Kara and Alex first met during the spring of their second year at UVA when they studied together for accounting exams (Alex had long hoped that a sound knowledge of financial statements would help him win the affection of a sweet girl, and his dream was about to materialize, albeit slowly). In the fall of the following year, Alex asked Kara to accompany him to a fraternity event (they are forever indebted to Evan Parter for planning the "Decades" date function). They had an amazing time dancing the night away and three months later, they were "official."
Following graduation in 2008, Kara was assigned as a naval officer onboard a ship in San Diego while Alex was moving to Manhattan to work in consulting. Not knowing exactly how the journey would end, they set out on a cross-country road trip to move Kara from Virginia to California. When they were still speaking after 2,500 miles, they knew they had something special and took on the challenge of a long-distance relationship.
In August of 2012, Kara moved back to the East Coast to be with Alex as he started grad school. He knew when she agreed to trade sunny San Diego for the harsh winters of Boston that she was serious. A short 16 months later, after 7 years of dating (fools rush in), Alex proposed before a surprise celebratory dinner in Washington, Virginia. The next day was followed by another surprise: a Heubi & Shapiro family party to celebrate the engagement.
After almost 9 incredible years since that first date, they couldn't be more thrilled to be tying the knot back where it all started in Charlottesville. Next up: starting their new life together in New York! They will be forever grateful to all their friends and family who supported them over all these years.