FAQs
Question
When is the wedding?
Answer
Our wedding ceremony is on Saturday, February 8th at 2 PM.
Question
What time should I arrive for the ceremony?
Answer
Please arrive by 1:30 PM to ensure you're seated before the ceremony starts at 2:00 PM. Church doors will close promptly at 1:45. There will be no entry after 1:45.
Question
Where is the wedding taking place?
Answer
Our ceremony will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross in Belmont and our wedding reception at Silver Creek Valley Country Club in San Jose.
Question
Will transportation be provided to the ceremony and reception?
Answer
Yes. The buses will depart promptly at 12:45 PM for the ceremony, so please plan to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth and timely departure. They will be departing from outside The Graduate Palo Alto Hotel (488 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301). The buses will transport our guests from our ceremony to our reception. The buses will transport guests back to downtown Palo Alto at the end of the night (11:30pm).
Question
What is the dress code?
Answer
The dress code is Black Tie Preferred. We encourage guests to dress formally – tuxedos or dark suits with bow ties for men and elegant evening gowns for women. However, feel free to wear what you feel comfortable in, as long as it aligns with our formal theme!
Question
When is the RSVP deadline?
Answer
Please RSVP by December 15th so we can finalize our arrangements.
Question
Will there be any other events happening during the wedding weekend?
Answer
Yes, in addition to the wedding, we will be hosting a Welcome Party on Friday evening. Please check the schedule on our website for more information.
Question
Are children invited?
Answer
We kindly ask that this be an adults-only event.
Question
Can I bring a plus-one?
Answer
We want to celebrate this special day with our closest family and friends. If your invitation includes a plus-one, their name will appear on your invitation. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to clarify.
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
We recommend staying in Palo Alto for convenience, and to experience where we call home. We have hotel suggestions, blocks and discounts for out-of-town guests. More details can be found under the Travel section of our website.
Question
What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?
Answer
Please let us know about any dietary restrictions or allergies when you RSVP so we can accommodate your needs.
Question
Greek Wedding Questions
Answer
Here’s a quick guide to common Greek wedding traditions and what to expect:
Question
What is the role of the Koumbaros or Koumbara?
Answer
The Koumbaros (male sponsor) or Koumbara (female sponsor) plays a central role in the wedding, not only during the ceremony but also in the couple's married life. Traditionally, the Koumbaros/Koumbara is responsible for placing the Stefana (crowns) on the couple’s heads during the ceremony and assists in exchanging the wedding rings three times.
Question
What is the significance of the Crowning Ceremony (Stefana)?
Answer
The Stefana is one of the most important rituals in a Greek Orthodox wedding. The crowns, called Stefana, are placed on the heads of the bride and groom by the Koumbaros or Koumbara. Thought to have originated in the 11th century, Stefana are made from flowers, foliage, or precious metals, and symbolize the union of two peoples as king and queen of their new household. The koumbaro swaps the crowns three times, and the couple wears them while walking around the altar three times, representing their journey through life together.
Question
What is the Common Cup ritual?
Answer
The Common Cup is a significant part of the Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony, reflecting the story of Jesus turning water into wine at the Wedding of Cana. After the crowning, the priest offers the bride and groom wine from a single cup, which they both drink from three times. This act symbolizes the shared life they will have together—through good times and bad, happiness and sorrow. It signifies that everything they will experience in their marriage will be shared equally.
Question
What is the Dance of Isaiah?
Answer
The Dance of Isaiah takes place after the couple has been crowned and shared the Common Cup. The priest leads the bride and groom in a circular procession around the altar three times, while hymns are sung. This symbolizes the couple’s first steps as husband and wife, taken together with the blessing and guidance of God. The three circuits represent the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and the circle itself symbolizes eternity, as a reminder that marriage is a lifelong commitment.
Question
What are the Koufeta and what do they represent?
Answer
Koufeta are sugar-coated almonds traditionally given to wedding guests as a symbol of the bittersweet nature of marriage. The almond's bitterness represents life's challenges, while the sweetness of the sugar coating symbolizes the hope for more sweet than bitter moments in the couple's life together. The Koufeta are always given in odd numbers, typically five or seven, because odd numbers are indivisible, representing the unbreakable union of the couple.
Question
Why do guests throw rice at Greek weddings?
Answer
Throwing rice at Greek weddings symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and good luck for the newlyweds. It represents your wishes for a life full of blessings and abundance. After the ceremony, all guests will be waiting outside the church to throw rice as we exit, celebrating the start of our journey as husband and wife!
Question
Will there be Greek dancing at the reception?
Answer
Absolutely! Greek dancing is a joyful tradition that embodies love, unity, and togetherness. It often involves circle dances where everyone holds hands or links arms, symbolizing the bond we all share. The steps are simple, so even if you've never danced before, you can easily join in. More than just a dance, it’s a way for everyone to come together, celebrating the happiness of the day and creating lasting, beautiful memories that we will all cherish forever.