Turkish Delight -

Blog geschreven door Ria de Groot

‘Where do I begin…… to tell the story of how great a love can be’.

Words from the titlesong of a film, which was a great success in the eighties of the last century. With those words I started my ceremony, for a sweet bridal couple, whom I married on the beach of Kijkduin.

In the middle of summer, our feet in the sand. A beautiful couple, a mix of two cultures, two countries and backgrounds. He from the Netherlands, she from Turkey. Both scientists. In GEO and more related sciences. The lyrics of the song were my guiding light throughout the ceremony. In other words: Every now and then I attached their ‘love story’ to it, by incorporating some lyrics, sentences, into my story about their love.

The bridal company excisted of a mixture of international guests. The family members half Dutch half Turkish. Since the bride's family spoke only Turkish, At her request, I delivered several parts in Turkish during the speech. Helped in advance by her sister, who taught me the pronunciation via the Whatsapp speaker. It resulted in a loud applause from the Turkish side, after every ‘Turkish attempt’ of mine.

They met in Canada. At one point while studying at the University of Canada, he was assigned to pick up a new student from the airport. Didn’t expect to meet such a beautiful girl at all. And on some level, he was a kind of struck by lightning for her looks. It took a bit more to convince her heart that he could be a contender to spend the rest of her life with. By the way, those werent her first thoughts upon arrival at the airport! She was more curious about the progress of the scientific study.

With her first hello, she gave new meaning to this empty world of mine.

Another line from that love song. That’s how it was in his brain and heart. when he first met her. In reality it took quit a long time before both of them could no longer avoid it: this is love! After that conclusion, from a practical point of view, many hurdles had to be overcome to actually be together and live together, before they finally got married. But they did!

She came into my life and made the living fine
She fills my heart with very special things

They were traditionally married in her hometown by the mayor, according to Turkish law. As always usual. With the interpreter behind him to guide and explain. But not before, also according to Turkish tradition, he asked her grandfather, the eldest of the family, for her hand in marriage. The day ended in a wonderful party, with exuberant dancing and fireworks. And guests from all over Turkey. This is how love is celebrated there! They had their Dutch wedding ceremony on that sunny beach in Kijkduin, completely according to our protocol. And it was me, who was the interpreter!

That anywhere I go I’m never lonely
With her around, who could be lonely
I reach for her hand, it’s always there (the song again)

It remains very high on the list of marriages performed by me, this special Dutch/Turkish ceremony on the beach of Kijkduin! Also a bilingual wedding ceremony in mind? Or just a sweet fitting and personal ceremony? Contact me and we will make the most beautiful unforgettable plans together.

Ria de Groot

‘for unforgettable memories’