Katherine & Michael
Wedding Party
Katherine Morris
Bride
Katherine Morris is currently finishing her 10th year of early childhood education in Gulfport, Mississippi. Her love and desire to see the greatest potential in her students informs the great lengths she has gone to always offer joy, novelty, and acceptance to even her most challenging kiddos... and we certainly aren’t going to read too deeply into what that means for what she sees in Michael. Katherine loves to be in leisure when she has time off and especially enjoys her reality TV like Survivor, Drag Race, or more recently Traitors, but can also be found troubleshooting household appliances, baking her specialty French macarons, or working on her Ph.D. dissertation on any given weekend. Katherine is the perfect match for Michael’s chaotic interest in all things (sometimes able to rein him in) and helps shape their lives into a beautiful and promising future.
Michael Samel
Groom
Michael Samel is a family medicine physician in Athens, Georgia. His dedication and compassion that contributes to his quality patient care also influence his daily life. Michael puts thought and purpose into everything he does from cooking, baking, making coffee and cocktails to planning trips and parties. Michael knows when things need extra attention to detail, but also knows how to have fun by being the life of the party with his laughter, jokes, and dancing. He is all the best things in life rolled into one: kindness, intelligence, compassion, goofiness, passion, nerdy things, and charm. Sometimes Katherine thinks she may have conjured him out of thin air, because she cannot imagine a better partner to give wings to her lofty dreams and ideas. Together, they are creating a life that is both adventurous and secure.
Caitlyn Pratt
Maid of Honor
Caitlyn Pratt is *the* bartender at R-Bar in Talihina, Oklahoma, specializing in themed parties and events. Wherever Caitlyn is, she brings the energy, the fun, and the party. Not only does she play hard, but she works hard, too, managing her cattle farm and horses. Caitlyn improves the lives of all those around her, both human and animal.
Dylan Perry
Officiant
Dylan Perry is a corporate lawyer doing his bidness in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been a reliable and grounded best friend to Michael since they were high school roommates at the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science. Dylan’s style is undeniable and extends to his excellent taste in large American automobiles of the 60s, 70s, and 80s as well as heist movies such as Ronin (1998). Dylan is a quick witted, shockingly kind, and endearingly anxious individual.
Wade Hairrell
Bridesman
Wade Hairrell is an electronic gaming associate in Norman, Oklahoma. Wade is analytical, honest, and can always be relied on for advice, no matter the subject. He is the go-to person for current events, movie and music recommendations, and any and all math and tax questions. Wade is a steady constant in a world full of ups and downs.
Austin Wilson-Pillon
Groomsman
Austin Wilson-Pillon is a palliative medicine physician in Janesville, Wisconsin. He and Michael met during their time at Des Moines University, where he routinely wupped up on Michael at basically any video game you could think of…but especially Super Smash Bros. He has a massive heart and he and Michael share many of the same convictions around health equity and how we can all be better to one another. Austin is the type of man who will always spare the time for you.
Taylor Shockley
Bridesmaid
Taylor Shockley is a wife and mother of two boys that lives in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Taylor has an infectious energy that is unmistakable when she enters a room. Whether it is hunting for mushrooms, exploring nightlife, or sitting and talking about life, Taylor has an adventurous spirit that inspires those around her to be more daring and confident in their own lives.
Alexander Ignatiev
Groomsman
Alexander Ignatiev is a public defender in the city of Detroit (Rock City), Michigan. Prior to returning to the vistas of Michigan he knew from his youth, he and Michael became friends in the city of Hattiesburg through the craft beer and homebrewing scene of the 2010s where Alex was a fixture. Alex is someone who brings a commitment to service and stewardship, a comforting sense of hospitality, to all who might walk through his door. To know him is to love him.
Abygail Thorpe
Bridesmaid
Abygail is an elementary English as a Second Language teacher in Gulfport, Mississippi. She is a self-described elder emo that is fluent in Spanish, loves to dance the night away with her sunglasses on, and seek adventures like mountain biking through the jungles of Mexico. A true Gemini, Aby is curious, adaptable, and outgoing; she makes even the most mundane tasks an edge-of-your-seat experience.
Abraham Gobel
Groomsman
Abraham Gobel is a family medicine resident physician in Gulfport, Mississippi. He and Michael trained together and quickly bonded over their shared neuroticisms and high expectations of themselves. Much like those above, Abe is committed to caring for everyone around him and a life of service. His efforts have been recognized as he was recently named to be an upcoming chief resident. Abe is an effective leader and brings people together through his humor and thoughtfulness every day.
Adeline Smith
Flower Girl
Adeline Smith is a former student of the bride who shares her love of dressing up. Adeline is an artistic girl that is always excited for the opportunity to be creative and use her imagination. She loves to be fancy, but also loves to explore nature and remind adults of the beauty of simple things like the pattern on a leaf or the colors in a small pebble.
Leo Ready
Ring Bearer
Leo Ready is a sweet, spunky boy that is always exploring, but is cautious in his exploration. He is incredibly compassionate and always looking out for those he loves, especially his little brother, Archie. Leo loves to pick flowers, make muffins, and play at the beach with Archie and his friends. Leo's kind and gentle spirit is evident from the moment you meet him.
Birdie Anderson
Flower Girl
Birdie Anderson is Michael's niece. Birdie has an incredible imagination and a compassionate heart. Incredibly intelligent and carrying poise beyond her years, she is always showing up her older brothers, Garland Jr. and George. Although it may take her some time to show her full personality, Birdie is a warm, loving presence that wraps you up in her world.