Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Lisa and Matt met in March of 2020 in a Coney Island restaurant in Grand Rapids. Their second date later that week was quickly cancelled due to COVID and the lockdown that followed. During the lockdown, Lisa and Matt had more than enough time to get to know each other and fall even more in love. They were even able to do things they both enjoyed, like hiking, hammocking, going to the beaches, and so much more. After the lock down was lifted, they quickly made plans to travel to Hawaii, as they both had a passion for seeing new places and things. While in Hawaii one day, they climbed to the top of a mountain to watch the sun rise over the Pacific Ocean. Just as the sun was breaking through the clouds, Matt got down on one knee and asked the most important question of his life. Lisa obviously said yes (otherwise you wouldn't be reading this), and the rest is history. They are extremely excited to get married in 2022 so they can continue sharing their passions and adventures with each other.

Our Story

Photos

Anna Hassan

Michael Devries

Maria Hassan

Kyle DuRussel

Katarina Gaffka

Gabriel Frost

Rieley Hull

Mitchell Kerkstra

Wedding Party

Timeline of Events for October 8th 2022 12:30 to 1:30- Arrive to St. Andrew's Cathedral for wedding ceremony 1:30 to 3:00- Wedding ceremony 3:00 to 4:00- Newlywed sendoff, photos, and travel to reception location 4:00 to 5:00- Cocktail Hour 5:00 to 5:30- Introduction of wedding party 5:30 to 7:00- Dinner and open bar 7:00 to 10:30- Drinking and dancing the night away 10:30PM- Short walk to downtown to continue festivities

Q + A

Near Van Andel ArenaMake yourself at home in one of the 130 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, you'll be centrally located in Grand Rapids, just a 4-minute walk from Van Andel Arena and 6 minutes by foot from DeVos Performance Hall.  This hotel is 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from Public Museum of Grand Rapids and 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Downtown Market.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Van Andel Arena - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  Grand Valley State University - Pew Campus - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  DeVos Performance Hall - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Public Museum of Grand Rapids - 0.6 km / 0.3 mi  Van Andel Museum Center - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Children's Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Art Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Gerald R. Ford Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  La Grande Vitesse - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Spectrum Theatre - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Dog Story Theater - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi  Heritage Hill Historic District - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Downtown Market - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  The nearest major airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 23 km / 14.3 miTake advantage of recreation opportunities such as a health club, or other amenities including complimentary wireless Internet access and gift shops/newsstands.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and laundry facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.You can enjoy a meal at AC Lounge serving the guests of AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, or stop in at the grocery/convenience store. Wrap up your day with a drink at the bar/lounge. Continental breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

AC Hotel by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

Near Van Andel ArenaMake yourself at home in one of the 214 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids, you'll be centrally located in Grand Rapids, steps from Van Andel Arena and 7 minutes by foot from DeVos Performance Hall.  This hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Public Museum of Grand Rapids and 0.8 mi (1.2 km) from Downtown Market.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Van Andel Arena - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Grand Valley State University - Pew Campus - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  DeVos Performance Hall - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Children's Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Public Museum of Grand Rapids - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Gerald R. Ford Museum - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Van Andel Museum Center - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Art Museum - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Dog Story Theater - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  La Grande Vitesse - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi  Spectrum Theatre - 1 km / 0.6 mi  Heritage Hill Historic District - 1.1 km / 0.7 mi  Downtown Market - 1.2 km / 0.8 mi  The preferred airport for Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 22.8 km / 14.2 mi Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Planning an event in Grand Rapids? This hotel has facilities measuring 10000 square feet (929 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.Enjoy American cuisine at Bistro, a restaurant which features a bar/lounge, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Full breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids

Near Van Andel ArenaMake yourself at home in one of the 160 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.With a stay at Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown in Grand Rapids (Downtown Grand Rapids), you'll be a 5-minute walk from DeVos Performance Hall and 5 minutes by foot from Van Andel Arena.  This hotel is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) from Public Museum of Grand Rapids and 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from Downtown Market.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  Grand Rapids Art Museum - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi  Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  DeVos Performance Hall - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  La Grande Vitesse - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Van Andel Arena - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Grand Rapids Children's Museum - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Public Museum of Grand Rapids - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Van Andel Museum Center - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Spectrum Theatre - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Gerald R. Ford Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Dog Story Theater - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Valley State University - Pew Campus - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Heritage Hill Historic District - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Nathan Kroeze - 1.2 km / 0.7 mi  The nearest major airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 21.3 km / 13.3 miBe sure to enjoy recreational amenities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and an elevator. Planning an event in Grand Rapids? This hotel has facilities measuring 1507 square feet (140 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.At Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown, enjoy a satisfying meal at the restaurant. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily.

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown

Near Van Andel ArenaMake yourself at home in one of the 337 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and Smart televisions. Cable television is provided for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.With a stay at JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids in Grand Rapids (Downtown Grand Rapids), you'll be within a 5-minute walk of DeVos Performance Hall and Public Museum of Grand Rapids.  This 4-star hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Van Andel Arena and 1 mi (1.7 km) from Downtown Market.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  DeVos Performance Hall - 0.3 km / 0.2 mi  Public Museum of Grand Rapids - 0.4 km / 0.2 mi  Gerald R. Ford Museum - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Van Andel Museum Center - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Grand Valley State University - Pew Campus - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Van Andel Arena - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Art Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Children's Museum - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  La Grande Vitesse - 0.7 km / 0.5 mi  Spectrum Theatre - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Dog Story Theater - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Heritage Hill Historic District - 1.2 km / 0.7 mi  Downtown Market - 1.4 km / 0.9 mi  The preferred airport for JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 23.1 km / 14.4 mi Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, limo/town car service, and express check-in. Planning an event in Grand Rapids? This hotel features 1428 square feet (129 square meters) of event facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.Enjoy a meal at the restaurant or snacks in the coffee shop/café. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. Full breakfasts are available for a fee.

JW Marriott Hotel Grand Rapids

Near Van Andel ArenaStay in one of 682 guestrooms featuring plasma televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with premium bedding. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and premium TV channels provides entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries.With a stay at Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton, you'll be centrally located in Grand Rapids, steps from DeVos Performance Hall and 6 minutes by foot from Van Andel Arena.  This 4-star hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Public Museum of Grand Rapids and 1.1 mi (1.8 km) from Downtown Market.Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer.  DeVos Performance Hall - 0.2 km / 0.1 mi  Van Andel Museum Center - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Grand Rapids Art Museum - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Public Museum of Grand Rapids - 0.4 km / 0.3 mi  Gerald R. Ford Museum - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  La Grande Vitesse - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Van Andel Arena - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Grand Rapids Civic Theatre - 0.5 km / 0.3 mi  Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Rapids Children's Museum - 0.6 km / 0.4 mi  Grand Valley State University - Pew Campus - 0.7 km / 0.4 mi  Spectrum Theatre - 0.8 km / 0.5 mi  Dog Story Theater - 0.9 km / 0.5 mi  Heritage Hill Historic District - 0.9 km / 0.6 mi  Fish Ladder Park - 1.3 km / 0.8 mi  The preferred airport for Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton is Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 21.3 km / 13.2 mi Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You're sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, which include 2 spa tubs, a health club, and an outdoor tennis court. Additional features at this hotel include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands.Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and limo/town car service. Planning an event in Grand Rapids? This hotel features 47120 square feet (4378 square meters) of event facilities. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.Grab a bite at MDRD, one of the hotel's 6 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service (during limited hours). Snacks are also available at the coffee shop/café. Relax with a refreshing drink from the poolside bar or one of the 4 bars/lounges. Buffet breakfasts are available daily from 6:30 AM to 11 AM for a fee.

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

Travel

This a free, annual event hosted by the City of Grand Rapids. It is going on Sept 16-Oct 3, but the art is usually left around the city for awhile. For anyone that has not been before, it is a must see.

ArtPrize

Frederik Meijer Gardens &amp; Sculpture Park is a large garden, park, and butterfly/animal habitat. A must see for anyone visiting the area.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Grand Rapids is known as Beer City USA because it hosts the largest amount of local breweries in a city, in the US. They all specialize in multiple styles of your favorite drinks and the food in each place is unique. Some of out favorite must try places include (but are not limited to):Brewery VivantThe Mitten BrewingStella's LoungeHopcatHarmony HallFounder's BreweryNew Holland KnickerbockerGrand Rapids Brewing CompanyAnd many more... Download the Brewsader app on your phone and add codes to the app as you visit local bars in order to get free merchandise.

Matt & Lisa

Matt & Lisa

Photos