My Big Fat Greek Wedding" Setting: Toronto's Greektow

My Big Fat Greek Wedding is set in Chicago, but the film was shot in Toronto, with some scenes in the Greek city of Athens and on the island of Corfu. The 2002 romantic comedy follows a young Greek-American woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man and struggles to get her family to accept him. The film was written by Nia Vardalos, who also starred in it, and was directed by Joel Zwick. It was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 75th Academy Awards and spawned a franchise, including two sequels and a TV sitcom.

The film was shot in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The 2002 romantic comedy "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was filmed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The film is set in Chicago but was predominantly shot in Toronto's Greek neighbourhood, Danforth. The film's success led to a sitcom and two sequels.

The house used in the film is a real house in Toronto, located at 73 Glenwood Cres. The production team modified the house to make it appear more Greek and over the top. They added a full second floor and a larger fake garage adorned with the Greek flag. The house has a garden, and the team added lawn ornaments to create the film's look. The house next door was also used briefly at the end of the movie.

The exteriors for Ian's apartment building were filmed at 5 Lonsdale Road in Toronto, while the interior scenes were filmed on a local soundstage. The scene where Toula visits Ian at his classroom was filmed at Jarvis Collegiate, at 495 Jarvis Street. The college scenes where Toula enrols in classes at Truman College were filmed at the Rogers Communication Centre, part of Ryerson University.

The church where Toula and Ian get married was the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, located at 23 Henry Street in Toronto. The internal and external shots of the travel agency were filmed in an actual storefront on the main street in the Danforth area, 439 Danforth Avenue.

The setting is Chicago, Illinois, USA

The story of My Big Fat Greek Wedding is based on the life of its writer and star, Nia Vardalos, and her experience of marrying a non-Greek man. The film is set in Chicago, but was actually shot in Toronto, Canada. The film's success led to a franchise, including a TV series and two sequels.

Vardalos's own experience of marrying a non-Greek man is reflected in the plot of the film, which centres on a young Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek teacher, Ian Miller. Toula's large, intrusive Greek family wants her to get married and have children, but she longs for something more. When Ian walks into her family's restaurant, 'Dancing Zorba's', Toula develops a crush. She decides to go to college to learn about computers, and her mother convinces her father to agree. Toula's new-found happiness and confidence catch Ian's attention, and he asks her on a date.

Knowing her family will not approve of her dating a non-Greek, Toula lies about taking a pottery class to see Ian. However, her lie is exposed when a family friend sees them kissing. Her father forbids them from continuing to see each other, but they continue dating anyway. Eventually, Ian proposes, and Toula accepts. The family finally accepts Ian, but they constantly insert themselves into the wedding planning, from the bridesmaid dresses to the invitations. The film ends with Toula and Ian's wedding, and a touching speech from Toula's father, who welcomes Ian into the family.

The third film was shot in Greece

The third film in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding series was indeed shot in Greece. The film's writer, director, executive producer, and star Nia Vardalos had always dreamed of filming the country with "magical realism". The third instalment sees the Portokalos family travel to Greece for a family reunion in the recently passed family patriarch's hometown.

Filming took place in Athens, Corfu, Santorini, and some coastal areas of Crete, Paros, and Hydra. The Athens airport was transformed to resemble Chicago's O'Hare airport, and a house in a wealthy suburb of Athens was used as the interior of the Portokalos family home. The historic neighbourhood of Plaka, known for its neoclassical architecture, was also a prominent filming location.

The cast and crew also spent almost a month filming in the village of Varipatades on the island of Corfu. Many of the castles featured in the film are located on this island. Another filming location was Santorini, where a night wedding scene was shot.

Vardalos sought to avoid visual cliches, aiming for a fresh and vibrant portrayal of Greece that felt like a nostalgic memory. She worked closely with the cinematographer and production designer to achieve this vision, paying close attention to colours, costumes, and skin tones.

The third film is set in Athens and Corfu

The third instalment of the My Big Fat Greek Wedding film series sees the Portokalos family travel to Greece for a family reunion in the hometown of their late patriarch. The film is set in Athens and Corfu, with additional scenes filmed in Santorini and some coastal shots of Crete, Paros, and Hydra.

Athens, the capital of Greece, was a filming hotspot for the movie. Most of the filming took place around the Plaka neighbourhood, which is known for its salt pan. Athens is one of the world's oldest cities, with a rich history spanning over 3,400 years. The city boasts ancient landmarks, a vibrant culture, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination. The city also offers culinary delights, from traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki to the bustling central market.

The island of Corfu was another filming location for the movie and is famous for its stunning beaches and landscapes. It offers excellent cuisine and a unique culture, making it a paradise for those seeking sun-kissed days in the Mediterranean. Corfu has a long history, dating across civilisations, including British, French, Venetian, and Greek influences. The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases well-preserved Venetian architecture and culture.

The film's writer, director, executive producer, and star, Nia Vardalos, sought to capture Greece's "magical realism". She worked closely with cinematographer Barry Peterson and production designer Grant Armstrong to avoid visual cliches and showcase the country's beauty and neoclassical architecture.

Vardalos, Peterson, and Armstrong frequently reviewed colour boards and debated costumes to achieve the desired aesthetic. They also scouted unique locations, such as a sailboat dock in the town of Benitses, Corfu, which served as the backdrop for multiple scenes. The team's dedication to their craft and attention to detail transformed familiar locations into fresh and vibrant scenes, bringing the world of My Big Fat Greek Wedding to life in a whole new way.

The first two films were set in Chicago

The first two instalments of the 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' film series were set in Chicago, though most of the filming for the first movie took place in Toronto. The first film follows a young Greek-American woman, Fotoula "Toula" Portokalos, who works in her family's Chicago restaurant, "Dancing Zorba's", but longs to do something more with her life. When a school teacher named Ian Miller comes into the restaurant, Toula develops a crush on him. Knowing her family would not approve of her dating a non-Greek, she keeps her relationship with Ian a secret. However, her lie is eventually exposed, and her family forbids them from continuing to see each other. Despite the challenges, Ian and Toula get engaged, and the Portokalos family eventually accepts Ian.

The second film, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2', continues the story of Toula and Ian, picking up several years after the events of the first movie. The couple now has a daughter, and their house is revealed to be right next door to Toula's parents' home. While the first two films were set in Chicago, the third film in the series, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3', takes the Portokalos family to Greece for a family reunion following the death of Toula's father, Gus. This marks the first time the franchise has ventured beyond Chicago, exploring the family's ancestral homeland.

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