Real Wedding: Jacquelyn & Gokberk
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.
Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
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.
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.
Junior Cruz of Tropical Studio
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
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
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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