Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

At some point in life, we trade fairytales for reality and look back through reading glasses, humbled by the lives we’ve lived…surrounded by immeasurable love, joy, happiness, and also the unavoidable pain that comes with losing people we deeply loved. Sometimes, after all of that, it can feel almost selfish to wonder if the universe might still have one more great love waiting for us. One more chance to find that feeling again. It was during our first date at Napa at Kingsley in Fort Mill that we both quietly realized maybe life really does give you another chance at happiness. Easy conversation turned one date into three, then ten, in rapid succession, and we were both reminded what it feels like to fall in love. But this time was different. There were no pressures of building careers or raising young families. Instead, we were able to simply appreciate each other, grateful for the lives and loves that shaped us and that we had already been fortunate enough to experience. Those past chapters didn’t diminish what we found together…they set the bar high and taught us exactly what mattered most. We quickly realized how lucky we were to find one another, and commitment came naturally. Whether we were sharing dinner, sitting in rocking chairs watching ripples on the water, Nick cooking at home, or watching an old movie together, everything fit into place. When the engagement happened, at the very place where it all began on our first date, the “yes” came easily. Ours is a love built on mutual respect, shared interests, honoring the past while fully embracing the future we now get to share together. For years, we each dreamed separately about what these next chapters of life might look like. Now, we get to dream together and are eager for many years traveling, pickleball, quiet mornings, laughter, and all the little moments we worked so hard over a lifetime to enjoy. Because what good is a beautiful moment if you cannot share it with the person you love? For two people who once wondered if life had already given them all the magic it had to offer, our cups truly runneth over.

Our Story

Photos

Kai Griffin is honored to be giving his Mother away on her wedding day.Kai is Tricia's oldest child and he has always been a supportive and kind son, and his enthusiasm for welcoming Nick into their family was evident. The bond they've formed is strong, with Kai even taking the time to give Nick one-on-one Pickleball lessons, fostering a friendship rooted in fun and camaraderie. Seeing his mother find love again, especially with someone as genuine and caring as Nick, fills Kai with immense joy. He knows that Tricia deserves a partner who will cherish and uplift her and is thrilled that she has found that in Nick. As Kai walks his mother down the aisle, he carries not just the weight of tradition but also the warmth of a son's love and the hope for a bright future.

Lauren is Tricia's youngest child and has been by her side through every milestone. Warm, dependable, and endlessly organized, Lauren helped coordinate pre-wedding events and kept the bride calm during planning. She and Tricia love spending time together, and Lauren’s thoughtful, steady presence means the day will be filled with laughter, support, and a few happy tears.

Lauren Griffin

Todd is one of the most meaningful friendships I’ve gained in my life. We met almost 20 years ago working in the industrial equipment world, quickly discovering a shared passion for food, cooking, and all things culinary. Over the years, we’ve supported each other through personal challenges, celebrated wins, and built a connection that never fades, even when time and distance get in the way. I have tremendous respect for Todd, and I couldn’t imagine anyone else standing beside me as my best man.


Todd Sturtz

Wedding Party

Attire Guide

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

40 Perfect Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for September, October and November

40 Inexpensive Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code and Vibe

Our recommendation for the gentlemen would be to strike a balance between formal and casual, allowing for elegance without being overly dressed up:Suit with a button down dress shirt and a tieSports coat or blazer with a dress shirt, with or without a tieDress shirt with a tie and dress pantsFor the ladies we would like to blend elegance with comfort:Full length dressMidi or Tea-Length DressesCocktail dressJumpsuits

Dress Code

Q + A

Here are a few recommendations for hotels. Of course Airbnb's are always good.Hampton Inn in Rock Hill, SCPrice per night is $112.00Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites Charlotte in South End. Lots to do in that area.Price per night is 282.00Cambria Hotel in Fort Mill, SC. An in-between spot for Charlotte and Rock Hill.Price per night is $141.00Please let us know if you have any questions. There are so many options.

Travel

Kid&#39;s&nbsp;science&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;tech&nbsp;museum&nbsp;with&nbsp;interactive&nbsp;exhibits,&nbsp;an&nbsp;aquarium,&nbsp;rain&nbsp;forest&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;IMAX&nbsp;theater.

Discovery Place Science

Recreational&nbsp;grounds&nbsp;with&nbsp;whitewater&nbsp;rafting,&nbsp;canoeing,&nbsp;kayaking,&nbsp;rock&nbsp;climbing,&nbsp;zip&nbsp;lining&nbsp;&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;more.

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Famous&nbsp;for&nbsp;it&#39;s&nbsp;massive&nbsp;8-acre&nbsp;family&nbsp;and&nbsp;dog-friendly&nbsp;outdoor&nbsp;biergarten&nbsp;and&nbsp;a&nbsp;vast&nbsp;indoor&nbsp;Festhalle.

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten

Stop&nbsp;by&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;glass&nbsp;of&nbsp;wine&nbsp;or&nbsp;beer,&nbsp;&nbsp;has&nbsp;a&nbsp;very&nbsp;friendly&nbsp;environment&nbsp;with&nbsp;indoor&nbsp;and&nbsp;outdoor&nbsp;sitting&nbsp;areas.

Tricia & Nick

Tricia & Nick

Things to Do

Discovery Place Science

U.S. National Whitewater Center

The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery & Biergarten

Grapevine - Baxter