For 16 years I have photographed weddings across Italy, France, Greece, Spain, the Maldives and the USA. Every so often a couple asks for something that feels completely their own. Ayşenur and Yiğit’s Mediterranean destination wedding was exactly that: a celebration built around a smiling sun, blue swallows, citrus, chili peppers and a heart-shaped “Tunnel of Love.”

If you are planning a destination wedding on the Mediterranean, whether in Turkey, Italy, France or Greece, this one is full of ideas.

Mediterranean Wedding Theme: Folk Art Meets Fairground Romance

The design language came from hand-painted Mediterranean folk illustration. A sleeping sun, swallows, palms, sailboats, waves and oranges appeared on the welcome curtain, the signage and the photo installation.

The standout was the “Tunnel of Love” photo moment. It mixed vintage carnival lettering, a heart-shaped arch, lanterns, burgundy velvet drapes and real tropical florals. It gave guests a fun place to celebrate and gave the couple unforgettable portraits.

Planning tip: A custom illustrated backdrop carries your theme into every photo. It also reads well in editorial wedding photography because the color and graphic shapes stay strong even at a distance.

Wedding Color Palette: Terracotta, Burgundy, Red and Cobalt

Warm terracotta and red led, supported by burgundy velvet, orange and cream. Cobalt blue appeared in small accents, and the deep green of palms and banana leaves made every warm tone glow in golden-hour light.

Reception Design: A Tropical-Bohemian Feast

  • Thatched bamboo pavilions with draped curtains and pink fringe
  • Terracotta textured tablecloths and rattan-back Louis chairs
  • Centerpieces of hydrangea, roses and anthurium, with tomatoes and peppers among the flowers
  • A colorful maraca at every place setting
  • Kilim rugs across the deck, turning the venue into an open-air living room

The Bride and Groom: Classic Silhouettes, Editorial Attitude

The bride wore a strapless tulle bodice with a sheer plunging detail and a sculptural flower at the waist, over a voluminous organza skirt. Wet-look waves and glowing skin gave a classic gown an editorial edge. The groom wore a navy tuxedo with a bow tie.

For the after-party, she changed into a lace mini dress with a lace headscarf, red lipstick and red kitten-heel sandals. He changed into a linen shirt and beige trousers. A second look is one of my favorite ideas for couples who want both a timeless ceremony and a high-energy night.

My Approach to Destination Wedding Photography

I photograph with three visual languages, and I adapt them to every location:

  1. Editorial portraits: Bold light, strong color and fashion-inspired posing, as in the cactus garden and low-angle sky frames.
  2. Documentary moments: Honest, unposed guest reactions and the details of the day, like a friend shooting on a film camera at sunset.
  3. Night flash: Direct flash after dark for a magazine-shoot energy and portraits full of personality.

This mix works anywhere: a Tuscan villa, a château in the south of France, a rooftop in New York or a garden in Los Angeles.

Planning a Destination Wedding?

I travel worldwide for weddings, with a focus on the USA, Italy and France. If you are dreaming of a colorful, design-driven celebration, I would love to hear about it.

[Inquire about your wedding date →]


Planning & Design: Merve Akan Wedding & Events

Venue: Yuzu Beach

Photography by Kemal Uysal

Luxury Destination Wedding Photographer