Wedding Party
Ryan Ellis, MBA
Groom
Ryan graduated with his Masters in Business Administration from San Jose State University on May 24th, 2023. He currently works as the Social Media Manager for the SJ Barracudas Hockey Team. Ryan has played hockey since he was four years old and has made many friends along the way at VCHS and SJSU. The couple met at Valley Christian Junior High in 7th grade and graduated from Valley Christian High School together in 2017. Dating throughout college, the couple grew closer to God and each other. Ryan proposed to Madeline on April 10th, 2024 at Shadowbrook Restaurant, their favorite restaurant that held many significant dates throughout the relationship.
Madeline Gay, RD
Bride
Madeline has graduated from San Jose State University with her Bachelor's in Nutritional Science and completed her dietetic internship through Golden Gate Dietetic Internship in March 2023. On October 5th, Maddie passed her RD exam, and as of January 2024, she will be working in a Gilroy Skilled Nursing Facility as their Dietitian. Ryan proposed on April 10th, and they have been wedding planning and starting their careers ever since! Ryan and Maddie share a love for Disney, Tropical Vacations, and experiencing amazing food together. Their love for God has ultimately brought them close together, and they are both very excited for the next chapter of their lives.
Aaron Ellis
Groomsman
Aaron is Ryan's favorite brother. He has always supported Ryan and Maddie and is excited to welcome her into the family. Aaron graduated from SDSU in 2022 with a degree in Business with a concentration in marketing/sales. He has always had care for others and enjoys singing along to music with friends and family in the car. Taco Bell, Chick fil a, and Jack in the Box are his top favorite dine-out spots. He will be giving a speech at the wedding as well. Aaron and Lily Jones have been amazing friends since elementary school and have been in theater together during high school. They are very excited to walk down the aisle together at the Ellis wedding!
Lily Jones
Bridesmaid
Lily met Maddie at Valley Christian High School. After graduating, Lily moved to Idaho to begin her journey to become a mother/newborn nurse. She plans to graduate May 4th, 2024, and just began her nursing job before moving to her preferred concentration. Lily has been close with Ryan's family since high school, especially Aaron, who was in theater with Lily at VCHS. Lily and Maddie grew closer as Lily would come home from Idaho and spend game nights with the Ellis family. Lily has been a great support in hard relationship times and is so excited to be able to celebrate with the happy couple!
Manny Tonna
Groomsman
Manny and Ryan have been best friends forever. Manny is the kind of individual you can always count on, no matter what. He has always supported Ryan through his struggles and successes. Manny and Ryan met when they were 15, playing travel hockey together. Ryan even decided to go to San Jose State University to play college hockey with Manny. He is incredibly driven and successful and just graduated in 2023 from the University of San Francisco with his masters degree in teaching. Not only is he close with Ryan, but also has become great friends with Maddie and the rest of the Ellis family. Manny is like another member of the family.
Whitney Albright
Bridesmaid
Whitney met Maddie through a Young Professionals event at Westgate Church and other local churches. The friends got to know each other through biblical conversations and their love for Disney. As the friends grew closer, they would spend YP events, meals, and phone calls discussing life events and trading relationship advice. Whitney has a wonderful energy about her and a huge heart for helping others. She will be giving a speech at the wedding. Whitney has been an amazing influence in Maddie's life and the two got to spend a Disney trip together in December!
Peter Athey
Groomsman
The couple met Peter at Westgate Church and Young Professional events. Peter has been very influential in both the couple's lives, especially Ryan's. Peter is Ryan's biblical men's group leader and has helped Ryan grow closer to God in amazing ways. Peter is always very high-energy and gets along with anyone! He genuinely desires to know people and is very easy to connect with. Peter has supported the couple greatly and even drove Maddie to the surprise proposal on April 10th, 2023.
Tilly
Esteemed Model
Tilly is the cutest dog on the planet. Ryan and Maddie got Tilly in December of 2020, and she has been the greatest addition to their lives. They love spending time with her and giving her tons of belly rubs. She loves attention, spending time with people, and long walks. Her favorite treat is chicken. Tilly is always the life of the party and has been to many wine nights with her owners to meet new people. This sweet little cuddle bug is extremely photogenic and will always strut her stuff to pose for the camera. Tilly will regrettably not be attending the wedding, but will instead be having a pampered-puppy night at home with her best girlfriend, Pheobe.