A moody castle wedding in italy inspired by gothic romance
Bilge Yenigül and Turkish footballer Cengiz Ünder were first introduced during a mutual friend’s dinner in Istanbul. As the couple recalls, it was an encounter during which neither of them felt as if they were meeting a stranger.
“It was a very unusual feeling,” Bilge describes. “We felt as if we were talking to someone we already knew, someone we belonged with. There was an immediate sense of familiarity and comfort between us.”
A Surprise Engagement in Istanbul
To propose, Cengiz planned a surprise engagement in Istanbul. He tricked Bilge into thinking she was attending a dinner for his football club, but brought her to the historic Binbirdirek Cistern instead. The manmade subterranean reservoir, which dates back as far as the 5th or 6th century, set an unforgettable stage for the proposal.
“The entire cistern was filled with candlelight,” says Bilge, “and there was a single beautifully set dinner table in the middle. He was waiting for me with my favorite flowers in his hands. I was completely shocked and overwhelmed.”
Gothic Romance and Medieval Details
The couple’s wedding planning process was led by RA Experience, culminating in an unforgettable castle wedding at Castello di Tor Crescenza in Rome, Italy.
“We felt as if we were talking to someone we already knew, someone we belonged with.”
“Our wedding was a two-day celebration,” Bilge shares, “but we arrived in Rome beforehand and created so many beautiful memories leading up to it. I spent quality time with every guest, which made me feel very relaxed throughout the entire experience. I never really had any stage fright or anxiety. The moment I will never forget is walking with my father before the ceremony. Another unforgettable memory was driving through Rome in our wedding attire in a vintage car from the 1960s, while strangers applauded us, smiled, and shared in our happiness wherever we went.”
Choosing a castle as their wedding venue created an idyllic foundation for bringing the bride’s wedding vision to life. She wanted an ambiance filled with Gothic romance, which Castello di Tor Crescenza provided beautifully. The magical atmosphere of the castle was further enhanced by medieval-inspired details, dramatic floral arrangements of deep burgundy and green tones, and a moody aesthetic. The lighting was also kept soft and dim, creating an intimate, dramatic, and palpably romantic feel.
“Rome has always been one of our favorite cities,” Bilge adds, “and celebrating our wedding there made everything even more meaningful. Being surrounded by our closest family and friends in such a historic and romantic setting felt like a dream come true. The entire weekend was filled with love, laughter, and memories that we will cherish forever.”
After their castle wedding celebration, the newlyweds traveled to Sardinia for a blissful seaside honeymoon.
>Written By: Lauren Malamala
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Castello di Tor Crescenza, Rome, Italy; Planning & Event Design: RA Experience Event Design; Wedding Dress: Zuleyha Kuru; Bentley: Ghisu Autonoleggio; Photography: Katarina Fedora