Newlyweds in Cali asked guests for donations after earthquake, then delivered aid in wedding clothes

Annie Agredo and Santiago Fernández turned their wedding in Cali into an appeal for earthquake relief. After the earthquake struck southwestern Colombia, the couple asked guests to bring supplies instead of gifts or cash.

The wedding took place on August 20, after more than six months of preparation. Annie is from Cali, one of the affected cities. By August 18, the area had recorded 80,000 people affected, 107 homes destroyed and 800 damaged, according to a report compiled by Asocapitales from territorial authorities’ data.

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Much more respectful and consistent with the city and what was happening.

Santiago said they wanted a gathering that was “much more respectful and consistent with the city and what was happening.” The couple focused their request on market supplies for people affected by the earthquake. The donations filled a taxi so tightly that there was barely room for everything.

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Everyone contributed their bit.

Annie and Santiago had arrived in Cali on August 16 and spent the following days looking for a place where they could help. They found volunteer groups that lacked donations to sort and organize, then located a collection center that needed help at night as people returned to work. The center was also running short of supplies, so the couple shared a list of needed items with their wedding guests.

After the celebration, they went to the same center in their formal clothes. Annie wore her wedding dress and Santiago his suit. Annie said “everyone” contributed “their bit” and that guests “opened their hearts” by bringing the requested supplies.

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Opened their hearts.