Kristell and Manuel desired a unique kind of celebration for their wedding. For them, that meant heading south to the sun-soaked shores of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, where their vision came to life at the stunning Villa La Joya.

A Vision Worth the Journey

For Kristell and Manuel, choosing a venue was all about finding a place that would leave their guests in awe. After extensive research, countless conversations, and some in-person visits, the couple felt confident in their choice.

“We didn’t want the cookie-cutter options at all-inclusive resorts,” Manuel explains. “Villa La Joya offered something unique—a private, intimate setting with stunning ocean views and a villa that felt like it was made just for us. It was originally built for the owner’s mother, and you could feel the love and care that went into it.”

Not knowing quite where to begin, Kristell and Manuel took to social media to connect with other couples who had celebrated their weddings at Villa La Joya. Their feedback was invaluable. “Seeing their photos, reading about their experiences—it all validated our choice,” Kristell says. “And when we visited in person, it was clear we had made the right decision.”

Incorporating Culture and Tradition

As a proud Mexican-American couple, Kristell and Manuel wanted their wedding to reflect their heritage. “Music is such a big part of our culture,” Kristell shares. “Having mariachi music after our ceremony was a non-negotiable. The sound of a live band always hits differently, and it was the perfect way to bring our culture into the celebration.”

They also added personal touches, from writing their own vows to dedicating a bouquet to honor the bride’s mother, every detail was thoughtfully planned. They even had signature cocktails named after the couple’s furry companions. “It was all about making our guests feel like they were part of something special,” Manuel says.

Navigating the Challenges

Of course, planning a destination wedding didn’t come without challenges. “We didn’t fill up our room block at the hotel we reserved,” Kristell says. “But, the hotel was great—they let us put that money towards a welcome dinner for our guests the night before the wedding. It turned out to be one of the highlights of the weekend.”

And when minor hiccups arose, Kristell and Manuel learned the value of kindness and flexibility. “Be nice to the staff—they can make or break you on such a stressful day,” the bride advises. “Our wedding planner, Adriana Hiromoto, was a lifesaver. She even rescued my cell phone when I left it in a taxi!”

Advice for Future Couples

Looking back, Kristell and Manuel have plenty of advice for couples planning their own destination weddings. “Start planning early and do your research,” they suggest. “Understand the logistics, legal requirements, and cultural norms of the location.”

As far as the money is concerned, the couple brought some wisdom saying, “You will inevitably blow your budget so aim low. We made the conscious choice to not go into debt and that required a lot of sacrifice.”

“Remember that you’re on the same team,” Manuel added. “Wedding planning is your first big project as a couple, and it’s going to be challenging. But if you keep your goals in mind and work together, it’ll be worth it.”

And one final tip? “Write a thank you speech ahead of time!” Kristell says. “With everything going on, we forgot to mention a few important people. But that’s okay—our guests knew how much they meant to us.”

The couple’s wedding panned out to be more than just a celebration, but a reflection of their love, culture, and the life they are building together. As the sun set over the shores of Playa Del Carmen, and mariachi music led the party into the night, Kristell and Manuel enjoyed the fruits of their careful planning.

Vendors: Photographer: Parada Studio; Wedding Planner: Adriana Hiromoto; Venue: Villa La Joya; Florist: Cherry Blossom; Stationery: Truly Engaging; Cake: Lali Pasteles; Hair & Makeup: Sara Tamargo; Gown Designer: Jenny Yoo; Groom’s Clothing Designer: The Black Tux; Cocktails: BeYou Cocktail Services; Catering: Gourmet Soberanis; Rentals: EW Furniture; Churro Bar: Los Pockets