HOPPO'S HAPPY EVER AFTER!

The Bondi Rescue lifeguard and his new bride had their miracle dog by their side as they exchanged vows

- Brigid Auchettl

He may have swapped his boardies for a Giorgio Armani suit but Bondi Rescue star Bruce “Hoppo” Hopkins still managed to make a splash at his wedding to Karen Griffin, arriving at the ceremony via speedboat.

Karen certainly made an entrance too, walked down the aisle by her dad Peter and her chocolate labrador Kobi.

Hoppo and Karen said “I do” in a waterside ceremony at Pasadena on Sydney’s Northern Beaches in front of their 26 guests, including Hoppo’s daughters Lauren, 22, and Georgia, 18. Kobi, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year, was guest of honour and ring bearer for the couple.

“We decided on September 18 as our wedding day because it’s Kobi’s birthday... we wanted to honour him no matter if he was here with us or not,” says Karen.

FEELING LOVED

Although it wasn’t the big celebration they’d originally planned, with their April wedding cancelled due to COVID-19, the newlyweds say they wouldn’t change a thing. “It was truly a perfect day,” says Karen, 45, who looked stunning in an elegant silk Michael Lo Sordo gown and chic updo.

“I feel more loved than I ever thought possible,” adds Hoppo.

The happy couple added many personal touches to the day, penning their own vows, curating the menu for their guests and involving family and friends any chance they got.