We're getting married!

We have created this website to help answer any questions you may have about our destination wedding in Cartagena, Colombia! Here you can find information on traveling tips, hotels, restaurants, and spots we love. Cartagena is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America. Rich with history, it was founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia. Cartagena was a center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas and within a short time the town blossomed into the main Spanish port on the Caribbean coast and the major northern gate-way to South America. Expect magical and colorful colonial architecture, narrow cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages, magnificent cathedrals, leafy plazas, open-air cafes, and lush ornamental vines and flowers cascading off balconies. Friendly locals include worldly chefs, stylish designers, and avant-garde artists who only add to the energetic, soulful Colombian culture. The city’s vibrant Old Town is perfect for a leisurely stroll along its Spanish-built city walls. Colombia has been named the happiest country in the world!...yet again (Huffpost). Recognized for its beautiful flowers, emeralds and coffee, Colombia is also well known for its festivals, carnivals, and great parties! So get ready for a wedding you won't forget! Pack your dancing shoes (...and sunblock) and get ready to party (we have our venue until the wee hours of the morning)! We are aware that scheduling time away from family and work may pose challenges, and that traveling overseas is costly, so if this time of the year does not fit into your current situation we sincerely understand and hope to see you all soon. We will gladly accept your warm wishes from afar! Thank you again for your continuous love, as we begin our lives together. We cannot wait for the big day and look forward to celebrating with you all - near or far! Con mucho amor, Alex y Darren

Alex was home from Towson University for summer break, enjoying the beach and Boston nightlife and Darren had recently moved back East from Los Angeles, debating whether to start anew at Allied or volunteer in the Galapagos. Needless to say, neither Alex nor Darren were looking for anything more than a summer fling. After making a fateful connection on Grindr, Alex asked Darren to meet him at Peddler's Daughter in Nashua. Alex refused to get out of the car before Darren entered the bar (typical) and Darren later found out the date spot was down the road from Alex's house (and a good 50+ miles from Darren's work in Manchester-by-the-sea). But, it was love at first sight and Alex eventually made his way to Beach Week where there was no turning back...

Alex and Darren's fifth anniversary was fast approaching. For weeks, Darren had Alex convinced they were taking the pooches to a dog-friendly brunch spot on a Saturday. That morning, Darren told Alex they were going to head out for a quick hike with the dogs before brunch and to wear something "nice" (cue Alex eye-roll). The couple made a pit stop at their favorite summer getaway by the Dungoyne Salisbury Beach cottage to let the dogs run the beach. Next thing you know, Darren was on one knee red-faced as can be, the dogs were a mile down the beach and a photographer was approaching. There was fumbling for words and non-cooperating dogs and the sun was shining and the waves were crashing; it couldn't have been more perfect. Alex said "YES!"