ABOUT THE COUPLE
How they met:
Kerry and Michael met while working for the same company. Kerry worked at the corporate headquarters outside of Boston while Michael worked in the San Diego office. Their positions interacted with one another and they hit it off. A few months later, Michael bought Kerry a plane ticket to visit him in San Diego. Eight months later, Kerry decided to move to San Diego.
How he proposed:
Michael proposed to Kerry on the Fourth of July in 2006 when they were spending the day in Mission Bay on his boat. Once it started to get dark, Michael told Kerry that they were going to another dock to pick up a friend. When they docked the boat, Kerry's entire family from the east coast came out to surprise her. Everyone got back on Michael's boat and as the fireworks were overhead in the sky, Michael got down on one knee and popped the big question.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony:
Beavertail State Park, Jamestown, R.I.
The gown:
Kerry wore an ivory, satin sleeveless gown with a semi-cathedral train. The gown featured hand embroidered swirl and flower motifs and beading along the neckline, hemline and bodice.
The bouquet:
Kerry carried a bouquet of eggplant calla lilies.
The theme: Kerry and Michael used a twist on the "perfect pair" theme using a pear motif. The couple used the motif on all their stationery, and Kerry did a DIY project using pears at the table number holders. There were also some pear-shaped decorations around the reception all. For favors, the couple gave pear-shaped chocolates with pear ganache filling.
THE WEDDING PARTY
Matron of honor: Kimberley Lopez, sister of the bride.
Best man:
Jeffery Hoole and Matthew Yashar, brothers of the groom.
Bridesmaids:
Cara Christopher, Kara Coddaire, and Natalie Condon, all friends of the bride.
Groomsmen:
Mike Duplessis, Ronnie Gonzalez, Matt O'Donnell and Jack Rossi, all friends of the groom.
THE RECEPTION
Number of guests:
96
The reception:
The reception was at The Village Inn in Narragansett, R.I.
The cake:
The cake was a three-tiered chocolate cake with mocha filling and buttercream frosting.
First song:
The couple chose "The Way You Look Tonight" by Frank Sinatra. Kerry and Michael took dance lessons and did their best to learn the fox trot. It didn't turn out exactly how they planned, but the beginning and ending dip were show stoppers!
The menu:
A mixed green salad with pears and gorgonzola was followed by a classic duet plate of salmon and filet mignon with parmesan polenta.
What made the day unique:
The couple's one requirement for the wedding was that it had to be by the water. Kerry's dad suggested they take a look at Beavertail State Park. While everyone warned her of the usually windy conditions there, the couple had a beautiful day. Kerry reports, "Overlooking the cliffs to the water and with the lighthouse in the background, made for a beautiful setting for the ceremony and pictures."
Most touching moment of the day:
Michael's family is from Turkey and the Turkish tradition is to give gold to the bride on her wedding day. When Michael and Kerry arrived back from the ceremony, Michael's grandmother was waiting to greet Kerry with a gorgeous gold and diamond ring and matching bracelet. She was so happy to present them to Kerry.
Honeymoon destination:
Tahiti. The couple spent 10 days in French Polynesia. Their first stop was Moorea for three nights, followed by a trip to Bora Bora for a 7-day trip.