CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
WATTERS × WEDAWAYS
The city of Cartagena pops vibrantly with rich history. Color is everywhere and so are smiling people. These natural resources inspired us to dance and shoot and film!
Little Mariah veil by Toni Federici
We are along the ocean front old world wall in these photos. This first solo shot is such a stand out for me and I remember feeling like Juliana just blended right in and might float off and disappear into the ocean. Then the playful spirits of the Palenqueras added so much. I still hear the music and their voices when I look at these, and the memory warms me.
— VALORIE, PHOTOGRAPHER
Glass Slipper veil by Toni Federici
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Colombia transport you to another world and another time, really. I’ll say it a lot, but the history is everywhere you go with the ancient cobblestone streets and buildings- it’s like walking into a fairy tale.
— VALORIE, PHOTOGRAPHER
Fireworks veil by Toni Federici
We certainly drew inspiration from the local colors as well as the warm weather in Cartagena. For the makeup, we went with smokier warm tones that matched the interiors the hotel and the surrounding city walls. For hair, we leaned into the warm humid weather and pulled the hair up into ponytails or halo braids so that it would look fresh all day long.
— NICOLE, BEAUTY
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
First Kiss veil by Toni Federici
I have to hand it to the florist here because they really created a fairy tale and that was all their doing. This was perhaps the most classic look, with so many blush tones and greenery that never go out of style and which complimented the delicate, tulle gown perfectly.
— VALORIE, PHOTOGRAPHER
What makes Cartagena special and unique? The history and architecture, hands down. You feel it everywhere you go, and the Sofitel Legend Cartagena has preserved it beautifully in the structuring of their hotel.
— VALORIE, PHOTOGRAPHER
The Sofitel Legend Cartagena is filled with such a fabulous past, part of the property was once the home of a convent. Ancient crypts lie below! The breezeways were so lovely, arches looking down to an amazing garden courtyard where you can dine or just enjoy a the flora and fauna.
— MARIA, WATTERS TEAM
Aphrodite veil by Toni Federici
Candles are lit everywhere during ceremonies and receptions. Not all destinations allow real candle flame but here it is a must. The men are involved, too! There is a belt tradition where men remove their belts to see whose is the longest! Apparently it's the way to measure masculinity. We just measure appetite! It's all so charming!
— RENEE, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Flirty layers accentuated with tonal beading, Waverly is a gown that will take you down the aisle and onto the dance floor with a removeable bottom tier.
— XAY, WATTERS TEAM
Flora veil by Toni Federici
Go around the old city, take a photo/dance with the Palenqueras, try some authentic Colombian food, and take lots of siestas! :)
— DAX, VIDEOGRAPHER
Ireland veil by Toni Federici
Each collection takes on a life and voice of its own, inspiration blooming from the beauty of the world. Colombia was the perfect catalyst for vibrant, joyful designs.
— TONI, VEILS
Essence veil by Toni Federici
Cartagena is large, but it's also a village. There is the walled old-city and then the bigger city beyond. See both. Enjoy the culture. Take some time to appreciate the hand-made goods they produce. An art lost in so many other places in the world.
— RENEE, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Coquette veil by Toni Federici
This was at the Sofitel Legend which provided endless numbers of vignettes and backdrops. The tiers on this dress also have a bit of a flowered petal-like look, so ended up mirroring the the surrounding florals really well. And that cobblestone behind her against the sheer ivory veil! Swoon!
— VALORIE, PHOTOGRAPHER
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Renée Strauss & Pamela Goldman
@wedawaystravel
Wedaways is a travel agency focused on
luxury weddings & honeymoons with a
curated portfolio of the world's best
destinations and venues for celebrations.
luxury weddings & honeymoons with a
curated portfolio of the world's best
destinations and venues for celebrations.
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