July 1: Arrive in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, the Queen of Cities! We are happy and excited to share a city with all of our loved ones that means so much to both Troy and I.

July 2: Welcome Party & Henna Night

Get ready to dance the night away as we kick off the wedding celebrations! You will join us for a special henna ceremony called the Kina Gecesi (Henna Night). It is a traditional turkish wedding custom before the wedding. Friends and family members gather to eat, dance and sing before the bride symbolically leaves her mother’s home. Henna is placed on the bride's hands, and is then offered to female guests. At one point in the night, the groom makes a "surprise" visit! Location for the wlcome party and henna night are still being determined, so make sure to check back in. Please also visit our "Turkish Wedding Customs" page for more information.

July 3: Wedding & After Party at the Peninsula Istanbul

The big day is finally here. Please join us as Troy and I arrive at the Peninsula Istanbul in the morning, as we start the day off with the "bride pickup" tradition where Gizem is picked up by Troy from her family home and brought to the hotel, along with a procession and music from the Davul Zurna, or traditional Turkish instruments.

The wedding will commence in the evening, with the schedule as follows:

- Cocktail at 7:00 pm

- Ceremony at 7:30 pm

- Dinner and dancing beginning at 8:00 pm

- Afterparty at 12:00 am

July 4: Goodbye Breakfast

Make your way to our goodbye breakfast, as a token of our appreciation for traveling far and wide for our special day. We promise a delicious Turkish breakfast that you will not forget! Location is still being determined, so please check back in for updates.