Shaan and Shubham, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey
A multi-day celebration that saw guests being immersed in Indian and Turkish culture.
When planning the wedding of Shaan and Shubham, the couple and their families—both based in London—envisioned a celebration that was regal yet deeply rooted in Indian traditions, offering their largely international guest list—many attending their first Indian wedding—an authentic cultural experience. They dreamed of a multi-day celebration in Istanbul that honoured their heritage while exuding the elegance of a destination affair. Bringing this vision of an immersive, meaningful, and visually spectacular celebration to life was WeddingSutra Favorite – Copper Events.
Wedding Planning
Prateek Tandon and Prachi Tandon from Copper Events, say, “The wedding theme was an opulent fusion of Turkish elegance and Indian vibrance, brought to life through a series of immersive and sensorial experiences. Each event was conceptualized as a distinct chapter that transitioned seamlessly from European grace to Ottoman richness and Indian festivity.”
From a Mehndi styled as a vibrant Turkish Bazaar to a soulful Sufi Night steeped in mysticism, every element was carefully curated to reflect the theme. The décor was a blend of Turkish artistry with luxe Indian elements flown in, creating regal yet personal settings. The entertainment was treated not just as a lineup of performances but as storytelling moments—each act, from live flutists and folk musicians to Bollywood artists and DJs, added a new layer to the unfolding celebration.
Specific experiences like the immersive Turkish Bazaar at the Mehndi, the boat arrival for the Sufi Night, and a surprise high-energy afterparty were curated to reflect the couple’s personality and story. Even when sudden weather disruptions occurred, such as the downpour before the Sufi Night or the flooded Haldi setup, the team managed to redesign and reconfigure the setups within hours, ensuring the guest experience remained uninterrupted and magical. Their dream of a flawless, emotionally rich, and visually spectacular celebration was realized with passion, agility, and meticulous attention to detail.
Wedding Functions
Welcome Dinner and Mehendi
The welcome dinner and mehendi was hosted at a venue with water views. As the blue sky and the blue waters blended, the vibrant red and white canopies with orange and pastel blue décor, created a light hearted atmosphere, setting the tune for the celebrations ahead.
Haldi
The Haldi was set up like a cosy family picnic in a lawn. The guests, also dressed in turmeric hues, participated in the ceremony by generously applying Haldi paste on the couple using marigold flowers. A buffet lunch later helped restore some of the spent energy.
Sufi Night
From playful afternoons to soulful evenings, this wedding had the guests immersed in the many cultures of India. The Sufi night was hosted at Divan Kuruçeşme, a stunning waterfront venue that added to the mystical charm of the evening. Classic scarlet blooms, candle light, and a deep red carpet, set the tone for a more formal, yet cosy, evening. The stirring performances brought the family and guests on their feet and led to some warm moments between the couple.
Turkish Bazaar
Held during the day, the Turkish Bazaar gave the guests a little down time while also celebrating the cultural influences of the host country. From local textiles to pottery and spices, the bazaar afternoon gave a about-the-town feel, with some live music and traditional lemonade servings.
Sangeet
The evening sangeet celebration saw performances and speeches by friends and family that, by the looks of it, had the couple in splits. The décor was minimal, with a white and green palette and complementing lighting.
The After Party was a rager with the couple and their guests letting their hair down and dancing the night away.
Wedding and Reception
The wedding took place at the iconic Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, a venue steeped in Ottoman grandeur and overlooking the Bosphorus. With a white mandap that overlooked the Bosphorus, the wedding frame was already stunning. The groom arrived on a cycle cart decorated with flowers and the bride had the whole crowd in awe with her electric blue lehenga. The setting sun added another layer of magic to the sacred ceremony.
The bonhomie of the sangeet continued into the reception, and the couple dancing into the sunset.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul (Wedding), Divan Kuruçeşme (Sufi Night)
Planner: Copper Events
DMC Partner: Tay Weddings
Design: Aroosi
F&B: Foodlink
Entertainment: DJ Munks, Mansheel Gujral, Swaraag Band, The Bartenders, English Brass Band, Vrash Flutist
Photography: Sam & Ekta
