If you've ever dreamed of having your wedding ceremony on a beach, you're going to be totally charmed by today's real wedding. Lovebirds Mem and Chris are based in the UK, so planning a destination wedding in Turkey wasn't without its challenges. Luckily, putting trust in their planner and the staff at the D-Resort in Göcek paid off handsomely, and they ended up having the most beautiful, laid-back and fun-filled day, as captured by Yeliz Atici Photography. From the mix-and-match floral bridesmaids to the rose gold décor, this was one seriously chic celebration!
As Mem is Turkish-Australian and Chris is British, this couple had lots of options when it came to choosing a location for their big day. "We had friends and family travelling from all over the world (Australia, UK, Canada, America and Turkey), so location was key for us," Mem says. "We wanted everyone to have an experience rather than just attend a wedding. Göcek is a quiet, beautiful and magical place and we do not regret the decision!"
Mem's Mariana Hardwick gown is so perfect for her, it's hard to believe that she almost didn't buy it! She tells us that she booked an appointment during a trip to Melborne, purely for the chance to go wedding dress shopping with her Mum, who lives in Australia. "I had no intentions in buying a dress from Melbourne, as I didn’t want to experience logistical problems in getting it sent to London, but as soon as I tried the dress on, I knew it was the one. The lace was very different to previous dresses I had seen and worn, which was a deciding factor."
What a sweet first look moment - Chris looks thrilled!
This couple's priorities were all about creating the right atmosphere for their guests. "Chris and I wanted our wedding to be less of a formal affair but more of a party to remember. We wanted it to be relaxed and everyone to have fun, not just on the wedding day but also before and after. We had the pleasure of hanging out with our family friends for the best several days of our lives."
Because they were planning the wedding from abroad, Mem and Chris left a certain amount of the heavy lifting to the venue and planner. "There were constant phone calls and emails happening along the way," she tells us. "Certainly, having a vision and knowing what you want is important, but it’s just as important to be willing to let a few things go."
Mem tells us that the lead up to the wedding was quite stressful, due to the political climate in Turkey at the time. "We actually had to think of the worst and plan for what would happen if we had to cancel the wedding," she explains. "But thankfully, we didn’t have to, and we need to thank those that came and shared this special occasion with us."
Mem was really clever about how she arranged the bridesmaids dresses. "All three of my bridesmaids have a different and unique style and I wanted to capture that, so we decided on a floral theme, but I asked them to choose their dresses. They were all from ASOS!"
The couple tell us that they were delighted that they focused on their guests in the run up to wedding, and on the day itself. "I mean it from the bottom of my heart when I say that what makes a wedding is the fun that’s had with the guests," Mem says. "Yes, the dress, venue, flowers and details are all important, but what are most invaluable are the memories created with friends and family. Pictures say a thousand words and from the pictures that I’ve seen, the smile on everyone’s face is just irreplaceable."
Beach wedding ceremonies are sometimes more trouble than they're worth but this astoundingly lovely pier location provides the perfect compromise!
There are few things sweeter than a groom who is moved to tears by the sight of his bride!
This is photograph is my personal favourites! I love that you can see some amused sunbathers in the foreground!
Mem and Chris incorporated lots of personal touches into their ceremony - even Mem's walk up the aisle was unique! "I had my brother walk me half way up and then my father continue to walk me to Chris. Having my brother be a part of the ceremony was very special to me."
Mem tells us that her favourite part of the wedding was, "everyone coming together, enjoying each other's company and having an awesome time. We even swam in the water at 4am with some of our guests!"
When getting married in Turkey, you've got to make time for a walk on the beach!
The couple had a Jenga wedding guest book, meaning that they invited their guests to write messages on the blocks so they can read them every time they have a game night!
Rosé, anyone? This photograph is giving me serious wedding guest envy!
The couple's reception set-up is equal parts glam and pretty! Mem tells us, "I wanted a rose gold and bronze theme with minimalist rustic approach. The venue was decorated with flowers, floor lanterns with candles, and Italian lighting, which added a romantic feel. We also had the traditional 'evil eye' marbles scattered on the tables to add a hint of Turkishness."
Mem's advice to engaged couples is to, "surround yourself with friends and family and cherish each moment. I know it’s not easy, but don’t stress too much about the minor details because, at the end of the day, none of that matters, as we only take with us the memories shared, especially on the dance floor!"
A dreamy end to a dreamy day! Thanks so much to Mem and Chris for letting us take a peek behind the scenes of their big day, and to Yeliz Atici Photography for sharing the stunning photographs.enjoying each other's company and having an awesome time. We even swam in the water at 4am with some of our guests!"