From Manhattan to Bosphorus, a wedding where Indian traditions travelled all the way to Istanbul

Set against the shifting blues of the Bosphorus, the Istanbul wedding of Sagiri Gidwani and Ankur Patel unfolded like a well-travelled love story coming home to itself. Spread across three days from August 31 to September 2, 2025, the celebration was laced with Indian rituals, and the city’s palaces and waterfronts were chosen as a natural extension of the couple’s lives.

Every detail during the wedding celebrations was intentional and rooted in memory, music, and the people who matter most.

A modern love story

Based in New York, Gidwani and Patel describe themselves as global citizens shaped by different worlds. Gidwani, Director of Communications at Ralph Lauren, grew up between Manila and Florida, while Patel, Vice President of Corporate Development at music tech company Splice, was raised in Upstate New York. Their story began at a family dinner in Manhattan, a quiet start that quickly grew into something lasting.

A proposal in Èze, in the South of France, set the tone for what would become a shared life defined by travel, culture, and tradition. When it came time to choose a wedding destination, Istanbul stood out as a place that could hold all of it.

Welcome dinner at Madhu’s Istanbul

The celebrations opened on August 31 with a welcome dinner at Madhu’s Istanbul. Designed as a relaxed, high-energy evening, the dinner featured Indian food with live stations and surprise performances, including a darbuka player and a belly dancer who brought the room to life.

Guests were welcomed with thoughtful hampers presented in hand-block printed Jaipur totes. Inside were Turkish snacks, hangover kits, and personalised travel pouches.

A sangeet by the Bosphorus

On September 1, the sangeet unfolded at the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus. Guests arrived by boat, stepping into a Moroccan-inspired setting of draped tents, canopied lounges, and desert florals. With the Bosphorus stretching out behind them, the evening felt all things magical.

The dress code, 'Colours of Istanbul', brought warmth and movement to the space. Music anchored the night, continuing a theme that would run through the entire weekend.

Wedding and reception at Çırağan Palace Kempinski

The final day began with Patel arriving for his baraat by yacht, cruising into Çırağan Palace Kempinski via the Bosphorus. The ceremony that followed was intimate and soft, with a floral mandap and a live flautist as Gidwani was escorted to her groom by her sisters.

The reception took place on the palace terrace as the city lights came on. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails, violin performances, and a five-course dinner. Tables were named after meaningful places from the couple’s journey, including Èze, Manila, Serengeti, and Albany.

Across three days, Gidwani and Patel's wedding felt true to who they are. Rooted in tradition, it was a celebration that let Istanbul do what it does best, bring histories together and make them feel timeless.

All images: P Taufiq Photography

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