Faith Lutheran Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

Lansing Center

Reception

Our Wedding

Their story… Where do we begin? People often ask them where they met or how they got together. That depends on who you ask! Elise and Matt both went to Napoleon Community Schools together. Matt went there his entire life, but Elise moved in when she was in 6th grade. Both of them were in band, so I think you can see where this is headed. When Matt was in 8th grade and Elise was in 7th, the band director frequently merged the grades so we could practice for concerts and competitions. Matt was your typical obnoxious 8th grade, trumpet-playing boy. Elise was quiet, played the flute, and stuck with her friends. According to Elise, if she had known Matt any better, the two of them would not be where they are today!Fast-forward to high school: Elise and Matt were both dating other people and it didn't necessarily end well. The summer after both break-ups was Band Camp. They'd been to multiple band camps together, but this was the first time they really spent any time with each other. Matt started the conversation, cracking jokes and trying to make Elise laugh. It bloomed from there and the two started hanging out together more and more. Neither one of them were really prepared for what was ahead of them. Both of them will tell you the relationship was supposed to be "a two-week fling that probably won't mean much". Yeah, we see how that worked out.They dated through high school and college, enduring the typical strain on any relationship in those stages. As time went on, Elise dropped more and more oh-so-subtle hints that she was ready to take the next steps and get married. Matt, who always liked to take his time, played along, but kept telling her it'd happen when the time was right and when they could afford it, have time for it, and all that sensible nonsense."Six years, five months, three weeks, and six days" into their relationship (to quote Matt's proposal), he asked Elise to marry him. He took her to South Haven, Michigan, a spot near and dear to their hearts. The plan was to go out to the end of the pier and propose by the light house that overlooked Lake Michigan on a beautiful, sunny April day. The reality? It was 43°, raining sideways, and huge wind gusts were knocking people around. Still, Elise and Matt plugged on, nearing the end of the pier to find a couple of people just as crazy as they were.Matt put his arm around Elise as they looked over the choppy gray water and said, "Even though it's gross, it's kind of pretty… It makes me want to ask you a question." Elise, being dense, didn't look at him. She just said "ok" in an irritable manner, forcing poor Matt to say again, "It makes me want to ask you a question." When Elise turned to look at him, he got down on one (soaking wet) knee and proposed. The other crazy "fishers" happened to be surprise photographers (who Elise knows and loves dearly)! He read a hilarious and tear-jerking proposal and Elise said "yes" after begging Matt not to drop the ring in Lake Michigan.The two of them have spent more than seven years together now and are looking forward to many, many more. They are so grateful to be surrounded by those they love when they make it official and become the newest pair of Walters in 2017!

Their Story

Our Story

Details

Caitlin Doerr

Erik Booher

Jed Stassines

Carey McCullough

Jessica O'Loughlin

Jonah Carl

Leila Barker

Ethan Heselschwerdt

Crista Pfeffer

Bryan Andrews

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

We have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted price! Let them know you are part of the Walter/Watson wedding party!

Radisson Hotel Lansing at the Capitol

Travel

Things to Do

Surprise Engagement (Credit to April Scott Photography)

Elise & Matt

Elise & Matt

Photos