Camila & Michael

When two Sydney-ites Camila & Michael decided to tie the knot, it was not Australia they dreamt of. Instead, the colourful streets of Cartagena-Colombian, in homage to the bride’s Colombian background lured the couple in, along with traditional dancing, traditional foods and the bright colourful streets. All captured beautifully by Andrew Szopory.

The bride shares the story of how the couple came to be. “We were introduced by a mutual friend. He asked for my number, but he contacted me only after two weeks. The expectations made the perfect atmosphere for our first meeting. Since that day Michael always has been kind and caring.”

The bride chose a lace Maggie Sottero gown, explaining “After visiting a few bridal stores. At the last minute, the lady at PRONOVIAS Bogotá showed me an amazing dress to try on and I fell in love with it straight away. The crystals, the tight fighting, and the sexy low back gave me a sensational feeling of euphoria. It was exactly what I was looking for; elegant, romantic, sexy and classic.”

The stunning El Marques Boutique Hotel set the scene for the big day, the bride remarking “The ceremony was held in an intimate underground wine cellar from the XVl century. We had a beautiful coach trip and photo shoot around the historical city of Cartagena. The reception was held in one of the colonial Boutique Hotel (rooms) in the old city of Cartagena. All these venues inspired a romantic period setting.”

Of their photographer, Camila tells “He was just amazing, he captured all our special moments and we didn’t even realise he was there. We met before the wedding and discussed what was going to happen on the day, where we were going to go and when we were going to arrive. Andrew was simply amazing on the day. As I hate photos he gave us simple directions and all the photos look phenomenal. We couldn’t be happier.”

Traditional elements were a huge part of the day, the bride explaining “Having Cartagena City as the main setting, we couldn’t be without the typical Gaiteros’ music and the Palenqueras’ traditional dance down the streets. As well, the horse and carriage around the city, the tropical Colombian music band, the midnight show “hora local” and to satisfy our guests we ended the evening with typical Colombia fried snacks (arepas, empanadas, yuca y papas) and the soup called Caldo.”

Camila tells “Dream your day and stick to your idea. People always will try to suggest different things and it could turn things chaotic. If you have a wedding planner make sure they fulfill your image of the wedding.”


Of their first dance, the bride remembers “The love of my husband for the Latin music inspired us to choose All of Me by John Legend (Salsa version by Raul Morel). We didn’t have much time to practice, but, it was a spontaneous and fun dance.

The hora Loca was one of the bride’s favourite parts of the day. She tells “We loved the crazy hour “HORA LOCA” (midnight show with traditional Caribbean Colombian music where guests are wearing colourful party accessories).”

Congratulations on your marriage Camila and Michael! Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with us! Thank you also to Andrew Szopory for sharing today’s beautiful day!