established in 2016
Our love story has all of the ingredients that make for a heart-warming romantic comedy. Our story began with an innocent hello over a cup of coffee and has evolved into a loving and caring relationship that is built to last forever. We have shared countless laughs and smiles, sampled delicious cuisines, traveled to numerous destinations both near and far, and shed tears from the fear of the unknown. But through it all, we have become best friends and soul mates that care deeply about one another and constantly strive to be our best selves for the other.
Our first date was on March 30, 2016. We still love to laugh about this wonderful memory. Belana was very adamant that the date be low-key. In true Chris fashion, I went all out in hopes of making a good first impression – quick bites at a Michelin-rated restaurant and cocktails at a speakeasy overlooking the Chicago skyline. (Side note from B: Low-key, right?!) Despite missing the mark of a low-key date by quite a bit, we greatly enjoyed each other’s company that evening. We spent hours talking about everything from our childhood, to our college experiences, to…children! Despite engaging in topics that are off-limits for a first date (looking at you, kids), we couldn’t tear ourselves away from each other. As the evening drew to a close, we shared a magical first-kiss on the corner of Fairbanks and Ontario under a slight drizzle. Both of us were left with smiles that have been engrained into our memories that will last a lifetime.
After that first date, we never looked back – board games at Guthrie’s, archery lessons at the American Indian Center, a visit with a psychic, more sushi than we even thought possible, and Beyoncé (enough said). And, that was just in Chicago! We both share a travel bug and have been fortunate to experience the beauty that other parts of our country and world have to offer. Whether it was our conversation over brunch at Paladar 511 in New Orleans, or cheering on Paris Saint-Germain in Orlando, or sharing a kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower, we have always experienced life together and loved every second of it. This love manifested itself even more on Sunday, December 3, 2017, when I asked Belana for her hand in marriage.
Okay, Chris, scoot over. I am taking over for now...
I knew Chris was going to propose before the end of the year, but wasn't quite sure when. Sure, I had identified several potential weekends, but no good hints had revealed themselves yet. When Saturday, December 2, 2017 came and went, I had thought there goes another weekend. So on Sunday, December 3, 2017 when Chris walked up to me lounging on the couch while carrying two glasses of sparkling rosé and wearing a shirt he made himself that read 'Operation B', I was beyond stunned! First, I couldn't believe he still managed to surprise me and second, I marveled at Chris' ability to craft a shirt with such a straight line! Chris handed me a glass and said, "Today, we are going to get engaged, but first, we have some things to do." After some serious ugly crying and hugging, we got ready to go to our first stop: Brunch at Avec. We shared some lovely rustic Mediterranean food and chatted happily while sharing lots of long, loving looks into each others' eyes. I couldn't help myself! As the meal wrapped up, Chris casually said, "We better get going. You have an appointment at Nordstrom with a personal shopper. They are going to help you pick out something nice to wear for dinner." HARD SWOON. THIS MAN IS AMAZING.
Donna at Nordstrom was a perfect fairy godmother. She helped me find an adorable black, crushed velvet top and a simple necklace to top it off. I felt amazing. Thanks, Donna! After finishing up at Nordstrom, Chris revealed the next surprise on our journey: a relaxing stop at the nail salon. A perfect mani to compliment a gorgeous engagement ring – yes please! The lovely team at Nails by Joy treated me to a relaxing mani-pedi, while Chris was treated to a well-deserved pedicure. After all, he was getting engaged too! After a perfect polish, we called a car and started on to the next stop. I had no idea where we were going. This was the closest I got to prematurely thinking we were getting engaged. Finally, the car pulled up right in front of a hair salon. Chris is by far the most thoughtful, sweet, and detailed person I know. I could barely handle all this precious pampering! After a great scalp massage and some gentle curls in my hair, we headed back to the house to get ready for dinner.
We got ready rather quietly as we were both getting really nervous! At this point, there are only a few hours left in the day and by Chris's nervous state, I knew we must be close to the question. Less than 10 minutes after calling a car, we stopped in the middle of a deserted street in a warehouse district. I was very confused and slightly concerned. Chris led me to a small door with delicate little candles outside (now known to me as Ada Street). We walked down a long, moody, brick hallway. Coming out the other end, I was shaking and praying I wouldn't trip over myself in my heels. Chris greeted the host and gave his name for the reservation. The host (now known to me as Scott) said "I am so sorry! There is a huge party that booked up the dining room. Can you please head back to the front while we try to find you a table?" OH CRAP! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?! CRAP! ALSO, PLEASE DON'T TRIP. We walked back up to the front and Scott opened a velvet curtain that definitely wasn't there before. I followed Chris through and behind the curtain was a cozy room with a long table covered in candles of all sizes and gorgeous winter flowers. It was the most beautiful room I had ever seen. The flickering candles dripped down the sides of their candelabras and cast shadows on the wooden walls with dark moody portraits. The centerpieces had incredible textural elements and beautiful flowers in soft creams and deep greens. Peeling my eyes away, I looked for the man who crafted this indescribable moment. There he was on one knee. If the room was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, there is nothing to express how beautiful, intimate, and moving the words Chris shared with me. Looking into his eyes, I couldn't believe how fortunate I am to love and be loved by this exceptional human. Without a single doubt in my mind, I whole-heartedly agreed to spend the rest of my life with the greatest person I have ever known.
*Wipes tear away*
Okay, Chris. We can finish this off together...
We are beyond excited to celebrate the next chapter of our lives with those we hold dear to our hearts. Through the union of our love, we are fortunate to be bringing together three incredible families (the Antars, Burkholders, and Stalcups). We also have the honor of celebrating our love in front of numerous friendships, both new and old, that have been forged at various stages of our lives. Words cannot describe how lucky we feel to have such a strong, loyal, and loving group of family and friends. Your support and love have made our relationship even better over the years. We cannot wait to celebrate with everyone on September 1, 2019!
With all our love,