How We Got Here: From KK
We met in 2016, thanks to the power of waterfall manifestation and the internet. We had our first date at Deep Ellum in Boston. Though we didn't know it then, the bar was named after a town in Dallas, the same town we would eventually rescue our dog from. I can so vividly remember the entire night, and the clicking into place that occurred when I saw him in the corner of the room. Even still, when meeting Neil out somewhere, I have these moments of absolute delight when I watch him arrive--that he's the one I get to search for in a crowd of people, that I'm the one he's looking for, too. As I hope all brides feel about their partner, Neil is the most beautiful soul I have ever known. Being with him feels like shining. How lucky am I, to be part of his glow?
How We Got Here: From Neil
I met Kate in 2016 while we were living in Boston. After 2 dating apps, 2 bad opening lines, and 1 poorly received Beyonce joke, I found myself blocked and devastated. Thanks to some humility and the universe’s good fortune, the third time was the charm, and we agreed to meet for a drink at Deep Ellum. I will never forget how nervous I was sitting there waiting for her to arrive, and how I was instantly mesmerized when she walked in- stunningly beautiful, tall, self assured in a way that lit up the room. Her lightning quick wit and easy laugh had me on my toes, and absolutely captivated- a feeling that hasn’t gone away in the 6 years since. Kate’s charm, passion, and energy is contagious and obvious to anyone who has met her. I feel grateful for every day that we get to spend together, and I can’t imagine a future without her in it.
In the last week of 2021, Neil proposed to Kate on the beach of Malibu. They had just taken their ceremonial end of year dip, plunging into the icy pacific. After drying off, they headed back to the ocean for sunset. Sitting on the beach in uncharacteristic silence, Kate realized what was coming, and it was a very special few moments of quiet connection, both knowing what hung in the balance. Neil asked Kate to walk to the ocean, where they chose in that moment to make formal what they both already knew: that they would love each other for a lifetime, and long after that, too.
Benjamin Kroll
Kate met Ben on the first day of his life. He's been the most important person in her's ever since. Kate isn't sure when the shift happened, but at some point in the last few years he went from little brother to the one with all the wisdom. He is a gentle giant, a bright light, and a primary source of joy for his entire family. They both admit he is the favorite in the Kroll household, a spot he has rightfully earned.
John Coppinger
John and Neil share many commonalities: a love of music, a desire for universal healthcare, and parents. They also have some key differences. For example, John is an exceptional cook, rivaled only by his wife, Ashely. He is also a new and phenomenal father to sweet, sweet Maya. It is at this time that Neil will admit that John is slightly taller, though any verbal confirmation of the fact will be swiftly denied.
Sean Desmond
Sean is an honorary member of the Coppinger clan. From a childhood trip to Ireland, to running the streets of Brighton, Neil has long-been a moth to Sean's charismatic flame. Indeed, Sean is the life of any party. But you can look to him for more than just a good time: he's steadfast through your hard times, too. If you're lucky enough to count Desmond as a friend, then you know you can count on him for anything--not least of all, to be the last standing on the dance floor.
Shannon Stern
Kate loved Shannon at first sight. Broadly referred to as "Kate's funny friend," the two spotted each other from across the room in the University of Vermont's student union center her freshman year, and have been sharing zip codes ever since (Burlington, Boston, Austin). Today, the two can be found swimming in Barton Springs, vacationing in the south of France, and laughing to the point of tears in a way that makes people uncomfortable.
Marissa LaFave
Marissa, or RD as KK calls her, is life-affirming. She is herself, always, and being around someone so uncompromisingly good makes you sit up straighter. At one point, KK and RD had the same job, while living in the same house, going on the same vacations, and still-it wasn't enough for Kate. Now, despite being far away geographically, every text, call and visit feels like coming home; Marissa brings you back to yourself.
Steve Melville
You don't get funnier than Steve. Steve could walk into an empty room and leave with three new friends. The founder of the "Neil Coppinger Fan Club," Neil has followed Steve's lead since they were teenagers, into Boston bars and navigating strange roommates. Beloved by all, Steve is equal parts charming and sharp and the glue of most groups.
Leah Delaney
Leah has been the MOH in nearly five weddings, and it's easy to see why: she's a first-class friend. Bound together by a Greenpeace internship, the two share a love for activism and adventure. Leah is the originator between the two: Leah moved to Thailand, so Kate moved to Thailand. Leah got a dog, and soon after Ellum appeared. On and on it goes. Soul sisters, they disagree on nearly nothing; macaroni salad, walking pace, and preferred climate withstanding.
Nate Field
Nate is one of Neil's longest friendships. Often confused for the other, Neil was always flattered by the association; how could you not be? Anyone would be lucky to be mistaken for a guy as loyal, independent, and whole-heartedly good as Nate is (even if the confusion was rooted more in the similar name and bone structure than it was personal attribute). Nate is expected to move from the Bay to Austin, with rumors that the two will rekindle the band they started in high school.
Meg Aaron
Meg "Steven" Aaron is a fellow Aquarius and firecracker. More like a sister than a friend, Meg and Kate have a loyalty for the other that just barely parks the line between sweet and scary. Meg's family has always been an extended family for Kate: from her Gram hosting them in Vermont for dinner in the parlor in 2009, to her sister Kelsey joining Kate at a leftisit-like cult in 2014, to her daughter (!!!!), Ruth, being a rush of serotonin. If you're lucky, you might just spot Ruthie on the island!
Jackie Carroll
Jackie is the officiant of the wedding, and also the spiritual compass of Kate's life. Friendship with Jackie is both a soft landing place and a rigorous practice of personal growth. Every area of Kate's life that she's proud of, Jackie has either incepted or improved. From yoga to GMAT equations, Jackie is the teacher whose grace makes you think she might be a co-student. But she's also the person who will cook you dinner after you've had a hard day without trying to fix you: she accepts everyone for who they are, stained white pants with cocktail sauce stain and all (this is a specific reference, sorry). As Neil put it after getting to know Jack many years ago, "she's not like the rest of us, is she?"
Patrick Coppinger
Pat is a pioneer. The baby of the family, he runs at a faster clip than his brothers, both literally and figuratively: A star cross country athlete and fellow Catamount, Patrick is a brave, creative soul that has chartered his own path. Ask him a question and he can answer it in Spanish, English, or Irish. Ask for a song and he will write it, sing it, and strum it. Ask for a meal and he will forage the ingredients. There is only one Patrick!
Bill Dudula
If you're looking for a partner in crime, look no further than Bill Dudula. Catch Bill and Neil hiking, on the slopes, or in their younger days, ruling the courts of the North End. But more than any activity they share, it's "laughing until it hurts" that Neil counts as the most common way he has spent time with Bill.
Seren Bagcilar
Seren "Dip" Bagcilar was Kate's "little sister" at UVM and a forever part of her heart. Early days together were spent falling in love with Vermont's natural beauty and soft-launching an "outdoors" personality (KK would stick to quarterly hiking, Seren would go on to be the most adventurous person you'll ever meet). Together they explored Burlington's karaoke scene, watering holes, mountains, and were ghosted not once but twice for a sun-rise hike on Camel's Hump that had a 3 am start time. Despite the clouds blocking the sun, both hikes were still some of the best Kate's ever done--it's always bright next to Dip.
Christiana Ponder
KK and Chris survived their MBA program while working full-time in the pandemic through a delicate balance of academic socialization and a spirit of "divide and conquer" effort. Chris is a titan of tech and a fellow Chow Chow apologist. She has also been an absolute lifeline through a cross-country transition, and (god/Chris willing) a new lifelong friend because of it. The wedding is just barely the most important event KK is attending with her, nearly eclipsed by their plans to see Beyoncé in Houston this September.
