Lauren Mayse & Justin Reed
Wedding Party
Katelyn Engel
Maid of Honor
Katelyn and Lauren became friends in 2016 during their freshman year of high school, after randomly deciding to go Homecoming dress shopping together. Since then, Katelyn has been the kind of friend Lauren never has to ask to be a good friend. She simply shows up, every time. After graduating college and moving closer to home, they reconnected, and it feels like the four years spent in different states never happened. Katelyn and Lauren shared nearly every major high school milestone together, and Katelyn was even there on the very first day Lauren and Justin ever hung out.
Cassia Beek
Bridesmaid
Cass is Lauren’s aunt, but she’s always felt more like the older sister Lauren never had. Growing up, Lauren wanted to be just like Aunt Cass, she even wore a locket with Cass’s picture inside. When they were younger, they bickered like true siblings, often prompting her grandmother, Cass’s mom, to joke, “Who is 6 and who is 16?” Through every major milestone in Lauren’s life, Cass has always shown up without being asked, remaining someone Lauren deeply cherishes and is forever grateful for.
Kendall Werth
Bridesmaid
Kendall is Lauren’s cousin, but she’s much more like her little sister. Lauren has watched Kendall grow up and is so proud of the amazing person Kendall is becoming. As Kendall and Lauren grew older, she and Lauren became closer and closer. Lauren truly cherishes every moment they get to spend together and will never stop trying to convince Kendall to move to Hays and be next door neighbors.
Katelyn Knapp
Bridesmaid
Before becoming Lauren’s best friend, Katelyn actually held a different title, her brother Levi’s 5th-grade teacher! One day Lauren messaged her, and we instantly clicked. All year long, Levi had been telling his sister that they were so alike and would make great friends. He was absolutely right. Katelyn is the kind of best friend you never knew you needed, and since then we’ve made so many incredible memories together. Turns out the younger brother knew exactly what he was talking about!
Sophie Humphrey
Bridesmaid
Sophie and Lauren met in high school in 2016 after their boyfriends insisted they all go to the pumpkin patch together, an unexpected friendship no one saw coming. Since then, Lauren and Sophie have grown up side by side and often say they’re more like family than friends. Through every high and low, Sophie’s constant love and loyalty to both Lauren and Justin has meant the world to them. And now, they’re lucky enough to love Sophie and her son, Harlan, too.
Taylor Brodbeck
Bridesmaid
Taylor is Justin’s cousin, but she quickly became family to Lauren as well. Fun fact: Taylor was the only person present at the proposal besides the photographer and she handled all of Lauren’s last-minute chaos and change of plans like an absolute champ. She’s the calm in the storm, the steady presence everyone needs, and every time we’re together it’s guaranteed to be a great time filled with laughter and memories and maybe a few too many cocktails. We’re so grateful to have Taylor as part of our family.
Paige Rice
Bridesmaid
Paige and Lauren became friends in college after meeting through their boyfriends, now husbands, who were both in the same fraternity. From countless DU date parties to whatever the boys would drag us into, Paige and Lauren were always by each other's side. Now, post-grad, Paige and Evan continue to be the kind of college friends who always show up for Lauren and Justin, no matter the season of life. Their constant support and friendship mean more than they know.
Kaden McCullick
Best Man
Kaden has been more like a brother than cousin to Justin. They grew up together going on countless family trips and making memories. Although Justin did not see Kaden a ton growing up, once they were both older and in college they were able to make more time to see each other especially since Kaden went to Fort Hays. No matter how much time passes, it never feels like anything changes when they get together. They talk everyday and Kaden is one of those people you can count on no matter what. Kaden cares deeply for the people in his life. He has been there since the beginning for the wild ride of Justin and Laurens relationship and has always been very supportive.
Ryan McCullick
Groomsman
Ryan is Justin’s older brother, and with a five-year age gap, they found themselves in different stages of life while growing up. As the years passed, however, their bond only grew stronger. Ryan has always been there for Justin, offering constant support and encouragement, and they’ve always shared a deep love for everything K-State. To Justin, Ryan has always been someone to look up to- a steady presence, a trusted role model, and the person he could always turn to for guidance and advice.
Cole O'Brien
Groomsman
Justin met Cole his sophomore year of college when Justin joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity at K-State, and quickly Cole became one of his first and closest friends there. From the beginning, they clicked, bonding over sports, gaming, and daily conversations that have continued ever since. Cole makes an effort to see Justin and Lauren and grow their friendship even after college and being in different towns. Cole has always been there for Justin and Lauren and is a real friend who tells it like it is.
Evan Rice
Groomsman
Justin met Evan his sophomore year when he joined Delta Upsilon at K-State. And from the start, Evan was one of those guys Justin trusts, respects, and values deeply. Evan and his wife Paige who is standing with Lauren have been great friends to have, although they are 3 hours away in KC, they make an effort to see us as much as possible. Evan is the type of friend everyone wants to have.
Joe Colwell
Groomsman
Justin met Joe also during his sophomore year when he joined the fraternity at K-State. Joe was one of Justin's first roommates in the DU house after their pledgeship. Which was where they really grew close, with the late night conversations and Joe being there for Justin. No better way to get close with someone than having to share a room with them for 6 months. Joe has continued his support over the years for Justin and Lauren, as they all try to get together as often as they can. Joe is the type of friend everyone needs - straightforward, loyal, and a little old school.
Sage Markley
Groomsman
Justin and Sage first met in middle school, but their friendship truly took shape during high school and carried on into college. Playing together on the high school golf team is where their bond really strengthened. Sage also attended Kansas State at the same time as Justin and even joined the same fraternity, allowing their friendship to grow alongside them. Sage has always been someone Justin can talk to about anything, both of them love to talk, so there’s never a quiet moment. Now that they even work at the same company, it’s safe to say Justin can’t quite shake him.
Isaac Zimmerman
Groomsman
Justin met Isaac back in kindergarten at Wilson Elementary, making him a true day-one friend. Their bond was built through years of growing up together and countless shared memories. Isaac has been there through every stage of Justin and Lauren’s relationship and continues to support them in meaningful ways. Now living in Hays alongside them, they still spend plenty of time together, making it especially meaningful to have Isaac be part of this day.
Devin Werth
Groomsman
Devin is Lauren’s cousin, and Justin first met him when he began attending family holiday gatherings. Although Justin initially only saw Devin a few times a year, their friendship naturally grew over time. When Devin eventually moved to Hays for a period, Justin had the opportunity to see him more often and spend time with him. Later, when Lauren and Devin lived together in Manhattan when Lauren was in college, Justin was able to spend a significant amount of time with Devin throughout that year, which brought them even closer. To Justin, Devin is more than just family by marriage, he has become a close friend and someone who will be part of his life forever.
Levi Leuenberger
Junior Groomsman
Levi is Lauren’s little brother, and Justin has known him since he was just two years old, making Justin a constant presence throughout Levi’s life. Justin has had the privilege of watching Levi grow into the young man he is today. Over the years, their relationship has naturally grown into a close bond. Sharing a mutual passion for sports and video games, they have always had plenty to talk about and enjoy together. To Justin, Levi is far more than just Lauren’s little brother, he is someone he genuinely enjoys spending time with and cares deeply about. Justin is excited to officially welcome a little brother, and even more excited that it’s someone like Levi.