While Katie and Charles met “the old-fashioned way: online,” their destination wedding in Cappadocia, Turkey was anything but ordinary. The adventurous couple loves to travel and the region had long been at the top of their bucket list. “There is something alluringly symbolic about two families coming together in a country where continents intersect and starting our story where so much of human history has transpired,” says Katie. “The scenery of the region of Cappadocia defies description and was an easy choice after seeing just a few pictures.”

The couple was joined by 30 intrigued and enthusiastic guests and say the key to achieving their dream destination wedding all came down to their planner. “Planning a destination wedding on another continent, in a place we had never been, through email communication only was far less daunting than it sounds, solely because of our amazing wedding planner, Turkey Weddings,” explains the bride.

Having dreamt of a trip to Cappadocia for years, it’s no surprise the couple made the most of their wedding week. Ahead of the big day, Katie and Charles hiked, went on history tours and visited local wineries. The couple saved the best activity for last and spent the morning of their wedding day, “enjoying a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys.”

When it came to décor, the couple kept things “exotically rustic” and embraced their magical surroundings. The ceremony took place in a clearing between three ancient fairy chimney stone towers, while guests sipped Champagne sitting on benches over beautiful Turkish rugs. The reception took place in a traditional Turkish cave and everyone enjoyed a three-course dinner and dancing late into the night.

The couple’s favorite moment? These traveling, motorcycle enthusiasts rode out of the ceremony on a motorcycle and sidecar to the surprise and delight of all their guests!

Vendors: Photographer: Ken Tan Photo; Wedding Planner: Turkey Weddings; Ceremony/Reception Site: Argos in Cappadocia; Florist & Stationery: Turkey Weddings; Gown Designer: BHLDN; Groom’s Pants: Kenneth Cole & Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Altar’d State