Programme
More optional activity recommendations to come
"Ermou Vibes" Gratitude Cocktail
SATURDAY June 28, 2025 ~late afternoon
*Core event*
- Kids optional at your preference
- Kids supervision to be coordinated as required
- Precise timing to be confirmed
- Location: Ermoupoli Center, Google Maps
Attire: Smart island casual
Komito Bay Ceremony & All-night Dance Party
SUNDAY June 29, 2025 ~late afternoon
*Core event*
- Grown-up fun, please understand our wish to offer privileged adult time
- Kids supervision currently being coordinated
- Precise timing to be confirmed
- Location: 5 min from center of Poseidonia, near Komito Beach, Google Maps
- Transport: there will be shuttle service to and from the villa and a few key stops (e.g., Ermoupoli Center, Galissas, Poseidonia)
Attire: Island chic
Delfini Secluded Beach Day
MONDAY June 30, 2025 ~mid-day
*Core event*
- Family friendly: kids required (if they made the trip with you)!
- Precise timing to be confirmed
- Location: aiming for Delfini Beach, Google Maps
- Transport: easy 30-min hike or boat starting from Kini Google Maps (possible limited car transport from Kini to be arranged for people with mobility concerns)
Attire: Chill beach activewear
Venues
15-20 minutes max driving between most locations on the island - click map below for Google Maps
Logistics
Travel
Getting there
Ferry, via Athens
FLY TO ATHENS, THEN DIRECT FERRY TO SYROS
Athens airport to Piraeus Port: 1hr drive
Athens airport to Rafina Port: 30 min drive
Speed boat trip: 2 hrs
Conventional ferry trip: 4 hrs
Ferry booking: www.ferryhopper.com
Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash
Ferry, via Mikonos
FLY TO MYKONOS, THEN TAKE A BOAT TO SYROS
Speed boat trip: 30 min
Conventional ferry trip: 45 min
Ferry booking: www.ferryhopper.com
Photo by Amandine Veyron on Unsplash
I believe I can FLY
FLY TO ATHENS, THEN FLY TO SYROS
Flight duration: 40 min
Syros airport distance to centre: 2km
Greece internal booking: www.skyexpress.gr
Photo by Ross Parmly on Unsplash
Transportation
Moving around
Ceremony and Party Shuttle Service
For the ceremony and celebration of June 29th, there will be shuttle service to and from the Komito Bay Villa and a few key stops (e.g., Ermoupoli Center, Galissas, Poseidonia)
Photo by Berkin Uregen on Unsplash
Car Rental
Vassilikos
+30 22810 84444
rentacar@vassilikos.gr
Photo by Scott Umstattd on Unsplash
Taxi Service
SYROS TAXI: +30 2281088222
HERMES TAXI: +30 2281084222
RADIO TAXI: +30 2281086222
Photo by the blowup on Unsplash
Other Important Information
Keeping it handy
Emergency Numbers
POLICE STATION: 100
FIRE STATION: 199
GENERAL HOSPITAL: +30 2281360500
HARBOR POLICE: +30 2281089200
AIRPORT: +30 2281087025
Photo by Leandro Mazzuquini on Unsplash
Starting Lineups
Hall-of-famers
Louis Comtois - Uncle-of-the-bride
Stepping into the honored role of walking Gen down the aisle is her wonderful Uncle Louis. Louis is a picture of elegance and positivity, carrying the legacy of his late brother, Pierre, with grace and a touch of joyful banter. A devoted cyclist and walker, Louis is no stranger to long journeys - whether on a bike in Laval and Montreal or on foot along beaches in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. But fear not, we’ve assured him this particular walk will be short and sweet! Louis and his wife, Claudine, have been pillars of support to us, and we couldn’t imagine a more perfect person to share this special moment with Gen.
Daniel Choquette - Celebrant
Daniel, our beloved father (-in-law), will do the honors of officiating. Having traveled with us from Barcelona's tapas to Maine's mini-golfs, he obviously knows us well, brings a lifetime of experience in communications, and... a flair for the dramatic. Known for his innate charisma (though he'd never admit it), he has a knack for balancing heartfelt moments with witty asides, but is often unsure where his own phone or gloves are. While he will be showing us the way, his legendary misadventures include boarding the wrong flight to the Canary Islands and winding up on a military base in Western Sahara, driving back from Petra in a snow storm in the Jordan desert while searched for by Israeli military, and coming down the wrong side of a mountain in the Pyrennées. Rest assured, though: on our big day, he’ll be right where he belongs - front and center.
Team Gen
Josiane Comtois (Josie) -
Maid-of-honor
Meet Josie, my not-so-little sister, 7 years younger and infinitely louder! A control freak with a heart of gold, she’s a ferocious super mama bear and acclaimed audiologist (impressive, right?). Known for her clumsiness, Josie’s had her fair share of ER visits—knees, thumbs, and wasps, oh my! We’ve shared unforgettable adventures, like winning a sailing race as the “Sisters of the Wind” in Turks and Caicos. A Pinterest maniac and thematic cake master, she’s also an unstoppable snow/wake boarder (but avoid her dance moves at all costs). Whether wrangling her dog Rocket, missing Nixon, slurping garlic escargots or putting together my big 4-0 celebration, Josie’s love, loyalty and feistiness make her the ultimate maid-of-honor... and sister.
Isabelle Leblanc (Isa) - Bridesmaid
Isa and I go way back - kindergarten to be exact - and her family has apparently adopted me ever since. Smart and stunning, Isa is a multi-talented engineer with a knack for whipping up drool-worthy desserts and Instagram tablescapes. From arriving late on stage at our ballet jazz recital (no one noticed right?) to showcasing our latest tricks at Ski Chanteclerc in our boxer shorts, we’ve made memories that never fade. This hyperactive and devoted mom to Félix somehow balances it all with her signature trait: fashionably late sms replies – but who cares when it feels like yesterday no matter how long it's been!
Caroline Girard (Caro) - Bridesmaid
Caro was my first mentor at Shell and quickly became a friend (and even roommate). Practical, no-nonsense, and hilariously deadpan, she has an unmatched knack for keeping life organized, whether it’s working out at OrangeTheory, sticking to her St. Lucia vacation tradition, or attending bingo nights. We’ve shared countless adventures: hiking the Rockies, road-tripping to Edmonton Mall, and once being chased by a Denny’s waitress despite our “perfect” math. I'll never forget that she took me in her apartment... and let me turn half into my office! From Roberto’s charm at Chianti restaurant to our recent Muskoka chair misadventure, Caro has been a constant in my life since 1998.
Catherine Malépart (Cath) - Bridesmaid
Cath entered my life as a workmate but quickly became the big sister I didn’t know I needed. Witty and endlessly generous, she’s the adventurer who dragged me to a travel agent when I was teetering on burnout and helped me break out of my (S)hell - counterfeit handbag shopping in NY Chinatown anyone? (I was terrified!) She’d take ski boots over flip-flops any day and never misses a seasonal home décor refresh but would probably feel most at home in a NatGeo skit about her Cambodia or Tanzania pictures. From customs mishaps (RIP Safeway’s apples) to Glacier Park gastronomy and saving me from a ravine with my toque just fine for the ski patrol guy, Cath’s loyalty is only matched by her patience for my broken record “when I was at summer camp” stories.
Isabelle Morin (Isa) - Bridesmaid
Isa is my anchor Toronto friend and the ultimate supermom. A born leader, she’s definitely type A: blunt, energetic, and a perfectionist juggling it all with grace. Her Sunday dinner experiments turned me into a guinea pig, while her relentless 5:30 a.m. winter runs had me questioning my life choices (3k became 8k!). Isa just makes too many moments unforgettable: weekend getaways (Boston!), meeting me in London for my 40th, Jays games under the blazing sun, Tremblant adventures in the “Whistler” t-shirts, the infamous 5@7 turned all-nighter at Jules Bistro, and sharing a villa (and aperitivos!) on the Amalfi coast. A hostess of the mostest, social connector, and wellness aficionado, let’s not forget her greatest accomplishment: getting me on IG where I reconnected with Emmanuel!
Team Manu
Francis C. Baillargeon (Frank The Dude) - Best Man
From high school buddies to CEGEP co-pilots: Frank and I were screaming "Wazzzup!" from his Blue Golf GTI well before Y2K… that’s when we weren’t pushing that beauty to start and get us home! Hey, Frank, you skinny a$$ b!+c#, let's rooooll! Whether watching the Niners or the Habs, Frank's been the principled buddy you can count on to give you the time of day. A family man with a love for waterskiing, chopping wood at the Cozy Shack, Queen and Journey (but please hold the tomato), he’s sure had my back a few times… not to mention that one time he let me ruin my back crashing on the floor of his London hotel room. Best man material? Hands down.
Philippe Achkar (Phil) - Groomsman
Phil is a brilliant, coffee-fueled confidant and I'm the proud godfather of his son, Arthur. Whether solving escape room puzzles, finding tech productivity hacks or taking conference calls in the spa, Phil’s analytical mind never rests… though Star Wars movies reliably put him to sleep. Our friendship grew deeper through university debates about global affairs and a particularly unforgettable stint in The Gambia where Phil’s refusal to stay at Dr. Azadeh’s clinic - despite hugging the toilet for days - proved his stubborn resolve, which is only matched by his passionate dislike for Titanic. Watch out for this Christmas tune-humming choirboy’s sharp tongue though, it has earned him a slap or two!
Frédéric Yale-Leduc (Freddy Boy) - Groomsman
Fred is a guy you want in your corner: the epitome of calm, loyal, and subtle charm (who knew he never skips the hair dryer and spraynet in the morning!) From my college rollerblading stunts behind his black Blazer SUV to late-night chats in his living room with Karine or one-on-one in the park, Fred’s EQ and quiet support can carry you through a lot. Not only does he remain an avid golfer, but he’s also become a pizza-making foodie and boating enthusiast, always up for long walks with their family dog, Arthur, and quizzing the kids about their lessons! Just don’t ask about the real inside jokes - they’re classified!
Étienne Demers-Martel (Whiz) - Groomsman
Etienne and I became “instant brain friends,” connecting through curiosity and wit ever since that epic New Year’s Eve with Maude and Nic, where we managed to attend three parties and leave each with more beers than we arrived with. Equal parts playful and sophisticated, Etienne is a certified sommelier, food aficionado, and bass player who tours London with The Karens (do ask). Whether it’s losing me (temporarily!) during his bachelor, strolling through vineyards at his wedding with Lauren or revelling in Foiepocalypse (also, do ask!): every adventure with Etienne is unforgettable. A mischievous guide to NYC’s best spots with a knack for turning the casual into the legendary, Etienne redefines loyal and entertaining.
Xavier Labrecque (Xav) - Groomsman
Xav and I bonded over hockey and, at 16, a very grown-up après-ski rosé session in La Clusaz (France) where we skipped the kids’ table to drink the evening away with the parents. Steady and dependable, Xav (and his wife Sarah) are always there when it counts, from hosting me for Thanksgiving in tougher times to our adventures in the alleys of Paris and the Niagara vineyards (with their daughter Evelyn.) A devoted family man, Xav enjoys soccer, home improvement with Sarah, and dressing up for Halloween with Evelyn! Whether sharing laughs or good wine, Xav’s friendship has been a constant source of support - and a pretty great excuse for adventures and well imbued fun.
Playmakers
Syros Island Sherpas
Rima Kotaiche El-Husseini & Ibrahim El-Husseini
Rima and Ibrahim have been the most incredible and generous hosts, welcoming us into their home, showing us around Syros - their way - and introducing us to the who's who on the island. Rima, an accomplished entrepeneur, co-founded Blessing, a bespoke luxury gifts atelier, whereas Ibrahim and Emmanuel go back to the Booz and McKinsey days. We are their guests here on the island and we are deeply grateful to them for their kindness, generosity and support in making it possible.
Greece Guides
Véronique Nobert & Jan Grabowiecki
Jan and Emmanuel have been introduced by Phil and have furthered their friendship in the McKinsey days. Jan has recently moved to Athens with his wife, Véronique (counsellor and consul at the Canadian Embassy) and their two daughters. Privileged to count them as friends, they also welcomed us into their home as we landed in Greece and helped us discover the "new Athens", a city with an energy that we quickly fell in love with.
Eleftherios & Christiana Giannakoudakis
A former colleague of Gen, Eleftherios is a leader and innovation visionary in the mobility convenience retailing sector based in Athens. Along with his wife, Christiana, they are also entrepreneurs and the driving force behind family-run sailboat yacht charter company SAIL2DAY based in Lefkada, Greece.
Artisans
More to come
Vassy & Benjamin - Atelier Benjamin Rembeault
Passionate about gems and minerals, Benjamin Rembeault went to study jewelry in Nice at the age of 15. Graduating with a certificate of artistic crafts in 2004, he worked in prestigious workshops on Côte d'Azur and, in 2009, he sought a return to his first love and settled in Montreal to perfect his skills in gemology.
Océane - Dream It Yourself
Océane embodied ultra-personalized service at DREAM IT YOURSELF, a wedding dress boutique in Old Montreal entirely dedicated to empowering the contemporary bride in making her timeless style statement.
Nikos Kechagias - Plaza Catering
Not just catering... PLAZA CATERING!
Not just catering... also a unique all day cafe experience.
Premium service, unique potentials.
Christy Lagiou
Christy is the founder of her eponymous bespoke event planning boutique and builds on more than 20 years of experience in Syros and more broadly in Greece and beyond.
