The one thing we will never agree on is the exact spot where we met in high school. The discrepancy in question is less than 10 feet, but regardless, our story started when Francis was in Grade 10 and Zoe was in Grade 11.

One year later, we were official. Since we were still just kids, Francis met Zoe’s family a month in at Easter—little did we know that Easter would quietely continue to play a huge role in our biggest relationship milestones 10 years later!

Three months after that first meeting, both of our families were out to lunch together.

Prom was definitely a night to remember—twice! Francis came to Zoe’s prom, and a year later, Zoe went to Francis’s. However, because the pictures turned out so much better at Francis’s prom, Zoe tends to pretend her own didn’t happen!

Looking back, that night held a few unexpected glimpses into our future: his prom was hosted at the Eglinton Grand, where Zoe’s sister would have her wedding reception six years later.

Plus, we took our photos at the Toronto Botanical Gardens; a place that would come to play an even bigger role in our story years down the road.

Fast-forward ten years to Easter, and Francis was planning the ultimate surprise. He convinced Zoe they were heading to the Toronto Botanical Gardens for “family photos”—the very same spot where they had taken prom pictures years before.

Zoe was initially pretty annoyed by the plan, insisting they needed to get to her sister’s house to help set up for Easter dinner (and even dragging Francis to Party City that morning for last-minute supplies!).

But right there at the gardens, surrounded by Francis’s family and Zoe’s closest friends hiding nearby to capture the moment, Francis popped the question!

Still mindful of Easter, Zoe planned to keep the news on the down-low so as not to steal the holiday’s thunder. Little did she know, the entire family was already in on it. The moment she walked into her sister’s house—BAM—she was greeted by a full Easter/Proposal celebration. As it turns out, nothing stays a secret for long in a Greek family!

Following the proposal, we honored our heritage with a traditional Greek Orthodox blessing to officially celebrate our engagement. The day was made even more special as we celebrated the 78th birthday of Francis’s dad—Francis II! (Yes, “our” Francis is technically Francis III).

Zoe was absolute about one detail: there had to be 78 fully lit candles on his cake. While a team worked frantically to light every single wick, Francis stepped up to buy them time, delivering a impromptu stand-up routine—a preview of his comedy special (coming soon to Netflix!).

Having Francis Sr. there to share in our blessing and celebrate his birthday alongside us is a memory we will hold close forever. Though he will be watching over us from above on our wedding day, his presence, love, and laughter will be with us in spirit every step of the way.

We can’t wait for you to be a part of it.