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The story of Haluk Yuksel (73) and Fatma Yuksel (70) began about 10 months ago, on Fatma's first day at the Beylikduzu Nursing Home Elderly Care and Rehabilitation Center, which is run by the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of the Ministry of Family and Social Services.
Haluk, who has lived at the home for 10 years, noticed her from afar and, after observing her for a while, sent her a friend request on social media. Their online exchanges grew into tea-time chats, and after a two-month engagement, the couple wed in a ceremony at the home, where both now live.
Fatma made her own wedding dress. Her daughter did her hair and makeup, and her granddaughter stayed by her side. The marriage witness was Beylikduzu District Governor Bulent Karacan, the state official who heads the district administration. The couple danced their first dance, cut a cake and celebrated to music played by students of Asik Veysel Fine Arts High School.
One of the most notable moments came when Fatma declined the tradition of the bride stepping on the groom's foot, a Turkish wedding custom in which the person who steps on the other's foot is said to gain the upper hand in the marriage, despite urging from those around her. She said spouses should be equal.
Fatma said she did not answer his request right away because she did not know him well. "I told him, 'You have followed me for a while, let me watch you a little too,'" she said. They had tea at a tea garden on their first outing. "I was excited. It was something I was not used to, but after meeting him I decided not to resist," she said. They were engaged for about two months, and the home's director helped them along the way.
Haluk Yuksel, who is marrying for the first time, said he studied her habits and daily activities before sending a message. They had tea and ice cream at the home's social facility on their first meeting. He then told her by phone that he wanted to marry her; she asked for time, and accepted when that time was up.
Fatma said she once worked at a fashion house, which made it easier to design her own dress. Having her daughter prepare her for the ceremony, she said, was "something not everyone gets to experience."
Fatma said money should stay in the background when there is love and respect between a couple. Haluk said he was drawn to her politeness, kindness and sweet manner. He urged people not to rush into marriage and to get to know each other first.
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