We were on the rooftop of Twenty Six Chicago. We were in the heart of the city. So the hustle and bustle of the streets below us became a sweet harmony with the joyful chatter ensuing from Kristen and Baba's loved ones. The soft string lights overhead cast a warm, enchanting glow over the entire gathering, setting the mood for what was to come. It was as if the night itself was in love with Kristen and Baba. You could feel it in the air—the way everyone held their breath, the way every eye was glued to the center of the terrace. In the heart of it all, Baba stood with Kristen by his side. The couple, radiant in their happiness, began their heartfelt thank you speech. Baba’s words were filled with genuine warmth, expressing gratitude to every single guest, family member, and friend who had joined them on their special day. But what captured all of us in a moment we’ll never forget was when Baba turned to Kristen. There, under the stars, with everyone watching, he looked at his bride as though she was the only person in the world. His voice, steady and full of emotion, broke the silence: "I love you. Period." The words were simple yet powerful, and you could feel the weight of his sincerity in every syllable. Kristen, standing next to him, began to wipe away tears, touched by his raw, unfiltered love.

He continued, explaining how he gives thanks for her every single day, acknowledging that words alone couldn’t capture the magnitude of his love for her. In that instant, it felt like a scene straight from a fairytale. The kind where the prince declares his undying devotion to the princess, and the whole world melts away, leaving just the two of them. It was romantic. It was raw. It was real.


The beauty of Baba’s words lay not in their complexity but in their simplicity. They reminded all of us present that love doesn’t need to be grand or overly poetic—it just needs to be true. And in that rooftop moment, love, in its truest form, was right in front of us.

I am drawn to this moment for many reasons. The first reason is that honestly, Baba shocked me. This man was pretty shy about running around the city taking pictures during their engagement session because all eyes were on them. I knew that he's a well-spoken guy and I knew he has a deep love and admiration for Kristen, but I didn't expect him to pour his heart out in front of so many people. It honestly brought tears to my eyes! The second and arguably the most important reason is that Kristen and Baba’s day was a reminder that amidst all the details—flowers, venues, dresses—the most important part is the love you share. And theirs was an unforgettable celebration of two people who are head over heels in love. It was a beautiful reminder to live and love with your whole heart, every single day. That's honestly the epitome of who Kristen and Baba are though. Authentic, joyful, and deeply in love. They are genuine in everything they do. They love with their whole hearts, and let me tell you to be loved by them is a true blessing. They care so deeply about everyone in their lives and they truly are a light in this life. Kristen and Baba go out of their way to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. Honestly, to be around them is to feel like you're home even if you're physically thousands of miles away from it. Their easygoing natures and their joyful spirits are all you really need to surround yourself with in this life. On top of their loving hearts, Kristen and Baba are simply just fun to be around. I know 'fun' can be such a lackluster word, but it's simple and straight to the point. They always have smiles on their faces and carry themselves in a way that exudes confidence and radiates joy. I can obviously speak so highly of Kristen and Baba until I'm blue in the face, but if there's one thing I hope you take away from all of this, it's to find a K & B in your life and hold them close to your heart. And take a page from Kristen and Baba’s fairytale. Love deeply, speak from the heart, and remember that the real magic happens when you simply stand in front of your person, look into their eyes, and say, "I love you. Period."


Kristen & Baba, I hope you know that your love and your wedding day are the pages of a story that lingers in your heart long after the party has ended. It was a beautiful day celebrating you and your beautiful life together. So thank you endlessly for letting me be a tiny part of it all. Honestly, quoting you, Baba, when I say that I don't have to words to truly express my love and gratitude for the two of you. Thank you for always being you. Thank you for loving one another and others so fiercely. Thank you for showering me in that same love because I not only share in these beautiful memories with you, but I am walking away with lifelong friends. I'm honored to know you and blessed to be close to you. Cheers to a lifetime and then some!


Vendors:


Venue: Twenty Six Chicago

Planning: Danielle Kolb Events

DJ: DJ Fragg

Catering: LM Catering

Content Creation: Tess Weber Social Co

Gown: Kleinfeld NYC | Anne Barge

Suit: The Black Tux

Rings: Jared

Dresses: Birdy Grey

Florals: All Unique Events

Makeup: Jazzy Beauty

Hair: KVSS Beauty

Invitation Suite: Zola

Design: LD Events