Nader & Charmaine

Marina del Rey, CA

Nader & Charmaine

Marina del Rey, CA

Our Story

How It All Began…

This is the journey of a young lady from Sierra Leonean and Zimbabwean descent and a young man from Alexandria, Egypt who fell madly in love. It all began in the summer of 2016 when two freshly minted anesthesiologists joined the same private practice in sunny California. Ironically, they had both just finished training in New York, but had never previously met. They had their first few encounters at the front desk of the OR and in the physician lounge at the hospital. It was so easy for them to talk and laugh. They both looked forward to the weekly happy hours with their colleagues because they knew by the end of the night it would be just them. Their drink of choice - an “Old Fashion”. By the end of the first month, there was an undeniable chemistry that couldn’t be ignored. Even though it’s always risky dating a colleague, they knew they had to follow their hearts.

Their first casual meet up without colleagues was at the promenade in downtown Santa Monica. They met up around 12pm and went from place to place exploring. The plan was to meet at Sugarfish for sushi. That then led to a stroll over to the adidas store, where they tried on sneakers while mastering their high knees and jumping jacks. Next up was getting some delicious crepes for dessert- and the list of places goes on. They ended that first casual meet up just before midnight at Sonoma Wine garden - a few blocks from where they started the day. One Tuesday after a light work day, they decided to head to the beach to enjoy the sunset. The majestic waves of the ocean mirroring the moon light set the perfect scene for their first kiss. Their love story since then has been the best time of their lives.

Their journey has been filled with amazing experiences and travels. Going to Maui to the road to Hana was a lot of fun, but not as fun as the dance-off on stage during their first Luau. Brussels and Amsterdam were incredible, with so much to explore. Barcelona had its own amazing stories, including going to Camp Nou football stadium with Messi there and experiencing the beauty of the opera! There have also been some relaxing escapes like to Cancun and Cozumel. Snorkeling, jet skiing, and paddle boarding will always be a must. Yacht week in Croatia on a catamaran, seeing the Coliseum in Rome, and relaxing on the gorgeous coasts of Amalfi - hands down some of the best moments they’ve shared together. New York, New Jersey, Miami, Fresno and Chicago trips were always a blast with friends. Costa Rica, for surfing amazing waves. But of course being in Egypt together takes the cake.

The most life changing experience to date was their engagement on May 4, 2020. It’s especially dear to them because it’s the same day they received the keys to their new home in Santa Monica, where it all began. This prince of Egypt did not want to start the next chapter of their lives without making this beautiful princess his queen.

Ladies and gentlemen this is our love story. We’ve been extremely blessed to experience many special, life changing moments, but having them together has made us the happiest we have ever been. We thank God for shining His love on us, and choosing us to love each other. We know our genuine connection could only be ordained by God, and for that we are humbled but also ecstatic for the journey to continue.