Seallean’s World Wide Wedding tour is about to come to an end! After more poolside lounging to sweat out the previous night, we gathered for the big event. Everyone looked stunning, and with good reason … I have not seen a more fairytale setting for a wedding. Perched atop Cesme harbor, the wedding took place in Cesme castle, once a strategic military spot to protect the port. But for one night only (this is the first and probably only wedding that will take place there), the castle was transformed into a flower-filled secret garden for our favorite lovebirds. Well, not too secret: Given the high profile of the wedding at the castle, a number of Turkish paparazzi where on hand to document the event. I even got my picture taken by one. Turkish US Weekly, here I come!
The ceremony was very short, since they had legally married two weeks before in Ohio, but nevertheless incredibly touching. Now it was time to party! The tables overlooked the harbor, where the setting sun provided better lighting than even the best lighting technician could dream up.
Chrissy told me there would be some surprises that evening, and the first was the skyward sprays of sparks that let loose as the newlyweds were first announced. Spectacular! The dinner itself was incredible, beginning with a plate of various Turkish mezzes, moving to risotto and then an upscale surf-n-turf with sea bass and beef. I can’t recall the dessert, but I’m sure that’s because I had previously died and gone to heaven. Dancing to the live band interspersed dinner, and I even got down with Onur’s dad. Papa Gulec can shake it! So can Mama Gulec! Don’t mess with her on the dancefloor or you will get owned.
During dinner, another surprise was presented: traditional Turkish dancers! They performed a special dance for Onur and Chrissy, a special moment highlighting how incredible this cross-cultural union is. The best part was the evening’s end, when the traditional dancers and musicians worked the entire crowd into a frenzy, spinning us round and round in wild circle dancing that was more fun than the best club night out I’ve ever had. Thank you so much, Onur and Chrissy, for this special gift!
After such a full night, you’d think it ends there, right? Obviously, you don’t know how my crew rolls. Max, my good friend Karel’s boyfriend, had pulled some strings to open up a beach club for a private wedding afterparty. After a costume change into comfier duds, we hopped back on the bus and headed for the beach. Unfortunately for me, I had developed a nasty cold and was feeling worse by the minute. Usually I’m ready to rumble, but getting through this night was tough. But because everyone had gone to such great lengths, and because it was my last few hours with Sean before he left, I stuck it out. Salim, another Istanbul friend, provided the minimal techno beats under a sky so clear that the Milky Way hazily smeared the heavens. When the bartenders started lighting the spray of Raid cans on fire, we knew it might be a good time to leave. I’m not quite sure, but I think we got back to the hotel around 4:30 or 5AM. Sean powered through, as his car was picking him up at 6AM for his journey home. Brave, brave soul. I was fast asleep when he departed.
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| [08.06.07] Cesme Day 3 |
