Collin & Lauren
Wedding Party
Erica Miller
Maid of Honor
Hello all! This is Erica, BFOTB (best friend of the Bride). I met Lauren in 3rd grade. We were seated in the same pod together and she let me cheat off...I mean helped me with my math homework. We have survived some fantastically bad haircuts, multiple heartbreaks (boys and otherwise), and the absolute best nights of my life, splashing in random front yard plastic pools around Ann Arbor. I have made it full circle and live in our hometown of Flushing, Michigan with my wonderful partner, Joe. We have two mischievous fur babies, Odin our miniature schnauzer and Shark Bait the mostly black tuxedo catman. I am incredibly humbled that Lauren chose me to stand by her side as Maid of Honor and can't wait to call Collin my brother-in-law, as I already consider myself the other Berent daughter.
Danny Perry
Best Man
My name is Danny Perry and I have the privilege of being Collin's best man. I first met Collin when we were about 6 years old when his family moved in three houses down from mine (I think he was wearing army/camo clothes when we first met, but that's up for debate). We have been best friends ever since. Over the years we have bonded over our mutual love of Michigan sports, golf, tennis, fantasy football, ping-pong, Bells Two-Hearted beer, and Tiger Woods. When Collin introduced my wife and I to Lauren we knew right away they were a perfect match and we have become great friends with her since then. I am thrilled to be part of Collin and Lauren's wedding and cannot wait to celebrate!
Bailey Leppek
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met through the water world in Denver in 2014. Then we went on our first backpacking trip together, and I was like, “Where have you been all my life.” Now we go backpacking at least once a year with our friend Roxy. This photo is from a 2018 backpacking trip when got smoked out by the Lake Christine fire. I literally don't have a photo of us where we aren’t making funny faces. I didn’t know Collin previously even though we had so many mutual friends. I was there when Collin and Lauren met, at an Earth Day party in Golden, CO when it was unfortunately too rainy to have the bouncy castle we had planned. Selfishly I wish they had met in a bouncy castle. Now, Collin and Lauren, my partner Doug and I send and shred (CO slang, sorry MI peeps), party and act silly with Team No Fun.
Jake Donnelly
Groomsman
I met Collin when I was a sophomore in high school and very quickly a strong friendship was founded on great music and me stealing his jokes to spew out to the rest of our friend group. Every event from then until college, people knew that if they invited one of us they were getting the package deal. After years of attending concerts and golfing, Collin introduced me to Lauren. When Lauren told me the story of him waiting ages to ask her out I could tell right away they were a perfect match. One of my favorite memories with Lauren is helping her plan Collin's surprise 30th birthday party. The amount of patience Lauren had getting Collin to put down his pre-game beer so we could make it to the "brewery" (surprise BBQ) was immaculate. Congratulations to the happy couple, I love you guys!
Caleigh Burgess
Bridesmaid
As my big brother, Collin was my earliest friend. Though we fought some...a lot...the majority of our childhood, I’m glad to say we’ve grown much closer over the years. Being separated by several states, every holiday and vacation we get to spend together is a treat, especially since Lauren has become a part of our family. Not only is Lauren always up for a rousing and usually beer-fueled game of Trivial Pursuit or Monikers, she has also brought out such a sweet side of Collin (that my younger self could have never imagined). I’m so happy that they’ve found each other and honored to be a part of their big day!
Ricky Paul
Groomsman
I met Collin during the University of Colorado’s freshman orientation in 2008. I had wandered into a volleyball game outside the “Ice and Dice” get-to-know-you event at the old campus rec center, and this tall, skinny kid with shaggy dark hair and I ended up leading our team to victory. We lived together through a bit of a rambunctious sophomore year at CU while we struggled together in trying to figure out how to be grown-ups. And we stayed in touch through the years after I moved back east to finish school. And now, he we are, in our thirties, and Collin is marrying a beautiful girl from (where else?) Michigan. They complete each other. He’s more calm and grounded, and she’s more wild and spontaneous, and together, they’re perfect. I feel honored to be here. Congrats, guys!
Jillian Burgess
Bridesmaid
Collin is my older brother by 7 years, so I spent most of my childhood tagging along to his hockey tournaments and band concerts, and watching him play video games until I finally got a turn. Now that we’re older, we have grown closer with our shared appreciation for the outdoors, vegetarian recipes, and board games. As soon as Collin introduced us to Lauren, I knew that we would get along perfectly because of her love for orange cats and recycling. I can’t wait to make more awesome memories with them, like the time we went camping together in Santa Fe and they cooked up a very impressive campfire cuisine. Congratulations to Collin and Lauren, I can’t wait to celebrate the big day!
Andrew Hanuszek
Groomsman
I met Collin during our sophomore year at CU Boulder. I lived at the House of Hoops, and hosted many Buffs basketball pregame events, which Collin always attended. During our senior and super senior years at CU we lived together off campus; talking philosophy over late-night nachos and enjoying an episode or 100 of Seinfeld (Elaine!)! After graduation, we've remained great friends through our love of golf and craft beer! Remember Golden House? From the Earth Day Party where Lauren and Collin met? That was my house! Lauren and Collin are great for each other, and I can tell they make each other happy. I can't wait to celebrate them on their wedding day, and know they will make a great couple long into the future!
Ben McMillan
Officiant
My name is Ben McMillan, Lauren's Florida cousin. She has always held a big sister role in my life and has been there when I just wanted someone to talk to. I might not have survived the family holiday gatherings without her. Some of my favorite memories growing up are playing board games, swimming in her pool on 4th of July, talking in the basement, and her sneaking me "beverages" so I can fit in! When I met Collin I had to see if he was good enough for my cousin and size him up. Well, he is taller than me, and he makes her laugh so we've been good since I met him. When I visited Colorado I found that Collin has an amazing way of thinking and seeing the world. I can see how happy Collin and Lauren make each other and I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of their wedding.