Known by many names (such as green bean), and an honorary member of the McCoy family since 2004, Rena is a kick ass maid of honor. I mean just take a look at her photo, she's freaking motorbiking through rural Vietnam... doesn't get much more kick ass than that.
We grew up in the same neighborhood, Rivermoore Park, and ended up in the same 5th grade class. Eventually we realized we rode the same bus and the rest is history. We caused mischief in the neighborhood, had picnics every Tuesday, had reading days (yes, children used to play outside AND read!), and spent all of our formative years together. Rena probably knows me better than I know myself at this point.
She's been my best friend for as long as I can remember and continues to be the funniest. Quick witted, sharply sarcastic and an all around excellent person, I couldn't think of a better friend to stand by my side on January 8th.
My friendship with Eleni began in 2010 when she arrived at my family home for a sleepover driving a painter's van with coloring books and crayons in tow (did I mention we were in high school?). Her chaotic energy is contagious and from then on we were inseparable. We share some of the fondest memories of my entire life.
Eleni is eccentric, nerdy, and the most kind hearted person I know. She's impossible not to love, unless you mention you don't like sci-fi movies... seriously... just don't mention it. She loves them so much she decided to move to LA and become a movie director of her own, yep, she wrote and directed her very own movie by 26 years old.
Life without Eleni is not a life I'm interested in and I am beyond excited she will be part of Mike and I's special day.
Liana and I met in 2014 when she was living with Eleni during University and they decided to host a Christmas party. I was told to bring a gag gift, but much to the recipient's dismay it was most definitely not meant to be a gag gift... that poor soul was the unfortunate new owner of a dried gourd painted like Santa Claus.
We bonded immediately over the hilarity of the situation and from then on she's become one of my closest friends and my favorite travel partner. We've had the pleasure of exploring several countries together over the years and have no plans on stopping any time soon. (Sorry, Mike, we need our girl time!)
She has the most adventurous spirit and infectious laugh. Liana is a sweetheart who would do anything for her loved ones and I am grateful for her friendship daily. I couldn't imagine the world without her and I certainly couldn't imagine getting married without her!
Christina is Michael's younger sister and man oh man did I win the sister-in-law lottery. She is genuinely a wonderful person and super fun to be around. If she's any indicator of how great the Collins' family genes are... I'm all in for those cute little babies!
She has an inspiring passion for music and is one of the founding members of a music podcast group. She can impressively rattle of the names of 1000 bands you hadn't heard of before, but are guaranteed to love.
I feel so fortunate to have developed a friendship with Christina outside of my relationship with Michael and I'm looking forward to a lifetime of family memories together. I'm ecstatic she will be such a big part of our wedding day.
Scott and I hit it off ever since the Smith and Collins kids came together as friends. Over the years through weekly phone calls and countless trips to Vegas, we’ve always had each other to complain to about our many problems (including parents and siblings).
Dino is the proprietor of the World Famous 5th Street gym, my favorite hangout. We have spent countless hours with Coach Guy discussing the finer points of life over coffee.
Dino and I have also been to TWO Michael Bublé concerts together, working on a third.
We sometimes spend a year apart, then get together once and it’s right where we left off. Duval is a truly adaptable friend in any moment, both good times and bad.
We are also long overdue for another ski trip.
Joe and I have been all over the world together and it’s always a new adventure. He helped me land my first job, then when I nearly got fired from that one, not to be discouraged, he helped me get the next one.
We have made some great memories together and hope for many more. If it’s up to Joe, most of those new memories will be on the golf course.