Nishma's Story:
We first met at our friend Uche's birthday party in 2015 on the day before Valentine's Day. In the way that he interacted with his friends, Brandon exuded kindness, generosity, and warmth in a way that made him stand out from across the room. He also caught my eye because he was wearing a tuxedo complete with a bowtie at a rather casual event, an apartment pregame to be followed by an evening at a nightclub called Sound Bar. As we got to talking, Brandon explained his attire. He had just been to a charity car show, reflecting his love for cars and for helping his community. The more we talked, the more Brandon seemed too good to be true. He kept me laughing, was nerdy in the best way, was attentive to both me and his friends at the same time, and had a comfortable confidence that absolutely drew me in. Brandon invited me out on a first date the following night on Valentine's Day, and now we're getting married this May!
Brandon's Story:
February 13th, 2015, was a Friday, and I had double-booked my evening plans to be split between a black-tie fundraiser early in the evening and my good friend Uche's birthday festivities. After I spent an hour and a half at a great fundraiser, I departed for Uche's apartment dressed in a tuxedo I couldn't wait to change out of. Upon arriving to Uche's apartment fashionably late, I was greeted by a combination of both old friends and new faces. I will never forget the first time I saw Nishma from across Uche's living room, she was simply stunning. I had no intention of talking to her at first, as I thought a girl like that would either surely be taken or would write me off as "the weirdo that comes to birthdays in tuxedos," because let's be real, I looked like a total tool. After a couple of adult beverages and a pep talk from a friend, I straightened my bowtie out and mustered the courage to talk to the woman that would quickly become my best friend. For some reason, she was not freaked out by my tuxedo and we talked late into the night. I was immediately enthralled by Nishma's humility, beauty, and fun and laid back spirit.
Prior to parting ways, I asked if she would like to go to see a comedy show featuring Sinbad with me the following day, Valentine's Day. Nishma once again proved to be flexible and amenable to my offbeat ways. She agreed to go on a first date... the day after we met... on Valentine's Day.. with a relative stranger... to a black comedy show.
To make things even more interesting for Nishma, I failed to tell her that my parents would be attending the show in a different section. Needless to say, she and I were both surprised when my nosey dad met us at the entrance of the Chicago Theatre to see who this mystery woman was. Once again, Nishma did not bat an eye as the already atypical date got exponentially more awkward and offputting. Thanks, dad!
This is the Sachedina parents' actual cake topper from when they got married in 1981.
Thanks, Bha (translates to "brother"), for finding it for our engagement day!
with all of the people we love! That's you!
