The Decker-Vanderwoude Home

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

The Silk Road Bistro

Baltimore Reception

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Our Wedding

Katey &amp; Elijah's story began with two lives on separate paths. They were each pursuing higher education in different states, content in their single lives and focused on growing in their passions and relationship with God.Unbeknownst to Elijah, Katey’s sister Mary was attending the same institution as him. Mary and her husband, Alex, saw something special — they believed Elijah would be a wonderful match for Katey. With a little encouragement (and perhaps a touch of matchmaking mischief), they set the two of them up on a date.At first, neither of them knew exactly what to expect. But from the moment they met, something was different. Elijah was overjoyed after meeting Katey, sensing almost immediately that she was the one. After their first official date, it became clear to them both that God was leading their paths together.From the very beginning, they prayed consistently for God’s guidance and calling in their relationship. That calling became even more evident as time went on. On June 1st, 2025, Elijah proposed to Katey at Raven’s Roost Overlook in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.Now, their hearts are full of gratitude and excitement as they look forward to May 30th, 2026 the day they say “I do” and begin the next chapter of the story God is writing for them.

Our Story

The Proposal

Engagement Photos

Photos

Mary Reese

Noah Palm

Tessa Slanker

Jonah Palm

Anna Weber

Alex Reese

Jazzlyn Streeter

William Derby

Eden VanderWoude

Charley Decker

Sammy Decker

Wedding Party

Q + A

Traveling in for the wedding? Here are a few hotel options we recommend, and we also encourage you to check out nearby Airbnbs for even more great places to stay!

Located in Valparaiso, Country Inn &amp; Suites by Radisson, Valparaiso, IN has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. This 3-star hotel offers massage services. The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center and a 24-hour front desk. Breakfast is available, and includes buffet, continental and vegetarian options. Valparaiso University: Brauer Museum Of Art is a 9-minute walk from the hotel, while Deep River Waterpark is 11 miles from the property. Midway International Airport is 54 miles away.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Valparaiso, IN

Located in Valparaiso, a 18-minute walk from Valparaiso University: Brauer Museum Of Art, Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Valparaiso provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. All guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Buffet and continental breakfast options are available at Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Valparaiso. At the accommodation guests are welcome to use an indoor swimming pool. Deep River Waterpark is 11 miles from Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Valparaiso. Midway International Airport is 55 miles away.

Hampton Inn & Suites Valparaiso

Featuring a fitness center, Best Western University Inn at Valparaiso is located in Valparaiso in the Indiana region, 2.7 miles from Valparaiso University: Brauer Museum Of Art and 8.5 miles from Deep River Waterpark. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business center. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. The hotel offers a buffet or continental breakfast. Midway International Airport is 53 miles from the property.

Best Western University Inn At Valparaiso

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Baltimore Reception 

Our Baltimore reception is a chance to celebrate our wedding with family and friends in the Baltimore area. We’re excited to share photos and videos from our wedding day, spend time catching up, and enjoy a shared Central Asian meal together.

Dress Code

Katey & Elijah

Katey & Elijah

Wedding Party