Melissa
AND
Giancarlo
April 25, 2024
Cartagena, Colombia
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We're super excited to have you join us on this journey. Take a look around, and stay tuned for all the details as we get ready to celebrate our big day in beautiful Cartagena, Colombia!

Events

We can't wait to celebrate with you! Here's what we have planned.

Pre-wedding

Salsa Soiree

Date: April 24, 2024
Venue: TBD
Attire: Light colors, pastels, white, beige

Join us for an unforgettable welcome party as we set sail on a breathtaking catamaran cruise along the picturesque Cartagena coastline. As lovers of salsa dancing, we're excited to share the joy with you by offering a lively dance lesson on board, ensuring everyone is ready to tear up the dance floor at our wedding with the incredible Latin band we've arranged. More details to come :)

Wedding Day

Date: April 25, 2024
Venue: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Attire: Women- Bold, jewel tones, solid color, below the knee. Men- linen shirt, solid color, no suit, white shade pants

Ceremony

Time: 4:30 pm

Location: Third Floor Colonial Hall.


Cocktail Hour

Time: TBD

Location: Dreams Terrace


Reception

Time: TBD

Location: Santa Clara Ballroom

Things to Do

Check out these awesome restaurants and activities during your trip to Cartagena!

Restaurants

Cancha Cevicheria

A must-visit spot for those craving seafood, the ceviche is a standout favorite and an absolute must-try!

Stick around for the live music at 7 pm, and expect nothing but exceptional service. The attentive and efficient service ensures that your dining experience remains nothing short of exceptional.

Restaurante Candé

Experience the heart of Cartagena's culture at Restaurante Candé, where delicious food intertwines with music and traditional Colombian dances. Enjoy live shows at both lunch and dinner, savor local desserts, and make reservations for a memorable and authentic Cartagena experience.

La Cocina de Pepina

A fantastic place to savor authentic Costeño cuisine, brimming with local flavors and charm. The menu is thoughtfully presented on a blackboard in the main dining room, offering reasonably priced dishes that provide an authentic Colombian dining experience.

UMA Cantina Peruana

Experience a delightful fusion of Peruvian and Spanish cuisines at Uma Cantina Peruana with dishes like lomo saltado, octopus, and ceviche. Enjoy a Pisco sour and live music in the evenings, while appreciating the attentive staff and lovely decor for a complete experience.

Bars

Cafe del Mar

Café del Mar, a historic outdoor terrace in Cartagena de Indias, perched on the city walls, offers stunning sunset views over the Caribbean Sea and Cartagena skyline. Open year-round, it serves a diverse menu of tropical drinks and Caribbean dishes, accompanied by live music and cultural entertainment. Due to its popularity, arriving early or making reservations is recommended, especially during sunset hours.

Mirador Gastro Bar

Nestled in Old Town Cartagena, this multi-level venue offers a delightful culinary and beverage experience with captivating 360° views, including the iconic clock tower. Enjoy a diverse menu of seafood, meats, pasta, and burgers along with crafted cocktails, mocktails, and a wide selection of beverages. The Mirador Gastro Bar's lively lounge atmosphere makes it perfect for coffee, brunch, or unforgettable evenings with live music and DJs during stunning sunsets.

ALQUÍMICO

In the heart of Cartagena's Old Town, Alquímico is housed in a historic mansion featuring three distinct levels. Art Deco elements, vintage accents, and ornate details lend grandeur to the space. Each floor boasts a unique and creative cocktail menu, making Alquímico a must-visit for an unforgettable mixology experience.

Calle Dragones

Get ready to be transported straight to the 1950s Havana. This charming joint is perched on top of the famous salsa club La Habana in Cartagena’s buzzing night district, Gesemani. It was designed with an old cabaret in mind, evoking the golden age of Cuba. You can enjoy food, drinks, and music in all of its three ambiences.

Activities

Explore the Getsemaní Neighborhood

This bohemian neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art, boutique shops, and lively cultural scene. You can take a walking tour to discover the local art and culture.

Museo del Oro Zenu

This museum showcases the rich history of the Zenu people and their goldsmithing techniques. It's a great place to learn about the indigenous culture of the region.

Chiva Bus Tour

A Chiva bus is a colorful, open-air bus that offers a unique way to tour the city. These tours often include music, dancing, and plenty of fun!

Rosario Islands

Take a Boat Tour to the Rosario Islands: These islands offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent opportunities for snorkeling and water activities. Many boat tours depart from Cartagena for day trips to the Rosario Islands.

Shopping

Silvia Tcherassi

Shop for chic blouses and dresses by acclaimed fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi.

Vélez

Shop for some of the best leather in Cartagena.

Museo del Oro Zenu

This museum showcases the rich history of the Zenu people and their goldsmithing techniques. It's a great place to learn about the indigenous culture of the region.

Bocagrande Plaza Mall

Need a break from the heat? Explore shopping and entertainment at its finest in Cartagena by visiting Plaza Bocagrande Centro Commercial.

Pro tip: Bring your passport, ID, or hotel key as a tourist for exclusive discounts.

Travel

Here's some information to help you plan your trip.

Accommodations

Cartagena has many affordable and beautiful options for your stay a short distance from the wedding venue. The 3 main neighborhoods are:

  • Bocagrande: least expensive, amazing ocean views within 5-10 minutes from the venue

  • Getsemani: Trendy neighborhood with beautiful homes and apartments

  • Walled City: This is the historic center where the venue is located. Luxurious homes, but plenty of inexpensive options on AirBnB

For your convenience, we've created a booking assistant to help you find a great place to stay!

Air Travel

Cartagena's airport is the Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

Google Flights is a great resource for watching flights and Hopper is a great app as well.

There are lots of direct flights from major cities, so we're hoping travel will be as painless as possible!

Required immigration / customs form

Please note all immigration/customs forms for Colombia are online. Please use this site below to fill out your forms up to 72 hours before your flight to Cartagena. You will need to repeat this process upon departure as well.

Transportation

Transportation options from CTG airport include: Uber, taxi, or car rental. We recommend Uber as it's safe and affordable. From the airport to Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel, the drive is about 20 minutes.

Is your passport up to date?

To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after your travel dates. For example, since you are traveling to Colombia in April 2024, your passport must be valid through October 2024. American citizens do not need a visa to visit Colombia. If you are traveling to the wedding from outside the US, please check online.

FAQs

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Wedding Dress code

Will my cellphone work during my trip?

We recommend looking into your cell phone provider's plan. AT&T offers a 2G international package for roughly $10 a day. If your cell phone provider doesn't offer an international plan, check to see if they will allow you to buy a SIM card (roughly $6 - $10). You can purchase these at the airport or nearby convenience stores and supermarkets.

Are kids welcome?

While we adore all the little ones, we've made arrangements for only immediate family kids to join us at the wedding. We have a number of bilingual childcare professionals that we'd be happy to connect you to if you're going to be bringing the little ones to Cartagena!

Do they accept credit cards in Cartagena or do I need to take out cash?

While most places in Cartagena accept credit cards, you will need cash to purchase items from street vendors and boutique shops. You will also need cash if you're planning to take a day trip outside of the city. We recommend getting cash at Bancolombia ATM machines throughout the city. The fees are significantly less than those at the airport and most exchange houses in the walled city.

Is it customary to tip?

It's customary to tip around 10%. To make it easy, however, most bars and restaurants usually include a 10% service fee so you won't have to worry about math. If you sign up for any excursion or tour, we recommend you tip your guides!