Photography by Sara and Sarma Photography
Many good romances start with a friendship. Such was the case for Kara Bopp and Matthew Slattery. The two attended College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and remained “just friends” for the duration. Kara graduated in 2000, Matthew in 2001. A few years after college, though, “things heated up a bit,” Kara confides.
In December 2004, Matt traveled to India on a mission to help build a school. While abroad, the two communicated regularly via email. When Matt was ready to return home, he took a chance and asked his “friend” Kara out to dinner, catching her rather off guard. After all, weren’t they just good buddies?
Not so much anymore, it would appear. From that date on, they became increasingly closer, and, in April 2009, Matt proposed to Kara, again catching her completely by surprise. The couple traveled to a beautiful beach out in Long Island and, rather than visiting a mutual friend as they had planned (turns out that was just a ruse), Matt pulled out a gorgeous diamond ring and proposed to Kara on the spot. After she got over the initial shock, she happily said yes.
Picking the church for the ceremony was easy. Kara’s family had belonged to The Holy Family Church in New Rochelle for as long as Kara could remember. The reception, too, was a no-brainer: the Shenorock Shore Club in Rye. “My family has belonged to the club for years, and we loved the location and the atmosphere,” Kara says. All of the guests were given flip-flops—a perfect touch for a beach reception.
The bride wore a stunning gown by designer Tara Keely (part of Jim Hjelm’s label), an off-white lace dress with a V-neck and satin around the waist in a champagne color.
For their cocktail hour, special gourmet hors d’oeuvres were passed. A raw bar with shrimp, clams, and oysters was also a hit. Their wedding signature drink was the mojito (just because they both love them!) and, for dinner, there was filet mignon and lobster tail.
In lieu of favors, the couple made a donation to the national Alzheimer’s Association.
The happy couple walked into the reception to Growin’ Up by Bruce Springsteen, and danced their first dance to Wouldn’t It Be Nice by the Beach Boys. Following their wedding, the couple honeymooned together in romantic Spain.
RESOURCES
CAKE
Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes
3 Field Rd, Cos Cob, CT (203) 869-9545
ENTERTAINMENT
Brian Kirk & the Jirks
108 Shrewsbury Ave, Red Bank, NJ (732) 741-7798
FLOWERS
Daniel Florals & Events, Inc.
74 Fox Island Rd, Port Chester (914) 481-5528
INVITATIONS
Kensington Paper (store now closed)
117 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville
VENUE
Shenorock Shore Club
475 Stuyvesant Ave, Rye (914) 967-3700
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sara & Sarma Photography
WEDDING ATTIRE
GOWN
House of Botticelli
44 Pondfield Rd, Bronxville (914) 337-6384
BRIDESMAID DRESSES
Bella Bridesmaid
16 Taylor Pl, Westport, CT (203) 227-5762
SHOES/ACCESSORIES
J. Crew
125 Westchester Ave, White Plains (914) 997-6171