Cross-Culture Istanbul Wedding With A 'Dil Dhadakne Do' Baraat On The Bosphorous!

Seldom do we come across weddings that are grand and stunning, but have a big element of personalisation- an aesthetic that feels like everything was carefully curated and chosen by the couple themselves! Rhea and Ashwin's cross-culture wedding ticks ALL the right boxes, and we love how so much thought went into every decision- it wasn't just a pretty wedding, it was so much more than that! Hailing from India and Pakistan, Rhea and Ashwin's wedding is one that transcends borders and unites hearts-  set against the backdrop of Istanbul's opulent Ciragan Palace Kempinski. But one thing that's definitely a memory for everyone who attended their wedding would be the crazy baraat on the Bosphorous- as they all sailed on a yacht! See all the gorgeous details from Rhea and Ashwin's beautiful Istanbul wedding, and get ready to be floored. 

Meet Rhea and Ashwin

"Our story began in the final months of university when we crossed paths, swiftly transitioning from strangers to a couple in a matter of days. It all started with an unforgettable 8-hour conversation that sealed our love for each other. Surprisingly, amidst the chaos of exams, our date nights predominantly unfolded in the serene atmosphere of library cafes.

For the past four years, we navigated the challenges of a long-distance relationship, with periods of being physically apart and then back together. The anticipation has finally come to an end, and the hurdles of time difference and distance are no longer a concern. From the very beginning, we knew that marriage was on the horizon, and now, with those obstacles behind us, we're excited to transition into being the best of friends. I've truly found my one in a million—a Hindu from Pakistan!"

Mehendi & Haldi

Mexican Fiesta

Sangeet

Welcome Dinner

Wedding

From The Bride:

It was a 3 day wedding from the 28th to the 30th July 2023 - the actual ceremony was on the 30th of July.  The wedding took place in Istanbul and the functions were across locations like Esma Sultan Palace and Istanbul's Ciragan Palace Kempinski, the enchanting Binbirdireck and even a yatch in the middle of the ocean!

Planning a wedding from a distance is no easy feat! However, what made it special was the active involvement of my partner. He possesses a keen eye for detail, and whenever I found myself stuck on decisions with our wedding planners (shoutout to Pratik and Jueta from YOLO), he was there to provide the final say. As for the personal touches, I meticulously coordinated 60 different custom mini ideas with Jueta from YOLO Entertainment & Weddings.

Among the myriad details, what mattered most to me were the dance practices. Despite the distance, he always managed to be there for those crucial moments. These dance sessions hold some of my most cherished and amusing memories—from the engagement to the wedding practices, right up to the final day when Ashwin surprised me with his impressive moves!

It was a grand wedding with numerous functions across the 3 days, right from a Mexican fiesta to the baraat on the yacht, it truly was like a fairytale, as beautiful as I imagined it! With exactly 99 guests, including our furry companion Truffle, the celebration was an intimate affair. My partner's active involvement, coupled with wedding planners Pratik and Jueta from YOLO, ensured perfection in every detail. From vibrant dance practices to personalized touches, each moment resonated with our unique love story. The venues, chosen with care, became the canvas for our fairy-tale celebration, as beautiful as we had imagined.

The bridal outfits for each event were a true reflection of our journey, meticulously crafted by Julie, my mom's Indian brand, and Pocket Stories. These custom designs went above and beyond, capturing the essence of our travels from EuroAsia to India, Pakistan, and the UK. My lehenga, inspired by our shared adventures, featured intricate hot air balloons, while one of the kalis depicted the Van Cleef-inspired lovers' bridge, symbolizing our journey from a long-distance relationship to being closer. The bold red hue of my lehenga, paired with Ashwin's navy blue sherwani, created a stunning visual harmony. The bangles, a blend of Ashwin's family heirlooms and custom red and white creations from my mom, beautifully honored both our cultural backgrounds. To add a personal touch, I surprised Ashwin with custom kaliras adorned with hot air balloons and snippets from our favorite memories and inside jokes, including his amusing obsession with a vacuum cleaner. Knowing my passion for fashion design, Ashwin, being a fashion designer himself, added a thoughtful touch to his sherwani. Sanskrit letters subtly incorporated into the design represented the first alphabets of things important to us. These bridal outfits truly became a canvas of our love story, a beautiful fusion of tradition, modernity, and the shared moments that define us.

About The WedMeGood App

No, we did not use the WedMeGood App for our wedding planning. However, we appreciate the recommendation and found alternative methods that suited our planning preferences in that moment. Thank you for suggesting it, I'm sure it has helped hundreds of couples!.

Vendor Reviews

Venue: Esma Sultan Palace

The venue created a fairy-tale setting for our wedding, with its enchanting Bosphorus views and regal ambiance. The historic charm of the palace, coupled with impeccable service, made our ceremony truly magical. The waterfront location added a touch of romance, leaving us and our guests captivated by its timeless beauty. Our ceremonies at Ciragan Palace Kempinski was nothing short of a royal experience. The blend of Ottoman opulence and modern luxury set the stage for an unforgettable celebration. The palace's exquisite gardens provided an elegant backdrop, and the attentive staff ensured every detail was flawless. Our special day was elevated by the grandeur of Ciragan Palace, leaving us with cherished memories. Binbirdireck is also an underground water cistern and the Yacht which was the Baraat venue Enroute to Esma Sultan Palace (which was the wedding venue) What better place than to be flanked by the beautiful bride as the backdrop of the mandap, the Bosphorus on one side and the Esma Sultan Palace on the other!

Makeup Artist: Puneet B Saini & Hairstylist: Ritika 

Choosing Ritika as our hairstylist was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. She embraced the chaos and allowed me to go wild with my hair, turning one event into a Beyoncé-inspired curly extravaganza. Ritika's enthusiasm and creativity added a unique flair to each look, and her ability to navigate the chaos made the entire process enjoyable. Puneet, our makeup artist, was an absolute sweetheart. She not only understood my vision of having a light but distinct look for each event but brought it to life effortlessly. Puneet's adaptability and patience were remarkable, as she became my daily morning knock, ensuring that every makeup and hair session started the day perfectly. Choosing vendors who felt like friends was a priority for us, and Puneet and her team exceeded our expectations by not only being talented professionals but also genuine additions to our celebration. They truly made our wedding beauty experience memorable and delightful.

Wedding Planning: YOLO Entertainment and Weddings

Our wedding was an absolute fairy tale, and I owe the enchantment to the incredible folks at YOLO Entertainment and Weddings, led by the fantastic duo, Pratik and Jueta Hemdev. From the get-go to the grand finale, YOLO went above and beyond, turning our dreams into reality with a magic touch and tons of creativity. Pratik and Jueta, the brains behind YOLO, are not just planners – they're dreamweavers. Their attention to detail and knack for pulling off the impossible made our wedding an experience tailored just for us. It wasn't just an event; it was a symphony orchestrated by these two maestros. The team's dedication was next level. Pratik's strategic mind and Jueta's creative spirit blended seamlessly, creating a wedding that was beyond anything we imagined. They tackled challenges head-on, turning them into opportunities to add a dash of innovation. Their infectious energy made the whole process stress-free, letting us soak in every bit of our special day. YOLO Entertainment and Weddings didn't just meet our expectations; they blew them out of the water. Pratik and Jueta are not just planners; they are dream-makers. If you want a wedding that's not just about checklists but about creating magic, these two are the ones to make it happen. Thanks, YOLO, for making our wedding an absolute masterpiece – a memory etched in our hearts forever. And in the process, you've become more than planners; you've become family.

Photography: House On The Clouds

Our experience with House on the Clouds was nothing short of extraordinary. From the first consultation to the final delivery of our wedding photos, every moment was captured with artistry and precision. The team's creativity shone through, turning our special day into a visual masterpiece. Their ability to blend into the background while still capturing every emotion was remarkable. House on the Clouds not only delivered stunning images but also created a comfortable and fun atmosphere, making the entire process enjoyable. We are forever grateful for the timeless memories they've gifted us. At the last after party, they delivered the best gift that we as a couple could have ever received! They made an edit which was showcased at the after party at Esma Sultan and made each one of us relive the memories of not only the three days that went by but until our beautiful dance at the very after party at Esma Sultan itself! That’s some dedication to showcase the video with us watching our dance precisely 5 mins ago in the same venue - leaving all guests spell bound!

Vendors: Wedding Planning: Yolo Entertainment★ 5 , Turkey DMC - Inventum Global and Ciragan Palace Events Decor - KM Events
Binbirdireck, Inscisu Boat & Esma Sultan Decor - Davet Creative Group |
Catering & Menu Curation - The Kitchen Art Company★ 5 | Photography & Filmmaker - House On The Clouds★ 5 | Make Up for Rhea - Puneet Saini | Hair for Rhea - Ritika Kadam★ 5 | Bride and Groom Outfits: Chota Mehendi outfit designer - Ravina Nagpal (groom’s sister), Haldi outfits for Rhea and Ashwin - Julie by Julie Shah, Welcome dinner – Ashwin: Pocket Stories & Rhea: Amit Agrawal, Sangeet – Rhea: Falguni Shane Peacock, Sangeet after party – Pocket Stories for Rhea and Ashwin, Wedding - Julie Shah, Wedding after party – Pocket Stories | DJ: DJ Rohit (DJ Ganesh’s team)