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the Union Pavilion at Railside wedding venue in West Michigan
the Union Pavilion at Railside wedding venue in West Michigan

Karli & Matt

Karli and Matt first met in Kindergarten when we started going to school together. They were always classmates growing up, but they did not start dating until their senior year of high school.

Karli fell in love with Matt after a few months of dating. They had gotten so close and so comfortable with each other in such a short time. After he said “I love you” for the first time, she realized she felt the same way about him and couldn’t imagine being with anybody else.

The Proposal

On the night of their engagement, Matt took Karli downtown Holland to one of their favorite places to get pizza. After eating a delicious deep dish pizza, they drove to Kauw Park—another favorite spot, as they are a couple who loves to go to the beach, no matter the season. Once at the beach, they walked down the stairs leading to the water and stood by the shore. Matt asked if Karli remembered what they did the last time we were there. Karli remembered they had laid out a blanket and watched the sunset together. Matt then said, “Well, you’re really going to remember tonight,” before getting down on one knee right there by the waters edge and asking Karli if she would marry him. Karli was so caught off guard that she didn’t know what to say besides, “Are you serious?!” over and over and started to cry. She finally realized she was supposed to answer and gave him several “yeses” as her sister came out of nowhere taking pictures and video. The three of them then stopped for ice cream (another favorite of Karli’s) before heading home to tell their families.

The Day & Design

Their wedding style was very clean, summery, and natural. They used muted color tones, lots of greenery, lots of white, and simple yet beautiful decorations. Karli’s great uncle officiated the wedding, they planted a tree at the ceremony to symbolize our union, and their first dance song was one in Spanish that we had fell in love with while studying abroad in Spain together.

The Couple’s Advice

It is good to put a lot of planning and work into the day, and it is even better to let others help you and put it all together. Once the day comes just relax and enjoy it. The day goes by SO fast, so try to soak in every moment, be thankful for it and for the memories made.

First Dance Song

“Tu Canción”

by Amaia and Alfred Garcia

The Pros

Photographer

Jessie Young Photography

Hair

Laurel Jean

Dress

Lori Fortuin

Flowers

Stems Market

Bakery

Saunders Family Bakery

DJ/Band

Moments in Time

Colors

#c28285

Dusty Rose

#8aa574

Dusty Sage

#052560

Navy Blue

Grand Rapids wedding venue
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2500 76th St SW, Byron Center, MI, 49315