The Mosquera Swain-Laks Wedding

A note from the Bride: My whole life I knew I wanted to get married in Cartagena. I grew up in Bogota, Colombia where we would often head to the coast for better weather. I instantly fell in love with the vibrant colors and energy that Cartagena had to offer. When Brian and I got engaged I suggested it to him and he agreed there was no other place. We had just spent New Years there and he fell in love with the city and the islands instantly.  We wanted everyone to feel like they were on vacation and wanted to also hold events at all our favorite places in Cartagena, and we did just that. By the end of the week of festivities it was so wonderful seeing all our friends and family so close and forming lifelong bonds. I will never forget the many nights dancing till the sun came out with our closest family and friends! My advice would be to enjoy your wedding week! Whether you are getting married near home or at a special destination, try and have everything done before you start your week. I loved being able to enjoy my friends and family who had flown from all over the world, being able to let go and just letting everything unfold. My other advice for traveling brides would be to book an extra seat for your dress! You don’t want to have to worry about whether there will be a place to hang it, or if there's enough overhead space! My favorite moment was during our speeches. We were surprised by two firework shows. After planning every detail of the week it was nice to be surprised myself, and it was such a fun treat for our guests!

something old: My cartier love bracelet I have had since I was 16 from my mother.

something new: My Manolo Blahnik wedding shoes.

something borrowed: My grandmother's rosary that was wrapped around my bridal bouquet.

something blue: Our wedding color French blue, which was interwoven across many different elements like the wedding party, my bridal earrings, and our Happy Menocal Suite.

pre- wedding workout: Soul Cycle

welcome party: Johanna Ortiz Dress, Red prada heels, blue Ippolita earrings.

island day: Caroline Constas Dress, Rebecca de Ravenel earrings and Tabitha Simmons sandals.

rehearsal dinner: Martha Meideros Dress, Rebecca de Ravenel earrings and red Gianvito Rossi heels.

afterparty: Isolda and Magnetic Midnight headpiece.

bouquet: Lush green bouquet featuring a variety of local ferns, foliage and textures.