Karli & Matt

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.

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.

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.