From empanada chaat to Assassin’s Creed dance floors: A unique Indian wedding in Istanbul

When Krishna and Omar decided to marry, they knew their wedding would be more than just a union of two people. It would be a canvas of cultures, a meeting of legacies, and a reflection of the vibrant lives they’ve built together. Set against the storied charm of Istanbul, their wedding unfolded as a tapestry of Gujarati, Puerto Rican, and Bengali traditions, infused with global influences, personal touches, and boundless creativity.

The couple, both entrepreneurs based in Washington, D.C., share a love for food, art, music, and travel. Krishna, a Gujarati bride with a career in U.S. politics, and Omar, a musician and data engineer with Puerto Rican and Bengali roots, are self-proclaimed “big kids” who balance serious professions with a zest for creativity. That spirit guided every detail of their wedding—from designing their own invitations and curating playlists to styling themselves for each event.

They welcomed 100 guests from six countries to Istanbul, introducing many to their first Indian wedding. Iconic venues like Ciragan Palace and Pera Palace reflected their love of history, while family traditions anchored each ceremony. At the Ganesh Puja, Krishna wore a silk sari once gifted by her father to her mother, and their young cousin Suhaan led the rituals, underscoring the intimacy of their celebration.

Their Haldi was a joyful nod to Omar’s roots, blending Indian and Puerto Rican influences with empanada chaat, colourful umbrellas, and a soundtrack of Indian and Spanish tunes. The Sangeet embraced a Turkish-Arab aesthetic, complete with Bedouin tents, hookahs, and Arab funk beats, and featured a custom Assassin’s Creed dance floor gifted by Krishna to Omar—a fan since childhood. Designed by Hatem Arafa, the logo’s original creator, it bore their names in Arabic calligraphy.

The wedding ceremony, led by three female priestesses from Kolkata, honoured Omar’s Bengali heritage and the couple’s shared love of literature through the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore. Progressive choices defined the moment as they chose to forgo customs like kanyadaan and bidaai, instead tying the knot with Krishna’s mother’s wedding dupatta and exchanging heirlooms that honoured their grandparents. Omar’s baraat, arriving by boat at Ciragan Palace, was a spectacular highlight.

Fashion played a starring role, with all wedding outfits custom-designed by Pitambara by Manisha and styled by Krishna. Omar’s belt, created for him, had already made a red-carpet debut at the Met Gala on Diljit Dosanjh, making its appearance at the wedding even more iconic. For the reception at Pera Palace, Krishna debuted a chic bob in keeping with the venue’s jazz-age glam, while Omar embodied classic elegance in a white tuxedo with Cartier cufflinks and a red lapel flower from New York’s legendary M&S Schmalberg.

As the celebrations shifted into a silent disco after-party, the couple slipped into Gucci sneakers, with Krishna in a sparkling gold mini dress and Omar loosening his bowtie for a night of unrestrained dancing. Their joy spilt into the streets of Istanbul, carrying their guests along in revelry until sunrise.

Krishna and Omar’s wedding was not just a celebration of two cultures but a living testament to their creativity, love of heritage, and commitment to shaping traditions on their own terms. Every detail—from heirloom sarees to Assassin’s Creed motifs—spoke of who they are as a couple: rooted in legacy, yet unafraid to innovate. Their Istanbul wedding was a love story woven across borders, illuminated by history, family, and joy.

All images: Wishbox PR | Communication Design

Also read: A desi wedding twist for Belly and Jeremiah

Also read: A celebration of love and heritage at Sidd and Naiya’s Rajkot wedding