Wedding Party
Tom Miller
Officiant
Tom is a Brit with a penchant for triathlons and Aperol Spritz, who first met Cory and Lauren through sports in Shanghai - obviously. The pair were the first people Tom clapped eyes upon after the brutal lockdown in 2022, and he almost ended up living with them for a time. Some of Tom’s favorite memories of the pair include having Cory cup the heck out of his legs multiple times, during which there was uproarious laughter and tears, not to mention the marathon in Jiangsu where the boys ended up sneaking across the border back into Shanghai under cover of darkness. One of Tom’s favorite memories with Lauren was a marathon with an outrageous Thanksgiving hangover, in which they rocked out to Christmas tunes … again, with laughter and tears. Tom was part of the secret committee that planned the famous workout engagement, and thankfully, it all went to plan! Tom wishes the couple the very best of luck in the future, and cannot wait for more marathons, laughter and tears to come!
Chris Tennant
Best Man
I was born and raised in Truckee CA, and Cory has been my best friend and unofficial brother since elementary school. We have shared a lifetime passion for sports, both playing on youth teams together, cheering on our favorite sports teams (Go Giants!), and creating fantasy leagues that have surpassed 20+ years of friendly banter. As a lifetime avid rock climber, I’m excited to get to climb some of the world famous crags of southern Thailand before and after the main event. I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate my best friend marrying the love of his life, and I wish them a lifetime of love, adventure, and happiness together!
Mac Barton
Groomsman
Embracing the chaos of the ER day and night, im the doctor who moonlights as a cheese enthusiast and dating the most beautiful girl from Texas. Cory, my cherished friend since our elementary school days has not only been a companion through the adventures of youth but someone that pushed me to achieve the best version of myself. Anticipating with joy the celebration of Cory and Lauren as they embark on a journey of shared love and life.
Ed Bellin
Groomsman
Raised under Parisian skies and croissant indulgence, I found my heart beating to the rhythm of the so-called American Dream when I taught myself English at the tender age of 9. After a stint in the Big Apple for my first job, visa twists and PowerPoint slides led me to the vibrant chaos of China, where soon after fate served me a dash of destiny in the form of Cory. Our connection sparked countless burpees, Seven Lions beats, and the dance of Shanghai madness. We were inseparable comrades, sharing passions for fitness and music (more specifically blasting Odesza on heavily polluted midnight bike rides). Then enter Lauren, the radiant force steering our trio and pretty much anyone else's lives who's lucky enough to cross her path. Amidst the clinks of F45 dumbbells and FitFam pounding feet on the Shanghai pavement at 5am on Thursdays, Cory and Lauren's love story began to take shape. Now, as we stand in the embrace of Thailand's allure, I feel blessed to have witnessed the culmination of their journey from close and afar. Here's to love, laughter, and the timeless melody of our friendship which I cherish so profoundly and look forward to nurturing for years to come!
Rob Miller
Groomsman
Rob and Cory grew up together in Truckee, Ca and although they were in the same grade, they did not become very close friends until high school when Rob’s mom and Cory’s dad started dating. The joke of “bro” became reality senior year when the parents were engaged. Since then, Rob and Cory have enjoyed many family gatherings and amazing experiences that have taken them to Mexico, music festivals, camping trips, and even a year spent together as roommates in San Diego, Ca. Rob is excited to get to know Lauren more after spending some time with her and Cory in Denmark and Germany for Rob & Sjaella’s wedding this past summer. Rob is also looking forward to getting to know Lauren’s family and in the beautiful setting of Thailand.
Mike Miller
Groomsman
Mike is the groom's older brother-in-law and, like Cory, grew up in Truckee. Mike and Cory were a few years apart going through school, but got to hang out and bond more as their families eventually became one. Over the years, Mike and Cory have always found conversation easy with music and travel being shared interests; recently Mike had the pleasure of spending time with Lauren and Cory while in Germany and is looking forward to the upcoming celebration in Thailand!
Sophie Adelman
Bridesmaid
Lauren and Sophie first met at the age of two at Ghent Montessori preschool in Norfolk, Virginia. Despite never living in the same place since the age of four (!) they have managed to remain friends for more than 30 years. They share a love of travel and have been lucky enough to reunite for many adventures around the world, from California and the Caribbean to England and Florida. Sophie was thrilled to have Lauren by her side as a bridesmaid in 2018 and could not be more honored to do the same for Lauren in 2024!
Leah Arth
Bridesmaid
Leah is the groom's younger sister and soon-to-be sister-in-law to the bride. Cory and Leah were best friends growing up and have always been there for each other throughout the years. She has loved getting to know Lauren and cannot wait to celebrate the happy couple on their big day in Thailand and welcome Lauren to the family!
Emily Beavers
Bridesmaid
Emily was lucky enough to meet Lauren on her second day in Shanghai, and they’ve been like sisters ever since. From neighboring desks at That’s Shanghai, to milestone birthday boat parties, from Japan to Scotland and 10 counties in between, from racing in a half to being chased by a bear in Yellowstone … there’s never a dull moment with Lauren’s adventurous and ambitious spirit! Emily now lives in Michigan with her husband and 2 kids but knows no matter how far apart her and Hoghie are, a quick spin of the globe will have them planning their next reunion! She can’t wait to celebrate Lauren and Cory in Thailand and many more adventures to come!
Johanna Hoopes
Bridesmaid
Lauren and I met when we were journalists in Shanghai covering a boot camp class. We became fast friends, intent on doing every activity from camping to spin class to late night dance parties. We became roommates at a time when we were both transitioning and created a sacred space in our “sunshine house” on Fumin Lu. We often ran to the Bund, sat on our stoop and ate popcorn for dinner. Oh, and we dominated summer softball on the Graey team, where Cory came into the picture. The rest is history. I cherish my special memories with my favorite roomie and am so happy for her finding a kind and caring man in Cory who matches her energy, love for travel and drive for life.
Christina Tse
Bridesmaid
Who would’ve thought that a running club offering free granola in 2016 would be the start of a foodie and fitness fuelled life long friendship. Lauren and I would run-ride-eat-repeat all around Shanghai, from early morning coffee catch-ups at Egg to wine infused nights at Bird to cycling weekends at Wildhomestay. As fate would have it, we also lucked out and started dating our now/soon-to-be husbands just four days apart, who both happily allow us to drag them around on our unpredictable food and fitness adventures. Our latest one was when Lauren and Cory visited Tijs and I in Berlin, where we are now based.