Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

The year was 1999. Justin Timberlake had ramen noodles for hair and Y2K was a serious threat to global meltdown. Josh was a sophomore at Sun Valley High School. And on the 2nd day of class of her senior year, Nicole moved from Onalaska, TX to Indian Trail, NC to live with her Aunt Davida, Uncle Steve, Grandma, and at-the-time 1-year-old cousin, Nicholas. Apparently the only elective left to sign up for was Honors Chamber Chorus. No matter how hard she pleaded with her guidance counselor, nothing could be done. She was going to have to sing. Walking horrified into the Choir Room, Nicole looked around at all of the students who had auditioned to get their seat in the class. She quietly told the instructor, Mrs. Gregory, "I'm so sorry. This is the only class they had left and I just transferred here. I can't sing, but I know sign language and I can really just stand off to the side and sign for you..." Mrs. G always had a twinkle in her eye and that day was no different. She asked Nicole to sing Happy Birthday, in way too high an octave. Nicole sang, red faced and embarrassed. Mrs. G said, "Great! You're a second soprano. Have a seat right here." Nicole was familiar with the term "soprano" and knew at once there was no way she was going to be able to hit any note in that register, but quietly sat with the snobby kids anyway. After about 10 minutes of pretending to sing, she finally just asked Mrs. G if she could be an alto. Mrs. G acquiesced and Nicole shuffled over to the altos which featured someone who was definitely gothic and a little blonde kid who clearly thought she was running the show. Behind them sat little Joshua Stines. When he laughed, his little eyeballs disappeared into his face. He was absolutely adorable. But, boy was he annoying. He sang so loudly, Nicole couldn't hear the music, so she had to physically lean into Maria to match pitch. He was constantly arguing with everyone. But Nicole just sat there and listened, counting the days to graduation. Fast forward to five years later. Josh was in college at NC State and Nicole had already graduated from Barton and was now working there as a Hall Director. As she often did, Nicole came home to stay with the family and Maria asked her to go out. On the way to Kristophers in downtown Matthews, Maria told Nicole that they were meeting Josh there. Well, in high school, Maria was friends with one of the major hippy dudes named Josh, so Nicole just assumed that's who she meant. But, low and behold, when the ladies arrived, it was Mr. Joshua Stines who stood up to greet them. Nicole pretended to be cordial but was immediately annoyed that it was this Josh. After a few beers, she realized that he wasn't so bad after all, and they could now be friends. Nicole and Josh were friends through all of their young adult years. They met each other's girlfriends/boyfriends. They partied (a lot). Every time Nicole would come back home to Charlotte, without fail she would call Josh if for nothing else, to have dinner. They were truly good friends. In the spring of 2015, Nicole was living in Atlanta, but her company sent her to Charlotte for a business trip. Just like any other time a hundred times before, Nicole texted Josh, "Have dinner with me tonight. I demand it." And since she asked so nicely, he obliged. Josh arrived first at the trendy little fish taco place in NoDa. When Nicole walked in, she scanned the room looking for the freshly shaven, youthful, overjoyed Josh, but didn't see him anywhere. Eventually, her eyes met with a handsome, bearded man sipping calmly on wine. There was a certain recognition in his eye and a smile slowly spread across his face. She realized then that the attractive bearded man in the corner was actually Josh. Her face flushed as she sat down. The rest, as they say, is history.

How we got here

So, funny story... The day before we closed on our house, my company got a large account... and my housekeepers couldn't handle the work load alone... so I had to go in and help clean vacant apartments. I had to go straight from there to the closing. And Josh asked me to meet him at the house. So I did. And then he proposed. And, as you can see, I look like a hot mess. But that's okay. It was by far one of the happiest moments of my life. I am so blessed to have this thoughtful man in my life. He put so much thought into this moment. From the ring itself to crafting the ring box. <a href="https://youtu.be/rGGWSckJS38" target="_blank">Luckily it was all was captured on video so we can watch it and relive the beautiful moment. If you click on this link, so can you!</a>

The Proposal

Our Story

Details

Liz and Nicole grew up going to church together at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, Alabama. They had a late night or two discussing important topics (boys), eating Oreos, curling each other's hair, and playing Monopoly. The girls found themselves playing softball at West Homewood Park and volleyball together at HMS. They were friends growing up, but they became really close when Nicole moved back to Birmingham in 2006. They have been at each other's side at the absolute worst moment's of each other's lives and, more importantly, at the best. Julie was named for Liz, her God Mother, because it's Nicole's sincerest hope that Julie will have the same Pisces traits that Liz possesses: intelligence, sincerity, generosity, and love. Even though Nicole is older (and taller), she has always looked up (figuratively) to Liz as a wife. The communication, honesty, and passionate adoration and love that Liz and her husband, Marc share should be an example to any couple. 

Liz Parker

Gary Stout

Marc Parker

Katie was Nicole's "grand little" in college. For those of you who are non Greek, that means that they were not only in the same sorority (PHI MU), but they were also in the same "family". And those sorority girls take this stuff seriously! While there are several girls from sorority that stay in close contact, Katie and Nicole always had a special bond. The two never miss an opportunity to hang out (read: drink lots of alcohol and get each other into trouble). From acting silly in Florida on Spring Break to dancing in the streets of New Orleans as adults, Katie has always been like a little sister to Nicole. Katie has grown into a responsible and successful adult who is an amazing aunt, sister, daughter, and friend. Nicole feels incredibly lucky to have such a great woman by her side during this happy time in her life. 

Katie Elliott

Anna Marie Stines

Leah and Nicole bonded on their 20-mile daily journey on the school bus from Onalaska to Livingston. For those of you who aren't aware, back in the olden days, Onalaska (population 246) didn't have a high school, so students were bused to "nearby" Livingston High School. Eventually, Nicole got her license and drove Leah in her sexy 1990 Dodge Dynasty to school every day. On more than one occasion, Leah's dad had to rescue the girls when Nicole would forget to fill up the tank. Leah enjoyed riding in the old lady car so little that she would literally hide in the floorboard as Nicole drove through the Sonic, where all the cool kids hung out after school. It gave Nicole much pleasure to torture Leah in this manner. And since she's going to tell you anyway, one time, Nicole left Leah for dead. It's not that big of a deal. She didn't die. Even though Nicole moved away their senior year, Leah and Nicole stayed friends - largely thanks to long distance plans on cell phones. They have many great memories including Psychadellic mini-golf, walking at least seven miles in NOLA, and working at Boles Grocery Store. Leah is actually such a good friend that she made this whole website for your viewing pleasure! (Nicole was just going to make a Facebook Event, but apparently that's not kosher.) :0) Leah has been a counselor, a cheerleader, and one of the best friends Nicole could ask for. 

Leah McFarland

Cory Hardman

"Preteen Wizards, we're the best. No one beats us, yes, yes, yes. We're so cool and we're so fine, we're unique and we're divine." True poets, Christy and Nicole were at the tender age of 11. At that time they had been Best Friends Forever for about 3 years. It's a special bond that's created when two awkward girls with a love of backwoods creeks and libraries find each other in the third grade. Christy, the ballerina. The intellectual. The one with the huge smile that could make you laugh with a glance. Nicole, the athlete. The thespian. The one who made Christy recite the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet at length years before they were even made to read it as assignment for school. It was a sad day when in the 7th grade when the girls learned that Christy was moving to Michigan. In a time before the internet, it seemed illogical for the ladies to remain in contact, let alone friends. But to this day, Nicole still holds dear the letters penned by Christy that helped keep their friendship alive despite the miles that  were between them. The girls committed to road trips and plane adventures and continued to see each other as much as they could. To this day, Nicole acknowledges that without Christy (and her family) in her life, she certainly would not be the person she is today. 

Christy McGillivray

Wedding Party

Photos

Registry

Q + A

$79 nightly + taxes and fees, group rate available - you must call to make reservations under this rate, please mention the "Stines' Wedding" to receive rate of $79 a night.Free hot breakfastOutdoor pool

Comfort Inn

Both Uber and Lyft operate in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. The typical price from the airport to Matthews, NC is $22-26 dollars per trip.

Uber and Lyft

$86.50 nightly average + taxes and feesFree hot breakfastIndoor heated pool

Country Inn & Suites

A ride from the airport to Matthews, NC in one of Charlotte's local taxi cabs usually ranges from $55-70 dollars per trip.

Local Cab Companies

$119 nightly average + taxes and feesOutdoor Pool

Courtyard Marriott

The Charlotte airport is currently served by nine rental car companies including Enterprise, Alamo, Avis, Hertz, National, Thrifty, Dollar, Advantage and Budget. Rental cars start at $15 a day.

Rental Cars

$99 nightly average + taxes and feesFree hot breakfastOutdoor Pool

Sleep Inn

$139 nightly average + taxes and feesFree breakfastOutdoor Pool

Nicole & Josh

Nicole & Josh

Registry

While gifts are appreciated please know that your well wishes and presence is a present enough.