Maire Hunter
Staff Reporter
Sevgi Yurtbasi (’09) and Tyler Buisch (’10) come from two different countries. Sevgi came to the United States from Turkey as a high school exchange student. Tyler is from Mt. Airy, MD.
Their worlds came together on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, as the two alumni exchanged vows, rings, and kisses in Little Baker Chapel.
The ceremony was traditional but peppered with personal stories and inside jokes. It also included a sand-joining ritual, where they each poured a jar of colored sand into a common vase to symbolize their unity.
Red and white flowers lined the aisles, and in the windowsills, candlelight twinkled off the stained glass. And the bride wore bright red shoes.
“It’s so Sevgi!” said friend Amy Higgs (’09).
When Sevgi and Tyler were at McDaniel their typical days included having lunch dates in Glar, rushing to and from classes, and singing in gospel choir. They also spent nights walking around campus doing rounds, since they were both RAs.
“Seeing her walk down the aisle, and seeing Tyler’s face when he first saw her, was priceless,” said Kara Constantine, fellow RA and friend.
The wedding party included many of their McDaniel friends including music professor and close friend of Tyler’s, Eric Byrd. Many current students and RAs also attended.
The couple was especially happy that Sevgi’s parents, Metin and Ulkan Yurtbasi, were able to travel from Turkey to be present although the snow almost prevented it.
“Hearing their vows, all they could see was each other and their future life together. Sevgi had a huge smile on her face the whole time,” Higgs remembered.
Sevgi and Tyler are just 21 and 22 respectively, which may seem young to many people on campus. Sevgi responded to those who may not understand their decision to marry now:
“Some people might think we’re too young to marry, but honestly I don’t see the point in waiting. This gives us a chance to dedicate ourselves to each other early on in life and “grow up” together.”
The couple spent their short honeymoon in Florida before returning to their jobs and married life.
Tyler said it’s great so far.
“I’m married to my best friend, does it get any better? I get to be with her every day.”