Emma and Gonzalo wanted a wedding that felt like Mexico, all the way through. Adriana and the Villa Planners team planned it with them, and from the first look to the last song it ran on color, laughter, and a fair amount of tequila.

They got married at El Pueblito Mayakoba, a colonial Mexican village setting, which turned out to be exactly right for the party these two had in mind. Emotional first looks, a funny one, arches of flowers, mariachi in the plaza. It was a day their loved ones will never forget.

The dress, the suit, and a groomsman in a bridal gown

Emma's gown was fitted lace with delicate floral appliqués, illusion detailing, and a cathedral veil that trailed behind her. She kept the styling soft so the dress did the talking.

She skipped the all-white bouquet entirely. Hers was coral, peach, buttery yellow, raspberry and ivory, and those colors became the thread that ran through the whole day, from her hands to the reception tables.

Gonzalo wore a sand-colored suit with a matching tie and boutonniere, his groomsmen in the same relaxed palette with suspenders and bow ties. The bridesmaids were in butter yellow satin, which sat beautifully against those bright bouquets.

Then, before the real first look, a prank. One of the groomsmen turned up in a bridal gown, carrying Emma's bouquet, and presented himself to Gonzalo. Everyone lost it, which set the tone for the rest of the day better than any plan could have.

The actual first look came a little later, quietly, at Villa la Joya, just the two of them for a minute before everything started.

An outdoor ceremony at the chapel

Guests gathered in the heart of El Pueblito Mayakoba for an outdoor ceremony in front of the chapel's tall wooden doors.

We built the flowers right onto that entrance … roses, garden blooms and greenery spilling around the doorway until the chapel itself became the backdrop. The afternoon light came across the plaza just as Emma started down the aisle.

They said their vows surrounded by the people closest to them, kissed, and that was that.

And then the fiesta started!!!

Mariachi, cocktails and a wedding cake piñata

Cocktail hour unfolded around El Pueblito's central fountain as mariachi music filled the plaza and guests gathered beneath colorful papel picado fluttering overhead.

The newlyweds spent time celebrating with family and friends while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere before dinner. Throughout the venue, guests gathered for photographs, conversation and plenty of laughter.

One playful highlight was the wedding cake piñata, a creative twist that quickly became one of the afternoon's most memorable moments.

A reception bursting with color and Mexican charm

As guests entered the reception courtyard, they were welcomed by an extraordinary display of color and texture. The setting felt lush, an ambiance of love, romance and fiesta.

Natural wood tables, woven rattan chairs, colorful linens, amber glassware and vibrant floral arrangements created a setting that was warm, inviting and unmistakably Mexican. Floral Design by Charm carried the colors of Emma's bouquet throughout the reception, layering coral, peach, pink, orange and ivory blooms into abundant arrangements that filled the courtyard.

The sweetheart table became a spectacular focal point, framed by a sweeping floral installation that surrounded the couple in layers of blooms.

Every element was perfectly integrated with El Pueblito's architecture, mature trees and village setting. Villa Planners created a reception that felt intimate, festive and unmistakably rooted in the beauty of Mexico.

Speeches, dancing and a night to remember

Once the sun dropped, El Pueblito changed completely. The bridal party surprised guests with a choreographed dance that quickly brought everyone onto the dance floor.

String lights, glowing papel picado and uplighting transformed the Mayakoba village courtyard into an intimate setting beneath the trees, where moving speeches, laughter and happy tears unfolded around the newlyweds' sweetheart table.

Emma later changed into a chic mini reception dress while Gonzalo traded his jacket and tie for a more relaxed look. Together they returned carrying oversized cutouts of their beloved cats, a playful detail that perfectly reflected their personalities and had everyone smiling.

The celebration continued late into the evening beneath a glittering disco ball, with music, dancing and joyful moments filling every corner of the courtyard.

Thank you, Emma and Gonzalo

From Adriana, the Villa Planners team, and all of us, thank you for having us. It was a joy to help build this one and to celebrate it alongside your families.

We're wishing you a long and very loud marriage, and a house full of cats.

And to the vendor team who made it look easy, you always do, and we couldn't do any of it without you.

Planning your own wedding in the Riviera Maya?

Emma and Gonzalo's day worked because they leaned all the way into what they actually wanted: color, culture, their people, their cats, instead of a version of a wedding they thought they were supposed to have.

We plan destination weddings across Villa la Joya, El Pueblito Mayakoba, and private venues throughout the Riviera Maya. Tell us your date, and what you want the day to feel like when it's over.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weddings at El Pueblito Mayakoba

Where is El Pueblito Mayakoba?

El Pueblito is a picturesque village within the Mayakoba resort community on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Inspired by the charm of a traditional Mexican town, it features colorful architecture, a beautiful chapel, cobblestone streets and open-air plazas, making it a unique setting for destination weddings.

Can you have an outdoor wedding at El Pueblito Mayakoba?

Yes. Couples can exchange vows outdoors in the central plaza in front of the chapel or host different parts of the celebration throughout El Pueblito. The setting combines historic-inspired architecture with open-air spaces that photograph beautifully throughout the day.

Why do couples choose El Pueblito for a destination wedding?

El Pueblito offers a completely different atmosphere from a beach wedding. Its colorful streets, chapel, plazas and authentic Mexican character create a warm, festive setting that works beautifully for couples looking to celebrate local culture while still enjoying the luxury and service associated with Mayakoba.

Can Villa Planners coordinate weddings at El Pueblito Mayakoba?

Absolutely. Villa Planners designs and coordinates weddings at a variety of venues throughout the Riviera Maya, including El Pueblito Mayakoba. From venue selection and design to vendor coordination and wedding-day management, the team creates celebrations that reflect each couple's vision and priorities.

Emma & Gonzalo's Colorful Wedding at El Pueblito Mayakoba