Canaves Oia Suites

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, October 14 | Welcome Dinner The celebrations begin. Join us for an intimate welcome dinner at <a href="https://ammoudisantorini.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ammoudi Fish Taverna</a>, perched at the water's edge at the base of Oia's famous volcanic steps. We'll share a long table, fresh seafood, local wine, and the first of many unforgettable Santorini evenings together. Please note that Ammoudi Bay is accessed via a steep descent of approximately 300 steps from Oia — it's a beautiful walk, but worth keeping in mind if you have any mobility considerations. Alternative transport down is available, and we're happy to help coordinate if needed.

Thursday, October 15 | Private Catamaran Cruise We've arranged a private cruise aboard a catamaran with <a href="https://sailing-santorini.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunset Oia Sailing</a>, and we'd love for you to join us. The day unfolds along some of Santorini's most stunning coastline — a stop at the volcanic Hot Springs, swimming and snorkelling at White Beach, more snorkelling at Red Beach, and then sailing beneath the cliffs of Oia just in time for sunset. The tour finishes at Ammoudi Port after dark. On board, a BBQ lunch is prepared fresh — with options including fish, chicken, pork, and a full vegetarian spread, alongside Greek salads, stuffed vine leaves, tzatziki, and pita. Drinks are included throughout. The cost is 225 CAD per person. To secure your spot, please RSVP by August 1 and submit payment by August 15 via e-transfer to <a href="mailto:jessie.vanleeve@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jessie.vanleeve@gmail.com</a>. Round-trip transfers from your accommodation are included. Please let us know in advance of any dietary requirements, including gluten-free needs.

Friday, October 16 | Free Day Today is yours to explore. Wander the cobblestone paths of Oia, find a spot on the caldera edge with a glass of Assyrtiko, or venture further afield — Fira, Akrotiri, and the black sand beach at Perissa are all worth the trip.

Saturday, October 17 | Wedding Day Please plan to arrive at <a href="https://canaves.com/canaves-oia-suites/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_source_platform=Google+Ads&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=S_Brand_Canaves_Collection_All_Properties_USA___CAN_AI_MAX_5/2&amp;utm_id=19635833454&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=19635833454&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApSi6ygbhiZdZRewys4dla_M19ep7&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjw1N7NBhAoEiwAcPchp29ZtGQNRVgt7VZ3o1t6_Ga5OzmdWdzw58NfXcDVFc3n9CtjrJAutxoCVgwQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Canaves Oia Suites</a> by 4:45 PM so we can begin promptly together. The evening will include the ceremony, drinks and canapés, a dinner reception, and dancing — drawing to a close at 11:30 PM, with the possibility of continuing nearby for those who wish to. For full details on the schedule, attire, and venue, please see the Wedding Info page.

Sunday, October 18 | Farewell Brunch One last morning together before we go our separate ways. Join us for a relaxed farewell brunch — a chance to linger over coffee, trade stories from the weekend, and say proper goodbyes. Details to follow.

Events

The Celebration

Ceremony We invite you to join us on the Panorama Balcony at Canaves Oia Suites as we exchange our vows and celebrate the beginning of our marriage. Please plan to arrive by 4:45pm so we can begin promptly together.

Drinks Drinks and canapés will be served on the Panorama Balcony following the ceremony.

Reception A dinner reception and dancing will follow beneath the Caldera Arches at Canaves Oia Suites. The evening will draw to a close at 11:30pm, with the possibility of continuing nearby for those who wish. Details to follow.

Dress In keeping with the occasion, we kindly request black tie. For gentlemen, this means a black tuxedo or dinner jacket, dress shirt, and black bowtie. For ladies, a floor-length gown or formal evening wear. One practical note: Oia's cobblestones are beautiful and unforgiving in equal measure — we'd suggest keeping that in mind when choosing your footwear.

Wedding

Getting Here

Flights The recommended route from Toronto is to fly into Athens (ATH) and connect onward to Santorini (JTR). The Toronto–Athens leg is a single connecting flight of roughly 11–14 hours; the onward flight to Santorini takes 45 minutes. We recommend booking both legs separately, and as early as possible — ideally by May or June 2026. Airlines worth comparing include Air Canada, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, and Iberia for the transatlantic leg, and Aegean Airlines or SKY express for Athens–Santorini. If your connection allows for it, Athens is well worth an overnight stop.

A Note On Baggage The Athens–Santorini flight operates under its own baggage policy. We recommend selecting a fare that includes checked baggage at the time of booking, as airport fees are considerably higher.

A Note On Ferries If you're considering a ferry from Athens or planning to island hop on the way, we'd recommend against it — particularly in October. The shoulder season can bring rough seas, and services tend to be unreliable. Flying into Santorini directly is by far the easier and more predictable option.

Arriving in Santorini The airport is located about 25 minutes from Oia. Taxis are available but limited in number — we recommend pre-booking a private transfer in advance. Fares from the airport to Oia run approximately €40–€60.

Passports &amp; Visas Canadian guests: No visa is required for Greece. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. South African guests: A Schengen visa is required to enter Greece. We recommend beginning the application process well in advance, as processing can take up to 15 days or longer. Full requirements are available through the <a href="https://www.mfa.gr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hellenic Republic's official visa portal</a>.

Travel

WHERE TO STAY

Santorini is a small island, but where you stay matters. We recommend basing yourselves in or around Oia — nearby villages like Finikia, Fira, and Kamari are all lovely options within easy reach of the wedding venue. We'd advise against staying on the opposite side of the island, as travel times can be longer than expected. We've done the legwork and have two options to share with you below — one curated property with a group discount, and the freedom to explore Airbnb on your own.

Oia Sunset Villas Set in the village of Oia with sweeping Aegean views, Oia Sunset Villas is a private complex of luxury villas sharing beautifully appointed communal spaces — including two pools, a pool bar, and an open fire pit. Villas accommodate between 6 and 8 guests, making it an excellent option for those who'd like to share with friends or family. We've secured an exclusive 10% discount for our wedding guests. Use code welcome_10 when booking at <a href="https://oiasunsetvillas.reserve-online.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://oiasunsetvillas.reserve-online.net/</a>.

Airbnb For those who prefer to find their own corner of the island, Airbnb has a wonderful selection of villas and cave houses in and around Oia at a range of price points. We've browsed and found some truly beautiful options — from traditional Cycladic cave houses to sleek modern villas with caldera views. When searching, we recommend filtering for properties in Oia, Finikia, Fira, or Kamari, and avoiding the eastern and southern sides of the island to keep travel times manageable. <a href="https://www.airbnb.ca/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Browse Airbnb rentals in Oia →</a>

Accommodations

WHILE YOU'RE HERE

Between celebrations, we hope you'll take some time to explore the beautiful island of Santorini. These are the experiences we think are worth your time — handpicked for anyone looking to get a little more out of the island, whether you have a full day or just a few hours to spare.

Beaches Santorini's beaches are unlike anything you'll find on a typical Greek island — instead of white sand, you're met with dramatic black and red volcanic shores that are striking in the best way. The Red Beach, near Akrotiri, is one of the most photographed spots on the island and worth seeing in person. Perissa and Perivolos offer long stretches of black sand with plenty of bars and sunbeds if you're after a more relaxed day. Worth noting: October water temperatures are still very swimmable, around 22–23°C.

Cooking Classes There's no better way to fall in love with a place than through its food. Join a hands-on cooking class and spend a few hours learning the techniques behind Greece's most beloved dishes — guided by chefs who have spent their lives cooking this way. It's relaxed, it's delicious, and it makes for a surprisingly wonderful afternoon together.

Winery Tour The wines of Santorini are unlike anything else — shaped by volcanic soil, sea winds, and centuries of tradition. A winery tour is a relaxed, unhurried way to spend a few hours: tasting your way through the island's signature varieties, learning what makes them special, and enjoying the kind of views that make every glass taste better.

Island Tour Santorini is so much more than the views you've seen in photos. This guided tour takes you through the quieter, southern side of the island — through hilltop villages, ancient ruins, and windswept lookouts over the Aegean. A lovely way to get your bearings, and to see the island the way locals know it.

Shopping Whether you're after something to take home or simply love the joy of wandering, the villages of Fira and Oia are made for it. Expect beautiful jewelry, local olive oil and wine, ceramics, and clothing from both Greek designers and international names — all tucked into whitewashed laneways that are worth exploring for their own sake.

Harrison & Jessie

Harrison & Jessie

H&J