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Couple plans multicultural wedding in Istanbul for June 2026

Jasmin Karibzhanova and Sam Sutcliffe are planning a destination wedding for 160 guests in Istanbul in June 2026.

How We Pulled It Off: An East-Meets-West Wedding in Istanbul
File photo How We Pulled It Off: An East-Meets-West Wedding in Istanbul Photo: Condé Nast Traveler

Guest travel logistics drive location choice

The couple selected the city because it avoids visa requirements for their Canadian and Kazakh families. Direct flights exist from Toronto and Almaty to the Turkish capital. They decided against typical European venues like France or Italy to keep travel simple.

Theme matches bride and groom heritage

An east-meets-west theme fits the backgrounds of the bride, who grew up in Kazakhstan, and the groom, who has Chinese-English descent. The location history aligns with their multicultural upbringing and global experiences.

Planning challenges involve cultural differences

The pair initially contacted Turkish planners but faced difficulties bridging a cultural divide. They are now seeking additional help to plot the details of this large celebration.

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