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Real Weddings

Brian and Angie’s Gorge Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

September 9, 2024

A love story that was meant to be, Canadian Brian and American Angie met by strange twists of fate that brought them both to a little bar in Minnesota in 2017. Bonding over Guinness and air hockey, the couple clicked and the rest, as they say, is history.

There was something meant to be about us meeting - after being in many of the same places at the same time without knowing one another - we finally met at a little dive bar in Minneapolis called Pats Taps. It took a lot of convincing for Angie to agree to meet on a VERY cold Monday night in January. Angie really sealed the deal when she ordered a Guinness (Brian's favorite beer), and challenged Brian to a game of air hockey.

The love story of Angie and Brian blooms and continues to grow. Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen was delighted to host the latest chapter of their tale of amor and romance. Get ready to be inspired by this private villa wedding in Mexico!

Why choose a destination wedding in Mexico? Everybody say love

Brian and Angie were united by fate and are blessed to have friends and family from all over Canada and the USA. Choosing Mexico for their destination wedding brought everyone together to share in a grand celebration of unity.

With Brian being from Canada, and Angie having gone to college in Louisiana and now living in Minnesota- they both had friends and family all over. They decided to make Mexico the spot where everyone could meet. The idea of staying at an all inclusive hotel nearby with all of their closest family and friends really sealed the deal for them. Mexico provided good weather, and affordable accommodation options for the guests to enjoy a little vacation while also attending a wedding.

Sharing a vacation in paradise with your guests is one of the best reasons to choose a private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya. Brian and Angie enjoyed quality time with one and all and everyone got to know one another in a relaxing setting before the big day. Their rehearsal dinner on a catamaran was a huge success.

A touch of Europe in Mexico: Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a little taste of Europe in the magical Mexican Caribbean. Our oceanside setting and lush gardens are a great contrast to the architecture of the villa and it all came together as the fabulous backdrop for the wedding of Brian and Angie.

We love architecture, especially European/French/Spanish/Italian-inspired design. It was an easy decision when we saw Villa La Joya and the beautiful design. Villa La Joya was truly so beautiful, and it provided such a gorgeous backdrop for our big day.

Angie was an absolute stunner in her incredible bridal gown, we are still oohing and aahing over all those ruffles. Brian looked super sharp in his traditional tuxedo and the two together absolutely sparkled.

Advice from a Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen bride: Newlyweds know best

Advice from our newlyweds is priceless for anyone planning a private villa wedding in Mexico. Real wedding experience and inspiration can spark ideas for your own dream nuptials. Angie shared a few pointers and we agree, more disco balls, always.

I would say screw the timeline to anyone telling you that you need to hurry or stay on track. That is one thing I would change if I could go back. I would have been more vocal about how it was making me feel. It would have allowed us to be more present and really soak it all. No one should feel rushed on their big day!

I would've had more shade via umbrellas for our guests during the ceremony, or just pushed for the ceremony to be in the back instead. The heat really got to people quick!

ALWAYS SAY YES TO A SAXOPHONIST!!!

Disco Balls- and more Disco Balls.

A rehearsal dinner on a catamaran was the best decision we made. My only regret was not hiring a photographer for it!

Thanks so much to Angie and Brian and their super fun guests. We loved this wedding full of warm family love, pretty details and oh so much romance. We wish the newlyweds all the very best for a long and happy lifetime together!

What is our top advice for the best private villa wedding venue in Mexico? Choose your wedding vendors carefully, we work with the most professional in the Riviera Maya. We send our gratitude and love to all the creative geniuses who came together to make this a fabulous private villa wedding in the Riviera Maya, big gracias to all.

Deborah and Fermin’s Romantic Private Villa Wedding in Mexico

August 20, 2024

Villa La Joya is breathtaking in pictures (in person it made me cry). It felt private, like a backyard wedding, with the luxury of an event venue. We loved the idea of it being a space just for us and our guests where we had the freedom to decide every detail. - newlywed bride Deborah.

Deborah and Fermin and their guests filled Villa la Joya with joyous energy in a beautiful celebration of love. Getting married in Mexico surrounded by their closest family and friends was a magical way to tie the knot forever and share sensational moments together. An unforgettable private villa wedding in Mexico, get ready to be inspired by amor.

Let love shine: Simple and classic wedding ceremony at Villa la Joya

This day was all about Deborah and Fermin and their love took center stage through it all. The bridal gown and veil was breathtaking, the detail on the veil’s embroidery was extraordinary. Fermin rocked a traditional black tux as the two became joined for eternity.

Guests were delighted to be welcomed to the wedding ceremony with aguas frescas (cool drinks), parasols, and hand fans to whisk away the afternoon heat. With comfortable padded chairs added to the mix, the guests felt pampered from the start.

Backyard wedding reception in Playa del Carmen: Luxury venue, cozy vibes

The seaside gardens of Villa la Joya have seen a whole lot of love and many inspiring events, each with their own flair and energy. Deborah and Fermin brought cozy, comfy, luxurious ideas to their private villa wedding in Mexico and we loved every bit of it. The party kicked off with a cocktail hour in the comfortable seating areas before moving to the long, family-style tables for dinner.

The flowers were simple and elegant in white and Deborah seemed to be floating on the ocean breeze in that incredible bridal gown and veil. She changed into a sharp white suit for the reception, put her bedazzled white love glasses ON, and shared a fireworks kiss with Fermin that will never be forgotten.

What was your favorite moment of your private villa wedding day?

My ultimate favorite moment was after our speech when we kissed and the fireworks (timed to perfection) went off in the distance. It felt like a movie.

Advice from a private villa wedding expert: Newlywed Bride Deborah

Anything you would have done differently?

I would have taken some time to myself in the morning. I was busy all day getting ready with my loved ones and partying with my friends and family that I never took a step back to bask in the moment.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides planning a private villa wedding?

All the little things don’t matter, rain on your wedding day is good luck and no one cares about the little hiccups. Everything will work out and it will be the best day ever no matter what happens. Don’t stress about the little things.

Thank you so much Deborah, we know your experience and expertise will help many brides relax and find some peace.

Best wishes and big thanks to Deborah and Fermin

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our best wishes and gratitude to Deborah and Fermin. We are delighted you chose to host your private villa wedding in Mexico with us, it was a pleasure to meet you and share in your big day. May you have a long and happy lifetime together, full of joy and laughter!

And of course as always, our thanks to the world-class wedding vendors in Playa del Carmen who make it look so easy. We appreciate your professionalism and creativity and can’t wait to tell more love stories together.

Ready to talk about your own private villa wedding in Mexico dreams? Contact us today to schedule a video call so you can tell us all about it and we can show you around our private Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding venue.

Big, Bold and Beautiful Mexico Destination Wedding: Llana and Matt

August 14, 2024

What made you decide on Villa La Joya Playa del Carmen as your destination wedding venue?

The venue speaks for itself! We considered other venues, but ultimately Villa La Joya was the first and easiest decision we made. It allowed us to create the wedding of our dreams without added vendor fees like most resorts.

Llana and Matt, along with a guest list of 100 loved ones, filled Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen with energy and amor at this big destination wedding in Mexico. A grand celebration with lovely details, a “minimalist boho” vibe, and a joyous reception with everybody on the dance floor.

Seaside Wedding Ceremony: Emotional Moments with Llana and Matt

Bride Llana glowed in her striking bridal gown with nude illusion, lace, and a veil that was perfect for the ocean breeze. Groom Matt was elegant and handsome in his traditional black tuxedo as the couple exchanged their vows in the Villa la Joya garden. The ceremony had more than a few happy tears, get those tissues ready!

A brief story of how you two met?

We met 14 years ago in Miami when I went on vacation for a girl's trip. It was a quick meet and greet the first day and we didn't see each other again. Fast forward to the fall of 2022, we had been friends on Facebook and Instagram, but finally decided to engage in some fun sports banter (he's a Georgia Bulldog and I'm all Tennessee Vols). We talked daily and finally had our first date when he decided to come to Nashville for NYE. The rest is history! He proposed at my parent's house in May of last year and we got married this May.

Big fiesta reception for 100 guests! Laughter, tears, fireworks, and surprises at Villa la Joya

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen is a wedding venue ready to welcome your large guest list wedding plans. Llana and Matt and 100 of their nearest and dearest celebrated BIG wedding fun. Moving speeches, first dances that made everyone cry (again), fireworks, and a bridal reception change surprise that knocked everyone out!

The funniest moment was when I was reintroduced during the reception with my bridal party after I chopped my hair off and changed dresses. We came out to a song like Nightclub Bottle Girls with oversized letters/strobe lights and they spelled our new last name backward with the large letters. A moment everyone will never forget and we still laugh about it to this day!

We’ve seen brides change “looks” for the reception but this is the first “full haircut “ transformation we’ve seen! Absolutely LOVED this moment with Llana and her bridesmaids for her reception reveal.

Tips for planning a big destination wedding in Mexico?

Anything you would have done differently?

The day was perfect, however, we would have added some large industrial fans or shade to the front during our cocktail hour. It was too hot for everyone so everyone mostly stood on the side to catch the ocean breeze. We also would have started a couple of hours later to allow for it to cool down just a bit more.

Any advice you’d like to share with other brides?

To the bridal party, I would suggest getting the bridal suite. It made the whole day flow so smoothly and we never felt rushed. To the couple, time flies by so do your best to get photos done as soon as you can and get back to the party! As for the time of the year, if you are having any portion of your wedding day in the front during the hotter months, make sure your guests are hydrated and have fans because it is hot in the front.

Big wedding, big congratulations, and big gratitude to Llana and Matt

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our thanks to Llana and Matt for entrusting us with your vision for a big destination wedding in Mexico. You are surrounded by so much love and support and it was truly a warm and welcoming day. We send you wishes for a long and happy lifetime together, muchas gracias.

Feeling inspired and ready to start planning your own destination wedding with a big guest list? Contact us today and let’s discuss your vision!

The best wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya

As always, we send our big, huge thanks to the professional and creative wedding vendors in the Riviera Maya who bring us dreamy events every time. And remember, we never charge vendor fees, Mexico weddings big or small. Muchas gracias amigos.

Sher and John Get Married in Mexico: Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

August 12, 2024

“I found Villa la Joya when I was searching high and low for venues- we wanted something private that had ocean views and took us to a Mediterranean-inspired villa. Everything Villa la Joya had to offer screamed classy, upscale, and visually appealing to the eyes.”

Gorgeous bride and groom, perfect Playa del Carmen sunset, and a romantic love story chapter unfolding in the gardens of Villa la Joya. Sher and John’s wedding in Mexico was a day of beloved family and friends in celebration of amor. The decor was just right, and the ocean breeze was a delight, get ready for some real wedding inspiration from Villa la Joya.

First look and private vows: Intimate destination wedding moments

The funniest part was our private vows - we both thought we could handle not crying and my husband John just lost it. We loved doing the private vows on the balcony. It allowed us to have something to ourselves that was very private and emotional.

The balcony at Villa la Joya has witnessed so much love, and so many emotions, it’s the ideal place for a “first look”. Sher and John chose to have some intimate time alone before the wedding ceremony to share their private vows. There were some tears and laughs and the photos are a secret peek at true love.

The Natural Look: Classy and Romantic Outdoor Wedding in Mexico

Our wedding theme was classy coastal with earthy whimsical florals. Clean lines, simple but a classy look.

Sher and John brought their wedding vision to life in the gardens of Villa la Joya with a warm, welcoming and classy vibe. Everything about this day flowed, Sher’s natural beauty and the infectious smile of John and the most adorable little flower girl.

The ceremony featured a stunning altar of leafy florals and guests were seated in comfortable wooden chairs. The cocktail hour with the personalized bar, live saxophone music and cold refreshments kicked off the party and celebration in style.

For any brides deciding to choose Villa la Joya- your guests will not be disappointed walking into that venue. Everyone is so amazed and in awe of how beautiful it is.

Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen wedding reception: An unforgettable party for Sher and John

First dance under the sparkling disco balls, moving toasts and speeches and authentic Mexican churros for dessert. Guests found their groove on the dance floor and raised their glasses in celebration of Sher and John. The sweet newlyweds joined together forever and family and friends were united by their love.

Intimate and private wedding in Mexico: Thank you for choosing Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen

Our wedding ran very smoothly thanks to our wedding planners Anna and Gabby- we couldn’t have asked for a more special day. Enrique with Villa La Joya is amazing- available for any questions, so accommodating, and very calming during a lot of moving pieces. He is just so wonderful! One of the reasons why we loved Villa La Joya was he made us feel so welcome!

All of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen send our warmest wishes of love and happiness to Sher and John. It was really a special day and we are honored to have been your choice for a wedding venue in Mexico, muchas gracias.

Are you feeling inspired by this real wedding in Mexico? Reach out to us today to schedule a video call and let’s talk wedding magic at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen!

And as always, this beautiful Playa del Carmen wedding was the result of teamwork. We extend our gratitude to these incredible Riviera Maya wedding vendors, we adore your creativity and your professionalism. You are always welcome at Villa la Joya and of course, remember, we never charge a vendor fee for your destination wedding in Mexico.

Selena and Frank’s Villa la Joya Love Story: Destination Wedding Inspiration

July 23, 2024

Ask the newlyweds! Should we have a destination wedding? Where should we get married? How do you choose a venue? Real wedding inspiration and hot tips, gracias, and congratulations to Selena and Frank!

After months of researching different venues in New York and Massachusetts, I felt discouraged because nothing stood out to us. We wanted our wedding to be a unique experience in a beautiful location so we started to think about a destination wedding.

One night while scrolling Instagram, I came across this photo of a bride standing on the balcony of this gorgeous villa overlooking the ocean. We knew instantly that we had found our wedding venue at Villa La Joya. It was like nothing we had seen before. - Newlyweds Selena and Frank

Selena and Frank’s Villa la Joya wedding was elegant, emotional, and timeless, get those tissues ready for happy tears! The bride and groom met on Instagram and started out with a long-distance love but now, nothing can keep them apart, united forever in love with a wedding in our seaside villa in Playa del Carmen. Check out the inspirational photos as we ask the newlyweds for destination wedding tips.

Ocean breezes and floral fantasy ceremony: Private villa wedding in Playa del Carmen

Palm trees swaying and a luxe bridal veil floating in a tropical breeze, perfectly pretty florals, and emotional tears, Selena and Frank said their “I do’s” surrounded by the love of family and friends. Selena was breathtaking in a bridal look ideal for an outdoor wedding in paradise. Frank was classically handsome in a traditional tuxedo and bow tie and the two together make a striking couple in all their wedding ceremony photos.

Our favorite part of the wedding was saying our vows to each other and finally becoming husband and wife. It’s a moment you wait for so long and finally getting to express your love surrounded by close friends and family was such a special experience.

The floral fantasy by Pentaflor was lush, white roses, and touches of pink in the romantic altar setting and bouquets. The vows were moving, the veil was magic and the newlyweds radiated love as they joined together in their private villa wedding in Mexico.

Private Villa la Joya wedding reception: Personalized, unique, and joyous celebration of Selena and Frank

Selena and Frank brought their own style and unique touches with a signature dance floor over the pool, a neon newlyweds sign behind the sweetheart’s table, and a personalized bar. The florals moved seamlessly from ceremony to reception and the candles and twinkling lights brought a fairy tale touch.

I’d highly advise on having a sweetheart table. It gives you and your new husband an area to sit and spend time together during the busiest day of your lives. We really enjoyed getting to be present in the moment together and it is truly special looking out at your reception together and seeing all our friends and family eating dinner and mingling together.

This romantic destination wedding reception was personal and emotional with meaningful toasts and speeches joining the families together and adding to the love story. Selena and Frank’s big day created some unforgettable moments with sweet moves on the dance floor from all generations, laughter at the photo booth, and warm embraces all around.

Best advice for planning a destination wedding? How do you choose a wedding planner in Mexico? Why Villa la Joya and Villa Planners in Playa del Carmen?

So many destination wedding questions and Selena and Frank were lovely to share their recent experience getting married at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen.

Believe it or not, I can’t think of anything I would’ve done differently. I really think having a solid wedding day timeline and making sure all of your vendors and the bridal/groom party are all on the same page makes the day go seamlessly. I’d highly recommend brides start working on their timeline 3-4 months out from the big day.

We decided on Villa Planners because I liked that they were experienced in planning weddings at Villa la Joya and they were knowledgeable on what we needed for our big day. They helped us plan over the course of our 14 month engagement from start to finish, always staying attentive and excited. I also liked that we had that seamless communication between the planners and the vendors because they had built relationships from working previous weddings together. Adriana, Enrique and Nancy are truly awesome at what they do.

Big thanks and huge congratulations to Selena and Frank

Best wishes to newlyweds Selena and Frank from all of us at Villa la Joya Playa del Carmen and Villa Planners. We are so happy to have been invited to host your wedding in paradise, thank you for allowing us to get to know you and share in your love story.

As always, mil gracias y muchos abrazos to the wonderful vendors who brought this private villa wedding vision to life with creativity, professionalism, and the warm and welcoming hospitality of Mexico shining through.

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