Our story

We met in Berlin on July 26, 2023, through a mutual friend over what was supposed to be a quick drink. It turned into a lifelong conversation.

From that day on, we found excuses and flights to see each other across cities and continents. Distance never stood a chance.

Together we have blended cultures, families, and time zones. Our days are spent laughing, eating things we probably shouldn’t, and talking about where we might go next — always with quiet fascination and care for one another, every single day.

After many airports and video calls, we are finally celebrating in one place with the people we love, and setting sail to forever.

About NATCHEZ

The Steamboat Natchez is one of the last true steam powered paddle wheel boats still operating on the Mississippi River. It is built in the style of the great river vessels of the nineteenth century with a working engine room live jazz playing on deck and the steady rhythm of the paddle turning through the water.

Our connection to it began early in our relationship. After a night out in New Orleans Jessica surprised Cem the next morning with tickets for a cruise on the Natchez. It was one of our first dates. No plan just sunshine music and the river carrying us past the city.

We never pictured it as a wedding venue at the time yet somehow it became the only place that makes sense. Now we are returning to that same boat not as two people on a date but with all of you joining us as fellow passengers.