David Stark Sketchbook: Turkish Delights!

We had a tremendous experience in June producing three nights of magic in honor of a very special wedding in Istanbul. If you haven’t been to this incredible place, it should move to the top of your destination list. I probably went a bit overboard on the photos here, but I am so proud of what we created, that I can’t help but share with you in a big way.

Welcoming an intimate guest list of friends and family from all over the world, we kick-started the celebration with a romantic cruise along the Bosporus River.

The following night, we brought the opulent elements of the Egyptian Spice Market to life with whimsical enthusiasm. A festive Ottoman fantasy, we invited guests into a world of color, pattern, and exoticism replete with traditional Ottoman musicians, dancers, food, and drink. With the cultural influences of east and west colliding in such a striking and beautiful way, we brought the market to a stunning river-side location, filling the indoor/outdoor pavilion with period and ethnic prints, fabrics, colors, fruits, lanterns, and many more surprises. We took full advantage of the backdrop of glowing mosques and Sultan’s palaces in the night-scape.

Our décor was entirely inspired by our site visits to the Spice Market. At one juncture, the market itself was an option for where to hold the evening’s festivities, but we opted for our location instead. Sure, the market is truly fabulous, but it’s even more fun to create a fantasy that takes reality ten steps further. I talk an awful lot about “falling down the rabbit hole” when I describe our party intentions, but when in Istanbul, do what the Turks do: Fall into the genie’s bottle and enjoy the ride!

P.S. Stay tuned for night three in Istanbul . . .