Our story

We met in Berlin on July 26, 2023, through a mutual friend, over what was supposed to be a quick drink after work. It turned into hours of conversation and a moment that quietly changed everything.

At the time, our lives were based on different continents. Jess was visiting from the US, and Cem was living and working in Europe. What followed was not the easiest path, but it was a meaningful one. From the very beginning, we chose to stay connected, finding flights, planning visits, and making the most of every opportunity to be in the same place.

Over time, our relationship grew across cities, countries, and time zones. We learned each other’s worlds, met each other’s families, and built something real through shared experiences, long talks, laughter, and a lot of travel. Distance was part of the story, but it never defined the relationship.

On July 26, 2024, exactly one year after we first met, we found ourselves together again in a beer garden — this time in Houston. Reflecting on how far we had come, Cem asked Jess to spend a lifetime together. She said yes.

Today, we are celebrating not just a wedding, but the journey that brought us here. Our story is one of choice, commitment, and patience, and we are excited to continue building our future together, one step at a time.

About NATCHEZ

The Steamboat Natchez is one of the last authentic steam-powered paddlewheel boats still operating on the Mississippi River and a true symbol of New Orleans river culture. Built in the tradition of the grand nineteenth-century steamboats, it features a working steam engine, classic paddlewheel design, and live jazz on board — elements that reflect the city’s deep connection to music, history, and the river itself.

For nearly two centuries, steamboats like the Natchez have been part of New Orleans life, carrying people, stories, and culture along the Mississippi. The river has always been at the heart of the city, shaping its rhythm, diversity, and sense of movement — much like New Orleans itself, a place where history and celebration naturally coexist.

Our connection to the Natchez began early in our relationship. After a night out in New Orleans, Jessica surprised Cem the next morning with tickets for a cruise. It became one of our first real dates — unplanned and easy, with sunshine, music, and the city slowly passing by from the deck.

At the time, we never imagined it as a wedding venue. But as we thought about a place that reflected our story — travel, distance, and choosing each other along the way — the Natchez felt like the right place. Now we are returning to the same boat, with all of you joining us, to celebrate the journey and the next chapter ahead.