Daniel and Alia met at Sherwood High School, in Mrs. Dinerman's Advanced Placement (AP) Environmental Science class in 2010; he was a Senior and she was a Junior. They began dating and went to Daniel's Senior Prom together. They broke up that summer when Daniel was leaving for college, but stayed in touch. They got back together in 2013 and Daniel transferred to York College of Pennsylvania to be with Alia. They have been together ever since!

Alia left work on a Friday, packed and ready to meet Daniel that evening to drive to Deep Creek Lake for a long 4th of July weekend. When she walked out to her car, Daniel was there to surprise her with a packed car. However, instead of going to western Maryland, Daniel had planned a trip to the West Coast. He made plans to visit Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington, places that Alia had mentioned wanting to visit. They spent a spontaneous few days exploring the cities together. On the last full day of their trip, Daniel planned a hike up Mail Box Peak; an 11 mile round trip, more than 4,000 feet in elevation. It was like walking along the treetops and clouds. At the top of the peak Daniel got on one knee and proposed. Alia said "Yes!". The hike down was a blur, talking about the past, present and future.