Here it is. 
Thanks to Mark Tennison for the photos and Melinda Lavorante for her commentary on the wedding from a guest’s perspective.
Thanks to Mark Tennison for the photos and Melinda Lavorante for her commentary on the wedding from a guest’s perspective.
Though you cannot leave comments on the article itself, please comment here with any thoughts and messages for Gretchen. In about a week I will print all of these off for her and include it in a package bound for a little pink house in Washington.
59 Comments
Awww…that was beautiful! It definitely brought tears to my eyes. Beautiful bride, handsome groom…thanks, Natalie, for sharing them with us in internet land. Gretchen, I pray God blesses your marriage abundantly!
Liz
Thank you for sharing that with all of us, Natalie. There are happy tears in my eyes as I write this. That last picture of you with Gretchen and Merritt is the perfect conclusion to all the beautiful stories and memories you have allowed us to be a part of. Now all that is left is to give you a big hug…which will have to wait to give for a while longer yet…
I love it! I love it! *hugs* Thank you Natalie for doing such a great job putting that together! I was covered with “goose bumps” and just about cried while working my way through the narrative. Though I’ve never met you Gretchen, I’m as thrilled for you as I was for my own dear friends wedding. Praise the Lord for what He has done!
Your sister in Christ,
)
Chelsea
WOW! Not sure what to say. Thanks, Natalie for writing the story and posting the pictures.
Thank you, Melinda, for your part in the story.
Beautiful story, pictures, friendship and love! Gorgeous! I absolutely love the picture of the three of you hugging before they left.
I’ve seen it work in the lives of several young people in my church… waiting for God’s best is always worth the wait!
A beautiful story written in God’s perfect timing…
Wow! What a beautiful wedding and story! I’ve just recently found YLCF and I feel like I know you all! Congratulations Gretchen and Merrit! Your story has been a blessing to me! May you live happily ever after… : )
What an absolutely gorgeous wedding!!! Natalie, I am pretty much in your shoes right now as my best friend is getting married in a month too and I’m her right hand girl as far as plans and all. The picture of the 3 of you reminds me of the 3 of us…my best friend, her fiance and I.
We’re pretty much the 3 musketeers.
Gretchen, may you and Merritt be amazingly blessed and live these wonderful years ahead of you to the fullest and realize the reality God’s faithfulness and work in your lives!!!
I don’t even know Gretchen and Merritt, yet I found myself tearing up as I read your account of their sweet wedding! Praise the Lord for raising up godly families in the next generation. Blessings upon you, Gretchen and Merritt!
My fourteenth birthday is tomorrow.
I have watched your story in the months that I have been here, anticipating every day for new writings. I can’t even begin to tell you, Gretchen, how much your story has inspired me to wait for the one true love. I thank you abundantly for just being who you are, sharing with all of us your godliness and convictions on things. Words cannot describe my joy at seeing your wedding through words and pictures. Natalie did a wonderful job but would it be rude to say I know no words or (beautiful) pictures could have done your love justice, although she came extremely close. Your wedding, your hair, your dress, your roses, your groom, all were sweet and lovely and you shined as the bride should. I will pray for you every time my mind alights on you. I know you will have as beautiful a marriage as the wedding.
Can I say anymore? Even this doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling pouring forth in my heart. I hope that someday I will have a best-friendship/sistership that you have, and moreover have a love story uniquely mine but as blessed by the hand of God as yours.
Love to a fellow sister in Christ and curly girl (as I write this I am staring at your picture with Natalie below – what beauty and bliss)
Rachelle Diane
Rachelle is right. There are no words. But I’ve been praying for you in the days leading up to the wedding, Gretchen, and I will continue to do so. God bless you.
Thank you so much, Natalie!
And as a YLCF faithful reader – Gretchen – Your story has been one of insparation to me – your committment to purity before your courtship, and your long-distance relationship afterwards. May God bless you abundantly! Blessings are all yours – and ten thousand beside.
Oh, and a question for Natalie. I live in NW Washington, and was wondering – in which general area are Merrit and Gretchen living?
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Natalie, thanks so much for writing the wedding story for us all!!! And THANKS for posting all the pictures !!!!!!!!!! =) You all were beautiful !!!!! And Gretchen and Merrit are adorable !!!!!! It sounds like the wedding went so smooth … parts of it made me think of my own wedding! =D I loved Gretchen’s dress … she looked so gorgeous … and so happy !!!!!! =D
Thanks again!
Jodi
I so enjoyed Gretchen’s wedding story! It is so encouraging to see a wonderful conclusion to her patient waiting on God for His plan. Thank you, Gretchen, for your faithfulness and inspiration!
Thanks Natalie and Melinda for the article (and pictures!). It was wonderful to read all about it. It’s not surprising to hear that Gretchen liked to keep things simple and played the “Anne” theme at one point.
God bless you in your new life, Gretchen! Have the time of your life (as I know you are), know that we think of you often, and send us a YLCF Heartbeat entry now and again. Congratulations!!!
Hugs and smiles,
Melissa
It was worth the wait — meaning that in two ways. Waiting for God’s timing in marriage (the utter joy on their faces shows the truth of doing things in God’s time) and waiting for pictures to go with the story (pictures are worth 1000 words).
Gretchen. . . it was a beautiful wedding. The flowers were really great – they look so vibrant! Everything was lovely. God bless you and your new life.
Simply, truly beautiful – words really are inadequate to describe your touching story.
It is wonderful to read an account and see pictures of a God-honoring wedding – so rare, so pure and holy.
May God richly bless your marriage, Gretchen, and may you and Merritt enjoy many happy years together!
-Kari
*sigh* AWWWW!!! It’s beautiful! Their wedding is definitely on my “top 5 most beautiful and holy” wedding ceremonies I have ever seen! They are such an adorable couple! May God bless you, Gretchen and Merritt, as you embark on a new life together.
Gretchen and Merritt:
I prayed for you two all day on your wedding day. Even though I’ve never met you and probably won’t this side of heaven, I’ve loved hearing your story and then “seeing” your wedding has encouraged me more than you will ever know. Thank you so much for waiting for each other and being open enough to tell your story. I will continue to pray for you as you begin your married life. I love you!
Anna K.
I guess I wasn’t the only one to whom the story and pictures (especially the one of the “sissies” and Merritt) brought tears to their eyes…thank you so much for sharing it with us, Natalie!
Gretchen…your story is so encouraging to me for I remember back in the days when I first came across the YLCF site and you were still very much “single”. To see and hear of the Lord’s faithfulness to you (and Merritt) over the years is wonderful to behold. Thank you for inspiring us all to wait joyfully…
To both you and Merritt…may “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
Thanks for posting the ‘wedding story’ Natalie!! Gretchen – may God bless your marriage and give you abundant joy throughout the years! I have been so blessed these past months by your love story, its purity and how you always sought to honor God in and through it! Thanks for being such a blessing to me! I have been praying for your marriage these past months and shall continue to do so! Us readers here at YLCF, who’s only connection to you has been through an internet connection and a spiritual connection of being sisters in Christ, shall miss you greatly, but our hearts overflow with joy for your happiness and your finally being united with your farmer forevermore. God bless you and Merritt!!
Love in Christ,
Heather D.
Thank you, Natalie and Melinda, for the beautiful “telling” of Gretchen and Merritt’s joining together!
Gretchen and Merritt,
Words originally penned by Charles Spurgeon most completely express my hope and prayers for you and your future family…
“The Lord grant that in this house there may be kept up a gracious succession. May pious sons follow Godly fathers and may the King of our hearts have servants in this family as long as the world stands.”
Wishing you much joy!
Christian
Once again. . .
Congratulations Gretchen and Merritt Acheson!!!!!!!!
Your wedding was so beautiful. . .so perfectly pure and sweet!!!
Thank you for allowing all of us to be included in this special season in your lives!
HLH
Thank you so much, Natalie, for posting the story and pictures. It was so sweetly told, and it brought tears to my eyes. I hope someday for a love story as perfect and pure as that of Gretchen and Merritt.
Gretchen, although I don’t even know you, I constantly visit YLCF and it has been such an encouragement to me. Over the past months I feel like I have come to know you and I am so excited for you. What a dream come true. Your purity and patience in waiting on God are such good examples to me. Thank you so much.
May you have many wonderful, blissful years with Merritt and truly live “happily ever after”. =D
Lots of love,
~Hope
“I thank God every time I remember you.” Phil. 1:3 =D
Thank you so much for retelling the wedding story (and including pictures), Natalie!! The wedding was beautiful!! And I agree with lots of the other girls that the last “group picture” was great!!
Gretchen, although I’ve never met you, I feel like I have known you for years through your posts on YLCF. I will miss your posts, but I’m happy for you and Merritt!
The words that I am about to type out for you were sung by another couple that I know at their wedding on May 13th, and know that they are your heart’s prayer.
~Testimony~
“May my life be a testimony
To who I am in You, to who You are in me.
Lord Jesus, may the ones I touch be touched by Thee,
Oh, may my life be a testimony.
May my life be a tribute to Your name,
May I seek first Your smile, not men’s applause and fame,
Lord Jesus, if it means for You I suffer pain,
May I not fail to be a tribute to Your name.
May Our lives be a symphony of praise,
A song of hope and joy that fills our nights and days.
Oh, grant that we may never cease to always raise,
Oh, Lord to You a joyful symphony of praise.
May our lives be a mirror of Your grace,
Reflecting love that goes beyond all time and space,
Lord Jesus, may men see not us, but Your dear face,
Oh, may our lives be a mirror of Your grace.
May our lives be a testimony
To who we are in You, to who You are in us.
Lord Jesus, may the ones we touch be touched by Thee,
Oh, may our lives be a mirror, Lord, of Thee.”
~By Ron Owens
God bless you and Merritt richly!
~Allison
Congrats!!! May God richly bless you in your new life!
Oh! And don’t feel bad about the rain! In some cultures, rain on your wedding day is a sign of a fruitful, and blessed marriage, as I’m sure yours will turn out to be!
Wow! What a womderful story…thank you for writing it Natalie
Tears were welling up in my eyes as I read it as well…
God bless you Gretchen and Merritt!
Oh my….
Maybe its because I understand and feel the incredible emotions Gretchen and Merritt must have been feeling during the wedding day, or maybe its because the whole story was written so beautifully, but either way that brought tears to my eyes until they overflowed to my cheeks.
What a beautiful and amazingly blessed couple. God is SO great, and so loving. To think He can give such passionate and intimate love to us….
Tears are still coming now, as I think about my own wedding day (hopefully soon to come). Gretchen, your story has been such a beautiful example and encouragement to me. I’ve seen probably 100’s of couples in my life get married, and only a select few can I truly see Christ’s blessing and love over. And only a select few do I truly see a genuine love and calling in their lives. Those few not only make me strive to love my own future husband more now, but strive to bring myself closer and closer to Christ. Yours and Merritts relationship is in that select few, and though I do not know you, I definitely feel God speaking to me through your story.
Thank you so much for sharing your love story with us!
Thank you Natalie! Your writing is beautiful!
~Katie
I still can’t believe she’s married. I’ve been reading her magazine then this site for years and years now… and I’ve heard her faithfulness. And now there is a completion of sorts to the many promises she has claimed. Beautiful.
We serve a faithful God!
im cryyiiing!!!!!!!!
*sniff* I am so glad I was able to be there… thank you, Natalie, for writing such a beautiful account, and Melinda… many hugs to Gretchen!
Wow, what a beautiful ending to one story and a beautiful beginning to another! Even though I do not know you, Gretchen and Merritt… I can see the Lord’s hand in your alls lives and I am amazed! Thank you for your alls outstanding example! May the Lord bless you both together as you go forward!
Also, I love your taste Gretchen… your wedding colors and details were beautiful!
Blessings in Christ,
Kal
Wow; all I can say, Natalie, is “thank you”! Your beautiful descriptions and the wonderful pictures brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing and gorgeous picture of God’s love and His great faithfulness. Thank you!
To Gretchen:
I am so happy for you! You are such a beautiful bride, inside and out; may God continue to bless you and Merritt and show you His great faithfulness!
Blessings!
Thank you Natalie for listening to our pleading and taking the time to write and post such a beautiful article and gorgeous photos.
God bless you Gretchen and Merritt as you start you new life together. Gretchen you were a beautiful bride and I love your dress.
Gretchen, sweetheart, I couldn’t be happier for you, and we’ve never even met or spoken! I don’t think I’ve ever cried over a wedding story in my life…until today! I pray that God showers you and your Merritt with every conceivable happiness and blessing! Enjoy your new life, dear!
Your “unknown” sister,
Mary
Dear Gretchen,
God is indeed faithful, as was evidenced in your love story with Merritt. He is a good God! May He bless you and Merritt richly in your new life together. I will pray for you both. I feel like I know you, and have been blessed with a friend in you, even though we never have met and probably will not until heaven. I thank God for the blessing you have been to me, both in your writing and in seeing how you waited for God’s best in your relationship with Merritt. And your wedding was beautiful. I too, teared up while reading the account that Natalie wrote. I love your dress.
Love,
Lauren Elizabeth
May the Lord, mighty God
Bless and keep you forever
Grant you peace
Perfect peace
Courage in every endeavor.
Lift your eyes
And see His face
And His grace forever
May the Lord, mighty God
Bless and keep you forever.
I read these beautiful lyrics on a blog. The tune is Edelweiss from “Sound of Music” if you want to sing it.
Thank you very much, Natalie, for taking the time to write the account of Gretchen’s wedding!
That was so beautiful! I couldn’t help crying. This has been my favorite site ever since I found it several years ago. It is such a blessing to be able to look back and see what God has done in those years. I pray that He gives me such a love as He has blessed Gretchen and Merritt with!
I really enjoyed reading the account of the wedding. The pictures were beautiful! I am glad we got to hear about it- it’s such a blessing to hear about the Lord’s faithfulness, especially in Gretchen’s life. What a testimony.
Congratulations, Gretchen and Merritt!!! May the Lord bless you and keep you as you love and serve Christ together!
“The Lord is good to all,
and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Psalm 145
Congratulations Gretchen! Although I don’t know you, I feel as if I do! I’ve read your posts on this site for the past several months and over the course of that time, I’ve begun to think of you as more than an just an aquantance. You were in my thoughts much of your special day, and I pray that God will bless you and your husband!
Praise be to Him!
Thank you, Natalie, painting us a beautiful picture with words and photos of the day Gretchen was queen. Those of us who feel part of the YLCF family are grateful. I do not think there is any more beautiful picture of God’s overflowing blessings than the wedding of 2 Godly young people and the establishment of a Godly home!
Since I have Irish blood in me, these Irish blessings are some of my favorites!
~An Old Wedding Blessing~
May God be with you and bless you.
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May you have –
Walls for the wind
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks bedside the fire
Laughter to cheer you
And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire.
~Blessing for a New Home~
A blessing upon your new home,
A blessing upon your new hearth,
A blessing upon your new dwelling,
Upon your newly-kindled fire.
A blessing upon your tallest grass,
A blessing upon your fruitful partner,
A blessing upon your growing sons,
Upon your growing daughters.
A blessing upon the household’s helpers,
A blessing upon the children yet unborn,
A blessing upon the wise parents,
Upon your occupation.
A blessing upon your goods and income,
A blessing upon your kith and kin.
A blessing upon you in light or darkness,
Each day and night of your lives.
God Bless,
Elysse Barrett
Hi,
You know, as I’ve viewed this site through the years, I’ve posted very few comments. Mostly because whatever I wanted to say someone else had already said…but I’ve enjoyed this place tremendously, to say the very least. Through the years I watched Gretchen grow from a girl into a women, reserving and keeping herself for only one person…watching her be on the receiving end of an encredible earthy love has been very special. Now she has claimed that love for a life-time and the story just keeps getting more exciting, and thus reveals God’s incredible faithfulness. I can’t say I’ve ever been where she’s been, being loved by someone like she’s being loved, but it creates within you a vision and I don’t want to settle for anything less. I hope we will continue to hear from her much in the future…a special thank-you to you, Natalie. Your effort and touch in Gretchen and Merritt’s wedding wasn’t unnoticed…I hope all your dreams for your someone so special will one day come true too.
Also waiting…
You are a beautiful bride, Gretchen. I used to read you livejournal and really enjoyed you writing. (I am the one who recommended, “The Wedding” book).
You have such great taste, like me : ) I had yellow roses at my wedding too except they were a little paler and I had callalilies mixed up with them. I also had the exact same color brides maid dress. I thought that was really neat. My veil was basically the same too, as was my hair style. The only difference is that I had a tiara. My style of dress was different. It was a v-neck, v-waist and long bell sleeves.
I am so happy you are married to your sweetheart and hope you are as happy as I have been.
Take care,
Susanne (married 2 1/2 yrs with two babies)
Oh, one more similarity. I forgot my bouquet after the ceremony. I left it in my maid of honor’s arms, as well. Oooops.
Gretchen…
Thanks, Natalie!
I must say I enjoyed the story of your wedding and all of the beautiful pictures with all of my romantic soul. =) With the practical side of me I am also encouraged in the joy I see on your face as “when the desire came, it was a tree of life.” =) I will not be forgetting you and my thoughts and prayers will be going your way even though I don’t see your cheerful signature every day anymore. Maybe us fellow Northwesterners will meet someday…
Love in Jesus, Katie
P.S. Natalie went above and beyond the call of duty in putting up the pictures and story, as I’m sure you knew she wood. =) I smile whenever I see the time she posted your wedding story. 2:00 a.m. I think she was anxious to put it up as your faithful readers were to see it up.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
As Rachelle said, I hope to someday have the best-friendship/sistership you both have. Freedom to grow and change, but a deep deep bond that keeps your heart close.
Such a lovely wedding. It must be pure joy to have waited so long for Merritt and to finally be together, and go be able to look back and see a path where God’s leading and hand in this was evident. All God’s best to you and Merritt as you begin your new life together, Gretchen!
Natalie, thank-you so much for posting such a thorough report. And like Katie said, at 2:00 in the morning? You did go beyond the call of duty! Thank-you so much. Us far-away people really appreciate it!
~Lois
First, Natalie, thank you so much for the wonderful account! (and also Melinda- I appreciated your view
) You worded everything beautifully, and the pictures were perfect! (picture-lover that I am! 
)
Gretchen, your wedding sounds absolutely beautiful! It’s been wonderful and exciting to be able to watch God’s plan unfold in you and Merritt’s life. I’ll be praying that God will continue to bless you 2 as you step into this new “phase”. Please give us occasional updates when you can!
Thank you for all the godly encouragement you’ve given over the past several years. Love ya!
~Brianna C.
Gretchen, Congratulations to you and your sweet husband! I am so happy for you. Thankyou for being a shining example of purity and of patient waiting! It is an inspiration to me as I wait for my own man!
God bless you both in your new life!
Love Ya! Nicole Chmelar
PS. Thanks also for you ministry through ylcf, it has been such a blessing and encouragement to me!
Dear Gretchen,
I just wanted to add my voice to the many young ladies that have been affected by your ministry. Thank you for opening your life to us and being an example of purity and godly womanhood. What a blessing it has been for me to observe your life from a distance for these past few years. You have been such a great encouragement to me! May you feel the Lord’s pleasure for how you have stewarded this season of your life and His pleasure as He leads you into this new and exciting season. Thank you Gretchen for being such a blessing and example to us. May God bless you richly as you begin your new life with Merritt!
Love in the Savior,
Mia
Congratulations, Gretchen. I am a fairly new (several months) reader of YLCF, but in that time I have learned to appreciate, and to rejoice in, your relationship with Merritt. Long live holy matrimony!
Aww…so sweet.
Thank you both for the great accounts Natalie and Melinda!!