Wedding Party

Megan Douglas

Maid of Honor

Her Arkansan Bestie - "I've known Ariel since we were both five, but it wasn't until the 10th grade when we became close friends. We've been through a lot of adventures and milestones together, and we have too many memories to count. We've managed to stay friends through all her moves, while I stayed back home in Arkansas. As far as myself, I just recently graduated from law school and hope to become an attorney after taking the bar. Outside of that boring mess, I love to photograph and write."

Elantra Ellis

Bridesmaid

Her Steadfast Memphis Lady - "Hey Y'all, I'm Elantra! I'd like to consider myself the free spirited friend. I wish I had some super awesome story of how I met Ariel, but I don't. I met Ariel during Rush week at CBU, bonded with her while burning pies in her oven, and made her part of my family while living a few lights away in Virginia. I've been waiting on this day since I met Ariel and Jose, and I couldn't be happier for them."

Gretchen Anderson

Bridesmaid

Her Ride or Die Massachusetts Gal

Shannon Burke

Bridesmaid

Her Virginia Not-Safe-for-Work Savior “Ariel and I met while working in the same department at GMU, and instantly bonded over having to work for the same bosszilla! I believe the first time we actually hung out was when my now-husband Sean and I helped Ariel and José move from Woodbridge to Dumfries... I think that says a lot about our friendship! The four of us quickly became fast friends. I have since become an environmental engineer, traveling the country to work on remediation projects, and Ariel is now a part-time researcher, part-time farmer living on her own farm up in Massachusetts. A lot changes in five years, but one definite constant has been Ariel and José’s obvious love and devotion to one another. Sean and I are so happy to be a part of this day and to see these two FINALLY tie the knot!!!”

Lauryn Ellis

Flower Girl

To Lauryn and her sister, Sydni, she's Aunt Ariel, or the lady with the goats. Lauryn has just started kindergarten and loves all things pink. Fun fact: her favorite animal is the peacock because their back feathers come out. Lauryn and Sydni both fill the room with tons of sass and laughs, and they are so excited to be flower girls and (in Lauryn's words) "throw away flowers". 

Sydni Ellis

Flower Girl

To Sydni and her sister, Lauryn, she's Aunt Ariel, or the lady with the goats. Sydni is the wild child. She will be two in December. Sydni has a big voice, and even bigger personality, kind of like someone we all know. Sydni and Lauryn both fill the room with tons of sass and laughs, and they are so excited to be flower girls and (in Lauryn's words) "throw away flowers".

Jeremy Lovelace

Best Man

"I first met Jose around 10 years ago when I joined the Army. I’ve always been a bit introverted and didn’t really go out of my way to talk to people, but Jose seemed like a chill enough guy, so I went out of my way to say hello. Turns out, we had a lot in common and established a strong friendship over the course of our years of service. Whether it was getting assigned to some detail or playing spades at night on Annual training, we were usually hanging out. I met Ariel during one of the MWR days we had. The moment Jose introduced me to her, I knew that they had something special. Who would have guessed they’d be getting married years later! Over the next few years, regardless of the distance between us, we’ve done our best keeping in touch, recommending books, movies, or games to each other, and discussing them upon completion. I am currently working on the Naval Base in Millington as a contractor, and I live in Memphis, TN with my lovely wife, Shanna, and our two cats, Leo and Digit."

Eric Engel

Groomsman

Eric met Jose during grad school, and they became fast friends, bonding over their love of video games and similar, easygoing personalities. Since then, they've kept in touch despite the distance, and Eric loves coming up to visit the farm when he has the chance, to see the critters both human and not-human. And video games aren't the only hobby Eric enjoys; he has had immense love of all things musical since childhood, and plays piano, drum set, and is always looking to learn a new instrument. Composing music and writing help provide plenty of creative outlets, too. Eric is excited to see Ariel and Jose become a forever unit, and knows they'll continue to have an amazing life together.

Sean King

Groomsman

Sean met Jose through his wife, Shannon, when she worked at George Mason University with Ariel. Four years, 2 moves, multiple game nights, and even a planted garden later, Sean is excited to be one of Jose's groomsmen, and most of all, to be reunited with Henri and Uni (Ariel and Jose's dogs).

Sophie Purnell

Ring Bearer

Sophie will be just short of being 6 when Ariel and Jose say their "I do's." She is very excited to see them get married, but says, "I'm closing my eyes at the kissing part!" She loves unicorns and mermaids, dressing up, and getting dirty.

Emma Purnell

Ring Bearer

Emma is a very spirited 3 year old. Like her older sister, she loves to get dressed up, but she also loves to get dirty. Emma is looking forward to celebrating Ariel and Jose's marriage and will be watching for the kiss!

Rebecca Sulyma

Officiant