Halim and I often think back to the early days of our relationship. We met in a modern way—we found each other on a dating app, and nervously agreed to a first date. Neither of us were expecting to find the one (the dating world can be tough), but we were both ready for something more. It sounds cliche, but I knew from the first moment that it would be my last first date. Halim likes to say he knew first—but it was me, for sure :) Our first date was full of big laughs, hours and hours of endless conversation, and an overwhelming sense of peace. I knew I had found someone special.

We found each other at an interesting time in our lives. I was studying for the bar exam, and Halim had recently moved to North Carolina from Connecticut. I am not joking when I say that he kept me alive during bar study, and was the primary reason that I passed the exam. He shopped for groceries and cooked meals at my apartment, would come early in the morning to walk my dog, and kept a constant supply of coffee, water, and snacks at my desk so that I could focus on the exam. During a time of much stress, fear, anxiety, and uncertainty, Halim was a source of peace, of security, and of strength for me. He believed in me from day one, and has continued to support me each moment since.

Halim and I have never really been apart since that first date. From our first moments, we had an instant connection based on shared values—our love of our families, our faith, and our hope for a better world. We have been so lucky to have built on that strong foundation through many wins and many hardships through our relationship. Each day is a gift with my Halim. He has offered me a safe place, one of love, forgiveness, rest, and joy. He has encouraged and nurtured our relationships with our families, and truly brought me home to mine. I mean…he uprooted his new life in Durham to move us back to my tiny hometown—all so we could be nearer to my goofy, wonderful family. He did this just because he loves me. If that isn’t a perfect example of Halim’s generosity and love, I don’t know what is!

His gorgeous brown eyes, unique accent, and goofy sense of humor were what drew me in. His boundless grace, his open-mindedness, and his sense of wonder at the world is what has sustained and grown my love. I have grown each day that I spend with Halim, and I cannot wait for forever. I love you, honey!

The first time I met Sydney, I was hypnotized by her shimmering, color-shifting, hazel eyes. Little did I know that her beautiful southern accent would also get the best of me. When we first met, I didn’t realize she had a southern accent—she might have been living in the city for too long! ;) But, as soon as she started talking about her family and friends, her code-switching-lawyer-talk started falling apart and her southern accent started sneaking up on her. I saw how comfortable and safe she felt and I knew I was falling head over heels. Or as we say in Lebanese, I knew she was my “albe”: my heart.

I haven’t left her side ever since. I have seen this beautiful woman evolve and grow everyday. I have seen her grow professionally; I was so fortunate to have been part of her journey to become an attorney. Opening up to me and letting me help her and take care of her and Winnie (the dog!) while she studied for her bar exam made us inseparable and made me love her even more. Not only did she grow professionally, she has grown emotionally. I am blessed to see her be more vulnerable with me, opening up more and more every day.

Throughout our growth together, my Sydney has shown me so much grace and love. Not only that, but the patience she has given me while trying to help us navigate the world has really put into perspective what a selfless partner should be. She has made me a happier person and a better person.

Each day, as we talk and communicate together, she is helping us stack and press the bricks that will lay the foundation of our forever. I cannot wait to have the honor of calling her my wife.