From Yacht Baraats To Palace Receptions, This Istanbul Wedding Was Pure Destination Magic!

If destination weddings are your love language, this one’s about to sweep you off your feet! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Istanbul, this multi-day celebration brought together rich Indian traditions, global influences, and deeply personal details... resulting in a wedding that felt intimate yet undeniably grand. From yacht baraats to palace receptions and thoughtfully curated experiences for guests, every moment was designed to reflect the couple’s shared love for culture, travel, and storytelling.

Meet Sagiri & Ankur

Based in New York and global citizens at heart, Sagiri and Ankur’s story began at a family dinner in Manhattan—one of those unassuming evenings that quietly turns into forever. Sagiri, the Director of Communications at Ralph Lauren, grew up between Manila and Florida, while Ankur, Vice President of Corporate Development at music tech company Splice, was born and raised in Upstate New York.

A romantic proposal in Èze, South of France, and their shared appreciation for meaningful experiences led them to choose Istanbul for their wedding, a city that perfectly mirrored their blend of heritage, elegance, and worldliness.

Pre Wedding & Welcome Dinner 

The wedding festivities kicked off with a high-energy Indian welcome dinner at Madhu’s Istanbul. Live food stations, surprise performances by a darbuka drummer and belly dancer, and an infectious celebratory vibe set the tone for the days ahead.

Guests were welcomed with bespoke hampers packed in hand-block printed Jaipur totes, filled with Turkish treats, hangover kits, and personalized travel pouches—a thoughtful nod to both cultures and the journey ahead.

Sangeet 

Set against the shimmering Bosphorus, the Sangeet was nothing short of magical. Guests arrived by boat to a Moroccan-inspired setting complete with draped tents, canopied lounges, and desert florals.

The dress code—“Colors of Istanbul”—brought the venue alive with vibrant hues, while music, performances, and dancing carried the celebration well into the night.

Wedding

The wedding day unfolded in unforgettable fashion, beginning with Ankur’s baraat—by yacht. Sailing in via the Bosphorus, it was a modern twist on tradition that perfectly set the tone for the ceremony.

The mandap was adorned with soft, romantic florals, while Sagiri made her entry escorted by her sisters, accompanied by a live flautist—an emotional, contemporary moment that stood out beautifully.

Reception

The reception followed on the palace terrace, featuring signature cocktails, live violin performances, and a lavish five-course dinner. Instead of table numbers, seating was named after places that held meaning in the couple’s journey—Èze, Manila, Serengeti, Albany—adding a layer of storytelling to the evening.

About The Wedding

Here are some ideas which really made the wedding truly special!

• Baraat on a Yacht: A striking blend of tradition and modernity, with the groom arriving via the Bosphorus.

• City-Themed Reception Tables: Tables named after meaningful locations from the couple’s life together.

• Thoughtful Welcome Hampers: Custom Jaipur totes filled with Turkish and Indian elements.

• Live Music Throughout: From darbuka drummers to Paris Select’s concert-style band.

• Sisters Walking the Bride: A heartfelt, modern bridal entry that felt deeply personal.

Vendors: Venues: Madhu’s Istanbul, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Çırağan Palace Kempinski | Photography: P Taufiq Photography★ 5 | Planning & Design: Sebnem Mardini, Sebnem Event Design | DJ: DJ Maj-ik Band: Paris Select | Makeup Artist: Faces By Chaitali Sengupta★ 4.9 | Hairstylist: Ruchi Arya Uppal | Stationery: Rohan & Aparna Invitations★ 4.9 | Bridal Looks: Welcome Dinner: Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor★ 4.7 , Sangeet: Anushree Reddy★ 4.7 , Wedding Ceremony: Sabyasachi Mukherjee★ 4.9 , Reception: Natasha Dalal★ 4.8   | Groomwear: Welcome Dinner: Tarun Tahiliani★ 4.4 , Sangeet: Varun Bahl★ 4.9 , Wedding Ceremony: Sabyasachi Mukherjee★ 4.9 , Reception: Ralph Lauren