A Romantic Affair in Bodrum: Celebrating Love at Villa Karya
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NINA WERNICKE
In the sun-soaked paradise of Bodrum, a love story between Can and his bride unfolded in the most enchanting of settings. What started as an online connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership, bringing together Turkish and Russian traditions against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Karya. After falling in love with this picturesque location, they knew it was the perfect place to gather their closest friends from London and share their celebration of love.
“We completely fell in love with Bodrum after a few summers there with both of our families, and we wanted to show this magical place to all our friends.”
The Venue: Villa Karla
The moment they stepped foot into Villa Karya, the decision was made. The villa, steeped in history and love, offered a unique charm that resonated with the couple. With its lush greenery and panoramic coastline views, Villa Karya became the heart of their celebration. Its personal, homey atmosphere made it the perfect complement to their wedding, embodying the warmth and intimacy they sought for the day.
They carefully matched their wedding aesthetic to the villa’s natural beauty, using organic materials like Karyak stones to create a seamless ceremony pathway into the landscape. This mindful approach ensured that every element was an extension of the villa’s charm.
“The air felt different there; you could tell it was a cherished family home. It radiated energy that I have never experienced before.”
The Couture Dream: The Vivienne Westwood Dress
The bride’s Vivienne Westwood Nova Cocotte dress was nothing short of iconic. She had saved it in her mind for three years before she was even engaged; the moment she tried it on, she knew it was the one. The flowing fabric, luxurious and timeless, made her feel every bit the bride she had always dreamed of being.
“Once I put on my dream dress, I burst into tears. The way it flowed on my body was magical — it was exactly what I had envisioned for so long.”
Styling the Day: Bespoke Touched and Local Influence
True to their love for craftsmanship, the couple infused their wedding with bespoke details. They had a custom-made bar crafted by a local carpenter, painted in olive to reflect the villa’s history of harvesting olives.
Their guests were treated to unique favours—handcrafted ceramic plates made by a local Bodrum artist, each imprinted with local flowers.
The personalised touches didn’t stop there. They also hired a team of London’s top mixologists to create cocktails, while wine from the Bodrum region brought a taste of local culture to the evening.
“We wanted everything to complement the villa. From custom-made elements to using local artisans, the day needed to reflect both our personalities and the place we loved.”
A Moment to Remember: Dancing the Horon
At midnight, the wedding took on a life of its own. The energy peaked when all the guests took to the dance floor for a traditional Turkish horizon, dancing in unison for 12 minutes. This heartfelt celebration connected both cultures, blending tradition with modern joy in a way no one would forget.
“Pretty much all of our guests joined in, dancing the horizon. It lasted 12 minutes – everyone stayed strong, and the energy was incredible.”
Planning in Paradise: Challenges and Joys
Planning a destination wedding comes with its unique challenges. The international scene in Bodrum was still emerging, meaning there were some restrictions and limitations to navigate. However, the couple embraced the process, finding joy in crafting new memories.
Embracing Traditions: A Multilingual Ceremony
Their ceremony reflected the couple’s diverse backgrounds. With Russian and Turkish spoken throughout the vows, their wedding honoured both sides of their families while celebrating their new union. Having already had their legal ceremony in London, this Bodrum celebration was a unique cultural fusion, beautifully reflecting their journey together.
“Our ceremony was in Russian and Turkish, making it even more personal and meaningful.”
Advice for Couples Planning a Destination Wedding
What is the bride’s advice to future couples planning a destination wedding? Embrace the local customs, but be bold and make it your own. Her experience shows that holding on to your vision and pushing for what makes your day unique, even in a new location, is essential.
