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Welcome to Our Wedding

Join Us in Greece

Mark your calendars for our Big Day in our hometown of Chania, Greece on September 4, 2025! Through this website you will be able to dive in and, with your presence, help us make our Big Day as Wonderful as it can be!

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Our love Journey brings us back to our roots!

1992

We were both born in the same small town, Kounoupidiana, located in the Akrotiri of Chania, Greece.

Childhood

We grew up together, attending the same primary school until the age of 12. Our families were deeply connected—my family regularly dined at Kyriaki's family restaurant, Taverna Bourakis, while her family relied on my mother’s pharmacy for their medical needs.

2004

The last time it snowed heavily in Chania before our love story began. Little did we know, the next time it would snow like this, our lives would change forever.

2016

After years of separate journeys—Kyriaki studying dentistry in Athens and me pursuing audiovisual studies in Corfu—we reunited one evening when my family and I visited Taverna Bourakis. A simple conversation about my recent trip to the U.S. led to endless chats online, and soon, our first date was set.

January 8, 2017

On the morning of our first date, Chania was covered in a rare, magical snowfall. Despite the unexpected winter wonderland, Kyriaki didn’t cancel. Instead, we embraced the moment, wandering through the snow-dressed Old Port, bar-hopping, and sharing our first kiss on my uncle Stavros’ sailing boat.

2017

Our love burned bright, and later that year, we planned a special birthday trip to Los Angeles to visit my cousin. Inspired by the possibilities and having similar goals, we made a bold decision—Kyriaki would pursue her advanced dental degree, and I would take the next step in my cinematography career in the U.S.

2018

The journey of our dreams began! Kyriaki was accepted into the prestigious UCLA School of Dentistry, and I obtained my O-1 Visa to work in the U.S. Together, we embarked on this exciting new chapter in Los Angeles.

2021

After Kyriaki’s graduation, she received a job offer in Iowa. We embraced a year filled with travel, cherishing every opportunity to see each other between Iowa and California.

January 8, 2022

As Kyriaki’s next career move brought her back to California, this time in Bakersfield, I knew it was time for the biggest step yet. Before leaving snowy Moline, I proposed! Our road trip back to California became a journey filled with love, laughter, and dreams for our future.

August 2022

On my birthday, we officially tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Beverly Hills, surrounded by close family and friends. But we always knew our Big Day was still ahead—one filled with faith, love, and celebration.

September 4, 2025

And now, here we are, counting down to our greatest day yet, ready to celebrate our love with the people who mean the most to us. We can't wait to share this moment with you!

Our Big Fat Cretan Wedding!

Welcome to the Celebration of a Lifetime!

A Cretan wedding is not just a wedding—it’s a festival of love, tradition, and unstoppable joy! From the moment you set foot in Crete, you’ll feel the island’s heartbeat through its music, hospitality, and endless feasting . Here’s what you can expect:

The Cretan Way of Saying ‘I Do’

In Crete, weddings are not just about two people—they’re about everyone! Family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers are welcome to celebrate. Don’t be surprised if you see the whole village dancing!

Music Everywhere – Traditional Cretan lyra and laouto will set the rhythm of the night, with songs of love and joy leading us from the church to the feast. Expect spontaneous bursts of mantinades, the poetic verses of Crete, sung in our honor. But then there will be a twist…

The Feast – A Cretan wedding is a gastronomic adventure! From slow-roasted lamb on the spit (antikristo) to handmade cheese pies (kalitsounia) and of course to the delicious Cretan Wedding Risoto (gamopilafo) every bite carries the flavors and spirit of the island. And of course, there’s no wedding without raki (tsikoudia)—the Cretan way of saying "Welcome, eat, drink, and dance until dawn!"

Dancing Until Sunrise – A Cretan wedding isn't complete without non-stop dancing. Get some comfortable shoes on and prepare to clap, spin, and jump your way into the night!

Your Presence is Our Greatest Gift!

Dear family and friends,

Having you with us on our Big Day is the most precious gift we could ever ask for. Your love, joy, and the memories we’ll create together are truly what matters most to us!

In Greece—and especially in Crete—it’s customary for guests who wish to give a wedding gift to do so in the form of a contribution rather than a physical present. While we expect nothing at all , should you feel inclined to offer a gift, we would be grateful for your blessing in the tradition of our homeland.

For your convenience, we have set up two accounts:

🇪🇺 EUR Account:
💳 Piraeus Bank (Τράπεζα Πειραιώς)
🏦 IBAN: GR1201727650005765104177454
📌 BIC/SWIFT: Bouraki Kyriaki

🇺🇸 USD Account:
💳 Wells Fargo
🏦 Account Number: 1706155973
📌 Routing Number: 121042882

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you—whether for your presence, your warm wishes, or any contribution you may choose to give. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💙💍✨

Useful Information

Welcome to Chania, Crete! We want your stay to be as comfortable, delicious, and fun as possible, so we’ve put together a guide with our personal recommendations. Whether you're looking for a cozy hotel, an amazing Cretan meal, or a lively bar to toast the night away, we've got you covered!

📍 Where to Stay

Although we do not have a special arrangement with any hotels, here are some places we highly recommend for a comfortable stay:

🏨 Luxury & Boutique Hotels:

  • Euphoria Resort – A modern 5-star all-inclusive resort just minutes from our wedding venue, offering sleek rooms, a water park, a wellness center, and multiple dining options—perfect for families or guests seeking luxury and convenience.
  • The Tanneries Hotel & Spa – A 20 luxurious suites hotel right in front of the sea in one of the most iconic neighborhoods, Tabakaria
  • Domes Noruz Chania – A chic, adults-only beachfront resort with private plunge pools, breathtaking views, and modern design. Perfect for those seeking a five-star escape with vibrant energy and indulgent spa treatments.
  • Minoa Palace Resort – Set along the beach in lively Platanias, this elegant resort combines Cretan charm with modern luxury—lush gardens, sea-view rooms, fine dining, and a full spa make it a favorite for a relaxing stay.
  • Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa – A 17th-century Venetian mansion turned elegant boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Romantic courtyards, personalized service, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the harbor.
  • Serenissima Boutique Hotel – A historic and intimate retreat offering timeless charm and five-star hospitality tucked into the quiet backstreets of the Old

🏡 Mid-Range & Budget-Friendly Options:

  • Avra City Boutique Hotel – In the city center, comfort and luxury rooms overlooking the beautiful Municipal Gardens.
  • Kydon Hotel – Stylish rooms overlooking the Municipal Gardens, just minutes from the city center. Elegant yet affordable with a relaxing, residential vibe.
  • Porto Veneziano Hotel – Modern, eco-conscious, and right on the waterfront with some of the best harbor views in town. Their breakfast, served with sea breezes, is a guest favorite.
  • The Chania Hotel – Contemporary style in the heart of the city, with smart design, a cozy café-bar, and warm Cretan hospitality.

🏕️ Airbnbs & Villas

For those who prefer their own space, Chania has a wide selection of charming Airbnbs and private villas. From seaside apartments in Tabakaria and the Old Town to countryside villas with olive groves and pools, there’s something for every taste and group size. Book early—summer fills up fast!

🍽️ Where to Dine

Crete is a foodie paradise, and trust us—you’ll eat a lot during your stay! Although our very own Taverna Bourakis will be closed due to the celebrations, here are some of our absolute favorite spots for authentic Cretan flavors:

🥩 For Traditional Cretan Cuisine:

  • Dounias – A mountaintop, no-menu taverna where everything is slow-cooked over wood fires. Visit for an unforgettable farm-to-table experience.
  • Chrisostomos – Hearty, authentic dishes made with love and tradition in a wood oven. A local favorite near the harbor.
  • To Antikristo – In the yard of an old kafeneio, this tavern specializes in the ancient Cretan lamb cooking technique called antikristo. Don’t leave without trying it!
  • Arismari – Sea-view dining at the Old Venetian Port with a blend of tradition and creativity. Fresh local ingredients with heart and flavor.

🐟 For Fresh Seafood:

  • Neoria Fish Tavern – Classic fish taverna on the waterfront. Choose your catch and enjoy the breeze with your ouzo.
  • Apostolis restaurant – Harbor-front institution famed for roasted kalamari, grilled fish, and sea urchin.
  • Periplous – A stunning seaside restaurant in Tabakaria. Don’t miss the brioche bread with crayfish—it’s unforgettable.

🍕 For Something Different:

  • Tamam – Set inside a former Turkish hammam, this cozy taverna serves Middle Eastern-influenced dishes in a timeless atmosphere.
  • Kouzina EPE – Simple, soul-warming Cretan home cooking served canteen-style in a lively local square.
  • Ginger brasserie – Elegant cocktails and stone-baked truffle pizza on a rooftop terrace with city views. Modern, playful, and perfect for a night out.
🍹 Where to Drink

Honestly? Everywhere. This is Crete! But if you want to know our go-to spots, here are some of the best places to enjoy a drink (or two… or five):

🍸 Cocktail Bars & Lounge:

  • Sinagogi bar – Chania’s most iconic open-air bar, set in the ruins of an old synagogue. Magic under the stars.
  • Boheme – A lush courtyard bar that transitions from tranquil café to buzzy cocktail spot with music and soul.
  • Pallas – Rooftop drinks with panoramic views over the Venetian Harbor. Elegant, romantic, and elevated.

🍻 Local & Chill Vibes:

  • Plaka Bar – A tiny alleyway gem with mismatched chairs and great energy. Chill, artsy, and very local.
  • Rudi’s Beerhouse – Cozy, craft beer haven run by a passionate connoisseur. Try the Belgian ales or local brews.

💃 For a Late-Night Party:

  • Fagotto Jazz Bar – Historic, jazzy, and intimate. A great place to begin or end your night.
  • Cabana Mare – Beach club by day, party paradise by night. Poolside DJs, dancing, and luxury vibes.
  • Synapsis – An open-sky urban lounge with strong cocktails and a buzzing dance floor.
  • Senso Club – High-energy nightclub for all-night dancing. Open year-round with special events and famous DJs.
  • Canale Club – From fine dining to dance floor, this harborfront spot transforms into a lively bar after dark.

🥃 Tsikoudia (Raki) & Cretan Spirits:

You cannot leave Crete without trying raki! You’ll find it everywhere, but for an authentic experience, visit a kafeneio (traditional café) and pair it with Cretan meze!

  • Epea Pteroenta – An alternative, whimsical bar known for its dreamy decor and local spirit cocktails.
  • Ababa – All-day bar and art gallery with vintage charm and a warm, inclusive vibe.
  • Deux Lux – An old-school café that becomes a night owl’s haven. Great for a final drink and late-night conversations.
☎️ Contact & Emergency Numbers

For any wedding-related inquiries, you can reach out to Vera, our amazing wedding planner:

🚨 Emergency Services (Dial 112 for general emergencies)

  • Police: 100
  • Ambulance: 166
  • Fire Department: 199
  • Tourist Police: 171