Family is everything to these two. And it’s no wonder. Karissa comes from a family with lots of siblings, and Gerrit’s family is very close knit. They’ve had the kind of year that brought them all together even closer, and it made this Hidden Meadows wedding in Snohomish even more special.
How did the two of you meet?
We met on a dating site. I was having bad luck with dates and was trying to delete the app because I was DONE dating. In that moment I got a message from Gerrit and he seemed genuine and i thought “what the hell, lets give this kid a chance” he is 3 years younger then me I NEVER dated younger. We talked for a day or two on line then on Friday night I was coming home from a night out with my girls in Seattle and called him to meet me at The Lodge in Mill Creek for a night cap. I will never forget the look on his face as I walked into the restaurant. He had the biggest warm smile and greeted me with a hug. We talked the night away closing the bar down. We has SO much in common it was scary. We were inseparable since. So glad I gave him a chance when I was about to boycott dating.
Tell us all the awesome proposal details.
We just got to Cabo Mexico with my whole family to celebrate my Fathers retirement. We had such a fun first night that ended in having too many drinks but a lifetime of memories. The next morning as Gerrit and I where deciding on what to do our first day there, Gerrit suggested we go find some of my family to have someone take our photo on the beach. We were up before everyone so we decided to hang out by the pool. I wanted to swim and asked Gerrit to get in the pool with me but he wouldn’t . (the ring was in his pocket) and Gerrit is ALL about water so I thought “what a werido, we are in mexico babe live it up!” we took a walk and found my parents and one of my sisters eating breakfast and we chatted for a while. Gerrit after a bit asked my sister to take a picture of us down on the beach. Side note: Im all about taking pictures and documenting memories and honestly thought nothing of it. As we walked down to the beach my sister with my phone in her hand ( and she didnt know either what was about to happen) was filming us on video and as we went to pose Gerrit said “wait I want to put my sandals by Rebecca” He walked away and when he reached her he said ” This is it!! ” and walked away… the next moment was so fast but as I was adjusting my hair for the picture I see Gerrit walking back to me and and drop to one knee… I dont think I even heard him ask me ” will you marry me” all I did was cry and said YES!! I then went around the resort trying to find all of my family.. we had 15 of us there.. and showed them my ring and good news of Gerrit joining our family! We spend the day all together pool side and celebrate that night with a fun dinner!
Is there a reason you chose your venue, Hidden Meadows?
We Loved the scenery and that it used to be a old dairy farm. Gerrit’s Mother grew up on a dairy farm and was once crowned dairy princess at the sate fair when she was a teenager. And when I walked into the venue I knew deep down that this was were I would marry my person, it just felt right!
What inspired the clothing choices for the Hidden Meadows wedding party?
I loved these colors and I wanted the girls to feel comfortable in them so they were able to pick what style best fist them and chose from 3 colors. The guys I like that they will be all in a different kind of shades of gray.. I am not one who likes every one in the same thing.. I wanted them to have their personality show also through their outfits.
If we bumped into you on a relaxed weekend, what would you be doing?
In Lake Chelan wine tasting, boating and enjoying conversations with family and friends.
Hidden Meadows Wedding Vendor Team
Venue: Hidden Meadows
Photographer: GSquared Weddings
Hair stylist: Laura and Brush Salon & Spa
Makeup artist: Bride’s Sister
Invitations: Costco
Floral: Getchell Garden & Floral
Decor Rentals: Sweet Buffet Lady
Baker: Friends & Family of the couple
Caterer: Trail’s End
Wedding Party Apparel: Men’s Wear House | Azazie
Hidden Meadows Wedding Vendor Team
Venue: Hidden Meadows
Photographer: GSquared Weddings
Hair stylist: Laura and Brush Salon & Spa
Makeup artist: Bride’s Sister
Invitations: Costco
Officiant: Bride’s Brother
Floral: Getchell Garden & Floral
DJ: DJ Otto
Decor Rentals: Sweet Buffet Lady
Baker: Friends & Family of the couple
Bartender: Trail’s End
Caterer: Trail’s End
Wedding Party Apparel: Men’s Wear House | Azazie
