Teresa and Jer's Wedding at Villa La Joya
A soft and romantic fairy tale wedding on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean
Before Teresa and Jer were even engaged, Villa La Joya kept appearing in her Instagram feed. The ocean, the gardens, the marble staircase she could not stop thinking about. “It felt like a dream, something that would only be a dream,” she said.
After the proposal, she reached out for details just to see what was possible. One message changed everything. The venue that once felt out of reach suddenly became real. With its oceanfront view, lush garden, and timeless architecture, Villa La Joya brought her entire vision together. Soft romance. Elegant textures. A fairy tale written in blush and cream.
Below is the story of their beautiful celebration.
Working With Villa Planners
Teresa met with several planners during her search, but Nancy from Villa Planners understood her vision right away. She knew exactly what “Little Mermaid meets Beauty and the Beast” looked like in wedding form. Romantic. Soft. Timeless.
With guidance on date selection, design direction, vendor matching, and budget planning, the process felt intentional and effortless. Working with a team that knows Villa La Joya intimately allowed every detail to fall into place.
The Bride’s Romantic Beauty Look
Hair and makeup were a key part of the bride’s vision. Teresa flew to Playa del Carmen months before the wedding for her trial with Prep Tulum. Together they created a look that felt classic but also a little wild and romantic, inspired by nature and her own curls.
On the wedding day, the Prep Tulum team created a relaxed and calm environment while glamming Teresa, her daughter, her stepdaughters, and her mother. Every look lasted perfectly throughout the night.
Florals That Felt Like a Love Story
For florals, Teresa imagined soft pinks, creams, and whites that blended gently with the ocean backdrop. Pentaflor brought that vision to life with elegant aisle arrangements, a beautiful ceremony frame, and thoughtful touches throughout the venue.
The dinner table created a moment guests will never forget. Five large round tables were placed in a caterpillar shape and connected by one long cascading centerpiece filled with roses. It was the perfect blend of drama and romance.
Design and Decor
With MSM Rentals, the couple selected decor that supported the villa’s architecture without overwhelming it. Soft gold candelabras, chandeliers over the tables, a stage for the ceremony, and custom signage added elegance and refinement.
Teresa also chose an aisle platform to protect the textured train of her gown from the grass while finishing the ceremony frame beautifully.
Dining With Icaza Catering
Food was one of the most important elements for the couple. Icaza Catering created a full culinary experience that felt elevated and creative. Elegant plating, rich flavors, signature mocktails, and a gorgeous welcome drink set the tone.
Guests loved the passed hors d’oeuvres and the late-night taco snack. Teresa recommends adding extra hors d’oeuvres if the budget allows. They were a huge hit.
Cake, Cookies, and Churros
La Migaja designed a three-tier cake, custom cookies for guests to take home, and warm churros as part of the late night offerings.
A note from the bride: the cake cutting moment is what matters most. A smaller cake would have been perfect.
Music and Atmosphere
Sonner provided both a DJ and MC. This created a seamless flow for the ceremony, reception, and party. Teresa curated a playlist filled with personal favorites, and the team delivered exactly the atmosphere she imagined.
The Fireworks Moment
One of the most emotional highlights of the night was a surprise from Jer. As the couple began their champagne pour, fireworks erupted above them. The moment was coordinated with “Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston.
It was magical, unforgettable, and one of their favorite memories. The fireworks flowed straight into the start of the party.
Captured by White Crown Photo
Photography was a top priority, and Deb from White Crown Photo captured the celebration with emotion and elegance. The gallery and video beautifully reflect the softness, movement, and joy of the day.
A few days after the wedding, the couple also did a Trash the Dress session. It was bold, cinematic, and an experience they will never forget.
The Bride’s Fashion Journey
Teresa wore a custom modified gown by Wona Concepts from Alta Moda Bridal. She adjusted the neckline, removed the straps, and added draped off the shoulder sleeves. The look was dramatic and unforgettable.
As the night continued, she changed into a beautifully altered second dress discovered on Amazon, and finally into a short and playful Lulus dress for the grand exit. The fashion evolution of the night matched the energy of the celebration perfectly.
The Welcome Party at The Fives
The wedding festivities began with a warm and lively welcome party at The Fives. Bonfires, s’mores, custom beach bags embroidered with guest names, Turkish towels, itineraries, and a lip sync contest set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
The couple also included a QR code for GuestPix, allowing guests to upload their photos from the welcome party and the wedding day.
The Love Story
Teresa and Jer started their journey as coworkers who did not get along at all. Over time, they realized there was something deeper beneath the initial friction. Their connection grew, their families blended, and after eight years together they were ready to celebrate the marriage they had already been living in their hearts.
Favorite Moments
Their vows, which were surprisingly similar.
The champagne and fireworks moment that felt like pure magic.
Their dip and kiss photo after the ceremony, chaotic in real time but perfect in the gallery.
Their choreographed first dance with lifts after six months of lessons.
Every moment carried emotion, beauty, and intention.
A Final Note From the Couple
Teresa reminds future brides to stay organized, create a complete emergency kit, and prepare for small surprises that always happen. With good planning and the support of your vendors, the day becomes a joyful flow. The love is what matters most.
Thank You, Teresa and Jer
Thank you to Teresa and Jer for sharing your story with us and for trusting Villa Planners with your vision. Your wedding was a celebration filled with heart, beautiful details, and meaning, and it was an honor to bring it to life.
Vendor Credits
Planning: Villa Planners | Venue: Villa La Joya | Photography and Video: White Crown Photo | Hair and Makeup: Prep Tulum | Bridal Fashion: Wona Concept, Alta Moda Bridal, Amazon, Lulus | Groom and Family Attire: Jack Suits, JB Suits | Stationery: Anthology Custom Print | Florals: Pentaflor | Catering: Icaza Catering | Cake and Sweets: Pasteleria La Migaja | Rentals and Decor: MSM Rentals | DJ and MC: Sonner | Fireworks: Pyrocaribe
Plan Your Villa La Joya Wedding With Us
If you are dreaming of a romantic destination wedding in the Riviera Maya, our team would love to guide you. Schedule a video consultation with Villa Planners to explore your vision, learn about the venue, and begin designing your celebration.
Book your consultation today and start planning the wedding you have always imagined.