A Moroccan villa, lush jungle vibes, and timeless elegance made this Tulum destination wedding an unforgettable celebration.

When Emily and Jose met at college in west Texas in 2018, they had no idea that morning gym sessions would lead to forever. Jose, a soccer player at the school, first noticed Emily when she would come in with her friend. “After seeing me at the gym, he followed me on Instagram, and we’ve been together ever since,” Emily shares. They knew they were meant to be because of how naturally they clicked and how perfectly they complemented each other. Five years later, Jose proposed on a sunny Miami beach.

Emily knew early on that she wanted a destination wedding—but not a typical beach resort event. “I wanted more of a jungle, earthy vibe,” she explains. After researching cities and comparing prices, they landed on a wedding in Tulum, Mexico. “It was perfect because it wasn’t too far from Texas, and Jose’s family speaks Spanish.”

“I didn’t want the wedding to feel too beachy,” Emily shares. She envisioned a more earthy setting with timeless details. She took her time comparing venues and reached out to wedding planners to help with the logistics. “Since I wasn’t in Mexico to visit places in person, I knew I needed a local wedding planner to help me communicate and recommend vendors.” The couple hired a Junebug Vendor Pride Maya Weddings, who helped bring Emily’s Pinterest board to life. “They were amazing and really understood my vision.”

When it came to selecting vendors, Emily’s approach was thorough. “I would look at their social media accounts to see if their work fit the vibe I was going for,” she explains. For the photography, she focused on finding someone who captured natural, in-the-moment shots with editing that matched her style. After careful research, she found exactly what she was looking for in Junebug vendor Elegance Photographie. “I didn’t want anything too posed—I wanted our photos to feel real.”

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Pride Maya Weddings

Elegance Photographie

To kick off their wedding weekend, Emily and Jose hosted a welcome party and rehearsal dinner. “Even though I didn’t want a beach wedding, I wanted our guests to experience the beach while they were there,” Emily explains. The open taco bar and relaxed atmosphere set the perfect tone for the celebration. During dinner, guests were treated to an incredible sight—baby sea turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. “It was such a special experience.”

Emily wanted her look to be timeless. “There are so many trends, but I didn’t want to look back at photos and regret my choices,” she explains. Her wedding dress was simple and elegant, while her reception dress added a touch of fun with its sparkly details. 

The bridesmaids wore pearl yellow dresses, perfect for a wedding in Tulum, that were both subtle and eye-catching against the greenery, and the groomsmen’s tan suits complemented the palette perfectly.

“I saved on my dress because I knew I’d only wear it once, and it would get dirty,” Emily shares. She also prioritized budgeting for photography, food, and flowers. “The photos and videos last forever, and the food really makes the guest experience. Flowers bring the entire design together.”

The couple chose a stunning Moroccan villa surrounded by lush greenery, creating a dreamlike setting for their special day. The ceremony space was set over a serene pool with water reflecting the surrounding tropical foliage. The villa’s white facade, with its arched windows and thatched roof, was adorned with all-white arrangements.

The path leading up to the ceremony was lined with loose petals and string lights The overall look of their wedding in Tulum was modern yet organic, perfectly blending elegance with the natural surroundings. “I liked that the venue was a blank canvas,” Emily says. “It didn’t feel boho, and the architecture—with all the archways and unique details—gave it character.”

Walking down the aisle was an unforgettable moment for Emily. “Seeing my future husband standing there while a Christian song played made it incredibly personal and emotional,” she recalls. The couple wrote their own vows, filling them with personal anecdotes and humor. “Jose added some funny parts that we still laugh about today,” she adds.

The reception took place in an open-air poolside terrace. The highlight of the decor was the checkered black-and-white dance floor, which shimmered beneath a canopy of mirrored disco balls and chandeliers. “It looked beautiful in the photos and added a fun touch to the night,” Emily shares.

The tables were simple yet elegant, with dark wood, cascading runners of baby’s breath, crystal goblets, and personalized ceramic place cards. “We didn’t go overboard with small details, but the ones we did choose felt meaningful and personal,” Emily says. She filled an entire suitcase with personalized items like drink stirrers and napkins featuring her dog’s face.

Emily and Jose ensured their reception felt like a true celebration. “It’s important to make a playlist that’s diverse enough for all age groups,” Emily advises. The couple’s DJ kept the dance floor packed all night. “The checkered floor and disco balls made everything feel so festive,” Emily adds.

When asked for advice, Emily emphasizes the importance of letting go. “Don’t stress about things you can’t control. Everything will work out on that day,” she says. She also encourages couples to stay true to their vision. “There will always be trends and opinions from others, but this day is for you. Do what makes you happy.”

For Emily and Jose, their wedding in Tulum wasn’t just a celebration—it was a way to bring everyone they loved on a memorable adventure. “Everyone felt like they were on vacation,” Emily reflects. “It was a beautiful way to gather our family and friends and celebrate our story.”