Warm native florals and a love story from Istanbul to Phillip Island
Necla and Ben’s story began in Istanbul, before long distance and a move to Australia brought them into this next chapter together.
Set at The Shearing Shed, their day embraced the venue’s natural, rustic beauty with an elevated, textural feel. Layered greenery, warm earthy tones and native-inspired florals created a look that felt refined yet effortless. Necla was a vision, while Ben wore a brown Institchu suit that complemented the palette perfectly.
The ceremony was deeply moving, with heartfelt vows shared in front of those who had supported their relationship from the very beginning.
From the golden light of the afternoon to the soft glow of evening, the atmosphere felt warm and romantic, before giving way to Turkish music and dancing that brought a vibrant, joy-filled energy to the celebration.
In the lead-up to the wedding, Ben grew eucalyptus seedlings from seed, which were gifted to guests – a thoughtful nod to their story and all that’s still to come. Every moment was beautifully captured by photographer Claire Davie.
The meeting.
We met in Istanbul on 10 November 2022 after matching on a dating app. I was living in Istanbul at the time, and Ben had already been travelling through Europe for some time. He had just arrived in the city and was only planning to stay briefly before continuing his trip, while also visiting a close friend from Australia who was studying there.
We happened to realise that we were both in Kadıköy, where I lived, and the hostel Ben was staying at was just two streets away from my apartment. We decided to meet that same evening at a small bar called Berlin Platz in the neighbourhood.
What was meant to be something casual turned into hours of conversation. We sat there all night talking, laughing, and completely losing track of time. From the very beginning, everything felt easy. There was a natural connection between us that was hard to explain, especially considering we had just met and came from completely different parts of the world.
We saw each other again the next day, and then every day after that. Ben came over to my apartment and met my best friends, who I was living with at the time. They immediately got along, and very quickly he became part of our everyday life.
Ben’s original plan was to continue travelling after Istanbul, but after we met, those plans slowly changed. What was meant to be a short stop turned into him staying, and that decision became a full year of us living together in Turkey, building a life side by side.
My best friends were a big part of that time, and over that year they also became very close with Ben. It made it even more special having them stand beside me as part of my wedding party at our wedding, knowing they had been there from the very beginning.
After we got engaged, we spent the following year between Australia and Turkey, doing long distance while Ben travelled back and forth and I was living in Istanbul. He would spend extended periods with me in Turkey, then return to Australia before coming back again, and we fell into a rhythm of always counting down to the next time we’d be together.
It wasn’t always easy being in two countries so far apart, but it only made us more certain about what we wanted. No matter where we were, we were always planning the next step until we were finally able to move to Melbourne together in November 2024 and begin our life in the same place.
The one.
It wasn’t one single moment, but something that became clear very early on.
From the beginning, everything between us felt natural and calm, even though our situation was anything but ordinary. We came from completely different countries, on opposite sides of the world, but somehow shared the same values, the same sense of humour, and the same outlook on life.
Because we spent so much time together from the start, we experienced real life together very quickly, not just the exciting moments, but everyday routines as well. We built a life together in Istanbul, travelled, cooked, supported each other, and created something that felt stable and genuine.
Even when we were apart, especially during the year we were between Australia and Turkey, we stayed constantly connected and missed each other deeply. That distance only made it clearer how important the relationship was to both of us.
By the time we were talking about our future, where we wanted to live, the kind of home we wanted to build, and the family we hoped to have, it didn’t feel like a big decision. It just felt like the natural next step.
The proposal.
Ben proposed on 4 November 2023 on Büyükada, one of the Princess Islands just off Istanbul, a place that had been part of our story from very early on.
We had visited the island not long after we first met, and it quickly became somewhere special to us. Returning there a year later already felt meaningful, like we were revisiting the beginning of everything.
We spent a couple of days on the island, walking around and taking it all in again. On the day of the proposal, we walked up to Aya Yorgi Church, which sits at the highest point and overlooks the sea.
We stopped at a lookout with an incredible view. While I was standing there looking out over the water, I turned around and Ben was down on one knee with the ring.
Even though we had spoken about getting engaged, the moment itself completely surprised me. It was very emotional, and it felt incredibly fitting that it happened there, in a place that had been part of our relationship since the beginning.
Afterwards, we went back to our hotel, opened a bottle of sparkling wine, and spent the evening talking about our future together.
Planning process & style inspiration.
We didn’t start with a strict theme, but we knew we wanted something that felt natural, relaxed and reflective of us. The Shearing Shed at Phillip Island already had so much character, so we leaned into that rather than trying to over-style it.
Although our wedding was in spring, we were drawn to soft, autumnal tones and a slightly rustic feel, keeping everything warm and simple. We had already fallen in love with the Shearing Shed’s natural, rustic atmosphere, so the styling naturally followed that direction, with layered greenery, warm earthy tones and soft textures that complemented the space. We were especially drawn to more textural, native-inspired florals, which added depth and richness without feeling overly formal.
We also wanted the styling to work with the natural light throughout the day, from the warm afternoon ceremony through to the softer tones of sunset and the more intimate atmosphere in the evening. We wanted everything to feel a little bit magical but still grounded in the setting.
A big influence for us was bringing in natural elements, especially greenery, which has always been a big part of our life together. In the lead-up to the wedding, Ben grew Eucalyptus seedlings from seed, and we gave them to our guests as wedding favours. This detail felt really personal to us and tied everything together in a subtle way.
Overall, we just wanted the day to feel relaxed, welcoming, and true to who we are, rather than overly formal.
After Ben proposed, while we were still living in Turkey, we had already started looking at venues in Australia, and The Shearing Shed immediately stood out to us. We both loved Phillip Island, and there was something about the venue that felt right from the beginning. When we later moved to Australia and started planning the wedding properly, it felt like an easy decision, we already knew where we wanted to get married.
The ceremony.
Our ceremony was a simple civil ceremony, but it felt incredibly meaningful because of the people who were there and the journey that led us to that moment.
One of the most special parts was having Ben’s father walk me down the aisle, as my own father was unable to attend. It was a very emotional moment and meant a lot to both of us.
Although my parents couldn’t be there in person, they watched the ceremony live, which made it feel like they were still part of it. My sister, her husband, my nephew and some of my closest friends travelled from the other side of the world to be there, which made it even more special and meant so much to us.
We also kept our wedding party very simple and personal. Instead of having a traditional structure, we had one best man and one bridesmaid, both of whom were my best friends and had been part of our story from the very beginning.
The setting itself felt very peaceful, surrounded by water and greenery, with the warm afternoon light coming through as we stood beneath the timber arbour. The combination of the natural landscape, the soft light and the floral details created a calm and intimate atmosphere that made the moment feel very grounded and personal.
There was a lot of emotion in the space, and hearing our vows in front of everyone who had supported our relationship from the beginning made it unforgettable.
The outfits.
I wanted something timeless and elegant, but also comfortable enough to feel like myself throughout the day. I tried on a few different styles before finding the one that just felt right. It was one of those moments where you don’t want to take the dress off.
I had initially been looking online, but I quickly became overwhelmed by how many options there were and started to feel a bit lost in the process. When I found Luv Bridal and went in to try on dresses, it completely changed things. I tried a few different styles until I found the one I had been looking for, and the moment I put it on, I just knew. I didn’t want something overly styled, but I also didn’t want something too simple or straight, and this dress felt like the perfect balance. It felt both special and comfortable, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
Ben kept things classic and simple but was very intentional about choosing a suit that complemented the overall feel of the day. He wanted his suit to match the autumnal tones of the wedding, which tied in beautifully with the setting, the florals and the natural landscape around us.
Together, our outfits felt balanced against the environment rather than standing apart from it, which was important to us.
We didn’t overcomplicate it; we just chose what felt right for us rather than following any strict trends.
Favourite moment.
One of the most memorable moments was seeing each other at the ceremony. There’s something about that moment that feels completely different from everything else in the day, it all becomes very real.
Another highlight was stepping away together briefly after the ceremony, before the reception, during sunset. It gave us a chance to pause, take everything in, and just be present with each other after such a full and emotional day. That moment felt very calm and almost surreal after everything leading up to it. Even though it was technically for photos at Pyramid Rock, we hardly noticed the photographer and videographer, it genuinely felt like we were just there on our own, taking it all in.
We also loved looking around during the reception and seeing all of our friends and family together. We had people there from different parts of our lives and from different countries, and seeing everyone connecting and celebrating together was incredibly special. One of the things that meant a lot to us was how naturally everything came together, it didn’t feel formal at all, it felt like one big, amazing party.
It was also really special to bring in Turkish music and dancing. Not only did our Turkish guests take part, but our Australian friends joined in as well, which made it such a fun and inclusive moment on the dance floor.
Our first dance was another highlight. We were both quite nervous about it, but it ended up being such a great moment. The song builds part way through, and we had arranged for our friends to join us at that point, which turned it into something really fun and set the tone for the rest of the night.
After the wedding, hearing from our friends and family how much they enjoyed the day and how comfortable and connected everyone felt meant a lot to us. That was something we really cared about, and it was nice to know it came through.
Meaning of marriage.
For us, marriage is about building a life together as a team. We’ve already experienced living in different countries, long distance, and major life changes, so marriage feels like a continuation of that commitment.
It represents stability, partnership and choosing each other every day. It also means bringing our families and cultures together and creating something that is shared.
At the same time, it’s also very simple for us. We just want to grow old together, to be there for everything life brings, and to experience it side by side. We want to witness each other’s lives, support each other through it all, and share every part of it together.
Wedding soundtrack.
Our aisle song was This Must Be the Place by Talking Heads, which felt like a perfect reflection of our story and everything it took to get there.
We walked back down the aisle to Love Me Two Times by The Doors, which brought a really fun, upbeat energy to the moment and set the tone for the rest of the celebration.
For our reception entrance, we chose Senden Başka by Füsun Önal, which was a really special way of bringing in a Turkish element and felt very personal to us.
Our first dance was to Dance Yrself Clean by LCD Soundsystem, which built slowly and then opened up into something much bigger. It felt like a perfect way to start the party and end the more formal part of the night.
Funny stories (or near disasters).
In the lead-up to the wedding, the weather was definitely testing our nerves. The week before, the venue had received close to 100mm of rain, and every forecast we checked didn’t look promising. We were constantly checking the weather and trying not to stress, knowing how much of the day relied on being outdoors.
By the time the wedding day arrived, we were half expecting the worst. But somehow, it completely turned around. We woke up to clear blue skies, sunshine and warm weather, and it ended up being a perfect day.
Looking back, it almost felt surreal how much it changed overnight. After worrying about it for so long, it made the day feel even more special.
Planning surprises.
How much time and decision-making goes into even the smallest details. We didn’t realise how many choices we would need to make along the way.
At the same time, it showed us how well we work together. Even when things felt overwhelming, we approached everything as a team, which made the process a lot more enjoyable in the end.
Words of wisdom.
Try not to overcomplicate it. It’s easy to get caught up in details, but what really matters is the people and the experience.
Focus on what feels right for you as a couple, rather than trying to meet expectations or follow trends. The day goes by very quickly, so it’s important to enjoy it and be present.
It’s also important to trust your vendors. They have a lot of experience and have seen so many weddings, so leaning on their advice and allowing them to guide certain decisions can make the whole process much smoother and far less stressful.
At the same time, even though it is a big and detailed process, try not to let it feel like something rigid or overwhelming. It should never feel like a task that has to be completed perfectly. Enjoy the process as much as you can, and don’t be too hard on things that don’t go exactly as planned.
In the end, you’re celebrating your love with the people who matter most to you, and nothing can take that away from the day. Everything will come together, and it will be amazing.
Final words.
One of the most meaningful parts of our wedding was having people there who had been part of our story from the very beginning. My wedding party, who had been my best friends and part of our life in Istanbul, stood beside me on the day, which felt very full-circle.
Bringing together our families and friends from different countries and different stages of our lives made the day feel incredibly special. It was more than just a wedding, it felt like everything was coming together.
Looking back, one of the things we loved most was how the whole day naturally transitioned, from a calm and intimate ceremony in the afternoon, to a warm, lively celebration as the sun set and the space filled with light, music and energy.
Necla and Ben’s Vendors
Ceremony and reception venue: The Shearing Shed was everything we were looking for in a venue. It has so much natural character, and the team made the entire process feel seamless. From the ceremony through to the reception, everything flowed beautifully and we felt completely supported throughout. The space transformed perfectly from day to night, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the reception. The team were incredibly professional and made sure everything ran smoothly, which allowed us to fully relax and enjoy the day.
Celebrant/Officiant: Shannon Jeans was incredible to work with. She created a ceremony that felt very personal and relaxed, while still being meaningful and beautifully structured. Even though this is our only experience, we truly feel she is one of the best celebrants. She made us feel completely comfortable from the beginning, guided us through everything with ease, and brought such a warm and calming presence to the day.
Photography: Claire Davie was incredible to work with. She made us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, and her ability to capture both the big moments and the smaller, more intimate details was amazing. Looking back at the photos, she captured the feeling of the day perfectly.
Videography: Aisle Productions were fantastic. They were so professional and easy to be around, and we hardly noticed them on the day. They captured everything so naturally and we’re so grateful to have those memories. They also prepared a special instagram video for us as a surprise which we loved it so much.
Florist: The Willow Branch created the most beautiful arrangements for our day. The florals were exactly what we had envisioned, natural, textural and perfectly suited to the space. They added so much warmth and depth to the overall styling. We also hired our candle holders and plinths through them, which made the whole process so easy and helped everything feel cohesive.
Hair: Dario Medko Stylist was wonderful to work with and created a hairstyle that felt effortless and true to me. She really understood the look I was going for and made sure everything held beautifully throughout the day while still feeling soft and natural.
Make-up: Marikate Makeup. Katerina was an absolute pleasure to work with. She was so kind and helpful throughout the process, and really took the time to understand what I wanted. Make-up was very important to me as I still wanted to look like myself on the day, and she did exactly that. The result felt natural and beautiful, and I couldn’t have been happier. Her calm and positive energy also made the whole experience even better.
The dress: Luv Bridal. The whole process with Luv Bridal was very smooth and easy. The team were helpful and made the experience enjoyable from start to finish.
Rings: Janai Jewellery was great to work with. The customer service was excellent, and our rings were ready very quickly, which made the whole process easy and stress-free.
Suits: InStitchu provided a great custom-tailored suit that I was proud to wear on the day.
Catering and bar: The Shearing Shed. The food was incredible and something our guests are still talking about. Everything was beautifully presented and the service was seamless throughout the night. The bar service was fantastic and kept everything running smoothly. It added to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere of the night.
Favours: We gave our guests eucalyptus erythrocorys seedlings that Ben had grown from seed. It was something very personal to us and a small way for our guests to take a piece of the day home with them. We also gave Turkish delights from Turkey, which was a special way to share a part of our culture with our guests.
Cake: Gipplsland Cake Co. The cake was not only beautiful but also tasted amazing. It was a perfect addition to the day and something our guests really enjoyed. We went with red velvet cake. We also had flowers on the cake by The Willow Branch, which tied in beautifully with the rest of the styling and looked amazing.
Stationery / Signage: Ivory And Ink. Kath from Ivory and Ink provided wonderful signage and stationery for the day, she really helped us get our design perfect.
Entertainment: Sonder Dj’s. Tim was an absolute pleasure to work with in the lead up to the wedding, and he absolutely nailed the vibe on the night, mixing both Turkish and English music to suit our wedding.
Hire: Melbourne Wedding Hire. We hired the wooden arch for our ceremony from Melbourne Wedding Hire. They were amazing to work with and delivered everything right on time to the venue, which made the process very smooth and stress-free.
