Understanding the distance and effort it takes to travel, we completely understand if attending our celebration is not feasible. Your support and warm thoughts mean the world to us, and we truly appreciate your understanding. Your presence in our hearts on this special day is what matters most.
WHAT IF I CAN'T ATTEND ALL OF THE WEDDING EVENTS?
While we’d love to have you at every event, your presence at the wedding ceremony and reception is what matters most to us. We’re grateful you’ll be part of our special day. When the formal invitations are sent, you’ll have the opportunity to RSVP individually for each event. We understand schedules can be busy, and we’re thrilled to have you celebrate with us, whatever your availability may be.
WHEN WILL I RECEIVE THE FORMAL INVITATION?
Invitations will be sent out early June. All guests will receive the formal invitation by mid-June, giving everyone enough time to RSVP, as the RSVP deadline is July 31st.
WHEN IS THE RSVP DEADLINE?
You will receive a formal invitation to the wedding in early-June. Please RSVP by July 31st.
WILL THERE BE A WEDDING WEEKEND ITINERARY?
Yes! A detailed itinerary mapping out the 3-days of wedding events will be sent out with the formal invitation and will be on the home page of our wedding website. No surprises will be on there though! The wedding events listed on the home page are the only wedding events: The Welcome Party (9/28), The Wedding (9/29), and the Yacht-Experience (9/30). The itinerary will be a comprehensive list of the wedding events, with transportation times/details, dress codes, addresses, and important information all in one place.
Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, you can have it delivered to our home at [8321 Distinctive Drive, San Diego, CA 92108]. A wedding card box will be at our reception. Please click the "registry" tab of our wedding website to find our wish list.
CAN I BRING A GUEST/DATE?
Absolutely! Your presence at our wedding means the world to us, and we want you to feel comfortable and enjoy the celebration to the fullest. Your invitation will include a ‘plus one,’ ensuring you can bring a date to share in this special day. We’re excited to celebrate with both you and your guest!
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
We would love to see our family and friends get dressed up with us! We are requesting a semi-formal/date night attire for the welcome party (9/28) and a formal dress code for our wedding (9/29), consisting of women in gowns/cocktail dresses and men in suits. No jeans please!
ARE THERE ANY COLORS THE GUESTS SHOULD AVOID WEARING?
We kindly ask that you avoid colors traditionally reserved for the bride - whites, ivories, and creams at the events. But, this is Greece, after all, so you are welcome to wear shades of white whenever you'd like just not at the Welcome Party or the Wedding.
Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?
We would love to see you get all dressed up! Wear any color you'd like except one that is close to or photographs as white (for example: a beige or champagne colored dress photographs as white). We kindly ask that you avoid colors traditionally reserved for the bride - whites, ivories, and creams at the events. The wedding party will be wearing a soft blue. For the Welcome Party event, think "Date Night" attire! I suggest a mini-midi dress (not full length), dressy top, jumpsuit, or matching set, with heels or nice sandals/flats (Note: for those who are planning on wearing flowy dress, beware of the wind in Santorini) and for the guys a nice shirt and jeans (without rips) or dress pants works! For the wedding day I suggest floor length cocktail dresses or gowns for the women and a dark suit with a dress shirt + shoes for the men (ties are encouraged but not required).
WHAT COLOR ARE THE BRIDEMAIDS WEARING?
All of the beautiful bridesmaids will be wearing a soft blue.
WHAT ARE THE GROOMSMEN WEARING?
The groomsmen will be looking sharp in classic black suits for the wedding.
WHAT TYPE OF SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?
For simply exploring Santorini I recommend comfortable shoes, which are key due to the cobbled streets and steps. For the wedding events, if you know Nicole you know she is wearing heels for the Welcome party and the Wedding day!! Feel free to wear whatever goes best with your outfit on the Welcome party night (while keeping in mind that there is a bit of downhill walking to the venue), but definitely wear heels for the Wedding day(if that's comfortable for you)! The venue has concrete so you do not have to worry about tripping on cobblestone or having your heels sink in the grass.
WHAT DAY/TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE TO SANTORINI?
If you plan on attending our Welcome party, you should plan to arrive on the morning/early afternoon of 9/28, at the latest, allowing yourself enough time to get settled in.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The timing could be very tight if you planned on traveling on Saturday, 9/28. If at all possible if you could plan to travel into Greece on Friday, 9/27, it might make for a smoother day.
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE TO THE WEDDING?
Guests may start arriving to the venue at 4:00pm at the earliest, but please arrive no later than 4:25pm sharp for a ceremony start of 4:30pm.
Sprinter vans will pick up guests from their hotels on the island between 3:30 PM-3:45 PM. More timing details for pick ups will be provided closer to the event.
HOW DO I GET TO SANTORINI?
First, please make sure you have a passport as it is required to enter/exit Greece.
From America, the most common route to Santorini involves flying to Athens and then taking a connecting flight or ferry to Santorini. There are direct flights available from some U.S. cities to Athens, but most flights will require a layover. Once in Athens, there are frequent flights or ferry services to Santorini.
The flight from Athens to Santorini is 50 minutes and the ferry ride is 5 hours. Please check out the "HOW TO GET TO SANTORINI" tab on the wedding website for more details.
IS THERE TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE VENUES?
Yes! Transportation of guests to/from the hotel has been arranged by Nicole and Kellen for all wedding events from 9/28-9/30, this includes the Welcome Party, Wedding Day, and Yacht-Experience. Times will be communicated closer to the event.
ACTION: We require your accommodation address and contact number to arrange your pick-up for each event you have RSVP'd to. Please message us with these details.
There is parking on site at the Welcome Party and the Wedding if you plan to drive there on your own.
WHERE ARE THE CEREMONY AND RECEPTION TAKING PLACE?
The ceremony and reception are taking place at Aenaon Villas in Santorini, Greece. Address: Santorini 847 00, Greece
IS THE WEDDING INDOORS?
No. The wedding is 100% outdoors, including the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The welcome party the night before is outside as well. It's all part of the Santorini vibe :)
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SANTORINI IN LATE-SEPTEMBER?
In late September, Santorini enjoys wonderful weather with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Typically, it’s a beautiful time to be on the island, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit. The evenings might be slightly cooler, so a light jacket or shawl might be handy. It’s an ideal time to experience Santorini :)
What type of food will be served at your wedding?
We'll be serving hors d'oeuvres at cocktail hour followed by a sit-down plated dinner with a choice of entree (accommodating all dietary restrictions), and late night gyros!
WHAT IF I HAVE DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?
If you have any dietary restrictions or special preferences, we want to ensure you have a delightful dining experience throughout the celebration. When the formal invitations are sent out, there will be a section to indicate any dietary needs or restrictions. Our goal is to accommodate everyone’s preferences and ensure a memorable dining experience for all our guests.
WILL OUR PUPPIES BE INVOLVED?
Unfortunately, no. Bird and Kiya are our pride and joy but will not fly to Greece due to Bird's behavior (hahaha) and Ki's size. Also, it's a lot of work, so they will be staying home with a live-in puppy nanny for the week.
WHY DID WE CHOOSE SANTORINI, GREECE?
The story starts with our first date! Here's what happened: On our first date we were sitting on the beach, watching the sunset, and Kellen asked Nicole a bunch of questions but one of them was:
"what type of wedding do you want?" (probably nervous that Nicole would say "a big wedding!" because of her profession) but Nicole said "A destination wedding!" Kellen was shocked and also wanted a destination wedding!
9 months later:
Kellen proposed to Nicole in Greece on 9/27/2023, the most magical day ever! They loved Greece so they chose it as their wedding destination since Santorini has a special place in their hearts! Santorini is romantic, beyond stunning, so much fun, with incredible food. The perfect place to celebrate with our closest friends and family.
WHERE ARE YOU HAVING YOUR HONEYMOON?
Our honeymoon details are still TBD but we are starting in Spain!
IS NICOLE'S NAME CHANGING AFTER THE WEDDING?
People always wonder this so I added this question on here. The answer is Yes. Nicole Marie Dohrman :)
Are the venues wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately the venues are not wheelchair accessible.
Will there be an open bar?
Yes, of course! There will be an open bar at the wedding.
What time will your wedding reception end? Is there an after-party?
The wedding reception ends at 11 PM. The transportation service will take guests back to their hotels at that time. No, there is not an after party, as there is an early (10 AM) yacht-experience the next day.
WHAT SHOULD I DO OUTSIDE OF THE WEDDING EVENTS IN GREECE?
Live your best life! Click on the "Things To Do" tab and find some of our recommendations. We suggest renting an ATV to explore the island, having a pool day, heading down to the beach club and renting a sun bed, wine tasting, shopping, going out at night, watching "Mamma Mia" at an outdoor theater, etc. There will be plenty of downtime to explore as our wedding events will not take up the entire day.
Could you suggest places to eat, drink and see while I am in town for your wedding?
Absolutely! Favorite foods: gyros (beef, chicken, pork) at Souvlaki n' Wrap (in Oia for a casual, quick bite), Saganaki (it's basically fried cheese with honey and sesame seeds, so good!), shrimp saganaki (must try!!). Restaurants: Beef bar (where our welcome party will be - try their paloma if you like tequila), Nobu (for sushi), Have traditional greek food at Finari (in Thira), or Naoussa Restaurant (in Fira) or at Lotza (in Oia), go to Kaliya for brunch or a sunset dinner(great food, views, and drinks!). | Places to party: Koo (huge outdoor club, outdoors in Fira), Tao Bar (american classic & reggaton in Fira), Catch bar (a fun bar, but not a club vibe, in Oia).
ARE FOOD/DRINKS COVERED BY THE BRIDE & GROOM AT THE WEDDING EVENTS?
Yes! We are covering your welcome drink + dinner at the Welcome Party, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, dessert, late night gyros and an open bar at the Wedding, and snacks, water+wine, and lunch on the Yacht day.
WHICH AIRLINES FLY TO GREECE FROM THE UNITED STATES?
United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Delta Airlines
IF WE LAND IN ATHENS, HOW DO WE GET TO SANTORINI?
You can take a quick 50 minute flight on Aegean Air from Athens to Santorini, by booking your flight here: https://en.aegeanair.com/plan/book-a-flight/ OR you can take a 5 hour ferry ride from Athens to Santorini, by purchasing a ticket on ferryhopper.com or seajets.com
HOW DO I BUY A FERRY TICKET?
Visit ferryhopper.com or seajets.com to book your ferry tickets in advance, and to find all ferry schedules including direct & indirect connections between islands.
SHOULD I DOWNLOAD "WHATS APP" FOR EASIER COMMUNICATION IN GREECE?
Yes. Your hotel concierge and your drivers will often use Whats App to communicate. Many people use WhatsApp internationally, as it's a free way to send messages to people all over the world. WhatsApp can be used without a data connection, as calls and texts can be sent over Wi-Fi. Many guests who are not paying for international phone rates will use Whats App as well. It is a free app that I suggest you download. Both Kellen and Nicole will be available by regular call/text AND WhatsApp. Our WhatsApp number is the same as our regular number.
IS SANTORINI SAFE?
Yes! Santorini is a very safe destination! The crime rate is low and the island is filled with welcoming and friendly locals. Popular areas like Fira and Oia are well lit and typically busy until late, providing a sense of security. We felt very comfortable walking around the streets both day and night. Even pickpocketing is few and far between here.
IS SANTORINI EXPENSIVE?
Santorini can be perceived as expensive due to its luxurious offerings, but with careful planning, it can also cater to various budgets. The island offers a range of accommodations, dining, and activities, allowing guests to customize their experience based on their preferences and budget. While it can be upscale, there are affordable options available, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone, regardless of their budget. The food, drinks, and accommodations mirror the same price range as American accommodations for the most part. Booking car services can add up though, which is why we suggest renting a car or even better- an ATV!
HOW MANY GUESTS ARE ATTENDING THE WEDDING?
We assume 30-40 guests! Our closest family and friends will be invited, making our wedding an intimate but incredible celebration. We will have the actual guest count once we receive the RSVPs back. Then, we will update this answer.
when should we book our flights, ferry, and hotel?
I recommend booking as soon as you know you are 100% attending as rates are typically more affordable several months prior to September 2024. You could set up flight alerts to wait for great flight deals, but I would not wait too long past the early Spring so you have your preferred seat on the plane. In regard to hotel and ferry bookings, you have much longer to book. There will be plenty of ferry rides and hotels available even a month prior, but it might just not be at our room block. Feel free to stay anywhere you'd like in Santorini, but we do have room blocks at some hotels near our venue (found on the Travel & Accommodation page on this site), on a first come first serve basis.
I'VE NEVER TRAVELLED THAT FAR INTERNATIONALLY, IS IT HARD TO GET THERE?
Traveling from America to Santorini can involve multiple flights and connections, but it’s absolutely worth it! Most journeys require a layover or two before reaching Santorini. Although it might involve a bit of travel time, the stunning views and unique experience awaiting you on this enchanting Greek island will make the journey worthwhile. We suggest packing light in a carry on vs. checking a bag to keep your travel as smooth as possible. We went last September and did not experience any difficulty. Be sure to have your passport and ask questions at the airport - Athens and Santorini are full of amazing people who are happy to help and speak fluent English.
WHERE ARE YOU HAVING YOUR BACHELOR/BACHELORETTE PARTY?
We're going to Mykonos, Greece a few nights before the wedding! We are combining our bachelor and bachelorette parties for an incredible experience together!
WHEN WILL NICOLE AND KELLEN ARRIVE TO SANTORINI?
We are arriving to Santorini in the late afternoon on September 27th and staying at Aenaon Villas. We will be arriving on the ferry, coming in from Mykonos with our wedding party. There are no planned wedding events on this day (9/27).
WHICH AIRLINES FLY TO GREECE?
American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada are airlines that fly from America to Greece. When booking your flight you will select "ATHENS" as your destination. From Athens, you can either FLY or take the FERRY to Santorini. If you FLY, book your flight on https://en.aegeanair.com/, if you take the ferry you can book at ferryhopper.com.
WHAT IF I MISS THE SHUTTLE TO/FROM EVENTS?
Although the shuttle won't be able to wait, we understand that circumstances may vary. If you happen to miss it, please arrange alternative transportation. Thankfully Santorini has multiple methods of transportation if you miss the shuttle. You can Uber, call a taxi, or ask your hotel for assistance. If you have rented an ATV or car you can put the venue address in your GPS and drive there since there is parking available near each event.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE THE SHUTTLE TO/FROM THE WEDDING EVENTS?
No, the shuttle is totally optional and complimentary. If you'd like to arrange your own transportation you totally can.
HOW LONG ARE KELLEN AND NICOLE STAYING IN SANTORINI?
Although the wedding events are 9/28-9/30, we are arriving in Santorini on 9/27, and departing on 10/1 to our honeymoon in Mallorca, Spain!
I am so excited to explore Santorini, but i've never been before, how should i get started on looking?
It's going to be so much fun!! You can click on the "Things to do" tab on the wedding website for a few places we loved in Santorini! Also -- search Santorini, Greece on tripadvisor.com and check out this instagram page: instagram.com/santorini.explore/
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING IF I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT DETAILS, TRANSPORTATION, ETC.???
THIS IS OUR WEDDING PLANNER, EVITA'S CONTACT INFO IF YOU NEED ANYTHING REGARDING THE WEDDING WHEN YOU ARE IN SANTORINI -- DIRECT QUESTIONS TO HER FIRST PLEASE.
***Name: Evita | Phone number: 0030 699 50 38 709
| Email: info@juliaandevita.com
WHICH HOTELS ARE WALKING DISTANCE OF THE WEDDING VENUE?
There are 2 hotels next to our wedding venue, Aenaon Villas:
San Antonio Hotel - https://www.sanantonio-santorini.com
| and the Csky Hotel - https://csky.gr