On August 15th, 2025, I had the honor of traveling overseas for my very first international destination wedding at the breathtaking Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey. This experience was more than just a career milestone—it was truly a dream come true.

✈️ The Journey to Istanbul

From Charleston to Istanbul, the journey was long, but every moment was worth it. I carefully condensed my makeup kit into a travel-friendly setup so I could bring my most trusted products on the flights. Walking through the streets of Istanbul, with its rich history and vibrant culture, I knew this wedding would be something extraordinary.

💍 The Bride & The Glam

Our bride was the epitome of elegance and confidence. She envisioned a look that was full glam and extra, yet still carried the essence of timeless romance with a modern twist. Together, we created her perfect pinky-purple makeup look that made her striking blue eyes shine even brighter and beautifully complemented her stunning Galia Lahav gown. The finished result was my signature cake-free full glam: radiant, glowing skin, sultry sculpted eyes, and custom lashes that enhanced her natural beauty without ever overpowering it.

Her hairstyle—classic glam waves—paired beautifully with her gown and the opulent backdrop of the palace. Every detail of the look was designed to be long-lasting, heat-resistant, and absolutely flawless for photos against the Bosphorus.

🌍 The Venue: Çırağan Palace Kempinski

Few venues in the world rival the grandeur of the Çırağan Palace. Once an Ottoman imperial palace, it has been transformed into a five-star hotel while preserving its regal charm. With sweeping views of the Bosphorus, ornate marble architecture, and a fairytale garden, the setting felt like stepping into history.

As the bride made her entrance surrounded the glow of the palace, it was a moment of pure magic—both for her and for everyone witnessing it.

✨ A Milestone in My Journey
This wedding marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for me as a bridal makeup artist. To be trusted to fly across the world, glam a bride in such a legendary location, and collaborate alongside incredibly talented wedding vendors reaffirmed why I began this journey in the first place: to give my brides not just a look, but an unforgettable experience and feeling on one of the most important days of their lives.

💌 Final Thoughts

My first international destination wedding at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget. It combined everything I love—luxury, history, artistry, and love itself.

And the best part? This is only the beginning. ✨

If you’re planning a destination wedding in Greece, Italy, or anywhere else in the world—and you’re just as obsessed with makeup as I am—I’d be honored to bring my signature 100% cake-free glam to your special day.

Photography by Ratta Studio