Though Nejra and Hassan both walked the same campus halls at the University of Northern Iowa, their paths never crossed during their college years. Surrounded by mutual friends yet unaware of each other, they unknowingly shared a connection that would one day bring them together.

After college, Nejra remained in Waterloo, dedicating herself to her future career as a speech pathologist. Meanwhile, Hassan moved to Minneapolis, where he embarked on a new adventure with a few close friends from college, starting his career in sales. Two years later, their lives brought them both to Des Moines.

In the fall of 2022, Hassan needed a date for a friend’s wedding. He had always thought Nejra was beautiful and finally mustered up the courage to ask her out. Nejra said yes, and what began as a simple wedding date quickly blossomed into something much more. Just one month later, they officially became a couple, and together, they began to envision a future filled with shared dreams and possibilities.

With a solid foundation in their careers—Hassan at Baker Group and Nejra at Reliant Healthcare—they felt ready to take the next step. But more importantly, they saw a future together, and that meant finding a place to call home. By the end of 2023, they found the perfect house in Bondurant, a home that would become the backdrop to their next chapter.

In May of 2024, with the help of Nejra’s maid of honor, Ferida, Hassan put together a plan to pop the question. He chose the iconic setting of the capitol in Des Moines, where he asked Nejra to be his forever. Her answer was a resounding yes!

Now, Nejra, Hassan, and their beloved kitty, Tiny, are excited to begin their journey as the Abdel-Halim family, looking forward to a future filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures.

N&H

Nejra & Hassan

5:00 PM–6:00 PM

Ceremony

6:00 PM

Reception