Meet the Families
Carlin Clan
Family of the Bride
The Carlin Clan is comprised of Mary, Andrew, Stephanie, and Sophia. Mary and Andrew married in 1993 and had Stephanie, their oldest, in December of 1996. Sophia came along shortly after in March, 1998. They have been mainstays in the Oak Park community for the last 25 years. Mary is a local realtor and is a passionate supporter for various local charities. Andrew has been a longtime softball coach for both travel teams in Oak Park and for Fenwick High School. Stephanie and Sophia both went to college on the east coast and made their homes in the NYC area. Stephanie is a freelance composer and sound designer for theatre organizations in NYC. Sophia serves as a Creative Director for an indie-Shakespeare company and Educational Coordinator for various non-profits. The Carlins are thrilled to finally call Francis one of their own.
Lai Family
Family of the Groom
The Lai’s are comprised of Mary, Vince, Francis Alexander, Anthony, and Thomas. Mary Ellen Piette and Francis Vincent Lai married in 1995 and settled in Raleigh in 2008. Mary is an elementary school special-education teacher and Vince has been an independent consultant since 2005. Francis Alexander was born in Charlotte in September of 1996 and has gone by many monikers: Francis, Alex, Big Al, and Big Cat to name a few. He is a graduate of UNC and works as video editor for the National Basketball Association in Secaucus, NJ. He also freelances as a feature film editor. Anthony was born in Milwaukee in 2000 and is a graduate of NC State. Anthony works as an Engineer for Duke Energy, just a few blocks from the Lais' old house in Charlotte. Thomas was born in Milwaukee in 2003 and is currently enrolled at UNC studying Exercise and Sports Science and works as a Research Assistant and strength and conditioning coach for the UNC Track & Field and Football programs. The Lais are elated to have Sophia join the fold.
Ann Sugg
Officiant
Affectionately known as "Aunt D," Annie was chosen as the officiant for the ceremony due to her strong support of Sophia and Francis' relationship. Renowned for her cynicism towards love and romance, she was uncharacteristically charmed by Francis at first meeting. She even dubbed him with his own nickname, "MDF" short for, "My Darling Francis." D is elated to be the officiant for her favorite couple in the whole wide world and feels lucky to be such an integral part of their special day.