Bride
Zach and I met in the summer of 2015. While in nursing school, Zach became my first patient, where I would practice listening with my stethoscope and taking vital signs. Very quickly he became a part of my family, forever engraving himself in my life. I cannot wait to begin the next chapter of our lives together. I had no idea that a summer fling would turn into a lasting romance. Zach has become my best friend, and I couldn't imagine going through life without him.
Groom
When Gretchen and I first met, I had no idea the wild ride that would follow. What would begin as a summer love would soon blossom into a wonderful seven year long relationship. Over the years, I have learned many things from Gretchen. The following is an amalgamation of things I have learned about my soon to be wife. 1. Gretchen's diet is primarily cheese based, which is ironic as she is lactose intolerant 2. Gretchen, like most sub-Saharan wild life, can be incredibly irritable during feeding or the lack there of 3. Gretchen's primary outer ware is scrubs or Lilly Pulitzer 4. Gretchen loves tacos more than me on most days 5. Gretchen is an amazing nurse 6. Nurses are always right 7. Zach is usually wrong I knew from the second I met her she was the one.
Maid of Honor
I am Gretchen's older and only sister, and her number one supporter. Zach is like a brother to me, and is truly welcomed to the family. Gretchen has asked me to be her maid of honor, helping with decorations and the numerous wedding related decisions. Currently, I work in the business office of Emory Healthcare. I am a proud dog-mom of Luna. Gretchen has kept me busy through the wedding process, as I attempt to come up with ideas to personalize every aspect of the day. I am excited to welcome Zach as my brother-in-law to the family and wish them the best of luck on the next chapter of their lives!
Best Man
Zach is my big brother, and sometimes a bit of a mess. The best thing he ever did was start a relationship with Gretchen. She's done so much for him, and I'm excited for their big day. Zach and I spend time together like typical brothers, playing video games, comparing life's stories and giving advice only a brother could give. Gretchen has already been a part of the family for years, the wedding just makes it official. I graduated with a degree in business administration from Olgethorpe. I've spent the last several years playing college soccer both there and at Georgia Southern, and I'm currently a part of the Georgia Southern Soccer Coaching staff.
Bridesmaid
Gretchen and I first met our freshman year at Emory University and became close friends in nursing school. Our friendship grew as we spent hours studying together but, more importantly, by having lots of fun between exams and classes. I currently practice as a women’s health nurse in Atlanta and spend my spare time exploring the city and doing yoga. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of their special day! I am so grateful to have Gretchen as a friend, and am honored to have to stand with them on their special wedding day!
Groomsman
Zeke is Zach's future brother-in-law, aka Gretchen's older brother. Like his sister Gretchen, Zeke is a tough cookie that enjoys a good time. With a wit sharp enough to cut yourself on, he is always ready to get a conversation going with a joke and mischievous grin.
Bridesmaid
Gretchen and I have been friends since elementary school. We've always faced life and all of its challenges together, whether that's completing our first Girl Scout badge or talking through a break up. She has pulled through as an amazing friend for me over the years, and I so honored to support her in this huge life event! I wish her and Zach nothing but happiness as they continue their journey together. Congratulations!!!
Bridesmaid
Hey guys, my name is Julia and I am honored to be part of Gretchen and Zach’s big day! We have known each other for over 20 years. We went to the same elementary, middle, and high school together. We split apart for college but managed to keep in touch for the last 6 years! Time flies by, but I am glad that I am able to keep in touch with someone who has been part of my life for so long. I am more than thrilled to know she found someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with and I am deeply honored to stand with them on their special day. Zach makes her very happy and she deserves someone who keeps a smile on her face for a lifetime.
Groomsman
Zach and I met while working at Dynamo Swim Club’s indoor location in Alpharetta. We worked closely together, constantly goofing off and cheesing the system. Through this time, Zach became a dependable friend and someone with whom I could talk about life’s various issues. I’m so excited for Zach and Gretchen as they take their next step together.
Bridesmaid
Groomsman
Zach and I have known each other since high school, but became close friends during out internment at Dynamo Swim club. At the time, our post high school job prospects weren’t too great. That didn’t stop Zach from becoming one of the most reliable friends I’ve ever had. Since I’ve join the Marine Core, we have stayed close though online gaming, DnD, bar hoping during visits home, and group called with our other friends, Aaron and Chas. I’m super excited to be a part of Zach and Gretchen’s wedding and wish nothing but the best for them.
Bridesmaid
I met Gretchen at work when she walked in with the same lost look I had on my first day in the ICU. We quickly become work besties, and I'm so grateful for how friendship has evolved. I love the "ride or die" mentality that we have for each other. I'm so honored to stand by her side on her and Zach's special day and can't wait to see the beautiful life they create together.
Groomsman
Hi! I'm Ben, Gretchen's brother-in-law. One of the best things about the Van Keurens is we always find time to spend with family. This has created many memories with Gretchen and Zach over the past few years. Spending a week isolated from the rest of the world at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (even though Erica wasn't there) created some of the best times. I am honored to stand by Zach's side as he did for me last year. Congrats Gretchen and Zach!