Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Style: Luxury intimate destination wedding
Design: Black and white palette with subtle gold accents
Setting: Oceanfront ceremony over the pool, terrace reception under string lights
Energy: Emotional vows followed by a high-energy celebration
Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya at Villa la Joya
Tamara and Garett first met 15 years ago as teenagers. Life carried them in different directions while she pursued her dream of competing at Miss Universe, traveling to more than 35 countries and proudly representing Canada at the 70th Miss Universe competition in Israel.
Years later, they reconnected.
“From the very beginning, it truly felt like fate.”
Their wedding at Villa la Joya reflected that same clarity and intention — modern, refined, and deeply personal, set against the Caribbean Sea in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
How did you meet, and how did he propose?
“Garett and I first met 15 years ago when we were just teenagers. We went on a few dates but ultimately remained friends as life carried us in different directions… After I returned from Miss Universe, Garett and I reconnected, and from the very beginning, it truly felt like fate.
From day one, our bond felt grounded, supportive, and perfectly aligned, built on shared values, ambition, and a mutual love for adventure.
The proposal was incredibly thoughtful and deeply personal. Garett planned a moment that genuinely reflected our relationship, intimate, heartfelt, and unmistakably ‘us.’ We celebrated in St. Barths, a chic, low-key luxury island in the French Caribbean.”
Why did you choose Riviera Maya, Mexico for your destination wedding?
“Riviera Maya has always held a special place in our hearts. We were drawn to its natural beauty, warm ocean, and effortless elegance. It’s also the first place we traveled together.
Even early in our relationship, we both talked about where we pictured getting married, and for both of us, it was a destination wedding, no exceptions.
We wanted a destination that felt luxurious yet relaxed, somewhere our guests could truly unwind, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories with us. Mexico offered the perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, incredible hospitality, and romantic atmosphere.”
What made you decide on Villa la Joya?
“Villa la Joya stood out to us immediately. Unbeknownst to one another, we had each saved the same venue. One day I said, ‘I found one, do you want to see?’ Garett replied, ‘I found one too.’ It was the exact same place. In that moment, we just knew it was meant to be.
The modern architecture, stunning ocean views, and intimate setting made it feel both grand and personal at the same time. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow overlooking the water made it the perfect canvas for our vision.”
The Ceremony: Over the Pool with the Caribbean as a Backdrop
They exchanged vows on Villa la Joya’s signature over-the-pool ceremony platform, the Caribbean Sea stretching endlessly behind them. Framed by soft white florals and open sky, the setting felt expansive yet deeply intimate.
“We were very emotional standing together during our ceremony, surrounded by our closest family and friends, with the ocean as our backdrop. It felt surreal, deeply meaningful, and incredibly present.”
Wedding Design: Modern, Minimal, and Intentional
“Our wedding theme was modern, elegant, and timeless with a touch of coastal sophistication. We embraced a classic black-and-white palette with subtle gold accents.
Our inspiration came from the natural beauty of Riviera Maya. We wanted the surroundings to shine while keeping the overall design clean, elevated, and romantic.”
Serpentine reception tables lined the terrace overlooking the ocean. White roses and soft greenery sat low between rows of glowing candles, allowing conversation to flow while the sea and sky framed the evening. Black accents added contrast and structure without overpowering the setting.
Bridal Fashion: Editorial, Refined, and Effortless
“My wedding dress was designed by Dovita Bridal… elegant, light, unique yet effortless for a beachside celebration.”
Her Dovita gown felt sculptural and refined from every angle. Crystal embellishment cascading down the open back caught the ocean light beautifully, while her crown subtly nodded to her pageant legacy without overpowering the modern silhouette.
For the reception, she changed into a Studio Minc mini with a sculpted bubble hem, leaning fully into the celebration. The shorter silhouette allowed her to move freely on the dance floor while keeping the look polished and fashion-forward.
The Reception: Celebration Over the Water
“The most emotional moment was our private first look… yet in that moment, it truly felt like we were seeing each other for the very first time.”
As night fell, the terrace transformed. A custom monogrammed dance floor extended over the pool, illuminated by string lights and dramatic dry fireworks.
Their first dance unfolded in a cinematic moment of light, reflection, and music — refined yet electric.
From above, the transformation was unmistakable. The ceremony platform and personalized dance floor created a floating stage for both vows and celebration, shifting seamlessly from dinner to full-scale party.
“Seeing everyone we love together, laughing, dancing, and celebrating us was truly magical.”
Is There Anything You Would Have Done Differently?
“Our wedding day was truly the best day of our lives. Everyone tells you to prepare for things to go wrong, but we believe the universe delivers something even better than you expect.
There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky. The day flew by, as all the most magical days do.”
Advice for Future Destination Brides
“Trust your vision and choose a venue that truly speaks to you. Equally important is investing in a great planner.
From day one, we told Luz from Mango Weddings, ‘We want to be guests at our own wedding,’ and she made it happen beautifully.
If you’re on the fence, this is your sign. A destination wedding is the way to go.”
They also shared creative advice — from unique guest book ideas like signing a racing helmet to taking dance lessons together to stay connected during planning.
“Most importantly, be present and enjoy every moment.”
The Vendor Team
Venue: Villa La Loya | Wedding Planner: Luz at Mango Weddings | Photography: Courtney Marie Imaging | Videography: Frame Wedding Film | Makeup: Phnx Cosmetics & probridalmakeup | Hair: Bobbys Beauty | Dress: Dovita Bridal | Second Dress: Studio Minc | Suits: Isarti Italian Menswear | Florals: Cherry Blossom | Decor & Rentals: EW Cancun, Archive Rentals | Dance Floor: Hercon Entertainment | Catering: Gourmet Soberanis | Cake: Lali Pasteles | Saxophonist: Ariel Rossini | Photobooth: PicMe Photobooth | Fireworks: Pyrotechmx | DJ: Plug In Audiovisual
A Celebration to Remember at Villa la Joya
To this incredible couple, thank you for choosing Villa la Joya for your Riviera Maya destination wedding. Your vision was refined, intentional, and deeply personal, and it was an honor to see it unfold overlooking the Caribbean Sea. We wish you a lifetime of adventure, joy, and a love that continues to feel effortless.
A sincere thank you to the exceptional vendor team whose collaboration and expertise brought every detail to life.
If you are dreaming of a private oceanfront wedding in Riviera Maya, Villa la Joya offers an exclusive setting where architecture, ocean views, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow create an unforgettable experience.
Schedule a video call with our team to begin planning your own Villa la Joya destination wedding.
FAQs About Getting Married at Villa la Joya in Riviera Maya
Is Villa la Joya an oceanfront wedding venue in Riviera Maya?
Yes. Villa la Joya is a private oceanfront venue located in the Riviera Maya, offering direct Caribbean Sea views for ceremonies and receptions.
Can you have your ceremony over the pool at Villa la Joya?
Yes. One of Villa la Joya’s signature features is its over-the-pool ceremony platform, creating a dramatic ocean backdrop for vows.
Is Villa la Joya suitable for intimate luxury destination weddings?
Absolutely. The venue combines grand architecture with an intimate layout, making it ideal for private, exclusive celebrations.
Can you customize the dance floor at Villa la Joya?
Yes. Couples can install a personalized dance floor over the pool, including monograms, specialty lighting, and production elements such as dry fireworks.
Why choose Riviera Maya for a destination wedding?
Riviera Maya offers oceanfront scenery, warm weather, luxury accommodations, and experienced wedding professionals — making it one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in Mexico.
