Our Story, Our Engagement & Our Wedding

Our Story

I remember walking down the street one day and thinking how crazy it was that my future partner in life could be crossing the road next to me or sipping coffee in the cafe near by. I always was intrigued and frustrated by the fact that I didn’t know where my future lied, but I knew that God rewarded those who were patient. So being in a season of patience, the summer of 2013 I started my first college internship at a wedding venue in Kalamazoo.

During my third day working this tall guy walked in that apparently was one of the bartenders. Everyone seemed to love him – joking with him, high fiving and giving hugs – while I stood in the shadows and wondered who this new person was. We quickly became friends – bonding over our love for country music, being outside and by the water. After a full year working together and growing a strong friendship I said goodbye for 4 months as I studied abroad in Italy followed by an out of state internship.

During those 4 months as I was traveling, sipping wine, interning at a beautiful resort and crossing so many things off my bucket list, all I kept thinking about is how much I wish Eric was able to experience with me. This is typically the part where the girl discovers her undying passion and love for the guy, but I was in complete denial I shared any feelings but friendship for Eric. Returning home and finally seeing him – I almost burst into tears when we hugged.

Once I returned home we slowly starting spending more time together, which turned into both of us word vomiting our real feelings for each other.

Our Engagement

Flash forward to fall of 2017. Over 4 years of friendship, 3 years of dating, moving in together, 8 months of long distance, opening a business, career changes, rebuilding a boat, lots of trips and many memories – we took a weekend camping trip to Ludington State Park with our friends and buddy couple, Liberty and Remy.

On the morning of our second day, Liberty was VERY eager for all of us to walk to the beach. I thought maybe it was because it was the only time of the day it wasn’t supposed to rain – either way I was clueless and went along.

When we got to the start of the sand Liberty and Remy said they were going to hang back while we enjoyed the beach – this is typically when people get suspicious – but not me! I was still clueless. Eric and I walked to the edge of the water and I started admiring the drift wood, hunted for rocks and couldn’t resist touching the freezing cold water. When I turned around to tell Eric how cold it was he was down on one knee.

Like most proposal stories the next part was a total blur. All I know is I couldn’t stop happy screaming and yelling with a little bit of colorful language sprinkled in there (I swear when I get too excited). I said yes and we turned to find Liberty and Remy popping a bottle of champagne.

The rest of the day we drank champagne, got a little buzzed before noon, talked wedding ideas and explored the park. It was a perfect proposal and an amazing day!

Our Wedding

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the wedding – so far this is what we have. We are getting married early summer of 2019 in Glen Arbor, Michigan. We will be having a Lake Michigan beach ceremony and a reception in a woods setting.

Lake Michigan has played a big role in mine and Eric’s story. Our first time spending one-on-one time together (I guess you could say our first date) we went to the lake, we were engaged on the lake, so it only feels right to get married on the lake.

I’m not ready to share colors, design ideas and specifics but all I know is I want this day to be crafted to our story. Thank you all so much for your kind words and support and I cannot wait to share more of my own wedding planning journey with you soon! Below are a few pictures from the past 4 years.

These were a few pictures snapped during co-worker outtings summer of 2013 when we had became friends.

Below are a few (scary) pictures of the first day Eric and I saw each other when I returned home after studying abroad and my out of state internship. We were at a co-worker bonfire and I was showing off my wood cutting skills or lack there of. We were laughing so hard doing this and I’m not sure why but it holds a special place in my heart.

(left) The Color Run and first public “we’re dating” photo we shared. (right) my college graduation party.

Some of our favorite trips.

My first time at Hubbard Lake for Eric’s annual Cousins Weekend. 2018 will be my 4th year at Cousin’s Weekend.

Then my 8 full months of travel started with my first “big girl” job and we tried to make the most out of the time we actually saw each other. This was tough.

Eric became an uncle when his first niece, Faye, was born October of 2015.

Lots of trips, holidays, weddings, friends and family time.

Our first backpacking trip together on North Manitou Island.

My nephew & god son, Wesley, was born and I cried a lot.

And then we were engaged.