Join us for the Reception of

We initially met in person at a church service on the south shore of Kauai a year prior to when we reconnected in October 2022. Our friend was house sitting on the North Shore in Princeville and invited us to come over. Katie remembered Zack and some of the personal things about his life, such as him moving from South Carolina, attending Clemson University and how strikingly good-looking he was. Zack on the other hand could not remember much of them meeting (Katie forgave him for that since he met a lot of people that day). Little did we know that night in Princeville was the start of a lifetime together. We sat at the table, just the two of us talking about all the things we had in common. Zack was born and raised in Michigan until he was about 13 and then moved to South Carolina, while Katie was raised in South Carolina until about 12 then moved to Ohio. We both are avid euchre players (for all you mid-westerners out there), root for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and are up for a fun adventure. We both love being in the ocean, and enjoy to travel and explore new places. Then by God’s grace we both ended up on a small rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kauai, Hawaii and the rest is history.

Some would say it was a rather quick engagement even more so a quick wedding, however we both knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together and we didn’t want to wait any longer. Who could blame us! Katie knew that they we were going to be getting engaged any day now as we were leaving in a few short weeks to embark on our monthly travels then to our elopement week. Zack, not to Katie's surprise had actually been working for weeks on coming up with the perfect cover story that turned into his proposal. Originally he told Katie that he was going out on a boat that Sunday with some friends from church and Katie was so excited for him. Katie's sister, Kelsey, had been in town and they had planned a girls day which would end with a trip to Waimea Canyon to Katie's favorite viewpoint to have “girls wine night” and enjoy sunset. Kelsey had convince Katie that the two of them would be get dressed up and do nails to take picture for their mom and grandma for Christmas photos. Katie fell for it as she knew this was something they would love. So to Katie this felt like another night, this time with her sister being there. Little did Katie know that Zack was going to be waiting for her to ask the big question. Zack had turned off his location on Find My Friends because he knows Katie avidly checks it, told her prior that his phone was probably going to die (which is on brand) and to text Paul if she needed anything. Zack knows Katie so well because when she checked his location initially, it showed he was at the beach where he was "supposed" to depart on his boat trip. Paul drove Zack up to the Canyon, which was great for Zack to ease his nerves. As Zack and Paul were heading up the canyon some ominous weather rolled through, and they arrive at the proposal spot where they are literally in the clouds. Zack had come this far so he knew he was still going to make it happen and proceeds to get everything set up. As Katie gets to the lookout Zack appears out of the bush and grabs her hand and in his nervous demeanor says, "hey you" and Katie turns and says "what are you doing here?!" (very much knowing what is coming next). We were literally on cloud nine. Not only that, But Katie's good friend Bekah was there to capture some amazing photos. We were two giddy ones excited to spend the rest of our lives together!

We decided to not go the traditional route for a few reasons, one of them being we were already planning an epic road trip with one of our friends who happens to be an incredible elopement photographer. For those curious ears, our week-long honeylopment road trip began in Portland, Oregon with our friend Kady where the three of us traveled south to Medford, Oregon to meet up with Mal. Once we got to Medford we gassed up, got our groceries, and other accouterments for the big trip. Our first night we pulled off the main road and camped at a random trailhead in the National Forest. It was beautiful as the stars were on full display and we were the only ones there. The next day we ventured to the Alvord Desert where we signed our marriage license. Katie lived in Oregon for four years and never realized this place existed until this trip and it was incredible! We played around on the playa (dry dirt), signed our marriage license, took some EPIC pictures, then headed to the hot springs for a much needed soak! The following morning before heading out we went on a hike up Steens Mountain which according to All Trails was roughly 5 miles, but in reality it actually ended up being 7-7.5 miles. Literally the end of the hike Mal and Zack bouldered the side of a mountain (everyone survived!) to get to the final viewpoint. After that, we continued to Twin Falls, Idaho. Getting there was quite the adventure as we drove 20 miles PAST empty as there was quite literally nothing around us. By God’s grace we made it to a gas station. We eventually made it to Idaho where we stopped for some Mexican food. After camping out in Idaho at the base of a waterfall we headed to Moab, UT. Moab, you stole our hearts and blew all of us away. We were able to find the most beautiful campsite right on the river, then we went on the coolest 4x4 trail with Mal’s truck, and went back to the campsite and had a bonfire. The next morning we woke up early and headed towards Ouray, Colorado where Zack and Katie would in less than 48 hours officially say, “I do”. Ouray, Colorado. It is known as the “Switzerland” of America. Please listen to our recommendation and visit if you ever get the chance. It is the most beautiful little town nestled between multiple mountain ranges catering to all things outdoors. The first day there we arrived in the morning as we knew finding a spot would come at a premium given it was the 4th of July weekend. We also had to make sure it would be a spot that could accommodate Bambi girl (the air-stream). After exhausting a couple options we went to a campground in town and saw that it was full, but Katie felt like this could be the place. She ran down to the campsite host David to inquire and he informed us that a spot had opened up minutes before our arrival. We secured it and it ended up being breathtaking. Thank you David for hooking us up and making us feel so welcomed on our wedding weekend. After getting settled in we checked out the town and made our way to the Hot Springs Pool Park. This attraction features 5 different pools and a water park feel which allowed our youthful sides to come out. The highlight was the showers on property that we were able to use as it was day 5 and we all had not showered so you could imagine the excitement. We enjoyed dinner and time around the campfire before going to bed as this would be our last sleep before the big day. July 1st. The wedding day. It was a beautiful, special day and we are beyond thankful for this opportunity and how we were able to get married. We now look forward to celebrating with you all and making more memories as the VanWingerdens. 🤍

Even though we had our wedding already -- we knew we still wanted throw a reception even if it was late! For those who know us, we love to party and celebrate! We know many people were looking for an excuse to come visit Kauai, and for our friends and Ohana we have made here in Hawaii, we want to be able to celebrate with them as well! This leads to February 17th, party time! If you've read all of this this far, kudos to you. We would love to have you here if you can join us. Even if you cannot make it, please know we are so thankful for your support thus far in our marriage and grateful for the roles you have played in our lives. Mahalo (thank you)!