We're Getting Married!

Our story began in February 2020 in one of our favorite places—Holland, Michigan, where we were both students at Hope College. It was the day before Valentine’s Day, and both of our sports teams had planned a casual hangout: a joint soccer-and-volleyball party. Katrina had just started her second semester as a freshman, and Joey was in his sophomore year. When Katrina walked into the soccer house on 15th Street, she spotted Joey playing cards with some friends. Joey, not paying much attention, didn’t notice Katrina’s subtle attempts at flirting. The night was full of laughter and conversation—but mostly, Katrina looking for any chance to talk to Joey. After a few failed attempts, Katrina finally walked over and tapped Joey on the shoulder. She fumbled through her words before managing to ask if he would be her partner in a euchre game—one that would put them up against one of Katrina’s closest friends (and bridesmaids), Emma. We weren’t doing so well—down 6–3—when Emma suddenly announced, “Losers kiss!” What Joey didn’t know was that Katrina had quietly whispered that idea to Emma just moments before. From there, we “strategically” played just badly enough to lose. Before the night ended, Katrina asked Joey for his phone number. (For those who know her, they aren't even a little surprised by the bold moves.) And that’s where it all truly began. In the weeks that followed, we texted, talked constantly, and met up for homework sessions. Just as our connection was really starting to grow, the pandemic hit, and we were sent home right before spring break. Katrina stayed in Florida at her family’s home for those three months, while Joey bounced between Buckley and Holland. Even with hundreds of miles between us, we talked all day, every day, getting to know each other better and growing closer despite the distance. Over the phone, Joey asked Katrina if they could go on a proper, real date once things settled down and she was back in Michigan That first official date finally happened on June 15th, at Boatwerks in Holland. After dinner, we sat for over three hours on a bench outside Kilwins in downtown Holland, just talking and learning more about each other. That same bench would become a meaningful spot—because it’s where, on August 16th, 2020, Joey asked Katrina to be his girlfriend. Holland—the town where we met, fell in love, grew up, met some of our favorite people, and shared so many unforgettable memories—became the heart of our story. And five years later, on June 28, 2025 it’s where Joey got down on one knee and proposed. Over the past five years, we’ve experienced so much together—graduating college, starting new jobs, living in a different city, moving in together, and sharing every high and low along the way. We’ve grown up together over these past five years, and through everything, we’ve been each other’s constant. Now, we’re so excited for the next chapter—forever, together.