We had seriously discussed eloping somewhere fabulous in South East Asia but as I sat in my parents' room, doing my hair and makeup and looking at family photos, I couldn't have felt happier to be getting ready to say "I do" at our finca with friends and family by our side.

The only thing we needed to make that happen was the groom and officiant (aka my dad). Joe and my dad had left for a quick errand and hotel guests pick-up when the car broke down with everyone in it. Meanwhile at the finca, it started to rain. Long story short, they made it back just half an hour late, the clouds parted, and the sun came out. Everything from then on was perfect.

Joe made his grand entrance with the donkey from next door and ponchos in tow (not traditional or symbolic in any way, he just wanted to feel like Juan Valdez). And I walked out wearing a dress that we bought while on holiday in Melbourne and my favorite Spanish espadrille wedges. I wasn't even going to try to top the donkey entrance.

We said our I do's, smiled, hugged, and kissed a whole bunch. For dinner we feasted on the best tamales in the world and enjoyed an impressive thundershower while sitting in candle light. Then finally, it was time to bring out the Aguardiente - Colombia's drink of choice. As the shots settled in and made us feel all warm and fuzzy, my aunts surprised us with a traditional Colombian musical group that brought everyone to their feet. Joe and I even had an impromptu "first dance" which involved a lot of jumping around and twisting and turning. It was pretty amazing considering I usually have to beg and plead with him to join me on the dance floor (how quickly marriage changed him).

The rest of the night was flat out fun. We had the best time. With our friends and family present, and of course, plenty of Aguardiente to keep the celebration going...we couldn't have asked for anything more. A simple I do accomplished.

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)