When they first matched on Tinder, there was an instant connection despite their obvious differences. Aliya had her distance settings exclusively set to match with people from NYC, while Dan had his set to avoid anyone from there since he lived on Long Island. To both of them, the distance and lifestyle differences felt like a headache waiting to happen. But when Aliya opened the app while visiting family in her hometown, Babylon, fate stepped in, and they matched.

On that summer day, they sat on different beaches on Long Island’s south shore. Dan was out east at Mastic Beach, while Aliya enjoyed a beach close to her family home. They started texting that day and never stopped. Their first date was just a day or so later.

Dan drove over an hour to pick Aliya up, planning to park, get out, and open the door for her. But as he rolled down her cramped Brooklyn street, he saw her running up behind his car in the side mirror. Without missing a beat, she threw open the door while he idled in the street, hopped in, and started the conversation as if they’d been friends forever.

The first date was at a hibachi restaurant in Queens, where Dan hadn’t yet mentioned the partial deafness in his right ear. Aliya blissfully sat on that side and chattered away all night. Despite straining to hear what she said, Dan still managed to make her laugh. From that night on, they’ve shared countless meals, laughs, and adventures.

Dan introduced Aliya to the joys of camping, while Aliya sparked Dan’s love of travel. Together, they’ve explored 19 states, enjoying everything from breweries and concerts to kayaking with dolphins in South Florida, partying in New Orleans, wandering Martha’s Vineyard, and camping under the stars on Montauk.

It didn’t take long for them to start looking for ways to be together more often. So, they hit the road, towing a small travel trailer behind Dan’s jeep, with their two Rottweilers in tow in search of a place to call home. They eventually settled in Western North Carolina in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Dan has grown his dog training business, while Aliya works as the Director of Development for the College of Health & Human Sciences at a prominent state university. They now live in a tiny home in a beautiful valley on twin creeks with their two dogs.

In late August 2024, they traveled back to New York to visit family. During a late-night visit to the beach, Dan asked Aliya to marry him, feeling truly grateful to have found his other half.

Tampa Museum of Art

Tampa Riverwalk