Wedding of the Week: An 'unforgettable' four-day celebration in Turkey 

Didem Calik, from Istanbul, and Diarmuid Barrett, from Douglas, first met when they were both working part-time at Centra in Cork.

They quickly discovered they were actually attending the same finance classes in college.

“Soon after, I texted him for coffee. He tried to play hard to get, but I didn’t give up,” recalled Didem.

“Coffee led to pints, study sessions, friendship, and eventually love. He proposed in London on my 30th birthday - the easiest yes of my life,” she added.

The couple were wed last month in Istanbul, with a large contingent from Cork travelling to Turkey for the four-day celebrations.

“We had over 80 guests travel from Cork, along with our college friends who studied in Cork with us but now live across the world — from Canada, the UK, and Germany to Portugal, Austria, and Mexico.

“It felt like a global gathering of people who have been part of our journey,” the couple said.

On the first day, the couple held a traditional Henna night. This was followed the following day with a bride’s hammam - a pre-wedding bathhouse tradition.

The couple were wed in a civil ceremony on May 22, followed by a reception for their guests at the CVK Park Bosphorus, which boasts a 360-degree view of the city.

“Both of our immediate families were there —my mom, his parents, siblings, and close cousins. It meant the world to have everyone together in one place.

“I walked down the aisle with my mom. As a daughter of a single mother, one more time I have realised how strong she is,” said Didem.

“Our ceremony blended Turkish and Irish traditions, which made it incredibly personal and emotional. It felt like we were honouring both of our backgrounds and everything that brought us together,” said Didem.

The couple printed their vows and speeches for every guest - both in English and Turkish -so everyone could follow and keep them as a memory.

”So many guests told us how thoughtful it was,” said Didem.

The bride’s gown was from ‘The Veil’.

“My wedding dress was actually designed after I chose the veil. I fell head over heels for a cathedral-length veil, and told the boutique; ‘This veil is non-negotiable. Whatever works with this veil, I’ll wear it’.”

At the reception, DJ Yakar Allevici, mixed ’80s and ’90s hits with Turkish pop and Irish classics.

“When Celtic Symphony played across the Bosphorus, under the İstanbul sky, even the dolphins were dancing! Over 100 Turkish guests instantly started tapping like Irish dancers — it was magic,” said Didem.

The couple’s first dance was to Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli.

The couple worked with Concordevent for their decor.

“They included glass seagulls throughout the table decor inspired by the actual seagulls that circled the Bosphorus and River Lee. Every detail, big or small, carried our initials and story. They also offer international consultancy — highly recommended,” the couple said.

Pictures were by “a talented Turkish duo” called Minikare.

“They were creative, calm, and made us feel totally at ease,” Didem said.

For the final day of the celebrations, the couple rented a private boat on the Bosphorus for a cruise with all their guests, with music, dancing, and views of the İstanbul sunset.

Reflecting on the day, the couple said: “It was everything we had dreamed of: a celebration full of love, laughter, culture, and unforgettable memories.”