Courtney + Johnathan | A Yacht club wedding by the water | Holland, MI

May 22, 2025

Weddings

Waves rocked the sailboats back and forth as the sunlight gently crested the far off tree line. Courtney and Johnathan strolled along the dock, hand in hand, as they looked off to the approaching sunset. Suddenly, Courtney felt a slight pull as her husband softly guided her into his arms as they continued down the line of sailboats. The evening celebrations had just begun, but before they disappeared into a night filled with dancing, Courtney and Johnathan stole away for a couple moments to both being still and being together, a welcome calm minute in the ever-present rush of a wedding day. For them, in this moment, they truly felt like they finally knew the meaning of the words “together forever.”

Hours before their stroll down the pier, Courtney and Johnathan woke up to the day they had been dreaming of for over a year. Since their celebration would take place near their homes, they were blessed with the opportunity to get ready in the comfort of homes of both their friends and families. Although they began the morning apart, Courtney and Johnathan both felt the call to see each other long before the ceremony, if only to enjoy as much of the day together as they possibly could. Their vows and promises to each were shared under the ivory architecture of Pillar Church, where they would soon be pledged their love and their lives to each other. The elegant grounds of Hope College set the scene for their portraits before the ceremony, perfectly complimenting the joy that radiated from Courtney and Johnathan as they inched ever closer to the wedding ceremony. Meaningful moments and timeless traditions characterized the ceremony, and soon, under the cheerful ring of church bells, Courtney and Johnathan exited the chapel, now as Mr. and Mrs. Berghorst. A flood of streamers and cheers welcomed them down the pathway towards the streets of Holland and their getaway car, a jet-black, 1950s Pontiac. After a leisurely tour through downtown Holland, Courtney and Johnathan were dropped off at the Macatawa Bay Yacht Club, which had gone under a magical transformation in preparation for their arrival. The softest blues mixed perfectly with other spring-colored florals to adorn the venue with the most natural beauty. Their guests dispersed, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the harbor, the delicious delicacies presented to all, and a special surprise just for them: hand-drawing portraits by a live painter. The final moments of the day found Courtney and Jonathan out by the water, still completely in love with the day and with each other, and already looking forward to the beautiful future they had together.

Courtney and Johnathan, in a world that always wants to rush to the next thing, you stand as a beautiful example of two people who want to slow down and experience every moment life gives you. Throughout the day, we saw you prioritize the things that matter most, like spending intentional time both with each other and your loved ones. Your excitement for becoming husband and wife is the perfect compliment to the kindness you both exude when you are in each other’s presence, and we know that the world is going to be a better place now that you can share that kindness together as husband and wife.

All our best!

J + A

All photos are property of Josh and Andrea Photography LLC.