Roby and Rosanna wanted to create an unforgettable event for their loved ones and the bride’s native Colombia was the perfect setting for the party of a lifetime. As for the wedding location, the couple picked one of the country’s most historic cities. “We traveled to [Cartagena] to make sure it was what we were looking for and to get a feel for how our guests would like their visit to the city,” says the couple. “It is the most beautiful city in Colombia and perfect for romance. It has everything: history, entertainment, culture and it’s warm!”

Nothing about Roby and Rosanna’s wedding was less than spectacular; from the ceremony in a 17th century church to the nine-hour reception complete with three bands and a fireworks display. The traditional Catholic ceremony was performed in front of 150 guests in what the couple called “a classically romantic setting.” For the reception, the wedding party moved to the 17th century chapel at the Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. In case the historic interior wasn’t dramatic enough, the couple imported a dozen crystal chandeliers to make the setting “wonderfully sparkly.”

To mark the beginning of dinner, the lights dimmed, choirboys began to sing and bottles of Champagne were popped simultaneously. The energy escalated throughout the night with hours of dancing to Cuban, Salsa and Merengue music. Roby and Rosanna surprised their guests at midnight when a famous Colombian band took the stage. “People swarmed the stage with camera phones and even the hotel staff crammed into the chapel,” says the bride. “Honestly, I don’t think anyone was running the hotel for an hour.”

The finale of the night was a traditional Colombian crazy hour or “hora loca.” Dancers in Carnival costumes rushed the floor and the party raged on well into the morning. When asked what they found most memorable, the couple said, “We find it impossible to pick one specific moment. The whole wedding was over-the-top and every moment was special. We enjoyed our day from the beginning to the end.”

 Vendors: Photographer: Beautiful Day Photography, Wedding and Event Planner: Tatiana Tarón Eventos, Ceremony Site: Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Reception Site: Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena Florist: Florarte, Cake: Natalia Martinez with La Pasteleria, Sound and Illumination: Wave Entretenimiento, Music: Orquesta Manhattan, Tropical Son & Grupo Kvrass, Gown Designer: Galia Lahav, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Tom Ford, Bridesmaids’ Clothing Designer: Scala