How do two souls become one? It is a mystery woven through time. Our story is one that is still being woven. Let’s rewind a few years to understand how our individual souls united to be one.

 

Colin was building a life in Chicago. Overflowing with ambition, he dedicated his time to an industry built on speed and structure, but was always looking ahead.

 

Kristen was carrying South Africa with her into a new world of opportunity. Resilient, determined, she maintained a curiosity of life possessing a deeper meaning.

 

Different continents. Different backgrounds. The same kind of hope.

 

Then, somehow, we met. Slowly at first. We both maintained an element of caution. We soon learned our differences were not so different.

 

A first conversation that lingered on our minds. A first date conversing longer than planned. Through every challenging moment, we kept choosing each other.

 

There are over eight thousand five hundred miles between Chicago and Cape Town. Opposite seasons. Opposite weather. As time went on, home became less about a place and more about a person.

 

We did not plan this life. Fortunately, the best parts of life are unplanned. So we stopped worrying about challenges. Instead, we decided to take them on together without hesitation.

 

We did our vows in private at Lake Michigan on February 12th, 2026. We were married on February 13th, 2026 at City Hall in Chicago, Illinois.

 

On August 21st, 2026, we get to celebrate our elopement with you!

 

We feel extremely fortunate and blessed to celebrate with you. We cannot wait!