05.09.2026 11:10
Software engineer Selçuk Ege Aker from Trabzon, while living in Canada, married Kenyan Stella Chepkoech, whom he met through social media, in a colorful wedding held in his hometown Trabzon. At the ceremony, where horon was danced to Black Sea music, the bride and her family were fascinated by the local flavors. The couple will continue to live in Canada.
Trabzon-born software engineer Selçuk Ege Aker (34), who settled in Canada for work, married Kenyan Stella Chepkoech (30), whom he met on social media, in a wedding held in his hometown. The wedding, where different cultures came together and horon dances were performed, was a scene of colorful moments.
Selçuk Ege Aker, who lives in Ankara, settled in Canada years ago for work. Aker, working here as a software engineer, met Stella Chepkoech, who lives in Kenya, on social media about 5 years ago. Aker and Chepkoech, whose friendship turned into love over time, decided to get married. Following the marriage decision, Stella, who came to Aker's hometown Trabzon, toured the city with his family. The couple tied the knot in a ceremony held in Trabzon. The wedding, where Black Sea-specific music played and horon was danced, was a scene of colorful images. Bride Stella and her family were fascinated by the regional culture and local flavors.
'WE MET ON SOCIAL MEDIA'
Selçuk Ege Aker, describing how he met Stella, said, "I was born in Trabzon. I lived in Ankara. I currently work as a software engineer in Canada. Stella and I met on social media about 5 years ago. We decided to get married this year. She has come to Trabzon as a bride. It was her first visit to Trabzon, and she loved it very much. She came with her family, and our culture surprised them a lot. They really liked Trabzon pide."
'PEOPLE WANT TO TAKE PICTURES WITH HER'
Aker, stating that people who see Stella want to have their photos taken with her, said, "My father's name is Hüseyin Avni Aker, and his grandfather's name was also Hüseyin Avni Aker. I am the son of Hüseyin Avni Aker's grandson. Stella works at a tax office in Kenya. We will live together in Canada. Frankly, we didn't face any difficulties. We visited Istanbul, Ankara, and Trabzon. People were very warm-hearted. Those who see her want to take pictures and touch Stella's hair. We also like it when people do that."
'I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD MARRY A KENYAN'
Aker, explaining that his family loved Stella very much, said, "My family welcomed her beautifully. We don't have an African bride or groom in our family. It was a first. Everyone is very happy. She is Kenyan. We met when she was 26. She came to me, and I went to her. Then we decided to get married. She is very calm, understanding, and a very beautiful person. She came to our country and hometown. She loved these places very much. She explored the cultures of the cities she visited with her family. I hadn't thought I would marry a foreign lady. I never even thought she would be Kenyan. Good thing she came from Kenya. We get along very well; I love her very much."
'I LOVED ISKENDER KEBAB'
Stella, saying she loves Trabzon very much, said, "Selçuk is a kind and gentlemanly person. Talking and communicating with him is very easy. Of course, I was worried when coming to Turkey, but my worries disappeared when I saw Selçuk. I loved Istanbul and Trabzon very much. I loved Iskender kebab. Good thing Selçuk is here."