Cassandra and Lauren met working at KU Med. Lauren started as preceptor, mentor, then co-worker. Six years later, Lauren is friend, sister, even “mom” at times! Almost all ideas are filtered through Lauren first, and even Austin will ask “what did Lauren have to say?”

Cassandra and JoLynn also met working at KU Med, but Austin actually knew her first! JoLynn gets the credit for setting Austin and Cassandra up (though she swears that wasn’t her intention!) after she introduced us at a Chiefs tailgate!

Danielle is the oldest sister in the Effken trio. Keep an eye out - she has been known to break into some pushups at weddings!!!

Erica is the middle Effken in the sister trio! Cassandra was the most nervous for Austin to meet Erica. She can be the most intimidating of the sisters when meeting a future brother in law - but she approved!

The other half of the Podrebarac sibling duo! Sara Jean is so excited that Austin and Cassandra found each other. Per Austin, she is invested in making sure this wedding happens so Austin doesn’t become her responsibility in the future as she already has four boys to take care of!

Austin met Dan in middle school playing on the same baseball team. They both attempted to play catcher (Austin will swear he was the better catcher but ended up holding down the outfield). They have maintained their friendship through high school, college and through adulthood. Austin was the best man in Dan’s wedding and is so excited for Dan to return the favor!

Austin and Justin met in Ms. Neil’s first grade class and have stayed friends ever since. Both of their middle names are Michael, so naturally they had to be best friends! Their shared love of KU basketball and the lake life are a few of the cornerstones of their friendship!

Austin and Justin met working at Home Depot. When Justin was looking for recommendations on someone cool enough to drink “pops” with (Justin only being 18 at the time), Austin’s name was top of the list! They bonded over many days at the lake and later became roommates in Lawrence for a few years! Their friendship survived living together, and the two have been part of the Chiefs tailgate gang and Arrowhead seat ‘neighbors’ for the past twelve years!

Austin and Danny met when the Jones’ moved to Lake Quivira the summer of their 6th grade year. They became friends through all the lake activities, like skipping swim team practice together. They were both on the same Shawnee Mission Northwest golf team together. Although both appear calm and well behaved, Cassandra is never surprised when she hears a crazy story from Austin’s past and finds out Danny was along side!

Austin and Jarrid met freshman year of high school. They both were also on the golf team together. They spent many days golfing and partying! Jarrid’s bubbly personality compliments Austin’s quiet demeanor. Although Jarrid now lives in Florida, it’s always a fun time when they get to visit each other!