Kendra & Reed
Wedding Party
Meagan Sheridan
Maid of Honor
Every day since kindergarten, Meagan and Kendra have been the best of friends. Side by side, they navigated childhood, questionable teenage choices, the ups-and-downs of university, first boyfriends, first homes, growing a family - with furry, four-legged friends, and the pure joy watching each other fall in love. Kendra could never imagine her life without Meagan - their souls were destined to meet, even though Kendra was too shy to say "hi" to her on the first day of kindergarten. Growing through life together since 2002 also means Meagan has seen the bride not only at her best, but also at her worst... in graphic tees, side bangs, and blue eyeliner. But she has also seen her at her best, and the wedding day will be one of those very best moments standing side-by-side.
Stephen Johnson
Best Man
If you have ever spent time with Stephen and Reed, you know there is never a dull moment! Friends since junior high, Reed has shared many memories, laughs, drinks, and heartfelt moments with Stephen. The trio of Kendra, Reed, and Stephen also kept one another sane throughout the quietness of the pandemic. Friday nights were spent drinking tea, reading Stephen's law essays, and spending hours trying to catch a mouse in the house. But from playing tennis to a drink at Dixon's to Reed throwing the Hammerschlagen into the fire at the cabin, Stephen and Reed never fail to bring the fun! One can only imagine the kind of moves they're going to bust out on the dance floor together.
Haley Fry
Bridesmaid
Growing up, Kendra always wanted a sister (in addition to her brother, of course). Since dating Reed, Kendra and Haley have become fast friends and sisters at heart! It has been very humbling for Kendra to follow in Haley's footsteps as an educator, and now as a bride. Wedding planning has been a lot more joyful with the welcomed and experienced advice from Haley and Justin. Kendra was also very blessed to stand up with Haley on her (two) wedding days as she married the love of her life. How exciting it is that Haley will be there beside Kendra a few years later. Haley's outgoing personality has led the two on adventures on scooters through downtown, on airplanes to Portland, and on daring car rides to Saskatchewan - you'll have to ask Haley about that one.
Kyle Brewster
Groomsman
Kyle is the bride's brother, but also her friend, confidant, and teammate throughout her life. He quickly became a good friend of Reed's, too; often making fun of Kendra together. Kyle brings the party and a touch of humor to every moment. Many memories have been shared close to home during holidays, abroad on family vacations, and around bonfires at the lake. Kyle's presence at the wedding is a reminder of shared memories, love, and a wish come true as he gains a brother.
Courtney Fox
Bridesmaid
Teacher friends are good for the soul. It is even better when those friends become someone you could never live without! In Kendra's first year of teaching, she met Courtney after needing advice on how to teach mathematics. After working up the nerve to talk to the most intimidating teacher at the school, Kendra and Courtney quickly became the best of friends. Kendra quickly learned that Courtney is only intimidating because she has a heart of gold and fiercely loves those near and dear to her. Since then, they have shared many laughs and exchanged horror stories from teaching that have kept the two sane. In addition, they have sprinted home from the one and only club in Okotoks, travelled to Edmonton to watch the Anaheim Ducks get destroyed by the Oilers, and shared a few drinks around a campfire.
Jayden Brander
Groomsman
Jayden and Reed have an unshakeable bond as they have travelled across the globe together, and came back two months later in one piece (thank goodness... even though Jayden somehow convinced Reed to jump out of a plane). Having met later in life at a summer job working for Spruce Meadows, these two quickly bonded over changing signage and operating genie lifts. There were many laughs and shenanigans exchanged in wulings and in the warehouse. The two continued to become the best of friends when they became roommates in university. Those nights consisted of video games, innocent pranks, and cheesy meat bread. How lucky it is that a summer job helped craft this humorous and fulfilling friendship between Jayden and Reed!
Alison Pate
Bridesmaid
Alison is a dear friend of both Kendra and Reed, having met both of them through shared study dates at the University of Calgary. Alison and Reed first sparked their friendship through coffee hang-outs at Philosafy and nights studying for their business degrees. Since university, memories shared between the three consist of weekends spent at cabins, evenings out for dinner, and summer nights singing karaoke together. Alison and Kendra bravely embarrassed themselves belting out "Hey Stephen" by Taylor Swift in front of a crowd full of people... no, you cannot see the video evidence... we are taking that to the grave.
Nathan Schleppe
Groomsman
Nathan has known Reed his entire life. Seriously, friends since birth, these two have grown up together and been there to cheer each other through all of life's milestones. From bike rides in the green belt and summer nights spent in Chaparral Lake to living on university campus together to watching Nathan get married and start a family, these two have a lifetime of memories and pride in one another. It is so very special to have Nathan stand beside Reed as he takes on his next adventure!
Ashlynne Kelly
Bridesmaid
From first day jitters to frequent bar-hops and wine dates, Ashlynne and Kendra became fast friends! Ashlynne's bubbly personality and unwavering support has carried Kendra through their most recent year of teaching together, through wedding planning, and through life in general. Always with a smile and encouragement, Ashlynne has become Kendra's "yes" woman - never shying away from an evening of fun! The wedding events will undoubtedly be filled with laughter, crazy dance moves, and maybe more than a few glasses of wine, just as their friendship will be too.
Connor Burrows
Groomsman
If you've ever seen Connor and Reed together, you know their friendship runs deep. From skateboarding and lake days during school years to bonfires, double dates, and cruising around the city nowadays, these two have no shortage of memories and laughs. They once dabbled in creating a YouTube channel... if you are having a rainy day, you'll have to try to find the single video that was created and posted. With life as busy as it is, it isn't everyday that Connor and Reed see each other. But it feels like only yesterday when they do find time to hang out. That is why our wedding day wouldn't be complete without Connor!
Justin Fry
Master of Ceremonies
Meet Justin, one of our charismatic MC extraordinaires! With his smooth-talking skills and a knack for keeping the energy high, Justin is the heartbeat of our wedding day! Alongside Kendra's cousin, Shayne, they'll seamlessly guide us through the festivities, from heartfelt speeches to epic dance-offs. Fun fact: Justin placed 9th in the Worlds Irish Dancing Championship - so expect some killer moves during the reception!
Shayne MacNeil
Master of Ceremonies
Meet Shayne, our charming MC extraordinaire! Having grown up closely with Kendra, and becoming a good friend with Reed, Shayne will bring an endearing perspective on leading the newlyweds through their most special day. Together with Justin, Shayne will guide us through the festivities with love and (I'm sure) a few funny childhood memories. Fun fact: Shayne is the hardest working person we know, having studied rigorously for his LSAT and Law School. Therefore, he has banked some time for partying and you can expect to see him breaking it down on the dance floor!
Karen & Chris Brewster
Parents of the Bride
Meet the incredible duo who raised the bride you'll all be celebrating with: Karen and Chris Brewster! Karen is the heart and soul of the family. Her fierce love and unwavering support for those she loves have been Kendra's rock for years. Be prepared for warm hugs, heartfelt advice (delivered with a touch of sass), and some line-dancing moves! Chris brings the balance - the ever-reliable voice of reason with a sprinkle of fun. He's the one who taught Kendra the importance of always lending a helping hand to someone in need (and he is probably the source of some of her best - or worst - jokes). Get ready for a few well-practiced dad jokes during the speeches, and some boot-scootin-boogying. Together, they're a team that can handle anything. They have been a beautiful example for Kendra on what a loving partner and family looks like. Kendra is so proud to call them her mom and dad! And they are beyond excited to (officially) welcome Reed into our beautiful crazy family - truly, they're crazy in all the best ways!
Dianne & Chris Himsl
Parents of the Groom
Introducing the groom's parents: Dianne and Chris Himsl! Ever wondered where Reed gets his sense of humor and thoughtfulness from? Look no further than his amazing parents! Dianne is the family's resident cheerleader. Her unwavering support and infectious enthusiasm have always been there for Reed, no matter his crazy childhood adventures (we're sure there were a few!). Get ready for warm embraces, a listening ear, and maybe even a story or two about Reed's younger, slightly more energetic self. Chris brings the wisdom and the quirky sense of humor (usually sprinkled with a few inside jokes). He's the one who instilled in Reed the value of patience and humility. Expect heartfelt toasts, a few well-timed dad jokes (delivered with a twinkle in his eye), and maybe even a hidden talent for showcasing some classic moves on the dance floor. Together, they're a team that's always there to celebrate the victories and offer a helping hand during the challenges. Reed is the man he is today because of the love and joy they instilled in him for many years. They're thrilled to officially welcome Kendra into the family and can't wait to raise a toast with everyone!
Karen MacNeil
Grandmother of the Bride (Nanny)
Meet Karen/Bertha: The Family's OG Storyteller They say wisdom comes with age, and in Kendra's case, it comes with a whole lot of love and a sprinkle of mischief - courtesy of her amazing nana, Karen! The family wouldn't be the same without Karen's incredible stories and love. Her warm hugs, endless supply of anything sugary and sweet, and her sharp wit will keep you entertained all night long. Whether you are a seasoned guest or just meeting the family for the first time, Bertha will make you feel right at home. She's beyond excited to celebrate this special day with everyone and witness the start of a beautiful new chapter for Kendra and Reed.
