Jen and Ahmed met in the spring of 2016. The couple shares a mutual love for the convivial atmosphere, so it makes sense Ahmed was throwing a party when they met for the first time. Ahmed says, “I was amazed when I opened the door and saw her because I had never seen anyone this beautiful before!” Jen recalls feeling an uncanny and instant connection as soon as she met Ahmed that evening. Friendship developed quickly and easily, and both felt the highest level of happiness when together- something neither of them had felt for quite some time. Now, this love story is no ordinary one because Jen and Ahmed have faced tough hardships related to Ahmed being from Saudi Arabia. For this reason, Jen was hesitant to be with Ahmed romantically since she knew the road would not be an easy one. In fact, several months went by and Jen and Ahmed went their separate ways, not talking to each other at all. Ahmed recalls hoping he would someday be with Jen again, and Jen states she searched for Ahmed in other people, but never quite met anyone who measured up or even came close. One day, Ahmed mailed Jen multiple love letters handwritten on elegant stationary. Jen is notorious for not checking her mail, so weeks went by before he heard back from her. Devastated and slightly embarrassed, Ahmed did not know what to think. When Jen finally DID check her mail, she recalls feeling impressed and incredibly special. She was amazed he took the time, even after months of not speaking, to carefully write out meaningful love letters just for her. She thanked Ahmed for the love letters and this was the first time they had spoken again for several months. As time went on, they remained in contact, and eventually started to spend time together. They both felt a romantic pull, especially when they would go for late night drives together just talking about life and eating candy from the gas station. Jen says, “I knew he was the love of my life and I had a choice to make. I could continue to resist it and choose an easier route, or I could go for it and be all in.” Jen was also worried Ahmed no longer had feelings for her- perhaps it was too late. Little did she know, Ahmed’s love was still growing strong and he too was hoping somehow a miracle could bring them together. One day Jen mustered up the courage to tell Ahmed how truly she felt. Ahmed, being mysterious as he is sometimes, asked her to meet him that evening to talk. Jen and Ahmed went for hookah at their favorite, cozy hookah cafe and finally, after some serious conversation, they kissed! Needless to say, they both decided this love was worth the trials and tribulations ahead and decided to fight to be together against all odds. The rest is history!

It was a crisp, bright, and sunny fall afternoon when Ahmed proposed to Jen on October 13th, 2018. Ahmed says he was inspired to propose when he and Jen went to Disney World previously in August 2017. While watching the fireworks at Magic Kingdom, he says he looked into her eyes and knew without a doubt Jen was his princess. It would be a whole 15 months later in October when Ahmed proposed after extensive ring shopping and nerve wracking planning. Jen and Ahmed had a trip planned to NYC for December of 2018 and Jen had a slight feeling Ahmed would propose in front of the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center (because.. she directly told him she’d love that!). Something Jen had always emphasized to Ahmed was that she wanted to be completely surprised with no idea a proposal was about to happen. Ahmed took this seriously, and he delivered! On the crisp, bright, and sunny fall afternoon in October, Ahmed told Jen he was taking her to go apple picking and pumpkin picking at Eagle Creek park. Jen was confused since Eagle Creek does not have any such apple orchard or pumpkin patch. She had previously stated, “I want to go do cute fall stuff” so Ahmed lead her to believe they were going to spend the day doing just that. Still confused, Jen almost didn’t go with Ahmed to Eagle Creek because she kept telling him there would not be an apple orchard or pumpkin patch. Ahmed kept insisting there was a pop up farmstand at the park. Upon arrival to Eagle Creek, with no farmstand in sight, Jen became increasingly curious and started to say “told ya so.” They got out of the car and started to walk to a clearing in front of a pond. Slowly they walked up to what looked like someone else’s picnic and Jen said, “wait, we’re walking up on someone’s stuff!” Closer they walked and suddenly Jen started to hear music playing and Ahmed had started to act very strange with a weird look on his face and shaky hands. She then realized what song was playing- it was a cover of “Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing” and Ahmed began talking. The rest is described by both Ahmed and Jen as a whirlwind as Ahmed got down on one knee and asked Jen to marry him, revealing a sparkly diamond ring. Ahmed says he felt the whole world was spinning as he proposed. Jen replied with, “of course, yes!” and right at that moment, several mutual friends emerged from behind trees in celebration. Jen was so caught off guard and amazed by all of this! Jen may not have gotten the NYC Christmas tree proposal, but she got what she wanted by being completely surprised! And after all… when they went to NYC, couples were proposing in front of the tree left and right and the crowds were so huge and loud that Jen was thankful Ahmed did not propose there! Rather, Jen and Ahmed’s proposal was intimate, and most importantly, it was meaningful. Jen and Ahmed say they will never forget how gorgeous that fall day was.

Jen’s favorite thing about Ahmed is his attention to detail, especially when it comes to her. From day one, he has made her feel special with how he listens to what makes her happy and then provides it. His heart is big and full of love for others and Jen feels so fortunate to share life with someone with such a kind, giving soul.

Ahmed’s favorite thing about Jen is that she is a child at heart who is not afraid to let her inner child be expressed and happy. Also when he met her, he felt a special connection with how he could have deep, intellectual, and meaningful conversations with her. Ahmed feels he has found the perfect balance in Jen.

The Bride
· Jen was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. She attended Ball State University, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She worked for 2 years at Sallie Mae and then pursued accelerated nursing school at Marian University. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is in school (again!) pursing a Master’s of Science in Nursing to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and will graduate in May of 2021.

· Jen has 1 brother.

· Jen enjoys working out, traveling to new destinations, shopping, and anything relaxation based such as going to a spa or getting a massage.

· Jen’s pet peeve is that Ben sometimes tells long winded, “old man” stories.

The Groom
· Ahmed was born and raised in Alkhafji, Saudi Arabia. He moved to the USA in 2011 and did not know how to speak English at the time! He lived in Boston for a year and a half to focus soley on learning English. He moved to Indianapolis in 2013 to attend IUPUI and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Service Management. He intends to pursue a Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration.

· Ahmed is the oldest of 6 siblings. He has 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

· Ahmed enjoys cooking, playing video games, and is a huge Marvel fan.

· Ahmed’s pet peeve is that Jen leaves kitchen cabinet doors open.

· Travel to new destinations.

· Browse for unique finds at small, off the beaten path stores as well as thrift stores. And of course stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods.

· Going to the movies.

· Taking walks together, especially in nature.

· Dining out.

· The couple still enjoys going on drives!