Barb & Troy: A Romantic Uptown Social Wedding Ceremony
Some weddings are beautiful. Some are joyful. And then there are the weddings that reach into your heart and stay there—ceremonies where love feels both inevitable and extraordinary. Barb & Troy’s Uptown Social wedding ceremony in Michigan City, Indiana was exactly that kind of day for me.
As their officiant—and as Barb’s longtime friend—standing beside them in June 2022 was an honor that felt years in the making. Barb and I met in the events industry back in 2010, and very early in our friendship she jokingly (but seriously) “called dibs” on me to officiate her wedding someday. She told me this long before she ever met Troy. And yet, here we were, in a room filled with their favorite people, witnessing a love story that was absolutely worth the wait.
How Their Love Story Found Its Way to This Day
Their modern beginning on a dating app has become one of my favorite origin stories. Barb felt an instant spark reading Troy’s profile—his height, his humor, his shared love of food, travel, and sports, even his strict stance on punctuality (a bold pairing for Barb). She made the first move, and their first date at The Darling quickly told them everything they needed to know: this was different, this was right, and this was likely the last first date either of them would ever have.
Their relationship grew in big ways—Troy moving in with Barb despite the brutal commute—and in ordinary, tender ways too. During the pandemic, Troy created a candlelit, gourmet “night out” at home, complete with a curated playlist, proving that love thrives not because of circumstances, but because of who you weather them with.
A Ceremony Rooted in Love, Memories, and Meaning
The ceremony included a beautiful reading of Stevie Wonder’s “As,” delivered by their friend Daniel. Even without the melody, the lyrics echoed the spirit of the day—a vow to love each other “always,” through seasons, changes, joys, and challenges.
In my message for marriage, I shared memories from my friendship with Barb—her leadership, her fierce devotion to her people, her vulnerability in hoping for love—and my early impressions of Troy. I admitted I once wondered if anyone could possibly be worthy of her. But as their story unfolded, it became obvious that Troy wasn’t only worthy—he was exactly who the universe had been saving for her. Thoughtful, compassionate, steady, patient, hilarious, and yes… exceptionally good in the kitchen.
Their favorite shared memory—their engagement—revealed just how deeply connected they are. Troy cherished the quiet moment before he proposed, knowing what was about to change. Barb cherished the attention to detail, the sentimental ring made with heirloom diamonds, the intimacy of feeling like the world paused just for them.
A Love Worth Waiting For
Knowing Barb as I do, I’ve seen her believe fiercely in the possibility of love—even when she’d been disappointed along the way. Watching her marry Troy, the man who genuinely sees her, celebrates her, and walks beside her with humor, devotion, and heart, was one of the greatest joys of my life.
Barb & Troy’s Uptown Social wedding ceremony wasn’t just beautiful.
It was purposeful.
It was personal.
It was perfect for them.
And it was an honor I will cherish forever. Congrats on 3.5+ years of marriage, my friends!
EVENT TEAM
Photographer: Gerber+Scarpelli Weddings
Floral: House Finch Floral
DJ: Amplified Events
Venue: Uptown Social
Officiant: Zen Events
