Together with their families

Ecem & Umar

cordially invite you to their wedding!

September 4, 2026 · Istanbul, Turkey

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Our Story

On a fall evening, at the Sheraton Commander, just a few steps away from Johnston Gate, met Ecem and Umar. Two people who had no idea they were about to become each other's favorite coincidence. She arrived with a quiet love for neurons, novels, and coffee strong enough to start a revolution; he showed up thinking about exploits, systems, and whether he could turn a conversation into a magic trick. Although they might not have thought of their love as instant (it was), it was indeed inevitable.

Cafés became their neutral ground, where sweets and ideas were shared freely, and where Umar occasionally tried (successfully) to impress Ecem with sleight of hand. Somewhere between the jokes and the science, they realized they weren’t just studying the world, they were building one together. Join us as we begin our forever in the magical city where continents meet, where ancient history whispers through every street, and where cats roam wherever they please.

Counting Down To Forever

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Friday, September 4th, 2026

Wedding Week Celebrations

We're planning a series of gatherings and events beginning September 1st in Istanbul. As details come together we will reach out with updates. In the meantime, we'd love to hear about your plans - please let us know by filling out this form.

Wedding Day Schedule

Friday, September 4th, 2026

Dress Code: Formal and colorful! We encourage sunset colors.

5:40 PM

Departure from Bostanci to the Sedef Island

We depart from the Bostanci Mavi Marmara Pier to Sedef Island!

Bostanci Mavi Marmara Pier
7:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

Welcome to the island!

Liya, Sedef Island
7:20 PM

Ceremony

The moment we've been waiting for - join us as we exchange our vows.

Liya, Sedef Island
7:40 PM

Gift Ceremony

Gift ceremony followed by a walk to the restaurant.

Liya, Sedef Island
8:00 PM

Wedding Dinner

A wonderful dinner to celebrate the evening. View the full menu

Liya, Sedef Island
10:00 PM

Party Starts!

It's time to dance! For those that need to leave early, a boat has been scheduled to leave for Dragos Port (mainland)

Liya, Sedef Island
11:00 PM

Return Trip to Bostanci Pier

Return trip back to Bostanci Pier.

Bostanci Pier
After Party

After Party by the Bosphorus

Join us for our after party next to Bosphorus for the next 2 hours!

Liya, Sedef Island
12:00 AM

Shot Service & Street Food Service

Midnight treats to keep the energy going.

Liya, Sedef Island
1:10 AM

Bouquet Toss

💐 ❤️

Liya, Sedef Island
1:30 AM

Final Return

Final return to Buyukada & Dragos Port and Bostanci Pier.

Buyukada, Dragos Port & Bostanci Pier

Getting to Sedef Island

Ferries to and from Liya on Sedef Island

ISTANBUL European Side Anatolian Side BOSPHORUS B Bostanci D Dragos Kinaliada Burgazada Heybeliada Buyukada Sedef Island Liya 40 min 20 min SEA OF MARMARA N S E W

Boat Schedule

All boat departures and returns for the wedding day

From Time To
Bostanci 5:40 PM Liya (Venue)
Liya (Venue) 10:00 PM Dragos
Liya (Venue) 11:00 PM Bostanci
Liya (Venue) 1:30 AM Bostanci
Liya (Venue) 1:30 AM Buyukada & Dragos

Please arrive 15 minutes before departure · Last boats depart at 1:30 AM

FAQs

When is the RSVP deadline?

Please let us know if you are able to join us by May 31st. If you require more time, please let us know!

How do I RSVP?

You can RSVP through the invite link we sent via Paperless Post. If the link is not working, please reach out to either Ecem or Umar.

Can I bring a plus one?

We'd love for you to bring a plus one! Please reach out to us so we can make sure they are included in our seating and ferry plans.

Are the children invited?

While we love your little ones, the island venue has some safety hazards (lots of water and steep edges!). We appreciate your understanding!

What should I do if my plans change?

Life happens. If your plans shift, please let us know as soon as you are able so we can adjust our logistics.

What is the address of the ceremony and reception?

Our ceremony and celebrations will be at Liya on Sedef Island, Istanbul. Here is the location of the venue. There will be a private ferry service for guests.

Is the ceremony indoors or outdoors?

The ceremony and after-party celebrations will be held outdoors, while dinner service will be indoors.

Is there parking available?

Guests will depart from Bostancı Port, where limited parking is available. We highly recommend arriving early if you plan to park there, or better yet, taking a taxi/Uber to the pier.

Will transportation be provided?

Yes, transportation to the venue will be arranged through a private ferry from Bostancı Port. For guests staying for the after-party, we are planning to offer shuttle services based on where guests are staying. We will do our best to coordinate routes and drop-off points accordingly and will share more details closer to the date.

What is the dress code?

Formal. Colorful. Joyful. We want our celebration to be as vibrant as the city itself! We strongly encourage wearing sunset colors -think deep reds, sunny yellows, oranges, warm pinks, and purples. As Oscar Wilde once said, “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” To put it simply: keep it elegant and spirited.

Should I bring anything extra (jacket, umbrella etc.)?

Although the day time will be warm, the weather will turn brisk during the evening. We recommend carrying a light jacket or a cardigan.

Which airport should I fly into?

Istanbul has two airports. Istanbul Airport (IST) is located on the European side of the city and many international flights land there. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is located on the Asian side of the city and entails a longer drive to the city center.

Where should I stay?

To be close to the ferry and the after-party shuttles, look at neighborhoods on the Asian Side like Kadiköy, Moda, Suadiye, or Bostancı.

Do you have hotel blocks or discount codes?

We have reached out to a number of hotels, both chain and boutique for group pricing. There is a Google sheet where we gathered all the offers we received so far. For most of the hotels, Ecem and Umar are acting as the coordinators. Please fill out the form on the sheet, and she will connect you with the hotel to secure the rate. Link to Sheet

What is the best way to get around?

Istanbul has great public transportation - metro, busses, and ferries - that will take you to most places in the city. The Uber app is also a great choice as it services your ride through local taxi partners.

What time should I come for the ceremony?

Please plan to arrive at Bostanci Mavi Marmara Pier by 17:30 PM for the boat to the island. The ferry will depart at 17:40 and there will NOT be another ferry going to the island. Please contact Ecem or Umar if you have any questions or concerns.

When should I expect the celebrations to end?

The first departure from the island will be at 10 PM and will go to the Dragos port (close to Bostanci). Subsequent departures will depart at 11 PM and 1:30 AM to Bostanci port (the port you departed from earlier).

Can I bring gifts to the wedding?

We will have a traditional Takı Töreni (Jewelry Ceremony) before dinner. This is the customary time for gifts. Because we're on an island and traveling back by boat, larger physical gifts might be a bit tricky to transport. If you'd like to give a gift, we will have a wedding chest at the venue for envelopes, cards, or traditional gold.

Is it okay to send the gift later?

Of course! Please get in touch with us.

What is the "Jewelry Ceremony"?

The Takı Töreni (Jewelry Ceremony) is a central Turkish tradition where the community helps the couple start their new life together. Traditionally, guests offer gold coins, jewelry, or cash in envelopes. While you might see local guests pinning these onto red ribbons, we will have a jewelry chest (box) available for a more low-key way to drop off envelopes or small gifts. Please know that your presence is the greatest gift of all; the ceremony is a blessing and a celebration of community support, so please feel free to participate in whatever way feels right for you!

What kind of food will be there?

You can check the menu of the restaurant ahead of time here!

What if I have dietary restrictions?

The venue has many vegetarian and vegan options that could accommodate that.

Who can I contact with other questions?

Please reach out to us! We are happy to talk through pros, cons, and logistics to make sure you have the best time in our favorite city.