Bride Of The Week: Abbey
Written By Kaileah Searcy
We’re so excited to share the breathtaking wedding of our GL Bride Of The Week, Abbey, who said “I do” in our Gia. Set against the grandeur of the Çırağan Palace, Abbey’s day was a beautiful blend of traditions, filled with love, joy, and unforgettable details. In the following interview, she takes us through the moments and memories that made her day truly one of a kind.
“I knew my dress was the one the moment I tried it on again—I was holding back tears.”
A Moment of your wedding day will you never forget?
For our first entrance into the reception, we walked out onto the upper landing of the imperial staircase, with everyone else seated at the tables below. It was the first time we could take in the sight of all our Turkish and American loved ones together in one place, surrounded by the décor and details we had so carefully envisioned. That moment was indescribable – the people dearest to us, from opposite sides of the world, brought together in celebration as our dream wedding came to life.
One thing you wish you knew as a new bride? What advice would you give to future brides?
This is a tad negative, but I promise there’s a positive ending! Everyone always says “you learn who your real friends are when you plan a wedding,” and yes, this is definitely true. However, nobody mentions that your relationships with others get so much stronger. Friendships I didn’t even think had room to get stronger…did. So the advice I would give to future brides is yes, there will be some let downs. Let downs from people you never thought would let you down, but just hang on because other people will show up for you in ways you never expected. One thing I wish I knew: the wedding blues (post wedding feelings) are so real!! Wait to do your honeymoon – it gives you something to look forward to when you’re feeling a bit sad that everything is over.
A detail that made your wedding special/unique?
My husband is from Turkey, and many of his family and friends—his parents included—speak little to no English. To honor both languages during our ceremony, one of his close friends officiated, alternating between English and Turkish for each paragraph. Later, during the reception, my husband’s brother—also the best man—translated each of the speeches given by our fathers.
At first, we weren’t sure how to approach the challenge of two languages, but it turned into one of the most touching parts of the day. Several guests told us how moving it was to witness, and we quickly realized the key was keeping each speech short so that, with translation, they still flowed naturally at just two to three minutes.
Another detail I’ll never forget is the joy of our guests themselves. Our wedding was a blend of so not just Turkish and American, but a few other countries as well. To look around the room and see everyone we love, from opposite sides of the world, laughing together and celebrating as if they’d known each other forever…it was pure magic. The next morning, we woke up to photos of our Turkish and American friends watching the sunrise together long after we had gone to bed. As a bride, I couldn’t have wished for anything more.
How did you know your dress was the one?
I knew my dress was the one because I simply couldn’t get it out of my mind. I didn’t purchase it the first day I tried it on, partly because I can be indecisive, but also because I wanted to be absolutely certain. The very next morning, I found texted Gigi at the NYC location (the best ever!) to ask if I could come back and try it on again. The moment I had it on again, I was holding back tears. It had everything I had dreamed of: intricate beading along the corset, shimmering detail throughout the skirt, and a matching veil that tied it all together. Best of all, it perfectly complemented the venue and décor, making it feel as if it had been designed just for that day.
“...my dress felt as if it had been designed just for that day.”
How did it feel when you put on your dress the day of the wedding? What was everyone’s reaction to the dress?
I truly felt like a princess, cheesy as it sounds, there’s no better way to describe it. I had heard stories of brides falling out of love with their dress as the wedding day got closer, but for me, it was the opposite. With each fitting, I only loved mine more. The reactions made it even more special. Guests’ jaws literally dropped. I had kept the dress a secret from everyone except my mom and sister, so when I finally revealed it during the first look with my bridesmaids, the collective gasp said everything. They had all expected me to choose something slim-fitting with lace, so no one saw the ball gown coming. There’s a photo in the gallery from that moment, and my Matron of Honor’s expression (she’s on the left) says it all.
Would you have done anything differently?
I would not change a single thing. There were last minute changes to décor due to the wind, and of course we got behind schedule, but I think that’s just part of process. It was the best day of my entire life and I’m so grateful everything turned out how it did.
What was your favorite part of the wedding to plan/you were most looking forward to?
Without a doubt, my favorite parts were the outfits and the décor. I’ve always loved fashion and design, and with my mom being an interior designer, creating and designed the wedding together made it especially meaningful. Working with our planner, Ruks Event, and watching her bring our shared vision to life was incredible. Ruks even created a 4-D illustration of the entire wedding, allowing us to see exactly how the florals, colors, lighting, chandeliers, platform, and arches would come together—virtually, before the big day. While we knew the mock-up couldn’t capture every detail perfectly, it provided an invaluable guide as we made each decision.
How did you meet your husband? How did he propose?
Like many modern love stories, ours began on a dating app. I had two simple rules for the apps: no pen pals and no late-night messages. He messaged me on a Wednesday at 11 a.m. and asked me out the very next day. That weekend, we spent every day together, and the rest, as they say, is history. Six weeks later, we made it official, and seven months after that, we moved in together.
For the proposal, I had only two requests: complete surprise, and a celebration with our friends and family at some point. I had a slight suspicion something was brewing that week, but everyone, even my parents, had plans. Knowing my husband wanted the proposal itself to be private, I had assumed the actual proposal would be just the two of us. One of his best friends from Turkey happened to be visiting, which he cleverly used as a cover to plan a night out. On Friday, he told me he’d call me an Uber to meet them at The Wharf. The ride brought me to the newly opened Pendry, where he instructed me to head up to the rooftop.
The second I stepped out of the elevator and saw him on the terrace standing there alone, I just knew. He proposed quietly, the two of us sharing the moment while a few strangers watched from inside. And then, a sweet touch: a little girl ran over and handed me a rose, something he had asked her to do beforehand. Afterward, he took me to a restaurant where all our friends and family, including out-of-towners, were waiting to celebrate. The final surprise was a night at the Pendry. Simple, thoughtful, and everything I could have ever hoped for.
How did you find working with the team at Galia Lahav?
I couldn’t hold back tears as I left the store after my final fitting, not just because I adored my dress, but because I knew I wouldn’t be returning for any more fittings. From start to finish, the entire team was incredible, making every visit something I actually looked forward to. As someone who can sometimes feel hesitant about speaking up regarding details or designs, I never once felt afraid to be honest with my stylist, Gigi.
“No one expected the ball gown, and their reactions made it even more special.”
You don’t realize how important it is to not only love your dress, but also the people and the place where you found it. You spend so much time with your vendors and designers that feeling completely comfortable with them is essential. I am so so grateful for my experience with Galia Lahav. From beginning to end, it was absolutely perfect.
How many dresses did you try on before you found it?
Outside of Galia Lahav, I tried on easily 25+ dresses. It was the last stop on my NYC dress-shopping journey, and it was always in the back of my mind every time I tried something elsewhere. To be completely honest, the moment I walked into Galia Lahav, with the glittery bar and the genuine welcome, I just knew I would find my dress there. It was the second gown I tried on, and from that instant, it was the only one I couldn’t stop thinking about.
Anything else you would like to add?
I feel unbelievably fortunate to have had the experience I did. I cannot thank the team at Galia Lahav NYC enough, especially Gigi, who guided me through every step of the journey. From the stunning designs to the truly exceptional staff, Galia Lahav is, without a doubt, in a league of her own.
Wedding Planner and Creative Director | @rukiyedemirkan
Photography | @annaroussos @thanosasfis
Venue | Ciragan Palace @cpkempinski
Wedding Planning and Design | @ruksevent
Videography | @kejproductions
Content Creator | @sociallymichelleandco
Hair | @micki_hairartistry
Makeup | @galyagorniskha
After Party Dress | @natalyavalentine_atelier
Live Band | @bodro.artists
Technical Installations | @darktechnical @nnaz
Floral Team | @bycicekadam @florartcicekcilikokulu
Invitation | @kattonepaper