Matt & Lauren
Wedding Party
Lauren Pennington
Bride
Lauren told her friends she called dibs on Matt the night they first met. Ten years later her dream is coming true! She is excited to finally become Mrs. VanValkenburg with her closest friends and family by her side.
Matt VanValkenburg
Groom
Matt is arguably the most handsome man you ever did see! Lauren was Matt's first crush at Central Michigan, and he is so excited that all of you will be able to join him and Lauren to celebrate them officially becoming a married couple as they start their most exciting adventure yet. These two aren't going anywhere!
Jessica Pennington
Maid of Honor
Lauren's older sister who played a part in how the happy couple met! Head over to the home page to read that story. She traveled alllll the way from California to stand by Lauren's side on her big day. I hope she brought some Delta cookies to share...
Joe VanValkenburg
Best Man
Joe, Matt's older brother, has so many wonderful attributes ;).. Matt and Joe have been best friends Matt's entire life and still remain to be extremely close, even though Joe has lived out of state for almost a decade. They remain close because of no thanks to Matt or the 5 year gap between them, but due to Joe's generosity, kind heart, and patience! Joe may be single handedly the best individual Matt knows and continues to be his largest role model. Words will never be enough to describe the connection between these two brothers!
Drue Wagenschutz
Maid of Honor
A fellow Chippewa turned best friend. Drue and Lauren were RA's together at Central Michigan and were inseparable. Mega tears were shed when they no longer lived down the hall from each other, but they remained as close as could be. You couldn't ask for a better friend!
Ryan Warsen
Best Man
Matt and Ryan have been best friends their entire lives. From the very beginning these two have played sports together, gotten into trouble together, and traveled across the country to explore together and visit one another. They also share some of each others most embarrassing stories, even if they develop from a simple game of hide and seek! When these two get together, the happiness they give off is always contagious.
Becky Rabish
Bridesmaid
Matt's older sister! Matt and Bec were not the closest siblings when they were younger, but ever since the Summer of Bec and Matt (a real thing) they have become extremely close, and remains to be one of Matt most prized relationships! Lauren is getting the coolest sister in-law ever!
Landis Rabish
Groomsman
Matt's brother-in-law! Landis and Matt first met when Matt was still in grade school and Matt would have Bec and Landis time him to do things like bake pies, run and grab snacks, or even just run around the house. Since then, their relationship has grown into so much more, as they would do anything for eachother and Landis is one of Matt's most trustworthy friends. Matt is extremely grateful to have Landis as a true brother (thanks Bec)!
Heather Jozwik
Bridesmaid
One of Lauren's first best friends from Central Michigan, Heather has remained like a sister to Lauren for years! Dance parties in their apartment, UP hiking trips, a bond only these two could understand. A no brainer to have her stand up for Lauren!
Jason Dickey
Groomsman
Matt and Jason went to High School together, but their friendship didn't really take off until College. The two of them have settled their differences (I think) over who will get the last Taco Bell burrito, and have been an extremely active part of each other lives for over a decade now. Jason is an extremely motivated/hard working individual and one of the most loyal friends Matt has ever known. Jason truly would do anything for the people he cares about and Matt could not value a friendship more than his.
Abbey VanValkenburg
Bridesmaid
Hold on, Lauren get's TWO totally awesome sister-in-laws? Heck yeah! She also understands putting up with the VanValkenburg man-shenanigans... Bonus!
Brent BĂ©langer
Groomsman
Even though there is a pretty good sized age gap between Matt and Brent, these two share a lot of very similar experiences and some of Matt's fondness memories. These two share a very similar personality / sense of humor, so Brent has always been someone that Matt strongly looks up to.
Erika Ruiz
Bridesmaid
A soon to be sister-in-law! Lauren is grateful to have Erika as a bridesmaid. Thankful that she is able to set aside time from fighting crime to spend the day celebrating the happy couple!
Dan Brazitis
Groomsman
Matt's first and most influential friend from CMU! These two did everything together, Matt's first flight, first cross country trip (to San Diego), regular trips to the Casino, tasting waters on Main Street, and just about anything to get out of the dorms at night (even if it meant hangout in the Caf). Dan is one of Matt's most thoughtful and important friends, and definitely no one Matt would rather have with him as he starts another adventure.