Bridal Shower

Rehearsal Dinner

Christian Reformed Conference Grounds

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Reception

Ceremony

Reception

RSVP Deadline We ask that you RSVP by August 10, 2025. If you are coming to the wedding reception and have a food allergy, please indicate that in the RVSP. If you are having issues RSVPing, please contact us and we will help you RSVP.

Our Wedding

Our story began with one simple question..."Is that a mandrake?" Little did they know that this question would be the start of an incredible relationship. Over the course of Christmas vacation, Elizabeth and James got to know each other via text, even though they worked only 10 feet apart. As they got to know each other more, they decided to start dating. THEIR FIRST DATE...On Saturday, January 20, 2024 they went on their first date as they went to "Snowfest" in Frakenmuth, MI. On the evening of January 21st, 2024 they officially began their relationship. BONDING OVER BOARD GAMES...Over the course of getting to know each other, they learned that they loved to play board games. On many evenings, you could find them playing various games like Catan, Dice Thrones, and Unstable Unicorns. This time of bonding helped them to grow closer and closer. THE GREAT LAKES LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONS...In the spring of 2024 Elizabeth invited James to go with her to watch the Great Lakes Loons Minor League Baseball team. Although they both froze, they found that they really enjoyed watching baseball together. Over the course of the 2024 season, they continued to grow closer while watching baseball. Although Elizabeth is a Dodgers fan, and James is a Braves fan, they don't allow their love of other teams to sour their relationship together. Since that one game, they have been to various other MILB games and plan on going to many more in the future. THE COVERT MISSION...As their love grew, so did their desire to want to spend the rest of their lives together...that is when James had to start planning for the most covert mission of his life...the proposal. Using the cover of the "Christmas Season", James knew this was the perfect time to spring into action. Right before Thanksgiving he had to hang up the phone with Elizabeth because of a meeting with a volunteer, then he had to do a kettle run because of a sick driver, then he had a sudden "sabbath day" in the middle of the Christmas season. Little did Elizabeth know that this was all in code... 1) Meeting with a volunteer = meeting with her dad for lunch to ask permission to marry Elizabeth. 2) Kettle run for a sick driver = Going to Bronner's in Frankenmuth to get special ornament for the proposal. 3) Sudden Sabbath Day = Receiving the FedEx package with the ring and setting up the proposal. She had no idea what was next!! THE PROPOSAL...On Monday, December 9 at 5:00pm, in front of the Christmas tree at James' house, he asked her the biggest question of his life..."will you marry me". And she said "yes!". It was the most perfect proposal for the most perfect girlfriend/fiance. WHAT IS NEXT...Elizabeth and James are excited for the next chapter of their lives. They cannot wait to see what God has in store for them. The next chapter begins on September 6, 2025. And they are both excited to share in the celebration of their wedding with all of you.

Our Story

Photos

Jennifer is Elizabeth's sister.  Elizabeth had the honor of being Jennifer's Maid of Honor at Jennifer's wedding.  

Jennifer Carson

Xavier and James met at The Salvation Army - Des Plaines, IL Corps in 1998.  Over the course of the next few years they grew a friendship, and the friendship strengthened with Xav began to date and eventually marry James' sister Heather.  James was the Best Man for Xav and Heather's wedding.

Xavier Montenegro

Jon and James met at Central Music Institute, back when James was an instructor and Jon was a student.  Over the years Jon and James formed a close friendship, especially when they served together with The Salvation Army in Kansas City from 2016 to 2018.

Jon Heaver

Hannah is James' niece and the Junior Brides Maid of Elizabeth.  Hannah is 16 years old and currently works at a deli in the Kansas City area.

Hannah Montenegro

Wedding Party

What to Expect

Travel

Food

Have a bite at one of our favorite restaurants. Staying in Holland:New Holland BrewingElizabeth's favorite things are the Pepperoni Pinwheels and the Dragon Fire Dry Rub Fried Chicken Sandwich. Hop CatYou have to try the fries. James loves and recommends this restaurant. Hog Wild BBQElizabeth's favorites are the Brisket and Chili. Anna's HouseElizabeth's favorites are Chicken Quesadilla or Waffle with Chocolate Chips. James recommend's "The Traditionalist" for breakfast. Crazy Horse SteakhouseJames loves and recommends the Prime Rib. Captain Sundae's Ice CreamBecause "The General Store" is closed for the season at that time. Staying in Grand Haven:Jumping JavaWhatever the Latte of the week is. Elizabeth has never had a bad coffee here. Kirby HouseElizabeth has never been disappointed by anything although she can't speak for the seafood. Halaula Hawaiian Ice ShackElizabeth can't recommend their snow cones enough; however, trust her, only get the small.

Local Attractions

Holland State Park:Elizabeth has a long history of coming to the State park and seeing Big Red every summer she can remember. Downtown Holland Shopping:Elizabeth absolutely loves shopping in Downtown Holland. They have many shops that will appeal to anyone. Her favorites include - 1) Holland Peanut Store - For all of "not made in America" candies.2) Out of the Box - For boardgames.3) Nelis' Dutch Villiage - For touristy Dutch stuff. Tunnel Park:Elizabeth loves Tunnel Park for the beautiful pictures that you can take. Downtown Grand Haven Shopping:Elizabeth also loves to shop in Downtown Grand Haven. One of her favorite places is Marushka, a place to get all of your tourist trap shirts and collectables. Grand Haven State Park:Lighthouses and the beach, what more can Elizabeth say?

Things to Do

Registry

Christian Reformed Conference GroundsWorship Center12253 Lakeshore DrGrand Haven, MI 49417

Venue Info

If you are needing a hotel room for our wedding celebration, here is a list of hotels that we recommend for the weekend.

HOTEL BLOCK RESERVATION INFORMATION:Holiday Inn Express - Holland12381 Felch St., Holland, MI 49424$149/Night (Excludes Taxes) - Book 1 or 2 nightsMust book by August 5, 2025<a href="https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ihg.com%2Fholidayinnexpress%2Fhotels%2Fus%2Fen%2Ffind-hotels%2Fselect-roomrate%3FfromRedirect%3Dtrue%26qSrt%3DsBR%26qIta%3D99801505%26icdv%3D99801505%26qDest%3D12381%2520Felch%2520St%2C%2520Holland%2C%2520MI%252049424%2C%2520USA%26qErm%3Dfalse%26qSlH%3Dhldfe%26qRms%3D1%26qAdlt%3D1%26qChld%3D0%26qCiD%3D05%26qCiMy%3D082025%26qCoD%3D07%26qCoMy%3D082025%26qGrpCd%3DBBW%26qAAR%3D6CBARC%26qRtP%3D6CBARC%26setPMCookies%3Dtrue%26qSHBrC%3DEX%26qpMbw%3D0%26qpMn%3D0%26srb_u%3D1%26qChAge%3D%26qRmFltr%3D&amp;data=05%7C02%7C%7C34e8cf4ea0634d058b9c08dd35a2f908%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638725696255240200%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=rja%2BP48hjd4t952rkeKVpMpNgFcbFJ70WHryScU7RMo%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click Here to Book</a>

RECOMMENDED HOTELS:Hampton Inn Holland12427 Felch St., Holland, MI 49424<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hldmihx-hampton-holland/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hldmihx-hampton-holland/</a> SpringHill Suites Holland3084 West Shore Dr., Holland, MI 49424<a href="https://www.holland.org/listing/springhill-suites-by-marriott/379/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.holland.org/listing/springhill-suites-by-marriott/379/</a> Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites Holland2854 West Shore Dr., Holland, MI 49424<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/grrfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-holland/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/grrfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-holland/overview/</a>

Elizabeth & James

Elizabeth & James

What to Expect

Are we invited to the wedding?

What are we invited to?

What time does the Celebration Dinner Reception start?

What will happen at the dinner?

What's for dinner?

Is anything not allowed at the venue?

I'm a Salvationist, do I need to wear my uniform?