Lauren & Brian
Wedding Party
Emily Havenstein
Matron of Honor
I met Emily freshman year of college and, at first, we were not very fond of one another. But we bonded playing lacrosse and learned just how much we had in common. Little did we know we would end up being as close as we are now. She has witnessed many of my relationship faux pas and has been there since the beginning of my relationship with Brian. She has always supported me and I know I can go to her for unbiased advice, as she is never afraid to tell me when I am being crazy. It has been wonderful to see how much we have grown, and hopefully matured. From standing by her side at her wedding and watching her become a new mom, to her now being part of my and Brian's wedding. I am blessed to call her one of my best friends and "Matron of Honor".
Kasey Kazimir
Bridesmaid
Kasey and I have been friends for nearly 15 years. She too has witnessed many of my relationship mishaps, and I hers. But together, we made it through high school and college drama, sports, and heart break over the wrong boys. Her parents always treated me like one of their own and kept me fed with delicious Italian food. She has always been one of my best friends and we have endured anything and everything that has been thrown our way. I was honored to stand by her while she married the right guy and watch her start a family and am thankful she has been part of my journey to do the same.
Elisse Gray
Bridesmaid
I may not have known Elisse as long as the other members of the bridal party but she is someone I now call "sister" and the most recent addition to the Gray family (God bless you and Brian for putting up with us). Her attention to detail, upbeat and positive personality, and kind heart make for a perfect bridesmaid, friend, and life partner for my brother, Matt. I was incredibly honored to stand by her when she married my brother and am so glad she will be part of my and Brian's big day.
Cailey Aburn
Bridesmaid
I met Cailey during my sophomore year of college. We played lacrosse together, borrowed each others shoes, and she always drove me around in her little green car. She is funny and quirky, incredibly thoughtful, and so much fun to be around. Between beach trips to Ocean City for lacrosse tournaments (that we always regretted) and bar hopping in various cities, we always have a memorable time together.
Lauren Bennett
Bridesmaid
Lauren, or as she's called in our friend group, Bennett, is someone I also met in college when she transferred in to play lacrosse. I quickly learned that not only was she incredibly good at the draw (for you non lax lovers, google it) but is one of the funniest and sweetest people I know. Even though we don’t get to see each other as often as we’d like, when we do, it's like nothing has changed and we simply pick up wherever we left off.
Allie Roof
Bridesmaid
I have also known Allie for nearly 15 years and am grateful for Kasey bringing us closer together. Allie is genuine, generous, and can always make me laugh. She enjoys a good "all-you-can-drink" brunch as much as I do and I am thankful for our friendship. I was lucky enough to be able to stand by her when she got married and have watched her start a family. And I am even luckier that she will be there for me.
Thomas Wells
Best Man
Tom is my older brother who has been there for it all. As children, we didn't always get along (arguing and fighting as brothers do) but as we grew up we became closer. Tom was my first and only choice to be my best man.
Michael Wells
Groomsman
Mike is my oldest brother and also has the very important role of wedding officiant. With his great sense of humor, writing skills and way with words, he was the first person Lauren and I thought of. Being the oldest brother, Mike has always been a person in my life that I could talk to about life's ups and downs and always makes for great company.
Matthew Gray
Groomsman
Matt is Lauren's brother and I couldn't ask for a better soon-to-be brother-in-law. Although our relationship is shorter than the rest of the crew, I have always consider Matt a great friend. I have enjoyed talking about movies, politics, and beer with him, despite him making fun of me for drinking Coors Light. But hey, it's a great tasting beer!
Adam Graham
Groomsman
Adam is one of the first and best friends I made when I moved to Maryland. We partied and have grown the most together, from my late teens through my twenties. We also made great roommates. Adam is the type of guy that would do anything for anyone. I am proud to have him as my friend and as a groomsman for my and Lauren's wedding.
John Brazell
Groomsman
John is one of my oldest friends from when I lived in Las Vegas. I have known him since I was 12 and we spent nearly every day together. At first we were enemies, but grew to enjoy each others company and he helped me build many of the social skills I have today. We did what all teenage boys did, which was get in trouble and put our lives in danger (but only a few times). Although I haven't regularly seen him since I moved back east, we have always stayed in touch.
Robert Gray
Father of the Bride
This may come as no surprise to some of you but I have been labeled a "Daddy's Girl," which I willingly accept. For me, this term is not paired with a negative connotation, as it typically can be. We are simply incredibly alike, share the same love for food, and have the same sense of humor... and he occasionally gives me what I ask for :) On a serious note, I cannot thank him enough for his calming presence and unconditional love. I am grateful for all he has done and continues to do for me. I will forever be his little girl and know that he will always be the man who loves me the most.
Lynn Gray
Mother of the Bride
Although we occasionally bump heads (and by occasionally, I mean quite often) she has always been everything I could have asked for in a mother. She was most certainly the disciplinarian of our household and the reason I established such a colorful vocabulary, both of which made me who I am today. She has always supported my goals and dreams and has fearlessly defended me my entire life. To this day, if I ever even hint that I have a problem, she wants to know who she can call. For as long as I can remember, she has selflessly given everything to ensure my brother and I had everything we needed and I am so thankful to call her "Mom".
Bruce Wells
Father of the Groom
My Dad is the reason I am the man I am today. I was taught by him to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, and reverent. He was quite a guy to help raise six kids while working and going to college full time. Did I mention he was valedictorian of his graduating class? Dad, if I can be half the man you are, I'd be one accomplished individual.
Kathy Stein
Mother of the Groom
A mother with six kids is quite the feat. When she wasn't reading to me growing up, she instilled the importance of doing well in school and was always there after to assist with homework and projects. She always provided a good home cooked meal and took care of me when I was sick. As an adult, we often talk about cooking, music, and movies. It is always a great conversation with my mom. I love you always :)