Wedding Party
Amber
Maid of Honor
Best friend: They met while attending BSU. In fact, Amber is the very first friend Ellie made in college. They have shared many unforgettable moments since then—though not all of them are appropriate to include on this website! Amber is responsible for showing Ellie what having fun really means, never fails to match Ellie’s weird energy, and is always able to make her laugh. Ellie’s friendship with Amber is truly one in a million and something Ellie knows she could never replicate with anyone else. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Thomas
Best Man
Friend: Thomas has been like a brother to William—they’ve known each other for almost 20 years! They were next-door neighbors growing up, and as they grew up, they grew together. William even moved in with Thomas when he was 14 and stayed with him and his family through high school. Thomas introduced many strong pillars into William’s life, including football, fishing, hunting, and disc golfing. Most importantly, Thomas made William part of his family. In many ways, Thomas helped shape William’s personality. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Thomas.
Jayda
Bridesmaid
Cousin: There has never been an important moment in Ellie’s life that Jayda hasn’t been there for, and vice versa. They grew up together, often being forced into matching outfits by their grandma, and were each other’s first friend. Many years later, Ellie had the honor of being present for the birth of Jayda’s daughter, Kaisley. Whenever Ellie and Jayda are together, there is no shortage of laughter and silly accents! They will always laugh harder at their own jokes than anyone else in the room. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Logan
Groomsman
Friend: Logan and William met around 2008–2009. William’s first memory with Logan is of them pretending to be WWE wrestlers—those matches were the spark that would later grow into a lifelong friendship. About seven years later, they formed a true friendship and brotherhood. This relationship has helped shape who William is today, and he wouldn’t be the man he is without Logan.
Gracie
Bridesmaid
Cousin: Gracie has been less of a cousin and more like a little sister to Ellie. Ellie spent many summers babysitting her. From watching her dance and sing in princess PJs to nearly giving Ellie a heart attack while learning how to drive, it has been amazing watching her grow up. Ellie takes credit for her outstanding personality and excellent taste in music! Ellie knows she will do big things in life, with her kind heart leading the way. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Amiir
Groomsman
Friend: Amiir and William met one summer day in 2010. Although the interaction was brief, it was enough for them to know of each other. Then, in late 2016, through mutual friends, they had the chance to really get to know one another. From that point on, they spent the rest of high school together, laughing their way through graduation and into the early stages of adulthood. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Amiir.
Emmalee
Bridesmaid
Friend: Ellie met Emmalee through Just For Kix in elementary school. After many years of dancing, a beautiful friendship formed. They have been there for each other through some of life’s most important milestones. Ellie can always count on Emmalee to go to their favorite restaurant, Granite City, for waffle fries, dip, and a three-hour conversation at the drop of a hat! Even though Emmalee is a little younger than Ellie, Ellie looks up to her hard work and motivation in everything she does. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Aftyn
Groomsman
Cousin: Aftyn was born just three weeks after William, and there wasn’t a single family event where they weren’t together. Aftyn has always made William feel loved, and they’ve always been able to make each other laugh. Most importantly, they have always supported one another in their goals and aspirations. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Aftyn.
Macall
Bridesmaid
Friend: Macall is another one of Ellie’s good friends. Believe it or not, they became friends in high school after arguing over a boy—who clearly didn’t deserve either of them! Today, Macall is the first person Ellie reaches out to when she needs someone to just listen—she’s amazing at it. Ellie looks forward to their Hobby Lobby trips, Christmas traditions, and just sitting across from each other on the couch, enjoying each other’s company. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Mark
Groomsman
Friend: Growing up, William always wanted a little brother. With Mark being Thomas’s younger brother, it only felt right that Thomas, Mark, and William formed their own brotherhood. William has had the privilege of watching Mark grow into a courageous young man, and through that, he realized how much Mark looked up to him. Without even knowing it, Mark inspired William to make better choices in life. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Mark.
Allie
Bridesmaid
Ellie’s sister-in-law: Ellie always wanted a sister and feels lucky to be gaining two by marrying William! Ellie remembers being so scared to meet Allie when she first started dating him. It didn’t take long for Ellie to realize that Allie is just as weird as she is! One of Ellie’s favorite memories with Allie is going to William’s away football games in high school—there were a lot of laughs, and Ellie quickly learned what a great person Allie is. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Mike
Groomsman
Friend: William met Mike shortly after becoming friends with Thomas. Although their friendship didn’t truly begin until a few years later, their relationship quickly took off. Mike and William have found themselves on a whirlwind of adventures—whether it’s spontaneous casino trips, duck hunting trips, or simple road trips. They always seem to find the best adventures together. Mike has taught William a lot about being family-centered and looking out for others. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Mike.
Lexi
Bridesmaid
Ellie’s sister-in-law: Ellie always wanted a sister and feels lucky to be gaining two by marrying William! Ellie remembers being so scared to meet Lexi when she first started dating him. It didn’t take long for Ellie to realize that Lexi is just as weird as she is! One of Ellie’s favorite memories with Lexi was spending the day at a lure course competition for her dog, Nilla. Did Ellie cost Lexi and Nilla a few points in the competition? Yep! But Ellie loved getting to learn about something Lexi is so passionate about, which made it a special day. Ellie couldn’t imagine going through life without her.
Brock
Groomsman
Friend: Brock and William met when Brock was still in diapers. As Mike’s younger brother, it only felt right that Brock and William would grow a friendship of their own. Brock is one of the funniest people William knows—always the life of the party and always looking for a good time. Together, they’ve made a lifetime’s worth of memories hunting, fishing, playing video games, and playing sports like basketball and football. One of William’s favorite memories is when Brock accidentally kicked his dad in the head while waking him up to go hunting. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Brock.
Kenzie
Bridesmaid
Friend: Kenzie is another one of Ellie’s good friends, whom she met through dance. They spent years linking arms for kick line, and since Kenzie is Emmalee’s best friend, their friendship was an easy fit! If you ever hear Ellie talk about how proud she is of her friend in the military—that would be Kenzie. Their friendship is about as low-maintenance as it gets, yet incredibly strong, and Ellie is so grateful for that. Ellie couldn’t imagine doing life without her.
Ryan
Groomsman
Friend: William also met Ryan when he was still in diapers. Ryan is Thomas’s younger cousin, and over the years, he and William built a strong bond. William describes Ryan as a “silent sniper” because he is so observant—then, out of nowhere, he delivers a perfectly timed joke or comment that catches everyone off guard and makes them laugh. William always has a great time when he’s with Ryan. He is incredibly proud of the humorous, caring person Ryan has grown into. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Ryan.
Teagan
Junior Bridesmaid
Cousin: Teagan is, quite simply, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed version of Ellie in every way. Ellie has spent every summer with Teagan since she was born, which is probably why she turned out as amazing as she is! Teagan helped Ellie discover her patience and passion for working with children. Even though, when Teagan was a baby, Ellie once tried to sell her because she wouldn’t stop crying—by putting a “for sale” sign on her stroller and texting her mom, “I have had enough”—Ellie is incredibly proud of the young woman she has grown into. Ellie couldn’t imagine doing life without her.
Tucker
Junior Groomsman
Cousin: Tucker has been a great addition to William’s life. They met in the summer of 2020, when Ellie introduced Tucker to William early on in their relationship, and he quickly became someone William truly enjoys being around. Whether it’s talking football, playing video games, or just hanging out, they’ve built a strong bond. Tucker brings a fun, positive energy to William’s life and always seems to have a great attitude. William and Ellie feel incredibly blessed to play a role in this young man’s life. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Tucker.
Kaisley
Flower Girl
Second cousin: Kaisley, Jayda’s daughter, came into Ellie’s life during a time filled with sorrow for her and her family. Thankfully, she was the bundle of joy they all needed. Ellie will never forget the emotions she felt watching her be born. Today, she is as sweet as she is funny and brings a smile to everyone around her. She is loved beyond words by Ellie and William, whom Kaisley affectionately calls “Pastor Mel.” Ellie and William are so grateful to be part of this beautiful girl’s life!
Oliver
Ring Bearer
Nephew: Ollie, Allie’s son, made William officially an uncle! William and Ollie bond over Spider-Man, and whenever they’re together, you can usually find them playing with Spider-Man toys or trucks. When William got the call that Ollie was born, he went straight to the hospital to meet him—though he was worried he might be “poisoning” baby Ollie with his cologne! Each time they see each other, Ollie reminds William just how cool it is to be an uncle. William wouldn’t be the man he is today without Ollie.
Kennedy
Flower Girl
Niece: Kennedy, Allie’s daughter, is so full of love and has such a kind-hearted spirit! She may seem shy at first, but her spitfire energy shines through soon after. She never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is loved beyond words by Ellie and William, and they are so grateful to be part of this beautiful girl’s life!