#realchicbride Margarita in Berta / Wedding in Cartagena
Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal?
Our journey began 12 years ago on a high school trip to San Andrés, Colombia. At the time I was completely unaware that we had just met the love of my life. We started dating back then, but as life often does, it led us in different directions for college. Years passed, and fate intervened when we reunited in New York eight years ago. This time, it was different. We had grown, we had changed, but our connection had only deepened.
The proposal was magical. It happened on a private beach in Miami, a place that has always felt like home away from home for me. I love being close to the ocean, so having such an intimate moment by the water made it even more special. Just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, he surprised me with a beautiful dinner where my closest family members, who had flown in from Colombia, were waiting to celebrate with us. It was perfect, emotional, and filled with so much love.
When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision?
At the start, I had always dreamed of an oceanfront wedding, something outdoors, with the sea breeze and sunset as our backdrop. But I knew that getting married in my hometown of Cartagena meant embracing the warm Caribbean climate, so we pivoted. Instead of a fully outdoor wedding, we created a perfect balance of an elegant open-air dinner followed by an indoor party.
Looking back, the final result was entirely different from my original vision, but it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. When we found the Teatro Heredia, a stunning colonial-era theater in the heart of Cartagena’s historic district, everything fell into place. The venue embodied the soul of the city; charm, history, and grandeur. It had the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor elements, and as we crafted every detail, it became the wedding of our dreams.
What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding?
For us, the food was a top priority! We are both food lovers, so we made sure that there were options for every guest at every stage of the night. From the welcome cocktails to the late-night bites, we wanted it to be an experience that people would talk about for years.
Music was another non-negotiable. We had live music in both areas, our favorite DJ, and a carefully curated playlist featuring a couple of must-play songs that were special to us. Every beat, every note, and every dance move was intentional, making the celebration feel uniquely ours.
How did you decide on the location?
Cartagena is where we were both born and raised, so there was never a question about where we would get married, it had to be home. When it came to venues, Teatro Heredia checked every box. It was grand yet intimate, historic yet vibrant, and conveniently close to the church where we would say our vows. The moment we saw it, we knew it was the one.
Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets!
Some things in life are simply meant to be, and my wedding dress was one of them. For months, I kept seeing this stunning gown on social media, and every time, I felt an instant connection. The dress was a Berta Bridal masterpiece, the perfect blend of elegance and timeless beauty. It had everything I wanted: delicate lace, touches of pearls, and the most breathtaking silhouette that perfectly blended modern sophistication with classic romance.
When I walked into Chic Parisien, I already had this dress in mind, but the moment I tried it on, I knew this was the one. They also helped me make all the alterations I wanted which made it even more unique to my body and style.
I did try other dresses but I could not stop thinking about the Berta one. It was as if this gown had been waiting for me all along. Everything about it felt right, and when I saw myself in the mirror, I could already envision walking down the aisle in it. It was love at first sight, just like my love story.
How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day?
My mom was the true mastermind behind it all, she knew every vendor in the city and guided me through every step of the planning process. My two cousins, who are like my sisters, were also a huge part of the journey, helping with details big and small.
On the wedding day, my closest friends got ready with me, filling the morning with laughter, happy tears, and memories that I’ll cherish forever. The energy, the love, and the pure joy of having them by my side made the day even more meaningful.
What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget.
One of the most unforgettable moments was our “crazy hour” (hora loca), which we took to a whole new level with a Star Wars theme! My three older brothers played a huge role in making it a standout moment, adding their own special touch that made it even more fun and sentimental. It was wild, unexpected, and truly one-of-a-kind, just the way we wanted it!
How did you decide on your hair and makeup look?
For hair and makeup, I wanted something timeless, classic, elegant, and effortlessly beautiful. Given Cartagena’s humidity and ocean breeze, a sleek bun was the best choice, and my makeup was kept fresh and natural to complement the Caribbean glow. It was simple but perfect for the occasion.
Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about?
Our wedding planner, Mary Cueter, was a lifesaver. She is simply the best in Cartagena, her attention to detail, her vision, and her ability to bring every dream to life was unmatched. She did walk-throughs, created renders, and ensured that every single element was executed to perfection. I would recommend her a thousand times over.
Another standout vendor was Nova Productions. They transformed our venue into something straight out of a dream, constructing breathtaking scenery that made the entire night feel magical. Every vision I had, they brought to life in ways I couldn’t have even imagined.
Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part?
We haven’t gone on our honeymoon yet, but we have big plans! Japan and the Maldives are at the top of our list, but since we are both currently pursuing our MBAs, we decided to wait until after graduation to make it happen. The anticipation only makes it more exciting, and we can’t wait for this next adventure together!