A Wedding Day at Sait Halim Pasha Mansion: Photographic notes of a story that lasted for hours on the Bosphorus coast! You can find the rest of the “Sait Halim Pasha Mansion Wedding Photography” article under the photos.
Some wedding days draw you in from the first shot in the morning until the last moment at night, right? This was exactly one of those days!
The Morning Starting in Çekmeköy
The day began at the bride’s house in Çekmeköy. Family and friends had gathered and the excitement was through the roof:) Our groom entered the bride’s street walking ahead with a Balkan marching band. This couple chose to keep alive that warm tradition, rarely seen in modern weddings anymore. What I enjoy most here is having neighbors who open their windows or go out onto their balconies to watch what’s going on! I can honestly empathize with them a bit. Siting at home, busy with things, the sudden music and sounds of people coming from the windows completely disrupt the peaceful flow of life:) The entertainment at the bride’s house was small scale but the energy was wonderful 🙂
When I learned that the bride was a basketball player, I wanted to add this to the photos so we went behind the house where there were basketbal hoops. We practiced for ten minutes in her wedding dress. She actually shot, posed with the ball and shot again even in her high heels 🙂
Then we formed a convoy and set off!
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion: Stairs, Light, and the Bosphorus
The moment you step into the Sait Halim Pasha Mansion, you know it’s a gift to the photographer! The architectural details from the Ottoman period, the magnificent staircases inside, the windows overlooking the Bosphorus, every corner is a precious photoshot.
The stairs are especially beautiful. As you ascend, the light changes, softens and finds its direction. There are spacious rooms on the upper floors overlooking the Bosphorus. Here I took various shots with both my magbox magnifier and sunlight.
Most of the preparation and photography took place inside the mansion. The natural light falling on the stair columns, the texture of the walls, the reflections of the Bosphorus from outside to inside! You don’t need to stage any of this. The space itself compels you. Am I talking too much romantic? 🙂
We also documented the exterior of the mansion and the Bosphorus silhouete with a drone. It’s difficult to understand the scale of the building from the ground. From that perspective, the size and location of the structure are much clearer.
Night: After Party on a Boat
The afterparty continued on a boat. Our DJ, the night view of the Bosphorus and a fire dancer were all together. It was a short performance but it lit up the darknes. My dear colleague Ezgi worked on this segment and she did a great job!
For Those Planning a Wedding at This Venue
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion with its historical texture, Bosphorus view and interior design features is one of Istanbul’s most striking wedding venues. It is extremely suitable for both the wedding ceremony and the photoshoot. The natural light is perfect during the day and at night and the Bosphorus lights take over the scene.
If you have planned or are planning your wedding at this venue, you should contact me!
Sait Halim Pasha Mansion Wedding Photography by Ufuk Sarisen
