Amirandes Grecotel Boutique Resort

Wedding Day

Crete Cocktail Hour

Crete Wedding Ceremony

Get the Party Started!

Crete Ceremony 

Our Wedding

Photos

Wedding Party

Some higher power... whether that be an Entity or Gaia herself... knew from an early stage that Fotis and Ashley shared an intertwined fate. Meeting in high school, they discovered that their houses were down the road from one another, despite not living remotely close to their school. They shared years of friendship not only during high school, but continued through the years after with Fotis always showing up in some some new vehicle to take Ash on an adventure for a day. Ashley got to know the Sirilas family and realized quickly how hospitable and fun-loving they were; while Fotis remained reluctant of his future father-in-law who only knew him as the "Loud Car Guy". Little did he know they would eventually become BFFs with a bond so tight that Fotis even has a custom pair of socks with Shawn Schafers face pasted all over them (thank you Crystal Schafer). Through years of building, maintaining and at times trekking through their friendship with one another, they met in early 2021 on a frigidly cold walk by Lake Ontario to catch up on life after the infamous COVID pandemic. On that walk, they picked up where the left off, as usual, but this time each being in a place where they could inspire and share more with one another. This became evident quickly, and despite years of pushing aside some stronger force, they finally opened their hearts and minds to have faith there was a reason their paths kept crossing. As many of you know, when Ashley and Fotis feel passionately about something they both will find a way to attain and even exceed their expectations... and that is exactly what happened in their love story that continues to grow and blossom every day!

Fate & Faith

ALL AIRLINES NOW HAVE FLIGHTS AVAILABLE - always check booking directly through the airline prior to utilizing third party sites (I.e. Expedia) IF YOU PREFER to book your own travel. Generally, we recommend arriving into Crete on Aug 18th and leaving on 24th/25th. Note for those of you at the family villas, check in is 5pm on Aug 18th until Aug 24th (12pm). Having said that we have engaged with a lovely agent at Love Voyage by the name of Mel to assist you with booking flights and accommodations where required. We have covered a flat fee for her services so she does not charge additional commissions or fees to assist with booking travel (within reason) AND will have the same access to flights as any travel agent would. If you choose not to utilize the group rate which is restrictive on travel dates, you can absolutely book personalized travel directly through her. In some cases for single travellers, or couples, booking individually through Mel may be slightly more cost effective ; obviously depending on when you book as prices may or may not rise in time depending if airlines get booked up. The Group flight acts as an insurance policy or comfort blanket in that it buys you time to set up a payment plan without needing passport credentials or balance until May 2025; and it also gives you peace of mind that if anything were to happen during travel Mel can assist you as a liaison with airlines, rather than you being stuck somewhere in Europe on a layover spending hours on hold with an airline (it’s happened). Because many people are extending their trips while in Europe which doesn’t allow them to utilize the group rate, we have gone with the simplest option which is a direct flight from Toronto to Athens on Aug 17th (departing at 7:45pm on 17th and landing on Aug 18th) and returns on Aug 25th from Athens direct to Toronto (departing at 3pm). It is a total cost of $1495 per seat which INCLUDES CHECKED BAGGAGE ; it will require a $150 deposit and then remainder is due in May 2025. NOTE you have to travel on the dates stipulated for group travel and there are only limited seats available locked at the current price, therefore latecomers CAN CERTAINLY BE ADDED into the group flight, but note that a new quote will be populated the day of the request meaning a slight cost difference may occur. An additional flight to Crete from Athens can be booked through Melissa OR directly through platforms like Sky Express ( <a href="https://www.skyexpress.gr/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.skyexpress.gr/en</a> ) where round trips are currently $200-$300 CAD (time stamped in Dec/Jan - utilizing Joy+ or Enjoy type tickets gives you more flexibility with changes, and checked baggage). Many people have booked the 5:15pm SKY flight from Athens to Heraklion, Crete on Monday Aug 18th for reference as it buys you time from when the plane from Toronto lands in Athens, and the family villas will be ready once you land in Crete at 6:15pm. Feel free to reach out directly to Mel to discuss further:&nbsp; E: mel@lovevoyage.caC: 647-270-5491W: www.lovevoyage.ca

Travel

WHEN IN CRETE!

For the Lovers of the Sea!

For those who like to swim, snorkel, or just marvel at the Tropical Turquoise waters of Dia Islands, this is an easy trip you don't want to miss!

Cruise to Dia Island

Up for a bigger adventure to make the most of your time while in Greece!? Cretan Holiday Excursions (50 Years of Operating) has a widely available day trip by boat via the Heraklion Port that will take you to and from Santorini with the flexibility of having a transfer or exploring on your own!

Day Trip to Santorini - Cretan Holiday Excursions

For the History Buffs 

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Conveniently located in Heraklion, this is one of the oldest museums in Greece with one of the most comprehensive collections of Minoan artifacts.

Palace of Knossos As one of the first inhabited areas of ancient Crete, this center of Minoan Civilization is worth checking out!Just ensure to get your tickets in advance and GO EARLY!

Where are my Hikers At!? (Linzi & Gaz)

The Samaria Gorge is an approx. 2H drive from Heraklion but is definitely worth the drive to hike the longest Gorge in Europe! This 16km hike takes approximately 4-6 hours; it is not recommended for anyone with lung or knee issues. I have linked Viator which is a convenient excursion APP that has many options for guided tours of Samaria which are recommended with sailing or swims at the end of your long trek!

Hike an Infamous Gorge

Alternatively, the Krista Gorge is only 1H away and is a more manageable 7km loop but also absolutely beautiful! It is also located in Krista Village a very laid back, relaxing mountainous village which has classic Cretan food and shops to explore. Don't underestimate the beauty and authenticity of this option!

Explore Krista Village & Gorge

And for those who need some refreshments along the way!

Recommended Local Bars in Gouves: - Baraki : <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=dd71c6a2c087b2daJmltdHM9MTcxNjg1NDQwMCZpZ3VpZD0zMzJhOTkyMC04OTU4LTY2MWEtMmVjZC04ZDJmODg2MzY3YzEmaW5zaWQ9NTY2OA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=332a9920-8958-661a-2ecd-8d2f886367c1&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTMyfn5Vbmtub3dufkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUJhcmFraSUyMEJhciZzcz15cGlkLllOODA3MngxNzYxOTM3MDQxODYzNjc1MzcwNyZwcG9pcz0zNS4zMzA2ODg0NzY1NjI1XzI1LjMwNjMxNjM3NTczMjQyMl9CYXJha2klMjBCYXJfWU44MDcyeDE3NjE5MzcwNDE4NjM2NzUzNzA3fiZjcD0zNS4zMzA2ODh-MjUuMzA2MzE2JnY9MiZzVj0xJkZPUk09TVBTUlBM&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">700 14 Kato Gouves</a>- KonDimAr Coctail Bar : <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=d2a47fa5e692bd4eJmltdHM9MTcxNjg1NDQwMCZpZ3VpZD0zMzJhOTkyMC04OTU4LTY2MWEtMmVjZC04ZDJmODg2MzY3YzEmaW5zaWQ9NTUwMw&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=332a9920-8958-661a-2ecd-8d2f886367c1&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTA5fn5Ub3BPZlBhZ2V-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9S29uRGltQXIlMjBDb2NrdGFpbCUyMEJhciZzcz15cGlkLllOODA3MngxNDU2NTIzOTM3ODk5NzUyMTYyMyZwcG9pcz0zNS4zMzM1MTEzNTI1MzkwNl8yNS4zMTgzNzA4MTkwOTE3OTdfS29uRGltQXIlMjBDb2NrdGFpbCUyMEJhcl9ZTjgwNzJ4MTQ1NjUyMzkzNzg5OTc1MjE2MjN-JmNwPTM1LjMzMzUxMX4yNS4zMTgzNzEmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Vlyhadas Street. 700 14 Kato Gouves</a>- Maria Yanis Cafe &amp; Bar: <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=7f0e2069b2665f50JmltdHM9MTcxNjg1NDQwMCZpZ3VpZD0zMzJhOTkyMC04OTU4LTY2MWEtMmVjZC04ZDJmODg2MzY3YzEmaW5zaWQ9NTQ4OA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=3&amp;fclid=332a9920-8958-661a-2ecd-8d2f886367c1&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTA5fn5Ub3BPZlBhZ2V-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9TWFyaWElMjBZYW5uaXMlMjBDYWZlJTIwQmFyJnNzPXlwaWQuWU44MDcyeDI2Njk2NDM2ODA1NDc0MTY5NjcmcHBvaXM9MzUuMzMzNDg4NDY0MzU1NDdfMjUuMzE4MTg1ODA2Mjc0NDE0X01hcmlhJTIwWWFubmlzJTIwQ2FmZSUyMEJhcl9ZTjgwNzJ4MjY2OTY0MzY4MDU0NzQxNjk2N34mY3A9MzUuMzMzNDg4fjI1LjMxODE4NiZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">70014 Kato Gouves</a>

My List could be endless to include other fun things like wine tours, olive mill tours, aquariums, waterparks, and many more; but I'll let the adventurer in each of you come out to play to explore how you can make this a trip o a lifetime! A couple apps I love to use include Viator Excursions, Wanderlog Travel Planner and Blogs, and of course the classic Trip Advisor!

Ashley & Fotis

Ashley & Fotis

Photos

Photos coming soon!