Samantha & Patrick’s Villa la Joya Wedding in Riviera Maya

July 12, 2025

An intimate, stylish celebration on the coast of Mexico

How They Met: The Love Story Begins

Samantha and Patrick first crossed paths at Deloitte Consulting, on her very first day. Patrick led the orientation. Sparks? Definitely. But with Samantha living in Miami and Patrick in Washington, D.C., timing wasn’t on their side.

Fast forward to the pandemic. Patrick moved to Philadelphia to start his MBA at Wharton, and Samantha was spending time with family in New York. Finally in the same region, they met up for a full-day NYC adventure: walking through Central Park, grabbing pizza, and ending the night with their first kiss at Gantry Plaza State Park.

Three years later, Patrick proposed in that exact same spot.

Why Choose a Destination Wedding in Mexico

One of Samantha and Patrick’s first trips as a couple was to Tulum. They loved it so much, they extended the trip to explore Cancun too. It was on that getaway that they truly fell in love with the Mexican Caribbean.

Choosing a destination wedding in the Riviera Maya felt like coming full circle. It honored their beginnings, reflected Patrick’s Bolivian roots, and served as the perfect middle ground between his family in South America and Samantha’s in New York.

Why Villa la Joya Was the One

When scouting wedding venues in the Riviera Maya, the couple quickly realized that resorts weren’t the right vibe. Too many rules. Too many restrictions.

Villa la Joya offered something different: privacy, flexibility, space for a big party, and the freedom to stay up late and celebrate. It also allowed their guests to stay wherever they wanted in nearby Playa del Carmen. No wristbands. No matching towels. Just vibes.

The Most Meaningful Wedding Moments

Their first dance was something special. Samantha and Patrick spent three months taking dance lessons and choreographed a routine to a custom mix created just for their wedding. It was a challenge they took on together, and they nailed it. Their parents’ dances brought the tears, the smiles, and everything in between.

Destination Wedding Style & Details

The Look

The wedding date, 2.22, set the tone for a day rooted in style and simplicity. Samantha wore her hair in soft curls and kept her makeup fresh and glowing, highlighting her dark eyes and natural beauty. Her gown featured a lace bodice with a nude illusion neckline, paired with a veil and skirt that floated like a breeze, light, airy, and perfectly at home in a beachfront celebration.

Patrick looked effortlessly cool in a lightweight suit, perfect for the tropical weather and the relaxed-yet-refined tone of the day.

The Ceremony at Villa la Joya Riviera Maya

The couple exchanged vows on the front steps of Villa la Joya, framed by a grand façade and a striking asymmetrical floral arch. It was architectural, organic, and absolutely unforgettable.

Their ring bearers—dapper and full of personality—strutted down the aisle in super cool suits, followed by the sweetest flower girl in a crown of fresh blooms. Guests were handed parasols for shade, a thoughtful detail that made everyone feel cared for under the Riviera Maya sun.

When the vows were said and the kiss sealed it, mariachis struck up a tune and led the crowd into the gardens for cocktail hour. Because if you’re getting married in Mexico, you need mariachis. It's basically the law.

The Family Celebrates: A Warm and Welcoming Wedding Reception

As golden hour faded into evening, the gardens of Villa la Joya transformed into a glowing, intimate reception space. A transparent sky tent created a dreamy, open-air vibe while offering shelter from the breeze. A clear dance floor was installed over the pool—yes, over the pool—and it became the center of the celebration.

Warm wood tables, cozy lighting, and a layout that felt inviting set the tone for the night. Samantha and Patrick kicked things off with their choreographed dance under a canopy of twinkling lights. Dry fireworks added a burst of energy, and then, everyone danced.

After a family-style dinner and heartfelt speeches, the party truly took off. Guests danced under the stars, churros and hot chocolate made a late-night appearance (iconic), and a full fireworks show lit up the sea.

It was warm, joyful, and full of heart—exactly what a wedding in Mexico should be.

One Thing They’d Do Differently

They would’ve booked the photographer for more hours. That’s it. When you’re having this much fun, time flies.

Advice for Destination Wedding Brides

“100% hire a planner. You need boots on the ground.”

Planning from afar? You’ll thank yourself for having a local expert who can coordinate every detail while you sip cocktails and answer emails in peace.

Thank You, Muchas Gracias to Samantha & Patrick
From all of us at Villa la Joya, thank you! It was an honor to be part of your love story. Your celebration was a reflection of everything we love about weddings: joy, connection, great music, and moments that stay with you long after the last sparkler fades.

To the Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Team

Thank you for your vision, your talent, and your incredible teamwork. We’re proud to work alongside wedding professionals who bring creativity to every celebration. And as always, Villa la Joya welcomes your dream vendor team, with no vendor fees.

Ready to Plan Your Own Villa la Joya Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Mexico that’s private, beautiful, and totally you, Villa la Joya is here for it. Contact us today to start planning your celebration on the Riviera Maya coast. We’ll save you a spot under the palm trees.

Vendor Team:

Zahne & Arek’s Villa la Joya Wedding in Riviera Maya

June 27, 2025

From a surprise elopement reveal to custom stationery and a Beauty and the Beast-inspired walk down the aisle, this destination wedding at Villa la Joya was nothing short of magical. TikTok influencer Zahne and Arek turned their love story into a full-blown wedding experience with vintage vibes, tropical glam, and some viral moments along the way.

From Instagram DMs to Disneyland Proposal

Zahne and Arek’s love story began with a modern spark, an Instagram DM. After years of following each other through mutual friends, Arek made the first move, and the rest unfolded like a fairytale. Within weeks, they were inseparable. Eight months later, they were living together. And just under four years in, Arek proposed at Disneyland in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle, their favorite place to escape into joy, wonder, and romance.

Why Choose a Destination Wedding in Mexico?

Zahne first dreamed of getting married in Mexico as a little girl, watching a resort wedding unfold. When she and Arek began dating, she quickly learned he loved the Riviera Maya just as much. Over several trips together, the destination became theirs. A place full of sunshine, sentiment, and yes, seriously good tacos.

Finding 'The One' Perfect Wedding Venue in Mexico: Villa la Joya

They discovered Villa la Joya online and instantly felt the magic. “We weren’t even engaged yet,” Zahne laughs, “but we booked a visit during a trip to Mexico.” One look at the private beachfront estate, and they knew. It was their first and only venue choice. “Even more breathtaking than the photos,” Zahne says. “Mike, Enrique, and the whole team made it feel like home.”

The Big Reveal: Plot Twist!

Mid-ceremony, the couple’s friend and officiant dropped a bombshell: Zahne and Arek had actually eloped in Las Vegas a year earlier! “Like most destination couples, we handled the legal part back home,” Zahne explains. “But no one knew!” That moment, spontaneous, joyful, and very on-brand, got picked up by People Magazine in a short celeb wedding feature.

Meaningful Wedding Style & Theme: A Personal Fairytale

From subtle Disney nods to their home’s signature color woven into the florals and stationery, Zahne and Arek made every detail personal. They included green accents throughout, added custom “Be Our Guest” signage, and created a scrapbook with stickers of their beloved pets.

The music told its own story: Arek walked down the aisle to Beautiful Crazy by Luke Combs. Zahne floated down to an instrumental of Beauty and the Beast, the movie they watched on their very first date. Their first dance? Better Together, a perfect anthem for a couple who truly are.

Advice From the Bride

Zahne’s best advice for destination brides: “Do what makes YOU happy.” She reminds couples that not every decision will please every guest, and that’s okay. “You’ll remember how you felt on that day, not what others thought.”
Her pro tip? Create a calm, joyful start to your wedding morning. “My day started off so chill, and it made everything more present and special. I was able to truly soak it all in.”

Congratulations, Zahne & Arek!

Zahne & Arek, thank you for letting us witness your real-life fairytale. From your dreamy Riviera Maya celebration to your surprise reveal and every beautiful, intentional detail, you reminded us that weddings are about joy, meaning, and the magic of two people choosing forever.

We wish you a lifetime of laughter, adventures, and Disney dates. May your love story always feel like Happily Ever After.

Thinking of Your Own Destination Wedding?

If you're dreaming of a wedding that feels personal, relaxed, and unforgettable, Villa la Joya might just be your perfect match. Our private beachfront villa in the Riviera Maya has hosted love stories from around the world, each as unique as the couple saying I do.

Be our guest and plan your magical day in Mexico. Start planning your wedding at Villa la Joya, schedule a video call with our team today.

Riviera Maya Wedding Vendor Team – The Real Fairy Godmothers

Making a destination wedding perfect is no easy task. We are always grateful to the incredible vendors who make magic in our little corner of the Mexican Caribbean. Gracias, big, big, gracias.

East Coast Elegance Meets Riviera Maya Magic

June 12, 2025

Katlyn & Kenny’s Villa La Joya Wedding: East Coast Elegance Meets Riviera Maya Magic

Katlyn and Kenny’s destination wedding at Villa La Joya was the perfect blend of timeless romance and laid-back Riviera Maya charm. With blue skies overhead and the Caribbean Sea as their backdrop, they said “I do” in a beachfront garden ceremony on an absolutely perfect day.

The Love Story

The couple first met in college — Kenny was a hockey player, and Katlyn’s best friend was dating someone on the team. They crossed paths often, until one night Kenny finally asked if he could buy her a drink. That moment kicked off a love story that would take them all the way to Sitka, Alaska, where Kenny proposed during a Fourth of July getaway.

Why Choose a Destination Wedding in Mexico? Why Villa La Joya?

Katlyn and Kenny chose the Riviera Maya with deep personal meaning in mind. Kenny’s mother’s side of the family is from Mexico, and celebrating in a place connected to his roots made it all the more special.

“I knew Villa La Joya was my dream venue at first glance,” Katlyn shared. “I wanted a waterfront location without being right on the sand. Being from New England, it reminded me of the wedding mansions in Newport, Rhode Island — it brought a little bit of home to Mexico for me.”

The Ceremony

The beachside ceremony took place in the villa’s garden, framed by a bold floral arch and the sparkling ocean beyond. With the ocean breeze and a sky so blue and clear, the setting looked straight out of a bridal magazine.

Katlyn, the petite bride with a big smile, wore a fabulous gown with a plunging neckline and flowing train — elegant and modern, with just the right touch of drama. Kenny complemented her perfectly in a lightweight beige suit, ideal for the Riviera Maya sunshine.

The bridal party followed suit: bridesmaids in periwinkle blue dresses in a variety of flattering styles, groomsmen in matching beige. The whole crew popped beautifully against the pinky-orange floral palette.

The ceremony was heartfelt and family-friendly, with adorable flower girls and a proud little ring bearer stealing hearts. As Katlyn and Kenny shared their first kiss, the light shifted into golden hour capturing their “happily ever after” in the dreamiest glow.

The Reception

Cocktails, canapés, and coastal-chic design welcomed guests to the terrace reception styled to perfection by Style Me Events. Long tables were dressed with tropical florals and gold accents, while rattan lanterns and twinkle lights glowed above as the sun went down.

Dinner was followed by heartfelt toasts, parent dances, and signature drinks that kept the party energy high. Champagne flowed, zingy margaritas hit just right, and micheladas added the perfect bit of zest. The first dance? Absolutely magical — made even more unforgettable with surprise fireworks over the Villa La Joya terrace.

One of the sweetest details? Harvey’s Biscuit Bar — named after the couple’s beloved pup, who couldn’t attend but made sure guests with dogs at home had a little love to take back with them. We LOVE this touch.

Warm Wishes for the Newlyweds

Katlyn and Kenny, thank you for choosing Villa La Joya to host your wedding day. It was an honor to witness such a joyful, stylish, and love-filled celebration. We wish you a lifetime of golden hour kisses, spontaneous dance moves, and adventures side by side.

Planning Your Own Destination Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a beachfront celebration that’s as elegant as it is effortless, we’d love to welcome you to Villa La Joya. Contact us today to start planning your wedding in paradise. We can’t wait to see your vision come to life at our private villa by the sea.

Riviera Maya Wedding Vendors

As always, a huge gracias to the incredible wedding vendors who brought their creativity and professionalism to this oh-so-lovely day. We couldn’t do it without you:

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

June 5, 2025

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

Emily and Noah’s Fabulous Villa La Joya Wedding

May 27, 2025

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.

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