathtaking first look to your unforgettable dabkeh dance, your day was filled with beauty, meaning, and joy. We wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy together.

Book your destination wedding at Villa la Joya now, we can’t wait to hear all your dreamy ideas and bring them to life! Let’s chat, schedule a call today and let’s make magic.

Thank You to Our Incredible Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Team

To all the vendors who helped bring this day to life — thank you for your creativity, professionalism, and passion. And remember, at Villa la Joya, we never charge vendor fees because we believe couples should have the freedom to choose the team that fits their vision best.

Wedding Planner: Nancy from Villa Planners | Photography: Amor Amor Weddings | Glam: Makeup by Cristela | Stationary: Zazzle | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Floral Design: Pentaflor | Rentals: Minimal Rent & Hercon Entertainment (dance floor) | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cocktails: Be You Service | Churros: Los Pockets | DJ: Legendary Entertainment