the faces behind the camera
Hi, we're Katie & Zach.
Michigan + Destination WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHERS
i think we're a good fit
"Water and Whimsy" originated back in 2018. At that point, we were still just dating (talk about a risk! haha). Since then, we've only continued to grow, as a couple and as a business.
What started as a "side hustle", quickly became our full-time careers. We've had the privilege of capturing love stories across the nation & all over the world.
And, we get to do it TOGETHER.
How stupid lucky are we?
Though a massive part of our lives, believe it or not, we do more than just shoot weddings!!! A few things we love to do together: golf, take trips with friends/family, go to the gym, play pickle ball, and go out for breakfast (we love a diner vibe)!
Throughout our time together, we've lived in 3 different states: Michigan, Hawaii, and Colorado.
But, after years away, we made it back home & put down roots in Holland, Michigan. We're 5minutes from the beach & have a backyard for our dog, Wilson.
The simple things bring us joy. We have all we could ever ask for, really.
met
engaged
married
It all started at a hotdog stand in 2017. Yes, a hot dog stand. It was after a night out on the town, a few too many drinks, and, therefore, an overly confident attitude. To paint the picture a bit more, Katie was barefoot holding her heels.
Alls to say, from that night forward, we were inseparable.
Zach proposed at our favorite beach on the Big Island. We had been dating for about 3 years. He was so nervous, he forgot everything he was going to say. So, he read it to me in the car afterwards. The whole thing was beautiful and sweet, perfectly imperfect. I sobbed like a baby.
After, we met up with his family at a local restaurant for wine, pasta (my fave), & celebration.
Our wedding was the best experience of our lives thus far. We chose to celebrate on Maui with 40 of our closest friends and family. It was a week long affair... we enjoyed the beach, tackled Road to Hana, went on a rainy (and slightly dangerous) hike, sunset-booze-cruised, and more. We felt so loved & had no worries.
Shortly after getting married, we moved to Denver, Colorado for 2.5 years!
dating
Exploring the world together quickly became our goal & priority. Within the first few months of being together, we traveled to both Hawaii and Iceland.
Music was also a big part of our dating life. We went to a lot of concerts & festivals, like Electric Forest and MoPop.
Big Island became our home 6 months on, 6 months off for 3 years - we miss it every day.
Sadly, no photos from said hot dog stand.
Dark chocolate obsessed. hu is my favorite brand!
enneagram 7, wing 8. iykyk.
played soccer for Grand Valley State University, and won 3 national championships! I was an attacking center mid.
Sadly, i loveeee reality tv (haha). love island, the bachelor, summer house, vanderpump rules, & love is blind are a few of my favorite shows!
Water & Whimsy's Social media manager.
Water & Whimsy's lead Photographer.
Water & Whimsy's assistant/second videographer.
meet Katie
sleeps with 4 pillows.
eats chips & salsa every day.
played tennis for both Western Michigan University & Grand Valley State University.
Surfing is definitely my favorite hobby... I grew to love it while living in hawaii, but it's been really fun to surf the coast in Michigan! Catch me out in st. Joe or Grand Haven.
Drink of choice: Any hazy IPA or a spicy marg.
Thrives when in a routine.
Water & Whimsy's lead videographer.
meet Zach
Where Zach grew up
Where Katie grew up
The Phillips's are from Harbor Springs, up in Northern Michigan. The Klunder's are from Grandville, on the Southwest side of the state.
Both of our parents have been married for over 25 years.
we feel really lucky to both love & like our family.
The more time together, the better.
(the biggest reason why we moved back home)
we want to make your life easier... we want to aid & add-to the fun being had... we want you to enjoy the shit out of your wedding... and we want you to be able to relive it for years and years and years to come.
hold tight!
the mobile version of our website is under construction, and will be available soon.
For now, please browse using your desktop. We apologize for the inconvenience!
xo
You can expect a response within 2-3 business days! Responses are slower around holidays or if we're traveling (follow us on Instagram to stay in the loop @waterandwhimsy).
If you feel like your inquiry has somehow fallen through the cracks, it's certainly not purposeful! Please feel free to email us directly at hello@waterandwhimsy.co (co not com).
Talk to ya soon! xx
Katie and Zach of Water & Whimsy