Our Story

Please join us for our wedding! A celebration of life, love and friendship. Our odyssey through life as a married couple will begin on the island of Crete at the beautiful resort of Elounda Beach. We have chosen to tie the knot where the first European civilization blossomed more than 4,000 years ago, where Zeus was raised, El Greco was born, and Zorba the Greek roamed…. We’ll do our very best to give you an experience of perhaps the greatest Greek tradition of all; “living in the moment”.

In reality, our odyssey through life together started seven years ago, when we bumped into each other waiting in line for our coffees at a Starbucks location at RDU airport in Raleigh, NC. Even though each of us have a slightly different version of the facts surrounding that 6 a.m. get-together (Tony remembers Jayne asking for his business card while Jayne emphasizes that Tony offered to run, bike and hike with her as a way to introduce her to the region), we both agree that our lives took a decidedly sharp turn toward happiness. After seven fun-filled, joyful years together and hundreds of thousands of odyssean (and United Airlines) miles traveling throughout the US and Europe, we know that holding hands and waking up next to each other is the way we want to spend the rest of our lives. And it is important to us that all of you who have had such an impact on our lives, are present as we declare our love for each other.

Why Crete?

Apart from being the first Greek island we visited together, Crete epitomizes so many of the things that we both care for… Being the first European location that humans ever set foot on, hosting the first advanced European civilization more than 4,000 years ago and playing a heroic role in the Second World War, the island boasts unrivaled historical and cultural riches. From imposing mountains and stunning gorges to sapphire blue waters, its natural beauty is truly breathtaking. Perhaps most importantly, the island is home to some of the most hospitable people in all of Greece. It is almost as if the ancient civilizations, such as the Minoans, Mycenaeans and Macedonians as well as more recently the Saracens, Venetians and Ottomans who all occupied Crete for centuries have left an indelible mark on these fascinating people who, above all, fiercely value independence, personal freedom and regional pride.

Finally, we have to admit that the Elounda Beach resort itself played an important role in our decision to hold our wedding in Crete. From the first moment we ever set foot in it, we felt completely smitten by this gorgeous place! Since its inception, it has been the quintessential resort in all of Greece, a place that makes you feel truly special yet supremely comfortable. It is indeed an unforgettable destination! In the coming weeks, we will do our best to organize events that reveal the unique qualities of this land, so you can all experience them directly. As our ideas become definitive plans, we will use this platform to communicate them to all of you and give you the opportunity to participate in the ones that peak your interest. However, even before we start listing the specifics, in a decisive triumph of Greek exuberance over English restraint, we promise you that you will never forget the days leading up to the big event on September 4th, 2021. We look forward to seeing you in Crete!