St. Pius X Catholic Church

Wedding Day

Wedding

The Lofts at Union Square

Reception

Our Wedding

On September 29th, 2012 Douglas Steffens and Michelle Parsells met at East Carolina University on a rainy, Saturday afternoon tailgate prior to a football game. After going to the game and spending all night with Michelle, Douglas just had to get to know this amazing girl more. Luckily with the help of one of Douglas's fraternity brothers throwing a shoe of hers on the roof of their house, it gave him an excuse to call her the next day and talk to Michelle more. After going on dates and getting know each other more, only a few short weeks later on October 19, 2012 Douglas asked Michelle to be his girlfriend. Throughout college Michelle and Douglas were inseparable. Whenever you saw one, the other was not far behind. Even though summers were hard being away from each other, Douglas being from LaPlata, Maryland and Michelle from Greensboro, North Carolina, school was always a time for them to be together. Going to college together led to both Michelle and Douglas making many of the same friendships and growing and enjoying many of the same experiences together. Michelle was even adored by Douglas's fraternity brothers, being named the fraternity Sweetheart her last 3 years of college, something the two of them, and Douglas's Parents, Richard and Linda Steffens had in common. After spending most of their college lives together Michelle and Douglas both graduated in May of 2016 from East Carolina University. After college Douglas followed Michelle to Greensboro, North Carolina when she accepted a job as a Nurse at a local hospital and he accepted a job as a teacher. A little over a month after graduation Douglas was ready to pop the question to Michelle. It only took Douglas 30 minutes and looking at 3 rings before he found the perfect ring for Michelle. On June 24, 2016 in Greensboro, Douglas asked Michelle to spend the rest of her life with him. Michelle was surprised, exactly how he planned it with the help of many of their closest friends helping him make this day one to remember for the both of them. After nearly 4 and a half years of dating, these college sweethearts will go from meeting at a rainy football day at ECU to tying the knot on July 8, 2017.

Our Story

Details

Your best man is usually your brother if you have one; Jayrese may not be a blood brother but fits every aspect of being a brother to me. One of my longest tenured friends, we have been inseparable since middle school. He even has been a staple in the Steffens family; my mom always loves to see him and is always excited when Jayrese was coming over to hangout. It was really a no brainer when I got engaged who I wanted by my side on one of the most important days of my life. I remember from a young age talking about being the best men in each other's wedding and that kids talk, is turning into reality. 

Jayrese Jones

 Laila and I met sophomore year of high school. We have been through it all throughout the years, from being fellow "raspberries" in med careers, beach trips to dirty myrtle, and too many tequila shots to count. We have also had a lot of firsts together, including her first aquarium trip. When I got engaged I immediately knew that I wanted her to be by my side during a first for me, getting married. Laila is the most kind-hearted person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She makes a friend everywhere she goes and would do anything to help you out no matter what the situation. Just a warning though, she tends to get emotional and cry, so if you don't understand what she's saying in her toast (along with her accent) just clap and maybe she'll wrap it up quickly.

Laila Zegarra

The man we call "dad" among my group of friends, not only reminds you with looks of a 40 year old with 3 kids, but has been a go to guy for me with anything going on in my life over the last few years. AJ may be 3 years younger than me, but he is one of the most mature and well-spoken individuals I have ever met in my life. One minute you can be having the most important, intelligent conversation with him, and the next minute we start speaking our own language, many people scratch their heads at, and busting in to laughs. With AJ you get the best of both worlds, and that is why this day wouldn't be the same without him. 

AJ Siersma

 Although Jenna and I have only known each other for about a year, it feels like I have known her my whole life. Not only is she one of my best friends, but also my little in our sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma. When Jenna first started pledging, we went on a "date" to McAlister's. I was on the search for a little and we had been paired together for the week. I have to admit, at the beginning it was really awkward. All that awkwardness quickly faded away though. We have shared so many laughs and created so many memories in the year we have known each other. We survived the 25-foot drop into Laguna Dudu in the Dominican with only a few bumps and bruises (and a busted lip for me), have cheered "FORMAL" in the car all the way to Georgia (can't forget about "cup" too), and have sang our hearts out at the Dixie Chicks concert. I can't wait to see what other memories we make and I am absolutely thrilled to have her take part in our big day.

Jenna Pate

 Allison, or "Quaker" as most of you have heard me refer to her as, has been a good friend of mine since high school. She has the most go-with-the-flow, carefree attitude out of anyone I've ever met. Despite being apart for months at a time during my college years, I always looked forward to coming home and reuniting with her. We have always been able to pick up right where we left off and for that I truly feel blessed. If you are looking for Quaker during the wedding, I can guarantee she'll be right in the middle of the dance floor swaying along to whatever song is playing and having the time of her life.

Allison Townsend

Not only a fraternity brother of mine but a pledge brother, and if you know anything about fraternities your pledge brothers are some of the closest guys to you in the fraternity. One guy I met early in my college career (since it feels like it took him 10 years to graduate) was an easy choice to be a grromsman considering he has seen Michelle and I grow from the beginning of our relationship. Jordon and I are constantly joking on each other, leaving few moments we aren't laughing and having a great time with each other. Where can you find Jordon on the big day?...middle of the dance floor making you think "is this man dancing or having a seizure"?

Jordon Hargrove

 Katie started dating my brother Mark when they were in high school. At the time she was known to my family as "9:30", but she is now such a vital part of our group that it's hard to imagine a time without her there. Growing up I remember Katie's family would always sit in the pew in front of ours every week in church. Little did we know what would happen in the years to come. We have had endless wine nights and family trips, my favorite being our 4 hour trip through Tanglewood's Festival of Lights last Christmas. I stood beside Katie on her big day and I am absolutely thrilled to have here beside me on mine. 

Katie Parsells

If you want to have a good time, Shamar is someone you think of right away. The first time I met this man he introduced himself as "ShamWow", if that doesn't say I'm here to have a good time I don't know what does. His "down for anything" attitude he has about life makes him not only a great time but one of the most loyal and trustworthy guys I know. If I ever have any trouble, or need a favor I know Shamar would always be there to have my back. On the big day watch for this man to be hitting some hot dance moves on the dance floor. Watch out ladies.

Shamar Collins

 When Malori first started dating my brother Matthew, he refused to admit that she was his girlfriend. We all knew better though and it didn't take long for the truth to come out. Malori fit in with our family so well and has been there for many of my favorite memories. I also stood beside her on her big day and can't imagine her not being there for mine. She sees the good in any situation and is always there to have a good time. When you are with her, there is never a dull moment. If you see someone on the big day squatting various guests, don't worry that's just Malori.

Malori Parsells

Luke, better known as Breeze to my family and friends, has stuck around with me since we were in the 2nd grade; Someone who has been able to put up with me for that long no doubt deserves to be a part of this big day. Living in North Carolina doesn't give me the chance to see Breeze as much as I would like, but what makes our friendship so strong is even being away from each other months at a time, when we get back together it's like we didn't miss a beat and we pick up right where we last left off. All I hope is he can be on time for once for this big day, so if you see a guy walking in the church in the middle of the ceremony, Breeze has arrived. 

Luke Breazzano

Curtis got to know me very well as my college roommate for the last year of my college career. This quiet and reserved guy, is like an onion…you have to peel back all the layers to get to know the real Curtis Pyburn. I am still peeling back layers to him but have found out a lot about this guy to call upon him to stand by me on this big day. I worry if Michelle and I's wedding day doesn't come soon enough he could steal her away from me, as they seem to adore each other whenever they are together. Since first meeting we have both grown a lot and I am honored to have him celebrate this day with me. 

Curtis Pyburn

 Karlene/"Toby" is not only my cousin, but a very close friend of mine. We like to call her an honorary Parsells because she always seems to be there during all our family gatherings. I remember one family trip in particular to Grandfather Mountain. I'm not sure where the idea came from, but we found a cardboard box and slid down the hill on top of it. We all had so much fun during that trip and later reminisced on our day while sitting in the hot tub in our underwear because we had all forgotten our bathing suits (yes there's pictures to prove it). Karlene has always been there for me, she was even my confirmation sponsor. I am so happy that she will be there to take part in our day.

Karlene O'Shea

 Madelyn and Elaina are my little cousins. They have been in each of my brother's weddings so there was no question about who we would choose to be our flower girls as well. They have very recently started to become comfortable around Doug and it is so much fun to watch them interact. These girls have such beautiful, completely different personalities and will be sure to steal your hearts the second you lay eyes on them.

Michelle & Douglas

Michelle & Douglas

Registry

The happy couple is registered at: