We can't wait to celebrate together
Our daughter, Liliana Carola Tamar Jolia-McAndrew, was born on 10 September 2025. In Georgian culture, an Orthodox christening is a very special milestone, and we'd love to share it with you. At the same time, we're finally getting a chance to celebrate our wedding anniversary with many that we weren't able to invite 5 years ago due to Covid!
We have friends and family all around the world, and many of you haven't visited Georgia yet. This is our excuse to bring everyone together, to explore this beautiful country with us, and for our friends and family to meet.
Liliana Carola Tamar
The Celebrations
21 – 22 August 2026
We'll be in Georgia for a few weeks around the event — we'd love to see you before or after the main day too. Whether you're passing through Tbilisi, doing a trip around the country, or just want to grab dinner, let us know your dates and we'll make it happen.
Welcome Drinks in Tbilisi
Casual get-together for those already in town — location TBA
Christening Ceremony
Udzo Monastery of the Fathers (pictured above). Exact time to follow.
Break
A chance to rest and refresh before the evening celebration
Celebration Dinner & Party (Tbilisi)
Food, toasts, dancing, and a proper anniversary celebration
Details
Some considerations
Getting Around
We generally don't recommend renting a car, depending on the length of your stay and number of destinations. Drivers (see below) are affordable, generally safer, and more convenient. Apps such as Bolt are also a great way to get around, even for longer trips.
Family Travel
We know there are many families in our group, and would love to welcome everyone. We will do our best to make the celebration child friendly, and we've made sure to include a few family-friendly options in our itinerary.
Safety
Some of you may have read about the "recent" political unrest. Protests tend to be concentrated in a very specific location at specific times, and have also died down in recent months. We will happily address any questions or concerns.
Gifts
We mean it when we say that you celebrating with us and making it a special day for Liliana would be the biggest gift we could ask for.
Weather
It's gonna be hot hot hot!
Accommodation
THe Christening and celebration will be taking in/near Tbilisi, so we recommend staying in Tbilisi, from which you can do lots of day trips easily. AirBnBs can be great value for money - and often give you a bit more of a taste of local culture - but there is no shortage of comfortable hotels and guesthouses in all major destination.
Book Transportation
Our Trusted Driver
Lasha can arrange a driver for you, as well as specific trips or even multi-day tours. Tell him you're with our group!
Explore
Places We Recommend
Click on a region to see our hotel recommendations
Tbilisi
The vibrant capital — cobblestone streets, sulfur baths, incredible food, and nightlife
Where to Stay
- Stamba Hotel — Boutique luxury in a converted Soviet printing house
- Rooms Hotel — Design-forward, great restaurant and bar
- Paragraf — Stylish and central
- Telegraph — Historic building, modern comfort
- Courtyard Marriott Tbilisi — As central as it gets
- Bioli Wellness Resort — Serenity, outside of the city. Travel required.
Mtskheta
UNESCO World Heritage site, just 20 minutes from Tbilisi — the spiritual heart of Georgia
Getting There
Easy day trip from Tbilisi. Most visitors stay in the capital and visit Mtskheta for a half-day. Ask Lasha to combine it with Jvari Monastery for stunning views.
Kakheti
Georgia's famous wine region. Discover the birthplace of wine, and the unique qvevri winemaking. Signaghi are both beautiful cities, with sites in between such as the Tsinandali Estate and many wineries.
Where to Stay
- Lopota Lake Resort — Lakeside resort, great for families with many pools, activities, and some good food and drink for the parents.
- Radisson Collection Tsinandali — Beautiful grounds, wine estate
- Château Mere — Boutique winery hotel
- Vazisubani Estate — Authentic wine estate experience
- Ambassadori Kachreti — Golf resort with spa and pools, great to kickback.
Kazbegi/Stepansminda
Dramatic mountain scenery along the Georgian Military Highway. A bit of a drive but with impressive scenery along the way, with notably cooler temperature to reward those that want to escape the summer heat.
Where to Stay
- Rooms Hotel Kazbegi — Stunning views, excellent restaurant, the place to stay
Borjomi
Famous for its mineral water — forested gorges, spa town vibes, and access to Bakuriani. Good getaway for some fresh air in the summer
Where to Stay
- Crowne Plaza Borjomi — Best option in town, spa and wellness facilities
Black Sea Coast
Batumi and surroundings — beach vibes, botanical gardens, and Adjarian cuisine. Given th distance from Tbilisi, and the many other sites GEorgia has to see, we generally DO NOT recommend the coast as priority destination.
Where to Stay
- Paragraf Shekvetili — Beachfront design hotel
- Georgia Palace Kobuleti — Family-friendly beach resort
Join Us
RSVP
Please RSVP by 31 March 2026 — sooner is always appreciated. Let us know if you're coming alone or with partner / kids — everyone is welcome.