PA'UE Beach Lounge

Island Party

Muelle de la Bodeguita : Dock Door #4

Meet at the Docks

Lunch Provided at PA'UE

Head back to Cartagena

Santuario de San Pedro Claver

Ceremony Rehersal

Hotel Santa Catalina

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Church Ceremony

Museo Naval del Caribe

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

We first met in college, but our story didn't begin then. I met Daniel several times and even attended one of his birthday parties accidentally. It's crazy to think of how many times we were so close to meeting the love of our lives and had no idea. Our story truly began in the Spring of 2021. At our first date, he told me that he just got all of the tires of his car stolen, but he was able to come thanks to his friend letting him borrow his car. The second I heard that I was immediately impressed with this guy's determination to go on a date with me. After that day, we were inseparable. Living life together has been an adventure. Not only have we traveled across the country and had so many life-changing experiences together, but we have both individually accomplished so much. By constantly supporting one another, we have accomplished all the goals we have set out to achieve. Daniel got his dream job and travels across the country to help sustain renewable energy generation, and I will be graduating in May of 2023 with my Masters in Biology, intending to become a physician. We constantly push ourselves to be our best selves mentally, physically, and spiritually. By doing this, we have created a foundation of love that is unbelievably supportive, appreciative, and perfect. Saying yes to marrying each other was the easiest decision we've ever made.

Van + Dan 

Our Story

Photos

Jessica Sandoval

Dylan Sled

Reagan Baker

Aaron Anderson

Daniella Pratel

Sebastian Gomez

Logan Wren

Juan Carlos Deshon

Alexandra Barrientos 

Pedro Saiz

Hannah Sled

Harrison Nguyen

Brenda Deshon

Stetson Rhodes

Paula Dominguez 

Sebastian Delgado

Wedding Party

Video Tour of Cartagena

<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/video/travel/100000003104318/36-hours-in-cartagena.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nytimes.com/video/travel/100000003104318/36-hours-in-cartagena.html</a>

About Cartagena

About Your Stay in Cartagena

About the Wedding

Q + A

Here are a couple of recommended hotel options to help you plan your trip to Cartagena! We have included one group rate option and 4 others that you could book yourself. However, you are more than welcome to stay wherever you would like! Please let us know if you have any questions at all.

Group Hotel Booking Option

This is the hotel that the bride &amp; groom will be staying in. It is located in the Walled City and is within walking distance of the venue. If you have booked via our group contract, here is a link with instructions for payment: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rr6HtFOc0u1-GMBdN-4kNnOJfch61UDeF-59f-aRJIc/edit?usp=sharing

Santa Catalina Hotel

Additional Hotel Options

Here is another hotel option inside of the Walled City! Is within walking distance to the venue and has many things to do nearby. If you'd like to stay at this hotel, you will have to book yourself and use our promotional code. Please contact us for a group discount code.

Hotel Casa La Fe

This is an affordable hotel option located inside of the Walled City! We recommend using Booking.com.

Hotel Boutique las Carretas

Here is one of the largest hotels in Cartagena! It's located outside of the Walled City, but it is a quick 5-10min taxi ride to the venue. They have more family-friendly rooms, multiple pools, located on the beach, kid-friendly activities, and shuttle services that will take you to the Walled City. Please contact us for a group discount code.

Hotel Caribe By Faranda Grand, A Member of Radisson Individuals

This hotel is located outside the Walled City, but is a quick 5-10min taxi ride to the venue! It is also located by the beach!! If you'd like to stay at this hotel, you will have to book yourself and use our promotional code. Please contact us for a group discount code.

Hotel Blue Concept

Hotels

What to Bring

Your Passport!!! You will need this to travel internationally and also as identification once you are in Colombia.

CASH!! Credit card is accepted most places, but having cash will be helpful as well!Colombian Pesos would be preferred. You can ask your bank to send you Colombian Pesos (COP) or just bring some of their own currency and change it into pesos little by little once you arrive in Cartagena at the airport or ATMs around the city.US dollars aren't accepted officially, but there are such run-on dollars at the moment that many shopkeepers would be glad to take them.You will need cash to pay for taxis, tips, street vendors, or paying for drinks on the Island Excursion.

Handheld fans!! It is hot and humid in Cartagena, so bringing this will help you adjust to the climate.

Lightweight clothes!! Ladies should pack short dresses, shorts, sandals, etc to wear while exploring the city. Guys should pack shorts &amp; short-sleeved shirts. Also make sure to bring a bathing suit if you are planning to come to the island excursion, have another beach day planned, or just want to hang out at your hotel pool!

Walking shoes!! The city is very walkable, so you should bring shoes you wouldn't mind walking all day in while exploring the city.

Your Wedding Outfit!! The attire is formal/black-tie optional. Ladies can wear floor-length dresses and guys can wear a suit and tie.

What to Download

Google Translate!! It will help with communicating with vendors &amp; even has the ability to translate signs/menus if you allow camera access.

Whatsapp!! It will help to communicate with one another &amp; make phone calls internationally.

Google Maps!! Apple maps, etc does not work in Cartagena, so this app will help you navigate the city.

The Virtual Wedding Invitation!! Having this downloaded on your phone will help you know when and where the wedding events will be.

What to Expect

ARRIVAL &amp; DEPARTURE FORMALITIES. According to Colombian Immigration regulations, every foreign passenger entering the country must have a valid passport.&nbsp;Tourists can stay in the country for up to 90 days at most. Upon landing in Colombia, you will be asked for the reason for your stay ("attending a wedding") and for how long.

MIGRATION CHECK TOOL. Passengers can register all about their trip, 48 hours before the flight, in the Check-Mig tool to accelerate the migration control process, making the waiting time in the control filters much shorter. <a href="https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en </a>The website will ask for your passport information, flight number, how long your stay will be, and where you will be staying. Once you have completed the form, take a screenshot of your confirmation and have it ready while traveling.

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT. As soon as you land at CTG airport, you can take a taxi / order an uber to take you to your hotel! The Walled City is about a 20 min ride from the airport. HAVE YOUR ADDRESS READY, and a taxi can take you to your hotel for around $10 USD cash. Make sure to bring cash for this! You can also talk to your hotel to pre-book transportation or book online via Viator. You can also ask your hotel to call a taxi for you once you check-out and need to head back to the airport at the end of your trip.

Of note, the CTG airport is definitely a little warm. During your travel day, we would recommend wearing layers so that way you can be in a more lightweight outfit once you arrive!

TRANSPORTATION DURING YOUR STAY. If you are staying inside the walled city, everything will be within walking distance! You will likely not be taking a taxi during your stay, besides to and from the airport.

STREET VENDORS. The streets of Cartagena are full of street vendors. While they can be helpful at times, please make sure to be careful and always ask for the price before accepting any kind of product or service! If someone you are not familiar with is trying to speak to you, they are most likely trying to sell you something. If you are not interested, say "no gracias." There are also lots of street performers and Palenqueras (women with colorful dresses that balance bowls of fruit on their heads) walking around offering to perform, take pictures, etc. Be aware that they will request payment, so do not accept their services unless you are willing to pay! Of note, street vendors usually take cash only, so it would be helpful to have some cash in hand!

COLOMBIAN CURRENCY. Colombia's currency is the Colombian Peso. You will find bills of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 pesos.The exchange rate is 1&nbsp;Colombian Peso&nbsp;equals0.00025&nbsp;United States Dollar. Essentially, you can divide any price given in COP and divide by 4,000 to get the approximate price in USD.

Of note, if you pay with a credit card, vendors often ask how many "cuentas" or counts you would like to be charged for. Essentially, you have the option to split your charge into multiple payments. However, to avoid confusion, we recommend that you always tell vendors just "1 cuenta."

BEACHES. While Cartagena is on the coast, there are no beaches directly in the walled city area. The nearest beach is in Bocagrande, which is a 5-10 min taxi ride! However, there are also much nicer beaches on the nearby islands. You can book a day pass, rent a boat ride, etc. If interested, check out our "Things to do" section on our website.

WE CANNOT WAIT TO CELEBRATE OUR WEDDING WEEKEND WITH YOU IN CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA!!

Travel Tips

Optional Island Excursion Saturday, November 23rd 2024

PA'UE Beach Lounge | Isla Grande - Islas del Rosario

Join us for an optional excursion to PA'UE, a beach lounge in the Rosario Islands! For a price of $100 per adult or $60 per child, you will get to experience an all-day trip to the nearby islands of Cartagena. The trip includes a private boat ride, lunch, activities in the beach lounge, and more!

Payment Schedule

1st 50% payment is due AUGUST 10, 20242nd 50% payment is due NOVEMBER 10, 2024 Please Zelle Vanessa at 346-579-8344 or venmo @Dannyphantom_3 your respective amount due. Please let us know if you have any questions.

What to Bring to the Excursion

Please come wearing your bathing suit with a cover-up. Please bring sunscreen and towel. Bring credit card/cash in case you would like to make additional purchases!

The Sign-up Form is Now Closed

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instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pauecartagena?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/pauecartagena?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==</a>

Island Party 

Explore the Historic Center of Cartagena! This is the area where the wedding is, so we will all be located here. You can walk around or even rent a horse-drawn carriage around town to observe the colorful colonial architecture, flowers, artists, and people selling trinkets on the streets. Be sure to check out the Torre del Reloj, the historically important Plaza Aduana, the colorful Plaza Santo Domingo with its Botero statue, and the leafy green Plaza Bolivar that is filled with dancers and performers.

Centro de Cartagena, Bolívar

Visit Castillo De San Felipe! This is one of the most incredible fortresses ever built by the Spanish colonies and is an important landmark of Cartagena. You can stroll through the tunnels and make your way along the fort's walls and battlements when you visit!

Castle San Felipe de Barajas

Go shopping at La Serrezuela! This old circus theater is located inside the Walled City and is reborn as an iconic cultural, entertainment, commercial, and gastronomic center. This commercial space offers a unique experience to its visitors where they will not only find commercial premises, but also events and exhibitions in which the Caribbean culture will prevail.

La Serrezuela Mall

Visit Islas Del Rosario! These are 27 islands located in the crystal clear Caribbean water, just off the coast of the city. They are filled with coral reefs, and you can spend a day here boating, swimming, or snorkeling. There are also islands known for their festive, party atmosphere, like Bora Bora Beach Club. There are 3 main ways to do the Rosario Islands. They are (1) Rent a Private Boat or shared boat and See the Rosario Islands for a day and stay in Cartagena. (2) Do a Day Pass at One of the Rosario Islands Hotels and stay in Cartagena. (3) Spend the Night at one of the Hotels in the Rosario Islands.&nbsp;For more info on your trip here, use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/rosario-islands-cartagena-colombia-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>.

Islas del rosario

Visit Baru! You can take a boat to the most popular white sand beach around Cartagena. From fancy hotels to hostels, there is a range of accommodations available here for anyone who would like to vacation at this tropical paradise after the wedding!

Baru Playa Blanca

Visit Bocagrande Beaches! This is the longest and most accessible beach in the city. It is a great place to relax and soak in some sun! There are also plenty of restaurants where you can rent beach chairs or grab a bite.

Bocagrande Cartagena

Visit the Mud Volcano! El Totumo is a small volcano containing thick bubbling mud that you can bathe in. It is located just outside of Cartagena! The mud is known to have healing properties, so you can float in the mud or get a quick massage. At the end of your skin-soothing mud bath, there are local women who will scrub you down in the lake. Just remember to tip!

El Totumo, Mud Volcano in Colombia

Get Sunset Drinks at Cafe del Mar! This restaurant is one of the most popular in the city for its rooftop location. There's a huge Colombian flag on the patio, so photo ops here are hard to beat! There's usually a breeze and live music to enjoy after a hot day in Cartagena. The prices here are higher than most in the city, but it is definitely a great experience!

Cafe del mar

Hit the Salsa Bars!!! The best nighttime activity in Cartagena is dancing in the old city. Cafe Havana is a crowded bar with live Cuban salsa music. Donde Fidel is another location with a great sound system and is set right in front of the picturesque clock tower of the walled city. Check out Quiebracanto for incredible music and views of the plaza below. If you need lessons, head over to Crazy Salsa!

Café Havana

Try Exotic Fruits with Palenqueras! In Colombia, you will find lots of interesting fruits that you won't find at home, such as lulo, maracuya, and granadilla. Palenqueras are iconic women that wear traditional colorful Caribbean dresses and have the ability to balance heavy bowls of fruit on their heads. You can buy some of their delicious fruits, or snap a picture with them (Make sure to ask them how much they charge). You can also buy some fruit from streetside vendors!

Las Palenqueras & Exotic Fruits

Try out Cartagena's street food! Whether it is on your own or on a guided tour, you can sample Cartagena's delicious street food that is found in the plazas, carts, alleyways, and shops! You can try exotic fruits, arepas, empanadas, queso costeño, frozen treats, and coffee. The arepas filled with eggs are to die for!

Street Food Tour

See the Street Art in Getsemani! Just outside the walls of Cartagena's Old City lies this neighborhood rich in art. Each block has unique street art with important meanings. This area is all about life on the street! During the day, it's beautiful and vibrant, but the nighttime here is alive! You will hear "champeta" music being played all around and see many street performers.

Getsemaní

Visit Convento de la Popa! This hill is the highest point in the city, so the views are unbeatable. Take a cab up the winding road to see this convent that was initially founded in 1607 and fortified two centuries later. You'll get the best views of Cartagena from here, and you can enter a chapel filled with roses. You'll also observe the statue of a priest who was murdered for trying to spread the Gospel.

Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa

Go Shopping!! Cartagena is filled with tons of shopping all throughout the town. Las Bovedas has little shops built into the walls of the city with alcoves and columns all around. They house everything touristy, from cheap trinkets to clothing, original artwork, etc.

Las Bóvedas

Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling! Since Cartagena is located directly on the Caribbean Sea, you'll have plenty of options for exploring the clear, blue waters. If you want to snorkel, head to the Rosario Islands and find its San Bernardo Reef is about an hour away by boat. There are also coral points and shipwrecks that you can scuba dive on just off the coast. You'll find colorful schools of fish, lobsters, and moray eels in addition to healthy corals. "Diving Planet" and "Cartagena Divers" can arrange your snorkeling or diving trips!

Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

Visit the Emerald Museum! Colombia is known for its emeralds, and in Cartagena you'll find a museum dedicated to the precious gemstone. The museum is free, and it ends in a jewelry store specializing in emeralds!

Museo De La Esmeralda Colombiana

Things to Do

If you would like to continue vacationing in Colombia after the wedding, here are some travel tips!

In Colombia.. 

Stay in Cartagena!

If you're looking to vacation after the wedding, you can always stay in Cartagena longer!! You can venture out and try out a different hotel and explore areas that you didn't get to see during the wedding weekend. You can stay in Bocagrande at a resort on the beach, explore Getsemani, visit the Rosario Islands for a day, try out some popular restaurants and bars, and so much more! You can use the "Things To Do" tab or <a href="https://www.bontraveler.com/cartagena-travel-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this travel guide </a>to plan your trip!

Islas Del Rosario

The Rosario Islands are an island chain roughly an hour boat ride off the coast of Cartagena. The waters here are really pretty and the entire area is actually a national park. There are 3 main ways to do the Rosario Islands. They are (1) Rent a Private Boat or shared boat and See the Rosario Islands for a day and stay in Cartagena. (2) Do a Day Pass at One of the Rosario Islands Hotels and stay in Cartagena. (3) Spend the Night at one of the Hotels in the Rosario Islands. <a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/co/islabela.xu.html?aid=2304869&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;label=ros-islands-general-islabela" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IslaBela</a>&nbsp;is a popular hotel in the islands for the best value for an overnight stay in the Rosario Islands. You can see some photos and learn a bit more about all hotel options on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/best-rosario-island-hotels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best hotels in the Rosario Islands</a>. For more info on your trip here, use <a href="https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/rosario-islands-cartagena-colombia-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>.

San Andres 

The journey from San Andrés Island to Cartagena is a quick 1hr and 25min flight! This is a world-class scuba diving destination with crystal-clear waters. The island offers a unique culture as a mix of Colombian, Jamaican, and Nicaraguan people live there. Since this is a Colombian island, the flights there from Cartagena will be cheap! Use this <a href="https://destinationlesstravel.com/san-andres-island-colombia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">travel guide</a> for more information about your potential stay here.

Santa Marta 

Santa Marta is a more adventurous travel option that is relatively close to Cartagena! It is known as the Lost City of Colombia and is rich in history. Santa Marta is known as&nbsp;the gateway to Minca, the Lost City Trek, beautiful beaches, Tayrona National Park, and Costeno Beach. In order to get here, you will have to either obtain a taxi (~$100) or catch a bus (~$15 per person) for a 3hr ride. For more travel tips to Santa Marta, use <a href="https://www.tomplanmytrip.com/travel-to-colombia/destinations-in-colombia/caribbean-east/practical-travel-guide-santa-marta/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this guide</a>.

Bogota

Traveling to the country's capital is a 1.5 hr flight away! Bogota offers an interesting mix of historic and modern attractions. There are fascinating museums and historic centers, while also offering modern attractions, restaurants, bars, and shopping. Monserrate is Bogota's mountain with a hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views of the city, restaurants, and a mini bazaar at the top. For tips for traveling to Bogota, use <a href="https://www.myglobalviewpoint.com/bogota-colombia-travel-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>!

Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva is a town just outside of Bogota! This town is known for its cobblestoned plaza and colonial architecture. Wandering the streets will make you feel like you are traveling back in time! It was named one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia by CNN. To get here, you will have to fly to Bogota and get either private transportation from Bogota or take a bus. For tips for traveling here, use <a href="https://www.cartagenaexplorer.com/villa-de-leyva-colombia-travel-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>!

Eje Cafetero

Travel to Colombia's Coffee Region! This area is an amazing representation of Colombia with its beautiful, natural scenery, colorful towns, and infinite coffee. Here, you have many options for hiking and adventure, family-friendly excursions and amusement parks, and relaxing with mountain views. <a href="https://www.nomadichustle.com/eje-cafetero-colombia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Eje Cafetero</a> is located in the Colombian department of Quindio and is made up of cities like Manizales, Pereira, Armenia, Salento, and Filandia. To get here, you'll have to take a 1.5 hr flight to Periera and find transportation to your city of choice. Depending on your preference, you can find accommodation in any of those cities. <a href="https://www.backroadpackers.com/post/ultimate-adventure-guide-to-salento-colombia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salento</a> and Filandia are small, cute towns, but Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia are bigger cities with more accommodations. There are also many "fincas" in this area, so you can look at Airbnb for large groups. Remember that the US dollar goes a long way here, so your stay, transportation, and excursions will be very budget friendly!! In this area, you can visit coffee farms, venture to the famous <a href="https://colombia.travel/en/armenia/visit-cocora-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cocora Valley,</a> visit <a href="https://worldlyadventurer.com/los-nevados-national-park-colombia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Los Nevados National Park</a>, and chase waterfalls at the <a href="https://www.backroadpackers.com/post/santa-rita-waterfall-adventure-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Santa Rita Waterfall</a>! There are also amusement parks like <a href="https://parquedelcafe.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parque Del Cafe </a>and <a href="https://panaca.co/es-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Panaca</a> for the kids to enjoy! Linked are <a href="https://remote-expeditions.com/eje-cafetero-travel-guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">helpful guide</a>s to plan your trip here, but since we are more familiar with this area, feel free to contact us directly for advice!!

Medellin

Medellin is the most popular city in Colombia and is a 1hr flight from Cartagena! It has great weather all year long, has scenic views, and is a fast-growing city. It has enough activities to keep you busy for the week! There are museums, walking tours, parks, street art, and fun nightlife. You can visit the famous Botero sculptures, ride the cable car to Parque Arvi, visit botanical gardens, take <a href="https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/day-trip-medellin-guatape-piedra-del-penol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a day trip to Guatape</a>, tour a coffee farm, and so much more. Here is a <a href="https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/traveling-medellin-colombia-things-to-do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">helpful guide</a> to plan your trip!

Cali

Visit Cali, the city of salsa!! It's a quick 1.5 hr flight from Cartgagena and offers a variety of activities. The Salsa here is unbeatable, has amazing restaurants, and is overall a party city. There are also fun excursion destinations like the waterfalls of Pance, the famous pilgrimage site at Buga, and Lake Calima offers windsurfing and sailing excursions. Here is a <a href="https://www.kayak.com/Cali.11092.guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">helpful guide</a> for planning your trip!

Vanessa & Daniel

Vanessa & Daniel

Registry