Wedding and Celebration

Our Wedding

<a href="https://youtube.com/shorts/cflAE68hYzk?feature=share" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">View our engagement video.</a>

By the time Tahira and John found each other, they’d arrived at a point in their lives when standards had shifted. Both professional communicators, among their criteria on the Match.com dating site was a potential partner who could spell well and otherwise had a solid command of the English language. That was the criteria for entry. A split verb in someone’s profile got that person deleted, on to the next. They met in 2018 — well, they were in the same room attending an awards luncheon for public relations professionals working in North Carolina’s public schools. The O. Henry Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina, was the venue. Tahira did not notice John. He remembered her being in work mode, maybe taking pictures with the communications team she led. Life happened. Relationships fizzled. Both tried Match.com. Tahira enjoyed some nice meals. John, a tightwad, paid for his unfair share of lunches and dinners, felt like he was financing a feeding ministry. John, living in Raleigh, North Carolina, wasn’t looking for anything long distance, but there was that day the algorithm gods saw fit to include in his Match.com offerings the headshot of a lady who had this exceptional set of teeth. It was the woman from the O. Henry! John pressed the like button on her profile. Tahira gave him a like, and what impressed her was not only John’s ability to spell but also his proclivity to say more than, “Hey, beautiful!!!” She is that, no question, but there were so many of those tired lines from guys introducing themselves through selfies in public restrooms. John offered a riddle, teasing her with prose about their shared experience in public school communications. “Who is this man? How does he know me?” Tahira wondered. Four days later, they had a first date on FaceTime. Which was practical, providing an opportunity for each to see whether their pictures on the dating site —- ahem! — matched what they saw in real time. Check. They had another FaceTime date —- the next day. They soon met in person, ax-throwing and dinner in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Tahira lives. Then dinner in Greensboro at a New Orleans-themed restaurant. Tahira’s from New Orleans. John knew exactly what he was doing. The thoughtfulness was mutual. John’s daddy was on his deathbed when he and Tahira connected online Jan. 14, 2024. She made it her business to attend the funeral when his father died in February, driving from Charlotte to Raleigh and back to Charlotte that same day. Nobody in John’s family knew she was there, didn’t know who she was. John’s friends didn’t know. Tahira didn’t grandstand in any way to let folks know she was there. It purely was about supporting someone with whom she might have a future. For the last two years, Tahira and John have chosen each other and worked to build a solid relationship filled with love, so many laughs, support and friendship. They will carry that into the rest of their lives with each other. As Tahira and John become one, they are excited to share their special day with family, friends and loved ones. #McCannMatch

Our Story

Photos

Kelly Batiste

Oh my, where do I begin? Tahira and I were actually classmates in Junior High School at Francis W. Gregory Junior High School. We were cordial and friendly, but didn’t really hang out too much! I left Gregory to begin high school in ninth grade, and Tahira attended a different high school in another area of the city. So, we really didn’t keep in touch. On December 15, 1996, our paths would cross again when we were both initiated into the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. We have been inseparable ever since! Tahira is not only my line sister, but she is also like the blood sister I always wished I had. We speak on the phone just about every day, and we can go on and on about anything and nothing all at the same time! We discuss television shows, the latest in our lives, work, food, fashion, and just about anything. Before you know it, we would have talked for hours! That’s just how time flies when you are talking with someone so loving and caring! Tahira is that kind of friend who listens without judging, who supports without being too pushy, and who is just always there when you need her! I am so blessed to have her in my life and so lucky to call her my best friend. I am equally as excited to be a part of this next chapter of her life as she becomes Mrs. McCann. John is a lucky man to have met Tahira, and I know that their union will be blessed with many years of marital bliss. I also hope he understands that our phone calls will continue! Can’t wait for the turn up! #TheMcCannMatch

Dana Holden

Tahira and I have been best friends since Pre-K. We have seen each other through life’s ups and downs but THIS UP for her is by far the biggest and the best! I am so happy that God saved her, kept her and hid her for John! She has been the supportive bestie and sister like none other, while patiently waiting her turn as my life took me on both the traditional and non-traditional paths. Because of her patience, I believe that God has blessed her with the best in Mr. John McCann and I am elated to be chosen to walk alongside her, cheer her on and support her as she becomes Mrs. McCann.

Wedding Party

We kindly request formal attire. Ladies, we look forward to seeing you in your gowns or long dresses, and gentlemen, suits are for you. Tuxedos are not required. Some of you have inquired ... our primary wedding colors are burnt orange and plum, but please wear the color of your choice.

Dress Code

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1763257329550&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink&amp;_branch_match_id=949639849649768517&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5mbGRqbmxkaWpqYFadmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1rSnoqAMu7f7teAAAA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stalberte-McCann Reservation</a> NOTE: The first room block is full. If you would like a room at the Grand Bohemian, please send an email to tahiras@earthlink.net. Located in Charlotte, a 6-minute walk from Spectrum Center, Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection has accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also has a restaurant and a terrace. The property is a 4-minute walk from Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, and within a few steps of the city center. Rooms contain air conditioning and a flat-screen TV, and certain accommodations at the hotel have a city view. Guests at Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection can enjoy an American breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Mint Museum of Craft Design, Bank of America Stadium and NASCAR Hall of Fame. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is 5.6 miles from the property.

Grand Bohemian Charlotte, Autograph Collection

<a href="https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1771528589894&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink&amp;_branch_match_id=1553856269688991834&amp;_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0MtNLCrKzC8p0UvOz9UvSi3OyczLtgdK2ALZZSCOWmaKraG5uaGpkYWphaWFpYladmqlrXtQgFpdUWpaKlB3Xnp8UlF%2BeXFqka1rSnoqAI7DtedeAAAA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Stalberte-McCann Reservation</a> Charlotte Marriott City Center is located in the heart of downtown Charlotte. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi in public areas. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness center. Parking is offered for a fee. The air-conditioned rooms of Marriott Charlotte City Center feature modern decor. All rooms feature a flat-screen TV with cable. A coffee maker and small refrigerator are provided as well. Some rooms offer access to the M Club Lounge. Guests can enjoy full service dining at Stoke Charlotte, which serves American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Coco &amp; the Director, a coffee shop and co-lab space, is on site serving locally roasted coffee alongside local events, music and limited-edition local food selections. The Charlotte Marriott City Center is less than 1.2 mi from the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Bank of America Stadium. The Nature Museum and Discovery Place is a 7 minutes' walk from the hotel.

Tahira & John

Tahira & John

Photos