Deniz + Khoa | Istanbul, Turkey

Deniz and Khoa’s engagement session in Istanbul was one of many firsts and mosts for us. For starters, it was Daniel and I’s first time in the beautiful country of Turkey. It is also furthest we’ve ever travelled for an engagement session, and the first time we’ve ever travelled with a couple before their wedding. As it turns out, Deniz and Khoa were very compatible travel parters for Daniel and I. Having grown up in Istanbul, Deniz proved to be an excellent tour guide; taking us to all the sights and suggesting what and where we should eat (For the foodies, highlights were: Turkish breakfast – especially the fried cheese; Lahmacun – a Turkish pizza of sorts; mastic ice cream; salt-crusted fish flambe; and my personal favorite, Cigkofte – the most delicious raw meat I’ve ever had).

We spent a total of three days in Istanbul with Deniz and Khoa, and when we weren’t eating, we were visiting the sights – Aya Sophia, Dolmabahçe palace, Kapalı Çarşı (the Grand Bazaar) – and of course taking photos. On our last day, they treated us to a very unique and traditional experience: the Turkish bath, or Hamam. If traveling with these two hadn’t yet bonded us, then for Khoa and Daniel, and Deniz and I, being scrubbed down in a hot room while half naked was sure to do the trick!

I have to say, I think taking a trip together is probably the best way we’ve ever gotten to know a couple. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know a place that is so meaningful to both Deniz and Khoa, and to have done their engagement photos there. And to think, this trip was just part one… we are so excited to join them in Turks and Caicos for their wedding next month!