Chad and Kaitlin were recently married in August 2023 at a beautiful, lush garden venue in Byron Center.  Chad found Kaitlin on Facebook dating.  He came across photos of Sully and his Mama just living life and having fun together and thought that is someone whom he could relate to having a Doodle himself.   As fate would have it, Chad and Kaitlin both attended South Christian High School, in Cutlerville, MI., at the same time more than 20 years ago.  They were two grades apart but only 11 months different in age.  “When he first messaged me, I was a tad blunt asking him if we knew each other in high school and if not, why was he messaging me?” laughs Kaitlin.  “It had been a while since a teenager that I had a boyfriend and had pretty high expectations…..meaning don’t mess around with me!” 

 For the next couple of months, the two chatted online back and forth quite frequently.   Anyone who knows her would tell you that Kaitlin is very much an extrovert and Chad rather introverted so their ‘pen pal’ statistics were more like her 100 words to every one of his 10 words.  Early in their courtship, the serendipity continued to reveal itself.  They met up initially with their dogs in tow, who were both 6 years old, and Kaitlin was accompanied by a couple of friends.  “You know, just to make certain he wasn’t a creeper, and he passed the test!”, she shares with us.

The two embarked on a full-blown relationship that involved taking their dogs to various parks and on many beachside adventures.    “Our dogs are our kids and they couldn’t have meshed better or faster,” says Kaitlin, “They also fell in love with the other ‘hooman’ instantly!”  One single excursion she recalls where they went to Hoffmaster, walked along the beach and woods sharing intimate, personal stories and history of oneself that became the turning point into something more serious.  “I felt a sense of trust and comfort being around Kaitlin that I’ve never experienced before,” says Chad. “She saw a vulnerability in me that I rarely revealed and had so much guidance and support to offer.  I love her tenacity; she knows what she wants and won’t take any nonsense from anybody.  I often refer to her as my ‘Spicy Columbian!’  She keeps me on my toes while also keeping me in line and makes me a better man.”  

 

As for Kaitlin, she knew early on and often told people Chad was her “end game.”  She’s always had a very strong faith and knew the Lord was very much involved in their relationship, which has been crucial.  The couple attends Harvest Bible Chapel and participates in a small group.  Kaitlin also volunteers in the 1-2-year-old nursery room.   “What I love about Chad is that he’s a hard worker, easygoing, and has a helpful personality.  Whether that’s lending a hand to a neighbor or family member and always going along with my shenanigans,” she explains.  “Another deal sealer was his unequivocal love for dogs.  We really do complement each other so perfectly.  We’ve become best friends and often joke that we share one brain! Our hopes and dreams align.  We both seek The Lord’s guidance in all we do and try to live a life that honors him.”   

Both Chad and Kaitlin’s Doodles are 6.5 years old.  Luna is the big sister and big in stature as well.  She’s 74lbs, currently sporting pink ears and rocking a ponytail like her brother, Sully.  Luna is very food-motivated and loves snatching up her brother’s leftovers.  “Recently she surfed 2lbs of freshly made taco meat off the counter with zero remorse,” laughs Kaitlin.  “She is very vocal especially when her Papa is eating and not sharing.   Nobody can get her diesel engine growling like her Papa!”  Chad and Luna recently moved to Spring Lake from Byron Center to join Kaitlin and Sully full-time. Thanks to her new Mama’s love of taking strolls around the Village of SL and trying to keep up with her brother, she’s down 10lbs already.   She has made many friends, dogs and humans alike, and even has a boyfriend named ‘Bo’, who is also a Doodle, and comes running out on the lawn every time Luna sashays by.  

Sullivan Jeffrey “Sully” or “Sully Boi” has been a Village resident since he was born.  He has quite the personality and a following of many friends.  “If I say ‘Hi’ or we greet someone just once, he will never forget you.”  Sully is a frequent visitor at Brooklyn Bagels, Chase Bank, The Village Baker, Ace Hardware, Butches and SL Intermediate Schools.   “He’s such a patient boy and waits for his ‘hoomans’ to grab coffee or waits on my lap while his Auntie grabs baked goods,” says Kaitlin.  “He LOVES a good visit to Ace Hardware and will plop down on the summer patio furniture displays.”   You can not mistake Sully with his indistinguishable ‘floof’ or ‘man bun’ on the top of his head which makes him all the more endearing.  

Chad attended GRCC and Ferris State University where he graduated with a Criminal Justice and Social Worker Degree.  He currently works for an IT company for the Meijer Corporation.  Kaitlin with all her honesty, will tell you college was not her 'cup of tea'.   She went on to work for many years and ended up doing missions work in Australia before settling back in Spring Lake and becoming a Nanny full-time time.  She was originally born in Bogota, Columbia, and was adopted at just four months by a lovely family, The Van Dams, from Grand Rapids.   Their family’s summer home has always been on Spring Lake.  Kaitlin would spend every summer growing up on the lake.  About 12 years ago the family moved to Spring Lake full time.  

In 2016, Kaitlin bought her first home in the Village where she and Chad reside currently.  “The beauty of the woods and beaches makes this a very sought-after area to live," says Kaitline.  "I also LOVE all that the Village of SL has to offer!  I can walk on a Saturday morning to Ace and pick up some baked goods from the Village Baker with the doggos without ever having to step foot in a car!”  

 

It’s very apparent that Chad and Kaitlin love spending time with their fur babies however, being newlyweds and pregnant has led to a tad calmer season of life.  “Hey, Mama gets tired easily these days,” laughs Kaitlin.    Awaiting the arrival of their ‘hooman’ baby this spring, Chad buys some of his time with his Hobby grade remote control cars.  He has approximately 20+ cars, trucks, excavators, big and small, you name it.   You will often find him with one of these remote-controlled toys in the village with a slew of kids and dogs following.   “We’re so very excited about and have wanted to be parents our whole lives,” Kaitlin says.  “We both became an uncle/aunt as teenagers, so we are over the moon and blessed to get to have our own child in our late 30's, along with our dogs, and raise him or her in this amazing town we get to call home!”