Mandy and Mason adore traveling together, and their hearts beat for Cartagena, their most cherished city in the world. It was the dream spot where they tied the knot, surrounded by its vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and undeniable romance. When planning their wedding, they aimed to infuse it with authentic Colombian traditions while adding their unique touch. With a romantic vibe, breathtaking flowers, and rich colors, their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales wedding was a celebration where love truly flourished in every detail.

In the heart of the Old City, the couple exchanged vows in the renowned 16th-century church, setting the stage for a magical ceremony. They transformed the historic venue into a fairytale setting, adorning the aisle and altar with abundant flowers. The enchantment continued into their courtyard reception, where a stunning display of white and red blooms adorned elegant tables illuminated by flickering candles. Under a canopy of twinkling fairy lights, they savored delicious food, danced, and celebrated their love long into the night.

The Stewarts Roam did a fantastic job capturing every detail of the pair’s special day. It’s a magical event you won’t want to miss seeing!

The Couple:

Mandy and Mason

The Wedding:

Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

The Power of Personal Vows in Their Ceremony

It was really important to Mason that we write and say our own vows during the ceremony. Writing them was much harder than I expected because there was so much I wanted to say. Ultimately, I pretended it was just the two of us there and spoke from the heart. We both had a difficult time holding back tears during our vows.

Blending Cultures and Traditions at Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding

I have always had a deep passion for traveling, and now Mason and I have crossed many countries off our bucket list. We knew we wanted to plan a destination wedding weekend with multiple events to ensure we could spend plenty of time with each of our guests. Our favorite city in the world is Cartagena, and we knew it was the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and romance for our wedding. We planned a rooftop welcome party at Movich Hotel and a private island beach party at Blue Apple Beach Club, in addition to the wedding day. While designing the wedding, we wanted to incorporate some authentic Colombian traditions while also bringing our own flare. The ceremony and reception venues themselves offer stunning architecture, and we opted to design the aesthetic to highlight the natural beauty of the spaces.

Navigating Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding Mishaps with Grace

We tried to keep our planning fun. At the end of the day, this event is about celebrating your love and commitment to one another. Though it can be stressful, we tried to use it as an excuse to have a planning “date night” together. One valuable piece of advice I received and would happily pass on is this: things might not always go as planned, and that’s perfectly fine. Hardly anyone even notices! For instance, our welcome bags were supposed to be shipped from the States but never arrived. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, we had our weekend itinerary cards handed out as guests entered the welcome party. To our surprise, many attendees approached us to express how delightful it was, completely unaware that there should have been welcome bags in the first place! Ultimately, because I wasn’t fixated on achieving absolute perfection, I found it easier to shrug off minor mishaps and enjoy the occasion to the fullest.

Celebrating the Bride’s Grandmother’s Presence as Their Flower Girl

We were so proud of my 85-year-old grandmother for traveling to Colombia and being our “flower girl.” We have an extraordinarily close relationship, and it meant the world to me to have her as a part of our day. She was an absolute rockstar.

Elevating Their Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales Wedding Experience With a Midnight Surprise

We surprised our guests with a Colombian tradition called “Hora Loca” (Crazy Hour). At midnight, there were suddenly costumed performers, feathered dancers, lights, and wild entertainment. It got everyone energized, and the dance floor was packed.

Congratulations to Mandy and Mason for their magical Casa de Don Andrés de Madariaga y Morales wedding. Huge thanks to The Stewarts Roam for perfectly capturing the magic and beauty of their unforgettable day.

A reliable wedding planner and a great team of vendors are essential for handling challenges and low stress levels. If you’re just beginning your journey of planning a destination wedding, look at our guide. It’s the secret to having an excellent “I do” experience!