Devin and Whitney met in Professor Dykhuizen’s General Psychology class at Delta College. Whitney sat in the front row to avoid distractions and focus on her studies. Naturally, Devin chose the seat next to her and immediately sparked conversation. Though, his early flirting style mostly consisted of poorly delivered compliments and earnest attempts to explain what he actually meant. When his expert flirting techniques failed to impress her, Mr. Smooth pivoted to drawing silly doodles on Whitney’s organized and color-coordinated notes, much to her dismay. Whitney would never admit it, but there was something endearing about his persistent attempts at making her laugh. Against all odds, it worked.

Not long after meeting, Devin moved to GVSU and Whitney to CMU to complete undergrad, and they lost touch. Two years later while in Grand Rapids for a concert, Whitney asked Devin if he’d like to grab a drink for his birthday at the Blue Dog Tavern. Devin brought his roommate at the time (and now groomsman), Craig Schalk. Whitney always imagined her first date with her future husband would feel special. She just hadn’t pictured Craig being there too.

After graduating college, Devin and Whitney moved into their first home together: a tiny blue cottage in Rockford affectionately known by friends as “The Cabin.” In the close quarters of their little cottage, they learned how to truly build a life together. Whitney learned that Devin prefers his lawn trimmed short enough to qualify for PGA consideration. Devin learned that Whitney somehow uses every bowl, utensil, and pan in the kitchen while making a single dinner. They also discovered they loved filling their little home with people they loved. The Cabin became home to snow day sleepovers, summer lake days and bonfires, and Goose’s first backyard. Looking back, it was small, crowded, and exactly what they needed.

By 2022, Devin and Whitney were ready for a little more space and found it in the home they still live in today. Surrounded by woods, the house felt like a quiet escape tucked into the city. Goose quickly claimed it as his kingdom, faithfully watching over the backyard he loved so much. It would become his final resting place. Not long after came Grizzly, who took a different approach to homeownership. Between digging holes, climbing fences, and making unauthorized visits to the neighbor's chicken coop, he has made sure Devin and Whitney are well prepared for whatever shenanigans their future children will bring. Somewhere along the way, this house reaffirmed that they share the same vision for the life they want to build together: a home surrounded by nature, filled with family and friends, and someday with kids running barefoot through the yard covered in dirt.

Devin knew Whitney would never suspect what was coming when he got home from work to find her in pajamas, hair in a messy bun, still pecking away on her work laptop. After reminding her they had plans to explore World of Winter downtown with friends Tommy and Emily Jacobs, they all headed out for the evening. Emily, a photographer, brought her camera along, explaining that her New Year’s resolution was to “take more photos.” Whitney believed her, despite finding it odd that Tommy and Emily didn't want to be in any of the pictures. As they walked onto the Blue Bridge surrounded by glowing sculptures and winter lights, Whitney turned to point one out to Devin, only to find him kneeling behind her on one knee. At first, she thought he was messing with her. Then he presented a ring box from his pocket. Everything after that felt like a blur for both of them. Devin quietly asked, “Whitney, will you marry me?” “Yes!” she answered immediately. “So… what do you think? Will you marry me?” Devin asked again moments later. To this day, he does not remember asking her twice. He does not remember anything he said.

After eight years together, two homes, two dogs, new careers, and so much laughter, we finally get to do the easiest thing we’ve ever done: choose each other forever. We are unbelievably grateful for the family and friends who have supported us, laughed with us, grown alongside us, and loved us through every season of this life. Now we get to celebrate the start of our marriage with these same people as we create a lifetime of new memories!