Charles Barkley daughter husband locked eyes with Christiana for the first time in May 2016 at Mason Jar a sports bar located in Manhattan.
Ilya's friend Eric Magleby had invited him to watch Villanova's national championship game at the sports bar where Christiana was also present with other Villanova alums.
One of the people present there had identified her as the daughter of the legendary basketball player Charles Barkey but he was mesmerized by her beauty and personality. Later that night he invited Wildcats fans back to his apartment and Barkley was also one of them.
After spending some more time with her that night he knew that she was the one for him. The couple began their romantic relationship in the spring of 2016.
During a Christmas vacation to Scottsdale Hoffman asked Chritiana's parents for her hand in marriage. The Barkleys gave their blessing and permission for the marriage.
The software developer began to plan the perfect proposal but sadly the pandemic intervened with his plan. He then started to figure out a way to get engaged during a lockdown.
Ilya First Proposed Christiana With A Ring Pop
During the lockdown, Christiana had mentioned to her partner that she saw someone proposing with a Ring Pop. During an interview with New York Times Hoffman revealed that she was indirectly hinting that if he didn't have a ring he could propose to her with a Ring Pop.
But little did she know that her partner had a better plan in his mind. He had contacted a jeweler to design a beautiful engagement ring. The entrepreneur had picked up the ring a day before Barkley's birthday and also bought a Butterfinger and Ring Pop.
On May 15, 2020, Ilya presented her with an at-home birthday bash; he then went down on one knee and proposed to her with Ring Pop before he pulled out the ring box.
Barkley then said yes with enthusiasm and happiness.
The Couple Had An Intimate Wedding Ceremony
The love birds tied the knot on March 6, 2021, at the Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Bungalows. They had invited only 120 guests who were their close family and friends.
The bride wore a beautiful sleeveless Reem Acra gown and the groom was clad in a dark-colored suit with no tie. The ceremony also included the Jewish tradition of bestowing seven blessings and signing the ketubah and it was led by Rabbi John Linder.
