Lauren & Mike
Wedding Party
Lauren Cozzolino
Bride
Hi, it's the bride :)
Mike Perkins
Groom
Hi, it's the Groom :)
Meredith Gensch
Maid of Honor
It all started when Mrs. Conners, the Old Turnpike School bus driver, put 6th grade Lauren and 5th grade Meredith together for assigned bus seating. They've been besties ever since. Mere is one of the few friends who has known Mike and Lauren since the very beginning of the relationship and has been watching this journey unfold in its entirety. Lauren considers Meredith not only a true best friend, but family. There is no one who could be Maid of Honor but her- she is, as they say, a real one! She has been there for every important phase, milestone, triumph, and challenge of Lauren's life. Grateful to share this moment together is an understatement.
Michael Vajda
Best Man
Mike P and Mike V, the unlikely duo of skateboarder and basketballer, first met in 8th grade when Mike V moved into town and met Mike P through mutual friends. Even though their main interests differed, they didn’t have any classes together, and even went on to initially go to different high schools, something indescribable clicked between the two and they became best friends from day one. Mike V has been a support, motivator, and inspiration for Mike P, and the two Mikes have been there for each other through many triumphs and tragedies over almost 20 years. Mike P is honored to have Mike V as his best man.
Andrew Lerman
Bridesman
Andrew is one of Lauren's best friends. They talk almost daily and Andrew has been such a supportive presence throughout working together, completing graduate school together, launching their counseling careers together, and simultaneously opening their own businesses. Andrew is a person who is thoughtful, caring, attentive, and can deeply understand you. He shows up where it really counts, including putting up with Lauren’s rapid fire spamming of memes and reels. Lauren cherishes her friendship with Andrew, and Mike and Lauren are so grateful to have him by their side on the big day.
Robert Perkins
Groomsman
Robert is Mike’s older brother. Mike and Lauren enjoy the conversations they share with Robert at holiday dinners and family outings like Sunday dim sum. They share their love of Star Wars and all things nerdy, love for good food and coffee, good books, and good movies. Lauren and Mike are grateful to have Robert by their side on this special day.
Amanda Valenti
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Amanda met through Zsane while the whole friend group were college students at Drew University, and thank goodness for that! They quickly realized how much they had in common (love of emo music, all things fairy and whimsical, Disney, vegan food, animals, nature, helping others... the list goes on). Lauren considers Amanda to be a real soul sister and cherishes their friendship. Amanda is a deeply loving, kind, compassionate, funny, and caring person, and Lauren and Mike are both so lucky to have her in their lives. She’s the kind of person who will be there for someone no matter what and has the biggest most beautiful heart.
Tobias Cozzolino
Groomsman
Toby is Lauren’s “little” brother. Toby is utterly cherished by both Mike and Lauren, and the three grow closer and closer as time goes on. From working on household projects, to NYC day trips, many Disney trips (both planned and spontaneous), and everything in between it’s always a great time when they’re together. Toby is someone that Lauren and Mike can truly count on for whatever the task is. Mike is grateful that he has always felt like family to Toby- the legal marriage papers don’t change a thing.
Zsane Sadler-Hernandez
Bridesmaid
Zsane and Lauren met when Lauren transferred to Drew University and landed in the lap of the perfect group of friends, several of whom would become Lauren's forever besties (thank Goodness). Lauren was basically adopted by the Drew University Anime Club and Medieval Club and thus Lauren's re-awakening as a nerd unfolded. Lauren is grateful for the lighthearted, youthful, and fun spirit that Zsane brings to all things, as well as her big heart and unwavering authenticity. Zsane is always there when someone needs a listening ear or a laugh, and Lauren is lucky to have had Zsane in her life for so many years.
Tyler Platt
Groomsman
Tyler is one of Mike’s earliest childhood friends, as the two met way back in Kindergarten. With his jokes, playful demeanor, and iconic laugh, it’s sure to be a great time with him around. The two have spent a lifetime creating unforgettable memories. Mike and Lauren are grateful that Tyler can be a part of this important milestone, and they look forward to supporting each other through many more to come. It’s surreal to be celebrating marriages and babies this year.
Robert Gordon
Bridesman
Despite having gone to the same high school and community college, Robert and Lauren didn't deeply connect until they both landed at Drew University. Nonetheless, now they're besties (yay!). Robert is a deeply thoughtful, considerate, and compassionate person. Robert has been so helpful in supporting Lauren through various emotional growth spurts, as well as sharing many fun times and memories, and she is so grateful for his friendship. They both share a love of vegan food, social justice and community education, anime, books and libraries, and Pokemon!
Justin Bianci
Groomsman
Justin and Mike met back when Mike was in 7th grade. He considers Justin to be like a little brother. Justin is one of those friends where it doesn’t matter how much time has passed, when you pick up the phone or meet up for lunch, the conversation continues right where it left off. Fun facts: Mike and Justin share the same birthday, and Justin is an absolute pro at guitar! Mike and Lauren are grateful to have Justin be part of their big day.
Courtney Morrison
Adult Flower Girl
Courtney is Lauren’s beloved cousin on the Cozzolino-Morrison side. Both Lauren and Mike cherish Courtney and are thrilled to have her support on the big day! Lauren’s first instinct when she sees Courtney to bear hug her because she loves her so much. You can count on Courtney for good conversations, a love of good food & cooking, good music, knowledge about lots of different cultures and countries, and a supportive listening ear 💗
Olivia Diaz Gilbert
Adult Flower Girl
Olivia is Toby’s beloved girlfriend who we already feel like is a part of our family. She’s smart, thoughtful, kind, resourceful, funny, rational, musical, hard working, and we love her! And she’s a great cook, too! Lauren and Mike are so glad Olivia is part of the celebration squad.
Jihad Williams
Adult Ring Bearer
Jihad is one of the friends who practically adopted Lauren as a new transfer student at Drew University. Jihad is largely responsible for Lauren embracing being a full nerd and becoming a board member of the Drew U Anime Club. Lauren learned to yell “Huzzah” from Jihad as well⚔️👑. Jihad is one of the warmest, most deeply caring people you will ever meet. Known for his class, decorum, and gentlemanly charm, Jihad’s authenticity is revered by all who know him.
Erin Krajewski
Officiant
Erin is Lauren’s reiki master and spiritual teacher, guiding both Mike and Lauren through shadow and light work and spiritual development. Erin embodies the love and wisdom of many lifetimes, is an honest and devoted teacher, and has truly changed Lauren & Mike’s lives with her presence over the last few years. Her influence has strengthened the relationship that Lauren and Mike have to themselves, to each other, and to their spirituality. Thank goodness for Erin and her guidance 💗✨