Olcay Gulsen and Eelko van Kooten: A Fairytale Wedding in the South of France
Fashion entrepreneur Olcay Gulsen is set to marry her partner, Eelko van Kooten, after a romantic and somewhat unexpected proposal. The couple, who have been together for twelve years, are planning an intimate wedding in the south of France this September.
A Proposal That Surprised
Gulsen initially anticipated a proposal during a Christmas trip to St. Barth, even packing a white dress “just to be sure.” However, the moment didn’t materialize as expected. The actual proposal took place in a restaurant in Amsterdam, catching Gulsen completely off guard. “Eelko suddenly said: ‘Will you marry me?’ I was in such shock,” she shared. She described the proposal as a “dream proposal” due to its unexpected nature, noting the presence of her sister and his friends made it a lowkey, special occasion.
The Ring and Wedding Plans
Van Kooten personally designed Gulsen’s rose gold engagement ring, complete with slight diamonds, which she described as her “dream ring.” Preparations are now underway, with the wedding date set for September. Gulsen initially envisioned a longer engagement, planning for a year and a half, but Van Kooten proposed accelerating the timeline.
The wedding will be an intimate affair, hosting approximately 100 to 120 guests in the south of France. Gulsen intends to design her own wedding dress, envisioning a classic white gown with lace and a potentially deep neckline.
From Initial Disinterest to Lasting Love
Interestingly, Gulsen initially found Van Kooten “quite boring” when they first met twelve years ago. She admits to seeking a more exciting and unpredictable partner at the time, perhaps someone not based in the Netherlands. However, she now expresses immense happiness with Van Kooten in her life.
Eelko van Kooten: A Background in Music
Eelko van Kooten began his career in the dance music industry when it was emerging. In 2017, he sold Spinnin’ Records to Warner Music Group for a reported $100 million. He remains involved in the music world, retaining a 90% stake in Spinnin’ Records and investing in other ventures. As of 2024, his net worth was estimated at around €155 million, making him one of the 400 richest people in the Netherlands [Weekend Online].
The couple shared glimpses of their romantic trip to Saint Barth on social media [Story.nl], hinting at the blossoming romance that led to their engagement [RTL Boulevard].