“Against a backdrop of an approaching storm and waiting for the airport’s ramp to clear for departures, Carolina and her beautiful French Bulldog named Oscar burst into the FBO terminal and into my life and heart forever,” shares Sean Conrad, recalling the moment he first met Carolina Isabel Garrett at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.

“That hour rain delay and our ensuing conversation became the start of our forever story.” Carolina felt the same instant connection, thinking, “How can someone be this kind, this polished, and still feel so genuine all at once?”

Drawn to Carolina’s illuminating smile and warm down-to-earth nature, Sean knew she was special. “We spent months together, having the deep, meaningful conversations most couples don’t have until years into a marriage,” he says.

It wasn’t long before he asked her parents for their blessing and proposed on vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The betrothed relished in engagement bliss and then spent just five months planning their dream destination wedding in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

“We wanted our guests to have an unforgettable experience full of color, warmth, and beauty that brings everyone together,” describes Carolina. “This wedding was a true family effort, brought to life by my mom’s vision and Sean’s attention to detail. Together, and with our amazing wedding planner, we created a day more beautiful than I could have imagined… It wasn’t just about creating a beautiful celebration, it was about honoring the beauty of becoming one.”

“We wanted our guests to have an unforgettable experience full of color, warmth, and beauty that brings everyone together.”

As it was important to the couple to be married in the Catholic Church, they exchanged vows in one of Cartagena’s magnificent historic cathedrals before 120 loved ones. “I will never forget the grandeur of the massive cathedral doors opening, the sunlight flooding in, and seeing Carolina for the first time as she began her walk down the aisle to the altar. She, and that moment, were absolutely breathtaking,” recalls the groom. His radiant bride carried a bouquet of classic white roses as she processed on her father’s arm to Andrea Bocelli’s “Por Ti Volaré.”

Following the 1PM ceremony, everyone joined in a caminata parade – a lively Colombian wedding tradition in which musicians and dancers lead a procession through the streets. Inspired by royal weddings, the timeline allowed for guests to change into black tie for the 6:30 p.m. reception at a landmark heritage hotel, where colonial architecture and coastal charm set the stage for an elegant evening. “It’s a place unlike any other, where warmth fills every corner,” Carolina affirms.

The 17th-century setting transported guests to a bygone era, and the design scheme reflected the couple’s refined aesthetic. “I envisioned vibrant greenery rather than extravagant floral arrangements,” notes the bride of their vision. “Green symbolizes calm, balance, and growth – qualities Sean brings into my life. The reception reflected that; elegant without being overdone.” The space highlighted lush palms, tropical greenery, and accents of white roses and orchids. “The room smelled heavenly,” she muses.

Guests enjoyed a five-course dinner “carefully crafted, balancing elegance and flavor – a true celebration for the senses,” details Carolina of the exquisite culinary experience. The pair’s towering all-white wedding cake offered a distinct flavor for each of the five tiers, along with a personalized addition: the couple’s two Frenchies hand-sculpted on the bottom layer, a playful detail arranged by her mother. “The sweetest surprise,” Carolina smiles.

As the evening unfolded, the celebration transitioned into pure revelry. “The decisions we made around music and entertainment were at the heart of our guest experience,” confirms the groom of the choices that kept everyone energized into the early-morning hours.

From a surprise second entrance to a lively hora loca complete with more dancers and entertainers, the party continued until 4AM. “Watching everyone laugh, dance, and have fun was pure joy,” smiles the bride, who – along with her husband – wouldn’t change a single thing about their dream wedding.

This real wedding was originally published as a cover story in the Winter 2026 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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