Collin & Maria Paulina
Wedding Party
Ana Maria Restrepo Ochoa
Maid of Honor
Maria has known Ana literally since they were babies, their moms were best friends long before either of them was born. From that point on, Ana and Maria were basically raised side by side. Over the years, their friendship has been filled with every kind of memory: from childhood games to middle school chaos, to reunions in Miami, and now video calls from Paris, where Ana currently lives. Ana is one of the most impressive people Maria knows, she speaks three languages, studied international business, and always finds a way to make life feel a little more fun and interesting wherever she is. She’s also famous for bringing up a very embarrassing baby story every time they meet someone new... so don’t say Maria didn’t warn you. More than anything, Ana has always felt like family, which makes having her as Maid of Honor feel really special.
Mike Walker
Best Man
Mike has been there from the beginning. Him and Collin had the same homeroom teacher in 1st grade, but the real friendship began in Aaran’s basement playing Nintendo GameCube. From joyrides in his golf cart around his backyard to country concerts together, late nights in Cleveland, to spring break trips and Hawaii, Mike and Collin always know how to have a good time together. Mike is a guy Collin can talk with for hours laughing about absolutely nothing and from an outsider's perspective, the conversations probably make no sense. If you have the pleasure of talking to him, just see if he doesn't quote the movie Anchorman at least once. Beyond the jokes, he's played a huge role in Collin's journey coming to Christ and remains someone he can always call to talk about life, faith, or just nonsense. There’s no one more fit and trustworthy to stand next to Collin on such an important day.
Valentina Valdés
Bridesmaid
Valentina is Maria’s half-sister, though honestly, it’s never felt like “half” anything. They met when Valentina was five and immediately clicked over their shared love of all things girly. Weekends with their dad turned into mini fashion shows, shopping adventures, and just good sister time. Valentina is smart, stunning, and currently in med school. She’s the type of person who’s always been wise beyond her years, and Maria has loved watching her grow into the powerful, grounded woman she is today. Their relationship is built on years of sisterly laughs, inside jokes, and unshakable love. She’s not just family, she’s one of Maria’s favorite people, and there’s no way this day would feel complete without her.
Aaran Gessic
Groomsman
The first friend Collin ever made after moving to Perry in 1st grade. Aaran, Mike, and Collin were in the same homeroom, and from the very beginning, Aaran became a constant presence. It's quite possible Collin spent more time in Aaran's basement some summers than at his own house. He was Collin's unofficial bodyguard on the playground, freakishly strong and the kind of guy you'd want in your corner if things went south. Aaran is one of the most consistent, loyal, and steady people Collin knows. Watching him become a father has been incredible. He’s the same dependable guy, just with a Prius and some impressive retirement accounts now. Oh and if you ask nicely, he might just break dance at the reception.
Manuela Ochoa Cuervo
Bridesmaid
Maria has known Manuela since they were kids, as her aunt and Manuela’s mom knew each other from school. Their grandmothers also lived in the same neighborhood, which made their connection even stronger. They started getting closer in middle school, and by high school, they were practically inseparable. Manuela has always been one of the kindest, sweetest people Maria’s ever met, like a real-life Disney character. Her family has always made Maria feel at home, and the memories they’ve shared over the years (like that unforgettable trip to Panama or meeting up in NYC for Christmas) are ones Maria will always hold onto. Now in med school, Manuela has always been one of the smartest people in the room, and she's well on her way to becoming the kind of pediatrician every kid deserves. To Maria, she’s a lifelong friend.
Billy Miller
Groomsman
Billy and Collin bonded on the wrestling team in middle school. He was the heavyweight and Collin was... definitely not heavy. But there’s a unique friendship forged between the biggest and smallest guys on the team, and theirs has stood the test of time. Just like his loyalty to his son(dog) Mater, Bill is always there for his friends when it counts. Bill is truly just a big teddy bear. Don't let his tough-looking exterior and ugly cauliflower ears fool you, everyone knows his wife can beat him up. Also, he may claim to be only 25% Puerto Rican, but once the music starts, his hips are 100% Shakira. Watch for him on the dance floor.
Camila Jaramillo
Bridesmaid
Camila was Maria’s neighbor growing up and one of her first true best friends. Along with Ana Gomez, the three of them were a childhood dream team; inventing games, building Barbie empires, and turning every day into an adventure. Camila is vibrant, hilarious, and wildly creative. The kind of person who could turn a regular afternoon into something memorable. Whether she’s drawing stunning illustrations or casually tattooing people (because of course she does that too), Camila’s always been cool in that effortless, magnetic way. Even if months or years pass without talking, the second Maria sees her, it’s like no time has gone by. And that’s what makes this friendship so easy and real.
David Mrosko
Groomsman
David was the new kid in 7th grade, so Collin invited him over to the lunch table on the first day of school. Collin didn't even realize this would be one of the most electric personalities he would ever encounter. David can turn any dull moment into an unforgettable one. He's the life of the party and the kind of friend everyone hopes they get once in their life. He’s the glue that keeps the friend group connected, the guy who makes sure the “good ol’ days” aren’t just memories. On top of all that, everyone knows David would take the shirt off his own back or be the first to bail out a friend from jail because of his loyalty. Fun fact: this man can put on a Disney World-quality backyard fireworks show.
Ana Maria Gomez
Bridesmaid
Ana moved into the neighborhood a few years after Camila, and immediately became part of the crew. The three of them spent their childhood playing Barbies, dancing around the house, and occasionally sneaking into Ana’s sister’s parties just to feel grown-up. Ana is the definition of a silly soul with a big heart. She’s always been funny, lighthearted, and that friend who checks in when you're sad, heartbroken, or just need someone to talk to. She’ll hate that Maria mentioned her eye always tearing up, but it’s basically part of her signature look. She’s currently pursuing a degree in communications and design, a perfect fit for her creative energy and expressive personality. Whether she’s working on a project or lighting up the dance floor, Ana brings a little extra life into everything. She’s always been the friend you call when you just need someone who gets it.
Alec Schenk
Groomsman
Alec and Collin met through wrestling in elementary school, and together with Aaran, traveled all over the U.S. for tournaments. Alec has two personas at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum: 1) Stoicism, and 2) Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura. Whether it was before wrestling matches or on the soccer field, Alec knew when to bring the goofball energy. Their high school days were filled with legendary mischief: treehouses in the woods, biking across town, and running through the backyards of disgruntled adults all hours of the night. He also had the wisdom to find himself a woman with Colombian heritage...great minds think alike. At the wedding, you’ll find Alec making fun of Billy and David most of the time. Despite the fun and games though, Alec would lay his life down for his friends.