The wedding will be held at the Liya All in Istanbul. It is on a semi-private island that is part of Adalar (aka Princes’ Islands).

Adalar is a chain of islands off the coast of Istanbul that have been romanticized as a place for Istanbul’s wealthy, as well as a place known for its cosmopolitan multiculturalism. The islands are near and dear to Yuva’s heart. Her parents met on Kınalıada, the island closest to the city. The family has a multi-generational summer home on Kınalıada where Yuva spent many childhood summers. Her grandmother was part of a well known family of Turkish politicians and artists at the start of the republic, who lived on Büyükada, the big island which the wedding venue overlooks.

For those staying on the Anatolian side, we recommend taking the ferry to Karakoy and then walking to the museum. Google maps will show you the way.

Please take a look at our separate page for travel and accommodation for advice. As well as our food and tourism page for recommendations.

Flying

Flights from the US are expensive, sorry. Getting into Istanbul is far easier from SAW (taxi or subway) than IST but both are fine.

Getting around

You can listen to Google Maps. Ferries are a big part of life in Istanbul.

The two sides of Istanbul

Istanbul is split across two continents by the Bosphorus Strait.

Half the wedding weekend will be on the European side, the wedding itself will be on the Anatolian (Asian/Eastern) side.

There are many more hotels & airbnbs on the European side, but some accommodations may feel both more touristy and more conservative.

Staying on the European side is fine - be prepared on the wedding day to leave ~two hours before the ferry to make sure you don’t miss the boat!

A private boat leaves from Bostanci Harbour to the wedding venue at 550 pm. Don’t miss it! You cannot reach the island by public ferry. If you do miss it, call us!

Going back and forth between the two sides can be done by ferry (magical), subway (new and shiny), or taxi (ugh)!

The night of the wedding, be prepared to take a late night taxi home. The app Bitaksi is your friend. Uber may now be available as well. We will try to charter a bus back to Kadikoy & European side.

Colors of Iridescent Elegance

Our wedding will take place on the beautiful island of Sedef, just off the coast of Istanbul at start of the summer heat from 28C to 21C. Expect golden light, sea breeze, and barefoot dancing under the stars.

For women

We’d love to see you in flowy, lightweight dresses—maxi or midi—that move with the wind and shimmer with the colors of iridescence. Think soft pastels, seafoam, sunset pinks, silvery blues—anything that catches the light, just not white. Fabrics like silk, chiffon, or linen are perfect for the summer heat, and flat or low shoes are encouraged for comfort on the island terrain.

For men

Summer suits in breathable fabrics (linen, cotton, seersucker) are ideal. Feel free to play with soft, summery hues—think oceanic blues, stone greys, or sandy beiges. Ties are optional

A note on the island

We’ll be outdoors most of the day and evening— under the stars—so dress to feel free, festive, and fabulous. The island breeze can get a little chilly as the sun sets, so feel free to bring a light jacket, shawl, or scarf.

The most important thing to us is that you are able to celebrate with us on our wedding day. However, if you wish to give a gift, we will gratefully accept a small contribution towards our honeymoon or settling into our new home.

It is customary to gift newlyweds gold on their wedding day in many cultures. In Türkiye too, when a couple gets married, gold jewelry is offered as a gift by their friends and families to help them start off to a good, prosperous future.

If you want to participate in this tradition, we recommend visiting the gold shops in Istanbul. Hopefully seeking out a red-ribbon adorned gold coin will be part of the novelty of the travel. A quarter of a gold coin is ~$100. Two possible locations for this are on the north edge of Moda or in and around the Grand Bazaar.

There will be a time during the ceremony in olden times guests would have pinned the coins to the bride and groom’s clothing, but in a nod to modernity we will have a basket for the coins.