Soft pinks, warm neutrals, muted ecrus, and delicate roses wove through our theme.
Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…
Emre – It all began with a gift—a camera placed in my hands, waiting to capture the world through my eyes. With every frame, I discovered not just an art but a purpose. I love capturing moments, the fleeting instants that weave happiness into people’s lives. The more I saw joy reflected in my images, the more my passion deepened. Love, in all its forms, fascinates me—whether found in nature, fashion, or the intimate bond between two souls. Every photograph tells a story, and I have always been drawn to those who speak the language of love.
Merve – I feel deeply about almost everything, constantly seeking what sets my soul on fire. Passion burns within me, and in Emre, I found someone who not only understands that intensity but shares it. His love for emotions, for seeing and feeling deeply, fuels his photography. His lens doesn’t just capture moments; it breathes life into them. And somewhere in those captured frames, our story began.
How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?
Merve – I was a university student, fresh from an internship in Italy, searching for a photographer to create a video CV. I had always felt special in my way, yet there was an emptiness, something undefined. Then, I met Emre.
Emre – Love at first sight. That’s what I call it. The moment I saw her, an indescribable urge took hold of me—to capture her, to frame every fleeting expression, to preserve every moment in time. She was extraordinary, and I knew from the very beginning that I wanted her to feel that way for the rest of her life.
When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?
We learned to embrace the imperfections, to cherish the raw, unfiltered parts of ourselves. There was no pretense between us, no need for masks. In each other, we found a paradox—an exhilarating uncertainty balanced by an unwavering conviction. It was terrifying to not fully comprehend the depths of our emotions, yet the certainty of why we were drawn to one another was undeniable.
The power of a glance, the solace of silence, the comfort of a quiet moment, the hope in the unknown, the beauty in apologies, the significance of a simple gesture, the joy of uninhibited laughter, the warmth of a first embrace—all these pieces came together to form the fabric of our love.
Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).
Two years ago, on a cold winter afternoon in Montmartre, we stepped into a tiny photo booth. Just the two of us, hearts racing, a decision lingering between us. The machine clicked, capturing a moment that would change everything. A whispered promise: “Yes.”
Paris became the backdrop to our love story, wrapping us in its romance. We wandered its streets, shared stolen kisses beneath its golden lights, and let history and culture sweep us into a world of passion and timeless elegance. Inspired by the words, “And they lived happily ever after…” we envisioned a wedding of serenity, softness, and nature’s embrace.
We chose Château Marcellus, its Neo-Classical elegance standing as a silent witness to centuries of love stories before ours. Soft pinks, warm neutrals, muted ecrus, and delicate roses wove through our theme, an echo of the whispers of history that surrounded us.
What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).
Nestled in the south of France, Château Marcellus is a timeless treasure adorned with garden ornaments and architectural wonders spanning the 15th to 20th centuries. Its very essence felt like a living poem, a perfect canvas for our love. Amidst the echoes of the past, we vowed our forever, wrapped in history’s embrace.
There is something magical about standing before walls that have seen centuries of love unfold, where elegance and craftsmanship have stood the test of time. And on that day, it bore witness to ours.
What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?
To those beginning their own path, we offer this: Never lose yourself. Do not chase trends if they do not reflect who you truly are. Plan together, communicate, and above all, never let love fade beneath the weight of details. This journey is yours; let it be as true as your heart.
Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?
The silhouette of my bridal was chosen by a younger version of myself—a girl who once dreamed of this very moment. And there I stood, living the dream she had long imagined, stepping into a picture she had once drawn in her mind.
What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).
As photographers, we long to freeze every moment in time. Perhaps we spent too much time capturing the magic, wishing to keep it forever when we should have let ourselves breathe in the stillness of the Château a little longer. Perhaps we should have lingered at sunset, savouring Bordeaux wine and delicate cheeses. But even in its fleeting nature, our days were perfect.
Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?
Paris had been kind to us, always. Its streets, its whispers, its timeless beauty—it gave us everything we dreamed of. On July 25th, within the quiet intimacy of the consulate, we became husband and wife.
The next morning, our honeymoon awaited in Bordeaux. Château Marcellus stood in the distance, promising romance wrapped in history. But fate had other plans. As the city celebrated the grand opening of the Olympics, chaos erupted. Railways sabotaged. Trains canceled. The station swelled with stranded travellers. A message arrived: Stay away.
With no available cars to rent, we felt the weight of uncertainty pressing in. And then, kindness found us. A French Olympic volunteer helped us connect with a family—a couple and their one-year-old child—who welcomed us on their journey.
An eight-hour drive. The French countryside stretches endlessly beneath the moonlit sky. And at 11 PM, the grand gates of Château Marcellus stood before us as if waiting to welcome us home. We will never forget the moment we saw its façade at the end of the tree-lined driveway. Some places feel like home. We call it love at first sight.
And so, our story continues…
BRIDE Merve Sayhan, @mervessayhan GROOM Emre Sayhan, @emresayhanofficial VENUE Turkish Consulate PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION Château Marcellus, @chateau_marcellus PHOTOGRAPHER By the groom, Emre Sayhan – L’amour Wed, @lamourwed_ SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER Ala Breskaya – WedStory, @alabreskaya_photographe FLORAL By the bride ENGAGEMENT RING Cartier, @cartier INVITATION Sophistical Davetiye, @soaphistical BRIDAL DRESS & VEIL La Grazia Wedding, @lagraziawedding BRIDE’S SHOE Manc, @manc HAIR & MAKEUP By the Bride BRIDE’S FRAGRANCE La Nuit Trésor – Lancôme, @lancomeofficial GROOM’S SHOE Aldo, @aldo_shoes GROOM’S FRAGRANCE Y Intense – Yves Saint Laurent, @ysl RIBBONS Silk Bouquet Ribbon, Vow Notebook Silk Ribbon, and Blueberry Velvet Ribbon – Tie & Keep, @tieandkeep VOW NOTEBOOK Nebahat Kavak, @medeniyet_hamuru
