Welcome!
We can't wait to celebrate our marriage and the baptism of our beloved daughter with you! In anticipation of the big day, we have created this website as a hub for all the relevant information. Browse around to see our favorite photos, read our story, find travel instructions and hotel accommodations, and check back for all important updates. Please don’t forget to RSVP! We’ll see you soon!
Niko Mangas & Jessica Janette Silva
Three hearts, one celebration!
The Countdown is on!
August 20th, 2023 at 6:30 pm
Chania, Crete Island, Greece
Events
Our Story
Niko's and Jessica's love story started long before they met. Jessica once had dreamt of their daughter many years ago. She had seen her daughter's entire face as a young little girl and never forgot her eyes. Jessica knew the eyes would belong to the father of her child. And then one day she realized.. She saw those same eyes... In him. They were just supposed to be two people helping each other, but somehow they fell in love. In New York City in 2018 they met through a common friend who was the first one to realize that they could make a great match. That friend, Frances Otalora, was finally able to get them together for date after a failed attempt the first time they were introduced.
Though their love story didn’t start with an initial spark, it didn't take too long to get a fire burning. Their first date was at a vegan restaurant on a St. Valentine’s day. The next one, on Niko’s birthday. As they were getting to spend more time together and getting to know more of each other, Niko met and mingled with Jessica’s entire family like he had known them for years and felt like he found a new family. They had each realized how special they were, as individuals, and to one another. Niko invited Jessica to Greece that first winter of dating where she visited for the first time and met his wonderful family. As time went on, they started building their lives together, traveled the world, and had Izel Ioanna. They now enjoy their beautiful life, making sweet memories as a family and are excited to continue to share their love with their friends and family.
The Proposal
Everything started when Niko and Jessica planned a trip to Greece for vacation. Even though Niko had been dropping hints that he may be ready to get married soon, Jessica wasn’t expecting a ring on that trip because of a very unfortunate event that made it look impossible. Niko secretly planned with Jessica’s sister for the perfect moment. While Niko and Jessica were in their hotel suite getting ready for a night out in Oia, Santorini, Niko suggested to "take a picture" together overlooking the magnificent Santorini sunset before leaving.. but he stopped to do something. Jessica’s sister had begun secretly recording what would be the proposal. So many emotions ! Here’s the video:
The Song
"This song is a heartfelt song written by Jessica, dedicated to the love we share. It expresses the depth of her feelings and commitment to our relationship, capturing the essence of our love story."
- Niko Mangas
Registry
For those of you who are wondering how to gift us, we have two options available. If you are a Greek resident, we kindly ask you to deposit your gift amount into our Greek bank account with the following IBAN:
Alpha Bank
GR51 0140 1010 1010 0278 9004 316
If you are not a Greek resident, we ask that you use Zelle to send your gift amount directly to our American bank account. Our Zelle account is linked to the phone number (646) 409-8023. We understand that some guests may prefer to gift items instead of money, but please note that due to limited luggage space, we kindly ask that you consider gifting us experiences or money instead. Thank you for your love and support during this special time in our lives!
Zelle Account Phone
(646) 409-8023
Accommodation
Platanias
August 13th - August 18th: Agioi Apostoli, Chania.
Agioi Apostoli is a serene coastal area known for its beautiful sandy beaches and breathtaking views. It offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from cozy seaside villas to modern beachfront resorts. We recommend exploring this picturesque area to find a place that resonates with your preferences.
August 18th - August 22nd: Halepa, Chania.
Halepa is a charming neighborhood situated in the heart of Chania and is near both the church and reception venue. It serves as the perfect location to stay during this phase of our wedding celebration. Its convenient proximity ensures easy access to the wedding events, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without any transportation hassles.
August 22nd - August 27th: Platanias, Chania.
Platanias is a highly touristic seaside town with a great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. This area offers a mix of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront hotels to cozy apartments and guesthouses. If you're looking for a place to stay with stunning views of the sea and that's close to the action, this is the perfect choice.
Travel Guide
Chania is a beautiful town on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete and is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and unparalleled warm hospitality. Check out all the information as well as our most loved beaches and tourist attractions below to help you plan the perfect itinerary.
Weather
You should expect hot and dry weather with clear skies (upper 90s Fahrenheit). Dry hot days are often relieved by a seasonal breeze.
Suggested Arrival
By plane. The city is served by the Chania International Airport (CHQ). For people who are traveling from USA, there’s no direct flight to Chania. We suggest that you book a flight with a stop in Athens(ATH) first.
Safety & Security
Chania is a small town, and any form of crime is very rare. Thus, it’s considered a 100% safe place. However(just in case): Be extremely careful when driving or crossing the roads, especially in rural areas, as traffic laws are not enforced.
Rent a Car
Renting a car is the best option for exploring Chania and Crete in general at your own pace. There are many companies that provide car rental services but it’s hard to find cars with automatic gear. So, plan accordingly
TAXIS
Taxis are available in Chania and can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street. They are a convenient mode of transportation, and they are suggested for shorter distances or when traveling with heavy luggage. Keep in mind, you must pay in cash. Also, there is no Uber operating in Greece.
Public Buses
Chania has a well-developed public bus network that connects the town with its suburbs and nearby towns. The fares are very affordable, but the schedules may not be very frequent.
Enjoy Chania's vibrant nightlife, with its numerous bars, cafes, and restaurants offering live music,
cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. Some of them are hidden in the alleys behind the Old Venetian
Harbor, others in Koum Kapi. Those looking for a wilder scenario need to reach the coastal resorts of Agia Marina and Platanias to dance and enjoy long evenings.
Both little towns are just minutes
away from the city center and it’s where Chania’s nightlife gets really exciting!
Faqs
Our theme is elegant and warm. Since the events will take place outdoors and in warm weather, it will be comfortable to wear lightweight and breathable fabrics.
We are having the wedding church ceremony first and it will be followed immediately with the baptism of Izel Ioanna at the same location. Then, the reception will take place at the restaurant. There is no rehearsal dinner or welcome party scheduled at the moment.
Absolutely! Feel free to invite a plus one and enjoy the event together!
Yes, please check out the Events section of the website (Learn more button in Ceremonies).
Yes, kids are welcome! Please add them in the RSVP form.
Yes, during the Reception there will be an animateur present to provide entertainment for the children.
The RSVP deadline is June 15th 2023.
Yes! Her new name will be Jessica Janette Silva Mangas!
Visa and passport requirements for entering Greece will depend on the country of origin and the length of stay. Citizens from the European Union (EU) countries can enter Greece with a valid ID card or passport. Non-EU citizens may need to apply for a Schengen visa before their trip. Visitors are advised to check the visa requirements for their specific country of origin and the duration of their stay with the Greek embassy or consulate in their home country.
Greece is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) in New York City, USA. So, if it is 12:00 pm noon in New York City, it would be 7:00 pm in Greece.
The currency of Greece is the Euro (EUR). The exchange rate between the Euro and the US Dollar (USD) is variable and may fluctuate over time, depending on various economic factors. Currently the exchange rate is approximately 1 EUR to 1.10 USD.
Please reach out to Jessica directly via WhatsApp at +1 (347) 816-1488 or Niko at +1 (646) 409-8023 with any questions.