Wedding Party
Simone Wilson
Officiant
Simone Hadley Wilson is a childhood family-friend of Jackson’s. They go way back... to Omaha, Nebraska; Glad Tidings Church; and Bellevue East High School where they, and their families, shared holidays, vacations, sports fandom, music, loads of food, tons of laughs, and gobs of love. Today, Simone works for a Silicon Valley technology company and lives in San Francisco, California. She frequents DC for business and, in recent years, has been fortunate enough to get to know Mark and witness their love story. Simone will be co-officiating Jack and Mark's marriage ceremony.
Tré Easton
Officiant
Mark and Tré first encountered each other their freshman year while living on the same floor in their dorm at Wake Forest. They fought through mutual and respective skepticism of the other to become decidedly close friends. Countless musical scores, an undisclosed amount of trips to various fast food establishments, a personal glow up or two, an ungodly amount of Beyoncé, and 11 consecutive Emmy award-winning seasons later, they remain virtually (and contractually) inseparable. Tré is so excited to be part of this special day, having been witness to Mark and Jackson’s romance when it was just fledgling. The life they have built together is so special and generates a palpably inviting energy. I am particularly joyous over the living out loud upon which this couple is about to embark.
Will Allen
Singer
Will is excited and honored to be a part of Mark and Jack's special day. After meeting Mark during a groundbreaking production of Grease Jr. over 10 years ago, a day hasn't gone by that Will is not extremely grateful for the laughs, late nights, unwavering support, and advice that have all come along with their friendship. Mark played Teen Angel with a gorgeous set of wings and he will forever be just that in Will's eyes, an angel. Watching Mark and Jack grow together through their unmatched senses of humor and constant support for each other has been a pleasure and Will can't wait to see them finally say "I DO!" Will lives in Brooklyn, NY with his partner, Ben, and their two unbelievably gorgeous cats. He will continue to bother Mark and Jack until they come to visit him more often.
Cameron Moore
Singer
Hey, I’m Cameron! I live in Charlotte, NC, and work for two radio stations here. I first met Mark back in high school during a summer theatre program, and we have been friends ever since. Some of the greatest high school memories I have are of us driving around SANGING in Mark’s Honda Civic on our many trips to Chipotle to eat. I first met Jack when I came to visit Mark in DC, and we went to see Tiffany Haddish live. I knew right away what the two of them had was special. Seeing Mark, who is such an amazing, selfless, and a loyal friend find the love he deserves with an equally amazing person has brought so much joy to my heart, and I’m honored to be a part of their beautiful union.
James Brunson
Singer
James Brunson was born and raised in the Carolinas and moved to the DC in 2017. James works as a psychotherapist in a private practice setting, where he finds joy in shining his light as a black gay man providing healing, and comfort to communities that have often been forgotten and undervalued. James met the couple in 2018 at a gathering hosted by a mutual friend. It was a lovely event where the attendees were honored to experience performances by the divine, Chloe and Halle, and the iconic, Gladys knight. From the moment of meeting, the genuine and loving connection has been experienced with every word, laugh, and even light cast of shade. It has been said that “love is, as love does”, and James feels honored to witness Mark and Jackson choosing to do love in this beautiful way.
Lauren Abell
Photographer
I'm Lauren Abell! I'm a cinematographer and editor based in Omaha, NE. The first time I met Jackson I was five and wearing a pirate eye patch while doing cartwheels. We've been friends ever since. Adventures, stories, late night car talks. Forcing our families to watch ridiculous plays we made up in the living room, the trials and tribulations of the Blue Car, going to concerts by ourselves the first time, I wouldn't trade those years for anything. The adventures continued when Jack did some internships and ended up moving out to D.C. Pretty soon after he moved he told me about a little someone named Mark that he met, and the rest is history.
Claire Cuddy
Wedding Planner
I was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, and after spending my entire life in the Midwest, I moved east in pursuit of something new. I landed in Washington, DC, and currently work as a public affairs manager while completing my master's in public policy. Although my hobbies have been severely severed due to the panny, generally speaking, my passions include brunches, dinners, wine flights, hot, irrelevant gossip, and bopping around the city with my sweet Goldendoodle Juno. I was introduced to Mark & Jackson by one of my best friends, Darr. Our friendship quickly became one of my very favorite things about this city. Knowing them is to every day know unconditional love, endless support, unabating joy, and willingly or not, all the politics.
Darr Jenkins
Wedding Planner
Brunch enthusiast, dog dad, and record holder for most times being late to...everything. Originally from Savannah, MO, I have lived in DC for just over two years and work in corporate responsibility. Having gone to undergrad at the University of Nebraska (Go Big Red!), soon after arriving in DC I received a text on a Friday night from my friend Tim, also from Nebraska, to come to the Nebraska game watch party. This watch party was where I first met Jackson and Mark. The rest is history, they invited me into their circle of friends and truly took me under their wings as I learned to navigate my new home. I am continually thankful for their friendship that has developed into my chosen family. I am excited to share in their big day! Love you M&J!
Lucas Arnold
Musician
I met Mark summer of 2008 during a Summer Theatre Camp. Our friendship was instant. What has developed over the past 13 years is one of my most valued friendships. Mark introduced me to Jackson one of my many trips to DC, and it makes my heart swell with happiness to know that Mark has found someone as special and loving as Jackson to become his husband. Love is an often taken for granted privilege in life, but Mark and Jackson have always been beacons of love. I can’t wait to see how bright they shine their love together for life.