The Thayer Hotel

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Kayla grew up in rural Northern New Jersey and attended Ramapo College of NJ. Steve hails from Westchester County New York and attended Quinnipiac University before going on to study at Sacred Heart University for his Doctorate. The couple met at a New Year's Eve party in New York City. They were each at the bar with their respective groups of friends. College football was on and one of Kayla's friends made a comment about Johnny Manziel and the groups got to talking (/debating!). Steve and Kayla hit it off pretty well that night and continued to text each other. After parting ways that evening, Kayla took a nasty fall down the stairs. When Steve first asked her on a date she had to refuse because she was too embarrassed by the bruises and cuts on her face. A week later, when he asked her out again she knew that if she said no, he wouldn't ask again, so she said yes and warned him that she still had 2 black eyes. The night of their first date, Steve had driven 2 hours from Connecticut and was waiting at the restaurant. Kayla was leaving from work and her car died, leaving Steve alone. Thankfully, he agreed to meet up again the next night so finally, on the third try, Steve and Kayla had their first date. They hit it off immediately and were together almost every weekend thereafter. To this day, Steve will still joke around that Kayla stood him up (twice, he says, since she refused his first date request), but also comments on how "cool" he thought it was that she was confident enough to show up with two black eyes.Steve and Kayla love to travel together. Whether it's a grandiose vacation to the other side of the world, or a road trip up to Massachusetts, they really enjoy the times they get away. In the 2 and a half years they've been dating, they have visited 6 countries and countless cities in the US. On their road trips their dog, Bruce, is their favorite travel companion.

About Us

The week of Steve's birthday, Kayla and Steve went out to dinner with Steve's parents because they were going to be away that weekend. Steve's mom had him open all of his presents except for one large box that he was instructed to open ONLY on his birthday. Because his mom is a great planner and is always pulling off good surprises, Kayla thought nothing of it. The night before his birthday, a few of Steve's friends came to Hoboken for a night out to celebrate (or so Kayla thought). The morning of his birthday, Steve came into his and Kayla's bedroom with a large glass of water and some Advil (she had celebrated his birthday more than he did the night before!) and told her that without any questions asked, she was to be "dolled up and ready to go" by 1pm. Initially, Kayla thought nothing of it. She drank the water and fell back asleep for a little. After starting to get ready, Kayla started thinking something funky was going on. She didn't believe this could be "it" though. They were leaving for vacation in 2 days, his friends were still at the apartment, they still had to clean their apartment for a showing, and her parents would be there in a couple of hours to pick up their dog, Bruce, prior to their vacation... it just didn't make sense. Around noon, one of Steve's friends went to church while the other went to wait for him at a nearby coffee shop. Wondering why they didn't just go home and why the other friend didn't just hang at their apartment, Kayla started asking questions about what was happening at 1 o'clock. Steve finally told her that his mom just told them to be ready to go out and that he should open his remaining birthday gift at 1. Ok, Kayla thought, she must have something awesome planned - "why didn't I think of something like this?!" she thought. At 1, Steve started setting up his GoPro camera. Kayla questioned this and he told her he wanted to record himself opening his presents. Kayla's response was her signature eye roll. After unwrapping the first box, Steve found three more boxes inside of it, the smallest of which had a PostIt on it "open this one first." As he started to open the box, he began telling Kayla how much he loves her and how happy he is with her. Then he got down on one knee, to Kayla's shock, and the rest is history!!! After the proposal, Steve had all of their immediate family and closest friends waiting at his favorite local restaurant. EVERYONE knew prior to the engagement! By Kayla's request months earlier, her mother was the only one who didn't know this was happening. Like Kayla, she thought she was just coming to pick up Bruce and maybe grab some lunch. What a wonderful surprise when she arrived at their apartment! It all started to make sense - Steve's friends sticking around, Kayla's friends trying desperately to make manicure appointments together, Kayla's dad and Steve constantly changing the plans she was making with her mom to pick up the dog, Steve's annoyance that they needed to have the apartment ready to be shown that day.... it all came together for the perfect proposal neither of them will ever forget!

The Proposal!

Our Story

Details

Christopher Coppolecchia

Ami Hogue

Kevin Coppolecchia

Anna Coppolecchia

Kelly Rachel

Ryan Rachel

Lara Grant

Angelo Barberio

Anthony Tenore

Michelle Folino

CJ Longi

Lorelei Coppolecchia

Isadora Coppolecchia

Jim Tangredi

Michael Fatterusso

Robert Bateman

Carter Coppolecchia

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

A block of rooms is being reserved for our guests at a discounted rate at our venue. Please be sure to mention the Rachel/Coppolecchia wedding when you book!!

Travel

If you choose to stay overnight, indulge in a tour of Historic West Point! Beautiful grounds and tons of military history - click the link for times and pricing of the guided tours.

West Point Tours Inc

For our guests that choose to stay over - there are plenty of dining options to choose from right at the hotel. All of our guests - please join us after the reception for our after party at Zulu Time - the Thayer Hotel's rooftop bar (weather permitting) for continued celebrating, late night snacks, and beautiful Hudson River views!

Dining at the Thayer Hotel

Things to Do

Our Photos

Engagement Photos!

Kayla & Steve

Kayla & Steve

Registry