show & tell: souvenirs from colombia

What's a trip without bringing home a few souvenirs?

These treasures from Colombia - a beautiful representation of the weaving done by indigenous women of the country - are adding so much life to our home ... and my wardrobe.

The blue cross-body bag's leather was stitched in Bogota but the colorful strap was woven by the Wayuu women who are known for their large bucket-style purses and skillful hamacas. The home accessories were made by women of the Waounan tribe in the department of Choco. The palm fibers used to create these beauties are woven so tightly that the vase piece we bought could hold water without leaking! Amazing.

The one store we loved unfortunately doesn't have a website. Such a shame since their products were all so modern leaning and tastefully done and displayed. But, if you find yourself in Cartagena, their address and phone is below. If you'd like to shop for a vase of your own online, here are some shops that carry an assortment: one, two, three.

Colombia Artesanal Centro, Callejon De Los Estribos No. 2-40, Cartagena 301-788-8108

the setting

Happy Friday, guys! I hope you had a great week. I'm feeling all caught up with work and the home front so now I can start sharing more photos from Colombia. Woo hoo!

These are from the wedding reception setup in the corridor of our finca. Aside from the table and chair rentals, everything we used had a special and personal touch. And...it was all super simple and easy which is just our style.

For the tables, leftover bamboo from a separate house project was cut to create the centerpiece vases (thanks, grandpa!). Instead of buying flowers elsewhere, I opted to used the bougainvillea from the same cluster of plants where we said our vows. It felt right to bring them to the table and the colors really popped against the yellow walls with the mixed arrangements that my aunt Kristina created.

Another aunt brought the tea lights that we placed on remnant terra cotta tiles found in storage, complementing the natural bamboo and burlap already on the table. And to top off the setting, I wrapped biodegradable forks and knives in my favorite napkins that I felt would be perfect for re-using at the finca for future gatherings.

As much as I loved all of the above, my absolute favorite part of the setup was the cupcake table. My mom made the cupcakes and was also the genius behind the display stands that were made using bamboo, cut-to-size wood, thick twine, and burlap place mats. Nothing a glue gun couldn't handle! And of course, the gorgeous tropical arrangement with flowers from the property that brought the whole table to life.

Everything came together so well by using what we had on-hand and getting creative. It was all so fitting for the casual affair and spirited nature of the day, we couldn't have been happier. Gracias familia for pitching in and making it happen!

Wedding photos coming up next week. Have a good one!

(photos 2 and 3 by Katherine Apolinar)

bienvenidos

Welcome to our finca, my family's country home in Pereira, Colombia! Before I get to sharing wedding photos I wanted to show you why we chose to get married there. It's not just because it was free or because we had our pick at fresh fruit and eggs all day and everyday, but because it is beautiful and tranquil beyond belief. And...it's our casa.

This is where we spent a good part of our trip prepping for the wedding, relaxing, eating and simply enjoying each other's company. My parents have been painstakingly renovating and decorating it for the past ten years and though they still have big plans for it, it's already perfect in my eyes. It's nature all over...the flowers, plants, fruit trees, free range chickens, ducks, dogs, neighboring farm animals and our reliable entertainment, tropical birds. Bird watching alone made me forget all about internet access and what happened on The Walking Dead that week. Joe had his fair share of hamaca (hammock) naps and I just loved being around my mom and dad, seeing what they were up to, enjoying the proximity for impromptu hugs and kisses to/from them.

The finca has all of the collected touches that my parents taught me to appreciate. They made every effort to bring antique and country-style finds that they had bought while living in LA for the one day that they moved back to Colombia and could really make the finca the home they always wanted it to be. So much has been made by hand, too, with materials found around the property and a little ingenuity. My mom and dad are so creative that I can't wait to see what the place looks like in a few years. But of course, we won't be waiting that long to go back. Joe was scheming up ways to work there as the innkeeper and maintenance help just so that we could stay! You neevvveerrr know.

If you're planning on visiting Colombia (which you totally should if it's not already on your 'places to go' list) my parents will soon be posting the finca on Airbnb and offering guided day trips around the Coffee Triangle. They are the most amazing people that I know so yes, staying with them comes highly recommended, bias or not :)