Wedding Party
Jessie Stinson
Maid of Honor
Jessie and Katie met in the balmy summer of 2014. Some may call this meet cute fate but they like to call it destiny. Jessie also works on a college campus and that campus happens to be the University of Central Missouri in the town of Warrensburg, which happens to be Katie's hometown. Katie goes on to finish her master's at Missouri State University and takes her first job at Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, which happened to be Jessie's alma mater. Needless to say, their friendship has been filled with long conversations about the future of higher education, laughs about the crazy things college kids do, and lots of travel. Eventually, this friendship became more like a kinship. Jessie is never too far for a phone call and has been a true and honest friend through good times and bad. When Katie told Jessie about Cody and that he was a K-State alum, Jessie was over the moon.
Kaid Wark
Best Man
Kaid is Cody's younger and only brother. He has been with Cody through it all. Growing up they were involved in sports together, worked on the family farm together, and did everything in between. They continue to play in an annual golf tournament in Colby, Ks every year. Kaid is a trailblazer. He has always had a clear vision of what he likes and what he wants to do in life and goes after it, no matter what anyone else says. Cody looks up to Kaid's ambition and determination to accomplish what he sets out to do no matter what. Cody couldn't imagine getting married without Kaid by his side. Kaid and his wife Jenna, have recently expanded their family with their son Wyatt. Cody enjoys being an uncle. He tries to teach Wyatt how to fist bump every time he sees him.
Brittany Ankeny-Dooley
Bridesmaid
Many, many moons ago on a beautiful fall afternoon, Brittany and Katie were struck by fate and joined a group of women known as Alpha Sigma Alpha. Given the combined love of the color purple, great taste in music, only two floors down from each other in the dorms, and of course, a newfound love of ASA, Katie and Brittany began a beautiful journey of life. If this friendship is not proof that life gives you the people you need before you know you need them, I don't know what is. Brittany has a true friend in that no matter how frequent the calls, texts, snaps, or TikTok, she never fails to share a laugh, a kind word, hard truth, or great advice. She is not only a solid person but a dear friend to be counted on no matter what life shells out.
Brady Bean
Groomsman
Brady and Cody met in Wichita through a mutual friend. They quickly realized that they had a lot in common. Both love Kansas State. Both wrestled from a young age through high school. Both work in a similar field, the oil and gas industry. Brady also shares Cody's love of Star Wars, all things Marvel, craft beer, and cooking barbeque. Cody looks up to Brady, almost like an older brother. Brady has been an important part of Cody's journey, providing guidance and mentorship. Brady, with help of others, really worked hard to get Cody out of his comfort zone to try new things and meet someone that would make Cody happy. Brady and others' efforts have helped Cody tremendously, and at the end of the day, he found Katie!
Elise Marrinan
Bridesmaid
Since that beautiful day of June 9th, 1994, Elise has been the little sister Katie never thought she'd have. As cousins do, Elise and Katie grew up 8 hours apart but made the best of every holiday, camping trip, Chicago/Warrensburg getaway, and all those Facebook videos in between. Elise is the biggest breath of fresh air this world has ever seen. Realistic in that she sees the world through kind and worldly eyes but also positive in that nothing is a lost cause. She has been a true partner in crime and always a blast to share life with.
Eric Blanton
Groomsman
Eric and Cody grew up together in Colby, Ks. Cody's family moved across town in 2000, when Cody was 10 years old. For a 10-year-old Cody, moving across a town of about 5,000 people, felt like moving to another world. Cody and Eric met shortly after the move. Eric's family lived a few blocks away. Since then, Eric and Cody spent tons of time together, going to movies, listening to music, going to the lake, etc. Eric and Cody shared a love for the same type of Rock and Roll Music. Eric, himself is a very good guitar player and is active in his church's band. For the majority of Cody's life, Eric has been a great advisor and confidant. Cody highly values Eric's thoughts and opinions and wouldn't get married without him.
Eden Guy
Bridesmaid
Eden Guy is most fondly known to Katie and her family as Eden Miller. (Sorry Kyle we love you too!) From first grade playing at recess, softball, and sleep overs, Eden made everything in Katie's world more fun. Whether it was staying up late to watch movies, play SIMs, go to the bowling alley, or listen to music. Eden as always game to hang out. When asked about her favorite memory with Katie, Eden said, "Too many to count. Sleepovers. The first day of driving to school. Middle school. High school graduation (got me on that stinkin' velcro wall which hurt! Lol)." Katie was part of Eden's wedding back in 2016 so being with at Katie's big day is extra special!
Matt Ryan
Groomsman
Matt is Cody's oldest friend. They don't have any memories of a world without knowing each other. Their families were, and still are, good friends. Matt and Cody both grew up in Colby, Ks spending tons of time together. Matt and Cody's love for Kansas State, Star Wars, movies, and anything Marvel, brings them together. Matt has been there for Cody through thick and thin. They grew up together, played sports together, and went to college together. They continue to be great friends. Matt enjoys running a fantasy football league they are in. He especially enjoyed being there for Cody's "punishment" for getting last place, one year. See the photo above.
Kady Kilongkilong
Bridesmaid
Kady Lerch, Mama Kady, Big Kady, and best friend to many, Kady is someone that truly inspires all. Katie's grandpa still remembers her as the curly hair teacher that helped with moving to a new apartment. Kady and Katie have gone on many adventures and some of those adventures shall not be repeated but the memories will never be lost. From riding mechanical bulls, learning to two-step, hanging out at the Coryell Courts Pool, and watching lots of Duck Dynasty while eating BBQ nachos. Life is so much better when Kady is around. Katie was part of Kady's wedding back in the summer of 2015!
Nick Fancher
Groomsman
Nick and Cody met in Wichita, at a luau party hosted by the apartment complex where they lived. Cody was freshly unpacked from his move to Wichita, after college, to start his professional career. Nick asked his favorite icebreaker question, "Do you like Motley Crue?" Cody responded with "Yes!" From there, they became friends and have done lots of things around Wichita, including going to concerts. Ask Nick how many times has he seen Alice Cooper in concert. Nick thought Cody should give online dating a try, and showed him, Hinge. It didn't take long for him to run across Katie's profile. Nick's hometown is Emporia, KS. Since Katie lived there, he helped Cody out picking out date spots to take her to, and the rest is history!