Lauren & Logan
Wedding Party
Lauren Arens
Bride
Sharks. Bees. Cats (particularly the flat-faced ones). Lauren's fanciful and wholehearted way of going through life helps Logan break out of his analytical mindset and appreciate the world for the way it is. Her way of speaking through art (both her own and works by those that inspire her) allows Lauren to express herself in a manner unlike anyone Logan has met before or since. Combine that with her random acts of pure insanity and it's easy to see what makes her so unique and a thrill to be around. A disco fanatic and oldies lover at heart, Lauren isn't afraid to be who she is no matter what life throws at her, qualities Logan has loved from the start of their relationship and will continue to for the rest of their lives.
Logan Weiss
Groom
Exceptionally compassionate, fiercely loyal, and incredibly supportive: these are just some of the MANY amazing qualities that Logan possesses. As far as careers and hobbies go, Logan is not only an actual rocket scientist but a very humble (and passionate) chef, a talented singer, and a curious and eager home brewer. While Logan is all of this (and so much more), he is the perfect person for Lauren as he is wholly supportive of her artistic career, tolerant of her spontaneity, and is perfectly okay with being subjected to her day-dream/ happy-go-lucky attitude. Needless to say, Logan and Lauren are the perfect additions to each other's lives- not completing each other, but enriching, supporting, and loving each other always.
Michelle Arens
Mother of the Bride
I’m a hairstylist who became a stay-at-home mom 23 year ago when Lauren came into my life. Through the Years I have watched this strong willed girl turn into an amazing woman, chasing her dreams, and finding Logan along the way.
Gail Weiss
Mother of the Groom
It's rare to find Gail without a book or dog leash in her hand most days (or around the pool in the summer). As a stay-at-home mom of four for the majority of the last 30 years, Gail had to put up with a lot between Logan and his three siblings. Even now while working in Kinnelon school district as a special needs aide, she constantly looks out for the best for those around her while putting her needs second. Logan would not be the person he is without his mom's care and attention throughout his life.
Mark Arens
Father of the Bride
Fisher, hunter, protector, and secret keeper. Tasked with keeping Lauren grounded and calm during crisis. Building her faith, and teaching her to be true to herself and what she believes even if I don’t always agree. Encouraging her to chase her dreams, and to learn from her mistakes. Logan makes her happy and that makes me happy.
Lon Weiss
Father of the Groom
Napoleon's biggest fan, Lon is an avid history buff, dog lover, and father of four. Though Logan and him tend to argue about everything under the sun, both are passionate about what they believe in (sometimes to a fault). It's rare to see someone work so hard for his family's well-being but Lon's chief concern is making sure his kids and wife are happy. All he asks for is a beer on Friday night and a Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese on Sunday morning.
Allison Phelps
Maid of Honor
Lauren and I met during our freshman year at Fontbonne University, where I was studying speech-language pathology and she fine arts. We bonded over our mutual love of memes, disco, and arts/culture (Ghost Adventures). Our friendship has taken us from neighbors to roommates to now long-distance friends and through it all, our camaraderie has remained unchanged. As Lauren's #1 hype man, I cannot wait to celebrate her and Logan's big day.
Joe Powers
Best Man
Logan and Joe met freshman year of college at Stevens. Both grew up in NJ (Joe in South Jersey and Logan in the superior North) and quickly grew accustomed to arguing over everything and anything in the spirit of good conversation. Through their four years, the two became close friends through games of Catan, watching absurd TV or movies, or, as previously mentioned, arguing. Joe can always be counted on for a helping hand, good advice, or just the right amount of ridiculousness.
Marissa Weiss
Bridesmaid
Marissa is Logan's older sister born two years before Logan. Marissa was always quick to speak for Logan when they were little, insisting that "Mogan Weiss" (apparently L's were tough) needed this or that whether he actually did or not. Luckily she now lets him speak for himself, even with her attorney mindset gets to them into verbal battles from time to time. Outside of law, Marissa is a dedicated runner, hiker, and nature lover residing in the Hudson Valley with her fiancé. Marissa can't wait to start evening the Weiss family male-female ratio when she gains Lauren as an official sister.
Michael Arens
Groomsman
Michael is Lauren's younger brother, currently a junior at Xavier University. Michael enjoys memes, hockey, and fighting for ocean conservation. For years, Michael and Lauren were archenemies; now, they've fostered a great sibling relationship through memes and years of back and forth torture. Since they met, Logan and Michael have gotten along well, also through memes. Logan's thrilled to have another younger brother.
Maggie Lang
Bridesmaid
I am lucky to say that I am blessed by being Lauren's cousin. There has yet to be a dull (or quiet) moment in any of my memories I share with her. From our young teenage years of chasing around boys on 4-wheelers and sniffing out donut shops at 4 am, to countless nights of just hanging out and prank-calling random people late at night and hushing our laughter so Shell wouldn't hear us, some of my fondest memories revolve around our adventures. I am so glad that she found someone like Logan, who accepts her wild personality and allows for those memories to continue. I am so incredibly thankful and excited to help celebrate this special day of hers!
Brennan Weiss
Groomsman
Brennan is Logan's middle brother, born two years after Logan. Though growing up with 3 boys is a recipe for a lot of bickering, Logan and Brennan's relationship has only gotten better as they've gotten older. Brennan is an avid traveler and fan of the nicer things in life, whether it's clothing, food, or experiences. No matter what Brennan does, he seems destined to excel at it and put himself in great situations. Logan is glad that Brennan is able to add "groomsman" to that list.
Olivia Lang
Bridesmaid
I have known Lauren my whole life...not really having a choice though, because she is my cousin! We have countless memories such as vacationing together, Watching The Shining and Rat Race on repeat, and sending the ugliest/ funniest snapchats to each other. I am lucky enough to not only have Lauren as my cousin but also as one of my best friends. #belieber
Griffin Weiss
Groomsman
Griffin is Logan's youngest brother, born four years after Logan. Though they've butted heads from time to time growing up, Griffin and Logan have always been able to talk about their love of hockey (go Devils) and appreciation for sci-fi and video games. An avid environmentalist, Griffin loves nature and is quick with a sarcastic joke from time to time. Logan's glad to be able to share his wedding day with Griffin.
Sarah Ellis
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I are childhood best friends. Growing up down the street from each other naturally led to play dates and dance classes (which let's face it, neither of us were very good at). While we never actually went to school together, we never miss the important moments-- Kindergarten uniform comparisons, birthday parties, choir concerts, prom pictures, each others musicals, and of course shark week ice cream dates! Its no surprise that the biggest day of Lauren's life would be any different!
Phil Szymanski
Groomsman
Phil and Logan met back in elementary school in Kinnelon, NJ. Throughout their 20+ years of knowing each other, they've been through grade school, boy scouts, and college (even joining the same fraternity as well as living together). If he had his way, Phil would build himself a cabin in the woods, move to Poland, or probably both. Phil's not afraid to speak his mind or do what he wants to do, qualities Logan has appreciated over the course of their relationship.
Elizabeth VanSant
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met one day in 6th grade when we became carpool buddies. We traveled to downtown Saint Louis every Saturday to sing at the Cathedral, playing our Nintendo DS’ along the way. It wasn’t long before we were making weekly sleepover plans that included eating brownie batter, playing Nancy Drew, and watching all kinds of movies (horror, if Lauren could talk me into it.) Through the ups and downs of friendship, we have remained close and whenever we talk it’s as if no time has passed!
August Koch
Groomsman
August and Logan also met back in elementary school in Kinnelon, NJ. They've known each other over 20 years through grade school and beyond. Whether it was making absurd videos for English class or just hanging out in Denver or St. Louis, August never fails to bring a lighthearted mood to whatever environment he's in. An analyst by trade, August is a cook at heart and his passion for food and drink inspires Logan every time he sees it. Logan's glad to have August up next to him in October.