The one thing we cannot agree on is the exact spot where we first met in high school, but the discrepancy in question is less than 10 feet! Regardless, our story begins in 2014 with Francis in Grade 10 & Zoë in Grade 11.

One year later, we were "official" & one month later, during Orthodox Easter, Francis met Zoë’s entire family. After three months, both of our immediate families met over lunch at the old Imperial Buffet.

Prom was definitely a night to remember - twice! Francis came to Zoë’s prom & a year later, Zoë went to Francis’. However, because the pictures turned out so much better at Francis’ prom, Zoë 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 Zoë’s sister would have her wedding reception six years later.

In addition, we took our photos at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, a place that would play an even bigger role in our story down the road.

Fast-forward to Orthodox Easter of 2024. Francis, with our parents' blessing, was planning the ultimate surprise. He convinced Zoë they were heading to the Toronto Botanical Gardens for family photos, the very same spot where they had taken prom pictures years before.

Zoë was initially pretty annoyed by the plan, insisting they needed to get to her sister’s house to help set up for Easter dinner & even dragged Francis to Party City that morning for last-minute supplies.

Later that afternoon, at the gardens, surrounded by Francis’ family & Zoë’s closest friends hiding in the shrubbery nearby to capture the moment, Francis popped the question!

Still mindful of Easter, Zoë planned to keep the news on the down-low so as not to steal the holiday’s thunder. Little did she know that the entire family was already in on it. The moment she walked through the door, BAM! She was greeted by a full on Easter/She-Said-Yes celebration. Nothing stays secret for long in a Greek family!

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

Zoë was adamant 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 more time, delivering an impromptu stand-up routine, a preview of his comedy special (coming soon to Netflix!)

Having Francis' dad there to share in our blessing & to celebrate his birthday with us, is a memory we will forever cherish. Although he will be watching over us from above on our wedding day, his presence, love & laughter will be with us in spirit every step of the way.

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