Some love stories are so extraordinary that they deserve a lifetime of celebration. Sharon and Tony Pagoria, cherished members of the UVCI family, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal ceremony at Villa del Palmar Flamingos. This golden milestone was an unforgettable experience for them, filled with love and cherished memories. Below, Sharon and Tony share their heartfelt account of this celebration.
Sharon & Tony’s Recap
Fifty years. It’s hard to believe, but that’s how long we’ve been married. On June 6, 2025, we celebrated a milestone that still fills our hearts with joy and gratitude — our 50th wedding anniversary. And where else could we possibly mark such an unforgettable occasion but at our second home, Villa del Palmar Flamingos?
Our love story started on June 6, 1975, in a small town in Illinois. It was an intimate and beautiful celebration, surrounded by family and friends. Over the years, our family grew to include four amazing children, and no matter what life threw our way, we always faced it together. But after years of hard work, we dreamed of venturing somewhere tropical, somewhere warm and welcoming — and that’s when we discovered Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Over twenty-five years ago, we visited Puerto Vallarta for the first time and instantly fell in love with the area. The stunning beaches, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture captured our hearts in a way we hadn’t experienced before. That initial trip was so special to us, filled with unforgettable moments and new discoveries, that we decided to become members during our very first visit. It was the beginning of a journey that has brought us countless memories and a deep connection to this incredible place.
During our next visit, we had the opportunity to visit Villa del Palmar Flamingos while much of it was still under construction. Even in its unfinished state, the resort’s potential was clear, with its beautiful beachfront location and promising amenities. During this visit, we saw a partially completed pool area and a turtle tank where baby turtles were being rescued and cared for. We were eager to return and fully experience this resort once it was completed and fully operational.
Becoming members was the start of an incredible adventure that kept drawing us back year after year. Over time, Villa del Palmar Flamingos evolved from a vacation destination into something much deeper—it became our second home. The staff turned into family, and the friendships we made have stood the test of time, lasting far longer than we ever imagined. Over the years, we’ve upgraded and are now proud elite members, further deepening our connection to this amazing place. Each visit to Villa del Palmar Flamingos for us feels like coming back to a family reunion, filled with familiar faces and cherished memories. What began as a getaway has grown into a lifelong connection to a place—and the people—that hold a special place in our hearts.
Starting the Planning Process
When we started thinking about our 50th wedding anniversary, there was no doubt in our minds where we wanted to celebrate. Villa del Palmar Flamingos, with its breathtaking views and caring team, was the clear choice. The date, June 6, 2025, was set in stone — 50 years to the day of our wedding.
A Beachside Dream Come True
By the time we arrived at Villa del Palmar Flamingos, we could feel the magic in the air. The resort team welcomed us with a warm-hearted display that reminded us why we call this place home. We were originally told the vow renewal would need to be held in the garden — which is lovely — but to our surprise, the team managed to set everything up right on the beach, just as we’d hoped. Lounge chairs were relocated, tables and chairs were placed with care, and a huppah stood beautifully against the ocean backdrop. Brenda, Osiris, and the team sprinted around all day, ensuring every detail was perfect.
We brought candles and mementos from our original wedding, and they placed them around the ceremony area so thoughtfully. The team let us set up a beautiful table in the employee lounge, ensuring the cookies we bought for everyone were perfectly arranged. This gave us the opportunity to express our gratitude to the entire staff—not just those we interact with daily—and to share a moment of joy with the whole team.
A Celebration of Love and Friendship
The ceremony itself was beyond anything we could have envisioned. Our family and friends traveled from the U.S. to celebrate with us, and even some dear friends we’d made at Villa del Palmar Flamingos over the years joined the festivities. It was incredibly special to have everyone we love in one place. Our grandson, JJ, was our best man and Celene’s daughter, Luna, served as our maid of honor. We know Celene from the resort as she worked as a concierge at VDP some time ago. Watching JJ and Luna stand alongside us made our hearts swell with pride and love.
Cattleya Florist created the most gorgeous floral arrangements — they were even prettier than we’d dreamed. Sharon’s bouquet was a work of art! The food was out of this world, thanks to Gerardo, the food and beverage manager. The chocolate wedding cake was everything we wanted and more. From cocktails with live violin music by Luis Cortes Castro to dancing the night away with DJ Johnny, every moment was seamless and spectacular.
There were so many beautiful surprises. The Villa del Palmar Flamingos team even arranged a romantic dinner for just the two of us later in the week, complete with a private waiter and security guard. It felt like a fairy tale from start to finish.
A Thanks from Our Hearts
We could write a book about all the ways the team at Villa del Palmar Flamingos went above and beyond for us. Osiris, Brenda, Gerardo, the spa team, the bartenders, the waiters, and everyone else who played a role — you hold a special place in our hearts. To Roberto Gomez, the general manager, and so many others, your kindness, effort, and love made this the most magical experience of our lives.
To anyone considering celebrating a milestone at Villa del Palmar Flamingos, trust us when we say there’s no better place. You’ll find a team that genuinely cares, a setting that takes your breath away, and memories that will stay with you forever. And if you find yourself here in November, we will be here, and we’d love to show you our photos — we have plenty to share!
Fifty years, countless memories, and one unforgettable vow renewal. Villa del Palmar Flamingos, thank you for making our hearts so full. Here’s to the love, the joy, and the many more amazing moments to come!
Best regards,
Sharon & Tony Pagoria
