We both went to Nebraska to play collegiate sports—Timur for basketball and Karley for volleyball. We had seen each other around campus and knew of each other but didn’t know much beyond that. After Karley’s car accident during fall break in 2021, Timur reached out to check on her, letting her know he was glad she was okay and that he wanted to get to know her better.

We began texting and FaceTiming, and once Karley returned to Nebraska, we couldn’t wait to see each other. We went on a date and talked for hours on end—the night never seemed to end. We quickly became friends and started falling for each other. We officially started dating on December 5, 2021, and have been inseparable since that first night of talking. We spent the semester having fun and falling in love, and a tradition began—Timur bringing Karley home with him to Bosnia each summer.

Timur graduated from JUCO and transferred to UAM, while Karley continued playing volleyball, leading to a year of long-distance. The separation was difficult, but with visits here and there and a whole lot of love, we made it through. After finishing her sophomore year in 2023, Karley moved to Arkansas to be with Timur.

On June 15, 2024, Timur planned a surprise proposal disguised as a hike with a group of our close friends. Once at the top, while we were admiring the breathtaking view of the Bosnian mountain range, he got down on one knee and asked Karley to marry him. Karley had known her answer would be yes since their very first date, talking until sunrise. With hearts full of joy and excitement, we couldn’t wait to begin this new chapter as fiancés, overwhelmed with love, happiness, and the dream of a lifetime by each other’s side. We have since transferred to Oklahoma and will graduate together in May.

We have loved spending these incredible years together and are so grateful that fate brought our paths together. Out of all the places and times in the vast infinity of the universe, our souls found each other in little North Platte, Nebraska. This love is such a blessing, and we can’t wait to celebrate tying the knot with all of our loved ones and family.