Michelle Rago, Ltd.—Blog

Blog entry by Mark Rose for Michelle Rago

It is a rare occasion that I am a guest at a wedding and not working, but I recently had the privilege to attend the four day extravaganza nuptials of my friends, Mert and Candace.

The groom’s family resides in Istanbul, Turkey, and the bride’s family in Los Angeles. Together, the two families and almost 300 guests from around the world shared the experience.

The first evening was a time for friends and family to get together at Reina, an opulent outdoor restaurant and discothèque on the shores of the Bosporus Sea.

The next day was spent enjoying organized tours of the sites of Istanbul, including the famous Bazaar, the Mosques, and world-class shopping. Late in the afternoon everyone boarded a beautiful boat and enjoyed a tour of Istanbul from The Bospherous Sea. Passing under the romantic bridges, seeing the lights of the city come alive from the water was a very special introduction to the city. 

The following evening was one of the highlights of the wedding week. The groom’s aunt hosted a traditional Henna Party at Al Jamal, an outside restaurant perched on the side of a mountain overlooking  Istanbul. The Persian women in attendance wore vibrantly colored clothing while attending a traditional Persian feast served beneath lanterns and candlelight. The highlight of the evening for me was the traditional music and songs. New to the traditions of this culture, every moment was exotic and inspirational. Another highlight was a tradition when the mothers of the bridal couple roll balls of dough encrusted with glitter and put then place the balls on the fingers of the bride to ward off the “evil eye” and promote fertility. All guests left invigorated and excited about the wedding the following day.

The wedding ceremony was held at the oldest Jewish Synagogue in Istanbul, a simple but sacred building. The women were dressed in elegant and colorful dresses, and wore stylish hats as all heads have to be covered in the synagogue. Thousands of white roses along with a very simple wedding canopy was used for the ceremony.

I was not certain how this incredible crescendo of events would culminate? Under the colors of a magnificent sunset, guests arrived at world famous Ciragan Palace Hotel on the banks of The Bosporus Sea. Descending through the great doors of the palace, guests were warmly greeted by the bride and groom’s parents.  We were then escorted down the marble staircase to the cocktail reception on the lawn where champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served.

Dinner was announced and we were led through a magnificent gate to the Grand Terrace in front of the palace where the dinner tables were set. With fireworks exploding overhead, we dined and danced in celebration of the love for our friends, for a wedding I will never forget!