It all began under the night sky in Big Bear, California, where Ian asked Shaira to be his girlfriend beneath a shooting star—pretty romantic, right? Although Ian and Shaira had known of each other throughout high school, crossing paths in the same basketball circles, it wasn't until the end of their freshman year in college that their connection truly sparked. Ian was at Northwestern University, while Shaira attended Whitman College. But fate had a different plan. When the pandemic hit, they relocated to Las Vegas, where they started building the beautiful story that led them here today.

After countless hours spent together in Las Vegas, doing college Zoom classes from their respective bedrooms, Shaira had to return to Whitman College for her basketball season. Ian, still in Las Vegas, continued his studies online, cheering her on by watching her games virtually with her family. In March, Ian surprised Shaira with a visit. After six months of long distance, Ian realized that the distance wasn't far enough, so he loaded up his car and drove with Shaira from Vegas to Providence, Rhode Island, because why not. JUST KIDDING, Ian didn’t just randomly decide to drive across the country; he was taking on a six-month internship to research treatments for liver and pancreatic cancer (the timing was just... incredibly unfortunate). But of course, Shaira joined him for the long journey, and along the way, they made fun pit stops to visit family and enjoy great food. Once they arrived in Providence, Shaira helped Ian turn his new apartment into a home and kept him grounded—especially when it came to his stubbornness.

To celebrate their first anniversary, Shaira flew out to Rhode Island to be with Ian. Ian had a surprise planned—an enchanting date at Castle Hill in Newport, Rhode Island. They enjoyed drinks with a breathtaking view of the Castle Hill Cove, followed by an unforgettable five-course meal. The next day, they took the ferry to Block Island, where they hiked a two-mile trek up a steep hill for a scenic view. They wrapped up their fantastic day with a refreshing piña colada served in a pineapple on the beach.

Ian was a very supportive boyfriend who made it known that he was Shaira's #1 fan. He would always make sure to watch every single basketball game and traveled to watch a few when he was able to. This game, Ian watched Shaira cut down the net after her team won the conference Championship. Go Blues!

For Ian’s 22nd birthday, Shaira surprised him by taking him to his very first Michelin-starred restaurant. The pair dined at Oriole, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in Chicago. They indulged in some of the most incredible food they’d ever had, paired with an amazing wine tasting.

For their second anniversary, Ian wined and dined Shaira with a dinner at Alinea, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Chicago. It was here that they officially embraced their love for all things fancy and boujee when it comes to food. Oh, and as an added surprise, Ian shaved his head—because why not?

Throughout their long-distance relationship, Ian and Shaira made it a priority to see each other as often as possible—every month, or at least every other month—despite the distance and their busy schedules wrapping up their college degrees. Their commitment to each other was always a top priority.

Ian proposed to Shaira in Montjuïc, a scenic hill in Barcelona, Spain, at the top of the steps of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya. Shaira had no idea what was coming—she thought they were simply capturing memories during their spring break in Barcelona. Afterward, they celebrated with Caira, Shaira's twin sister, and some of their closest friends from Whitman College. And, of course, true to form, they dined at the world’s number one restaurant, Disfrutar, to top off the unforgettable occasion.

They explored all that Spain had to offer, and the city of Barcelona will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Ian and Shaira ended a busy and eventful 2023 in Cancun, Mexico. Shaira just completed her first semester of law school at Boyd, and Ian was gearing up to take the MCAT to apply for medical school.

What's next for Ian and Shaira??? Shaira is finishing up her final credits for law school before diving into Bar exam prep, with plans to become a fully licensed and practicing attorney by next year. (She also holds her Broker's license, so if you're looking to buy a house soon, she’s your girl!) Ian is starting medical school this summer and is excited to embark on his journey to become a surgeon. Both Ian and Shaira are thrilled to begin this next chapter of their lives together, surrounded by their closest family and friends, and they can’t wait to make even more unforgettable memories along the way.