SML Wedding Profile: Jennifer & Travis

When Jennifer Ellis walked down the aisle at her Smith Mountain Lake wedding, she wasn’t just marrying the love of her life. She was marrying into the family of the woman who saved hers.

Her groom, Travis Ellis, is the brother of Jill Ellis, the lung donor whose gift gave Jennifer a second chance at life five years earlier.

Their late-September 2024 wedding at Parkway Marina (held the same weekend Hurricane Helene churned across the region) became a powerful symbol of renewal, connection and grace.

Jennifer was born with a rare condition called situs inversus, where the organs in her chest and abdomen are reversed. It’s often linked to primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affects tiny hair-like structures that help clear mucus. Without that function, she faced recurring respiratory infections that worsened as she got older.

In 2015, while serving as Ms. West Virginia and preparing for the Ms. America Pageant, she began to notice her breathing growing more difficult. Her condition deteriorated and, after competing in the national event, her condition continued to worsen until she required oxygen therapy to breathe.

By 2018, Jennifer was hospitalized for 10 of 12 months. Her local doctor referred her to Cleveland Clinic, where specialists confirmed she needed a double-lung transplant to survive.

She received that transplant on Sept. 15, 2019.

“I remember taking a deep breath and blowing out,” she said. “And I just said, thank you.”

That Christmas, Jill’s family sent handwritten cards to the people who had received her organs.

“There were people out there who had a piece of someone we loved,” said Nikki Ellis, Jill’s sister. “We just wanted them to know we were here, and that Jill was loved.”

Jennifer never forgot it. She wanted Jill’s family to know how deeply their daughter’s gift had changed her life. Letters became messages, and messages turned into calls. By 2021, they were ready to meet in person.

Meeting Jill’s family felt instantly natural, “like I’d known them my whole life,” Jennifer said. For the first time, gratitude finally outweighed survivor’s guilt.

Later that year, Jennifer joined the Ellis family on a camping trip. She and Travis, Jill’s younger brother, spent much of it paired up for games and activities.

“I think we were just drawn together,” Jennifer said. “There was definitely some flirtation on both sides.”

Travis said those early days brought a lot of joy and balance to his life, and over time, their friendship deepened.

“We realized this was bigger than just friendship,” Travis said. “We only have so many moments together. We didn’t want to waste any time.”

Jennifer said, “When Travis made it clear he wanted to build a life together, it felt like a dream coming true.”

A Love Meant to Be

In 2023, Travis proposed, moved to West Virginia, and the two began planning their wedding — one that would bring together both families in celebration of love, faith and the lasting impact of organ donation.

“I think Jill brought them together,” Nikki said. “She’d be looking down saying, ‘Wow, this is awesome.’”

Jennifer said she believes that, too.

“I wouldn’t be here without Jill,” Jennifer said. “Because of her, I got to fall in love and build a life.”

Before her transplant, Jennifer had made a bucket list, small, hopeful things to look forward to if she survived.

“One of them was to fall in love,” she said. “I didn’t know what real love felt like until I met Travis.”

Storm to Stillness

Their September wedding faced new challenges. Hurricane Helene swept across the Blue Ridge, churning waves through the marina and soaking the ground. Tents couldn’t go up, and the rehearsal was rained out. Red clay clung to shoes and nerves were frayed.

Still, Saturday dawned calm, with 75 degrees and a soft breeze.

“I felt certain God and Jill were watching over us,” Jennifer said.

By the time she arrived, the picnic shelter and muddy ground at Parkway Marina had been transformed.

“I was in shock,” she said. “It was beautiful. Breathtaking.”

Then, just before the ceremony, the lake fell quiet. One by one, boats slipped away until only a single sailboat remained, a white triangle against blue and green. When Jennifer saw Travis waiting, the stress disappeared.

“It was perfect,” she said.

A Day to Remember

Jennifer’s father officiated the ceremony, honoring Jill and the gift of organ donation while keeping the focus on the couple. A natural writer, Jennifer filled pages with vows. Travis kept his short but heartfelt, his eyes brimming with emotion.

“During our first look, his smile said everything,” Jennifer said. “For a moment, it felt like the world stopped.”

Guests traveled from across the country, many staying to explore the lake in the days that followed. Jennifer said Parkway made the whole process easy, affordable and welcoming, even amid staff shortages and storm cleanup.

For Jennifer and Travis, it was everything they had hoped for: a celebration of love, a testament to perseverance and proof that one selfless act can change countless lives.

Facing a New Fight

In recent months, Jennifer has faced another challenge. Her transplanted lungs are failing due to chronic rejection, and doctors have recommended she be relisted for another double-lung transplant.

“I’ve been waiting and praying it wouldn’t come to this,” Jennifer said. “My lungs are operating at about 25 percent, and I’m scared, but hopeful I have a chance for more time.”

Even in uncertainty, her faith remains strong.

“I’ve been through this before, and I know what it means to fight,” she said. “I’m trusting God’s plan and believing for healing.”

To learn more or support Jennifer’s transplant fund, visit gofund.me/4abac2009.

• Coordinator: Jayci Perry
• Dress: Jean Anns’ Bridal and Prom
• Photographer/Videographer: Karen Akers Photography
• Venue: Parkway Marina
• Makeup: Mukah Spa
• Hair: Presley Bailey
• Flowers: Designs by Barb and James
• Entertainment: A Party’s Favorite Entertainment
• Catering: Farmhouse Catering
• Cake: Sam’s Club
• Jeweler: Kay Jewelers

Did you know more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, and about 15 die each day before a match is found? One donor can save up to eight lives and improve many more through tissue donation.

Becoming a registered donor is simple. Sign up online at RegisterMe.org or through your state’s DMV website, or check the donor box when renewing your Virginia driver’s license or state ID. Just as important, share your decision with your family so they understand your wishes.

To learn more about organ donation in Virginia, visit donatelifevirginia.org.