Wedding Day

The Waddell Center

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Wedding Story: When Timing Was Everything

They say good things come to those who wait — and these two waited. Maybe a little longer than they planned. After plenty of awkward first dates from dating websites, and wondering if love was just something that happened to other people, he liked her profile on “Bumble”, anxiously hoping she would respond-which she did. Her first words? “Hey, how was your weekend?”. His response was, “ Good. I like your face. Want to get a drink?’. She agreed, and they planned to meet at Uccellos on March 14th. She was thinking they would have small talk before they met, but they didn't because he wanted to save all the convo for the first date. He was so nervous to be late, he showed up 30 minutes early to find out there was a 45 minute wait. Good thinking on his part. He messaged her (through the dating app) asking to meet at Big E’s Sports bar, down the road, instead. She agreed and asked about where she should park. He felt confident that she was asking him to make a decision and told her to park in the lot, which only cost $15. He was proud of himself. As she was pulling up she realized she didn't know anything about him, thinking, “what have I just gotten myself into?”. He was more nervous that she would show up as an old, overweight man, with a beard. He was pleasantly surprised with her face being more beautiful than the picture on her dating profile. They greeted each other with an awkward first date hug. She was happily surprised that the woman he blurred out in his dating profile picture was actually his mom. He quickly realized that wanting to save all the conversation for their date was the right decision because she wasn't shy of talking… A LOT. During one of her “long story short” moments, she reached out and casually touched his arm while laughing. Something small. Something simple. But in that instant, the noise of the bar seemed to fade. She had his attention — and maybe even a little piece of his heart. He knew he wanted to see her again. Drinks were had, conversation was made, and the night came to an end. As it was raining, he walked her to her parking spot which wasn't in the lot he suggested, but only 20 feet away from the entrance, and surprisingly to him…completely FREE.&nbsp; Their second date was a true test. A fun first date could happen to anyone. Something has to go wrong on the second date, right? They were deep in conversation at the Mitten Brewery, and eating a flight of pizza, while laughing at things that were only funny to people who could share stupid humor. On her way to the bathroom was the perfect time for him to slide a love note into her to-go pizza box, hoping she wouldn't read it until she was home. Please don't open the box when we’re here. Again, the night ended with lust and happiness. She was sure he was going to kiss her. It was so obvious, right? But no — the night ended with a friendly hug and a sheepish smile. Both agreed there would be a third date.&nbsp; The third date solidified things. After sitting down at B-Dubs downtown, she said something so funny, he literally spit out his beer. They laughed together and couldn’t believe how easy it all felt. They didn’t know dates could be like that, and didn't know it was possible for that feeling to be mutual. After the date, snow started to fall as they walked back to his car. She was sure this would be the night he would finally kiss her. She figured they would wait in his car for it to warm up, thinking this would be the perfect moment for their first kiss. They got in his car, and he didn't wait for it to warm up. Instead, they just drove to where her car was parked. Disappointed, but not discouraged, she decided it was time to take matters into her own hands. She casually suggested they wait in his car, waiting for her car to warm up (thank god for automatic car starters). Whether he caught onto her plan or not, in that moment — finally — he kissed her. And it was worth the wait.&nbsp; From there, everything clicked. Conversations got longer, feelings got stronger, and their lives combined. They’ve begun building a life together that neither of them had quite believed was possible. And now, here they are. No longer waiting. No more first dates. Just the start of forever. And “forever” officially begins February 6th, 2026.

Our Story

Photos

Katie Pomarius

Bill Darden

Angie Smith

Chris Moberly

Kelsey Vander Wiere

Kyle Veltema

Kayla Eloff

Jo Woo

Lisa Terrell

Tony Roof

Kurt Vanessen

Dylan Banagis

Trevor Vander Wiere

Derek Banagis

Wedding Party

The hotel is 0.7 miles away from the venue. The hotel is connected to Big E's Sports Bar, which is were Devin and Karra had their first date. You can book a room by calling the hotel directly and or via the link below. <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/banagisvanderwiereweddingblock/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/banagisvanderwiereweddingblock/</a>

Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

Travel

Enjoy a night of ice skating on a beautiful outdoor rink 

Ice Skating At Rosa Parks Circle 

Various FREE winter-themed programming and events, including (but not limited to) art installations, live performances, family-friendly games, guided walking tours and more.

World Of Winter In Downtown Grand Rapids

A fun place to play board games and enjoy food and drinks

House Rules Board Game Lounge

Stop at Founders for a beer and some food. Close distance to the wedding venue

Founders Brewery

A fun sports bar that is connected to the Embassy Suites, where we have rooms blocked off at a discount rate

Big E's Sports Bar And Grill

A fun brewery with great food, drinks, and a gift shop!

New Holland Brewing

A fun place to try out your miniature bowling skills

Woodrow's Duckpin Bowling

Clique Lanes 

Another bowling alley within a short distance to the venue

Wenger's Bowling Alley

A fun indoor putt putt golf course with a full bar 

Big Mini Putt Club

We have reserved lanes at the Northfield bowling alley on Saturday at 1:30 PM. Everyone is invited!

Karra & Devin