Meet Maria Jose and Tyler. Their love story took them from the streets of New York City to the shores of Cartagena, Colombia. Their wedding at the Charleston Santa Teresa was a celebration filled with love, laughter, and plenty of tropical vibes. Let's dive into their unforgettable day!

The Beginning

Maria Jose and Tyler's love story starts in New York City. They were introduced just before the pandemic by a mutual friend, and their connection ignited instantly over salsa dancing and shared laughter, leading them to go into lockdown together for four months. Their bond grew stronger, and solidified their relationship. During a trip to Colombia to experience the Barranquilla Carnivals, Tyler was so mesmerized that he told Maria Jose he wanted their wedding to be there, and so it happened.

Fast forward to the night before the wedding, the couple is in Cartagena, where the festivities began with a memorable rehearsal dinner at Casa Sevilla, a colorful colonial-style house.

Right before sunset, at the rooftop terrace that overlooked both the city and waters of Cartagena, Tyler was escorted by his mother, and Maria Jose was accompanied by her father. Tears welled up as they locked eyes for the first time that day, surrounded by the love and support of their loving family and friends. They then exchanged heartfelt vows and dropped the “I do.”

One of my favorite parts of this wedding was all the personal touches and details Maria Jose incorporated into her day, from fans and bows handcrafted by her mother, to her shoes embroidered with their initials by her sister, to rings crafted by her jeweler cousin.

To kick off the reception, the couple led the guests outside to meet the spirited “mulatas” that were waiting, dressed in their traditional clothing, to take them dancing and playing music through the streets of Cartagena.

Back inside, The Bridal’s team brought Maria Jose’s vision to life by transforming the room into a tropical oasis, with real-size trees growing within the tables and walls decorated with foliage. The evening was filled with joy, from the couple's first dance, to heartfelt speeches, to vibrant performances by a DJ and live band.

The night ended in a "crazy hour" inspired by the Barranquilla Carnivals, where Tyler wore the same mask from his first trip to Colombia at the carnivals, and Maria Jose wore a custom headpiece adorned with her favorite fruits and flowers.

Maria Jose and Tyler's dream wedding was the perfect representation of their love story, with elements of romance, culture, and joy. I felt deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to photograph this beautiful celebration.

READ MORE STORIES.