Real Wedding: Jacquelyn & Gokberk

Bride getting ready on her hotel balcony, holding a bouquet of flowers Photo: Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
Where it all started

Their story is that of a modern 21st century romance. Jacquelyn, a property accountant from the Philippines, had been about to delete her online dating profile when Gokberk, a lobster supplier from Turkey, sent her a message asking to meet up. He was going to be spending the summer overseas and wanted to take Jacquelyn on a date before he left. She agreed and the two met up at a pool bar in Toronto, where they chatted for over three hours. Gokberk promised to keep in touch while he was gone. He kept his word and soon after he returned home to Toronto at the end of the summer they became inseparable.

After going away on vacation together in Punta Cana, the couple knew that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives as husband and wife. Jacquelyn wasn’t one for dramatic public proposals and Gokberk wasn’t very good at surprises, so after four years of dating they picked out an engagement ring together and started planning their dream wedding.

Bride and groom standing on the edge of the beach at sunset Photo: Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
Planning the wedding

Since neither of them had a lot of family in Canada, Jacquelyn and Gokberk knew from the beginning that they wanted a destination wedding. They chose Punta Cana as their destination because they had travelled there several times before and loved the amazing beaches, friendly people and delicious food. The luxurious Majestic Colonial Punta Cana was the perfect resort for them with its picturesque beach gazebo – where they held their ceremony. The unlimited à la carte dining offered as part of their stay was also an attractive bonus.

Bride and groom walking down the aisle at their wedding ceremony Photo: Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
Day details

On April 29th, 2017, Jacquelyn and Gokberk exchanged their vows underneath Majestic Colonial’s beach gazebo with 20 family members and friends as their witness. After the romantic ceremony, the couple walked back down the aisle to the happy tunes of Bliss by Volbeat. They then headed to the Parrot Bar for their reception which was decorated in their colour scheme of shale green and ivory. For their honeymoon the newlyweds will be heading to Melia Nassau Resort and Atlantis to soak up the Bahamian sun.

Groom wearing sunglasses and posing in a lush garden Photo: Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
Wedding day wear

Jacquelyn’s dress: Lace sweetheart gown by Jai Bridal

Jacquelyn’s shoes: Nina

Jacquelyn’s accessories: Earrings, bracelet and veil

Gokberk’s attire: Traditional Filipino wedding shirt and Tommy Bahama pants

Gokberk’s accessories: Watch

Wedding bands: Peoples Jewellery

The bridesmaids wore: Shale strapless sweetheart dresses from J-Crew

The groomsmen wore: Traditional Filipino wedding shirts and Le Chateau pants

Bride and groom walking along the beach at sunset Photo: Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
Small details

Flowers: Various flowers in shades of peach and ivory

Hair and makeup: Resort salon

Photographer: Junior Cruz from Tropical Studio

Stationary and invitations: DIY invitations designed to look like passports and boarding passes

First dance: You Are the Best Thing – Ray La Montagne

Welcome gifts: Miniature wooden candle holders in the shape of beach chairs

Traditions: Groom did the traditional Turkish wedding dance

Bride and groom walking along the beach at sunset Photo: Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
Tips for future couples

"Enjoy every moment of your big day and don’t stress about the small things that are out of your control!"

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