MacKenzie & Darren
Wedding Party
Jessi Pope
Maid of Honor
Jessi is not only the best friend of mine, but she is also Darren's sister. Jessi and I met almost 6 years ago, and bonded over our love of desserts and field hockey. We can be found at Sedona's happy hour, spending time with Rocket and Ember, or looking for ice cream. Jessi has been such a help to me throughout this wedding planning process! Pretty soon we will be sister-in-laws, which is so special because I don't have a sister, and now I do!
Emily Strickland
Bridesmaid
Emily or "Emmie", as I always call her, and I met when we were five years old. From middle school dances, to summer camp, Emmie and I did absolutely everything together. Her house was the first house I ever slept over at, and I remember when people thought we were sisters! Through different high schools, Emmie pursuing a dance career, me going to JMU, and living states apart, we have always remained the best of friends. Emmie and I have some amazing memories from traveling around Paris to skiing at Massanutten.
Gwen Miller
Bridesmaid
Gwen and I met at JMU while we were both pursuing a degree in hospitality. We were placed in the same group for our culinary class, and that's when our friendship began! From taking the same classes to driving to school together every day, Gwen and I became inseparable. We share a love for wine, The Bachelor, and dogs! With Gwen living in Charlottesville, we always try to visit wineries during our weekend visits.
Briley Lemon
Bridesmaid
Briley and I met while pursuing our Master's in Human Resources at the University of Richmond. Darren and I enjoy spending time with Briley and her husband, Jacob in both Fredericksburg and Richmond. Briley and I share a love for the show Friends, Mexican restaurants, margaritas, and sweatpants. As the only bridesmaid that is married, Briley has given me so much insight to planning a wedding!
Emily Beers
Bridesmaid
Emily and I met at the University of Richmond pursuing our Master's degree in 2017. Briley, Emily and I are set to graduate December 2019! Emily and I both have roots in Fredericksburg and went to JMU so we bonded quickly over that! We are always up for happy hours filled with wine and cocktails such as mules and margaritas. Although Emily is more of a cat-person, I am actively trying to make her a dog-person. Luckily, she likes our dogs!
James Dillon
Best Man
James and I grew up together on Stafford county's baseball fields, playing with and against one another throughout the years. The last season we played, he struck me out looking with a curveball so pretty that I actually enjoyed the walk back to the dugout. James also worked at Locust Shade Park with Jessi and I all throughout high school where we were constantly tasked with keeping James out of trouble.
Will Atkins
Groomsman
Will is MacKenzie's younger brother and he and I have grown close throughout the years. The very first time we met, we shared a pull-out couch at a ski resort while MacK slept on the floor. Since then, Will, MacKenzie, and I have spent countless days skiing and snowboarding in the mountains and boating at their parents place in Kilmarnock. He's now kicking ass in the Navy so we're just glad to have him around if only for a few days.
Gavin Browning
Groomsman
I met Gavin in the very first class of my freshman year of high school. We spent years on the lacrosse field together and have carried that competitive nature over into snowboarding. He's now working as a firefighter halfway across the country but every time he comes to town it feels like he never left. He's been there with me through thick and thin and he's just one of the best guys you could ever get to know.
Nick Pope
Groomsman
Nick and I spent my freshman year at JMU as roommates and he saw first hand the beginning of MacKenzie and I's relationship back in 2013. Nick is my first cousin on my father's side and his parents, are also JMU alumni. He's one of the few people I can let my inner nerd out around and we have remained close since we were children.
Jacob Lemon
Groomsman
The first time I met Jacob was actually at his very own wedding. He is married to Mrs. Briley Lemon, one of MacKenzie's bridesmaids, and is the only groomsman of mine who is actually married himself. The four of us have grown exceedingly close in the last year and their advice has been invaluable for us as we make this next step in our lives. I’m very thankful to have found Jacob’s friendship as a result of Briley and MacKenzie meeting in grad school.
Ember
Honorary Flower Girl
Ember is MacKenzie and Darren's four year old Australian Shepherd. MacKenzie and Darren got Ember while in college and is definitely one spoiled pup!
Rocket
Honorary Ring Bearer
Rocket is our one year old Australian Shepherd... yes we have two, we are crazy, we know. Rocket was added to our family in August of 2018 while in Tennessee (yes we drove 12 hours with not one but two dogs in the car). Rocket and Ember are the best of friends, and we could not be more happy that they get along as well as they do.