Our story of meeting has many winds and twists. Including Sharif being a groomsman in a wedding almost 6 years ago that Annah photographed, mutual friends attempting to set us up, Sharif knowing my sister and brother and law, and dating app matches. Through all the different almost meet-cutes we finally went on our first date in August of 2019 shortly after Annah returned from Spain. We went on our first date to Junction West, Morgan Street Food Hall, and Boxcar in Downtown Raleigh. Annah was charmed by Sharif's accent, sincere listening skills, and how chivalrous he was. Sharif was instantly impressed with Annah's good looks and genuine intrigue in getting to know him. The date went so well that Annah "accidentally" dropped an earring in Sharif's car, guaranteeing there would be a second one.

After a month and a half of going on dates and getting to know each other it felt like time to make things a little more serious. So Sharif brought Annah on a trip with friends to Asheville, NC. After making sure she could endure a music festival and that she passed the friend test he asked her to be his girlfriend. Through the season of dating and growing from interest, to like, to love. They went on many adventures, hikes, met family, and friends out for dinner and drinks. Sharif even convinced Annah to join his kickball team for the fall season in 2019. After only 6 months of dating the world shifted drastically and dating each other became their full time hobby. Annah and Sharif grew so close and learned to rely on each other through periods of quarantine. What could have been severe isolation became a time of exponential growth and the clarity that this could really be the real thing.

In June 2021 Sharif asked for Annah's parents blessing and took Annah ring shopping at Diamonds Direct. Shortly after they took a trip to Saginaw, Michigan where Sharif also told Annah's grandfather about the upcoming engagement. After ring shopping Annah eagerly awaited the proposal and couldn't wait for Sharif to ask for her hand in marriage. In early October in 2020 we went on a trip to the mountains. A year later we went back to the mountains but we journeyed a little further west to Highlands, NC. In Highlands we spent the weekend at the spa, exploring new restaurants, playing golf, going on wineries and hikes. As the end of the weekend approached Annah was sad because she wasn't sure if Sharif was going to propose. We went on one last hike at Jones Knob close to Highlands. The location was up a windy, rocky road. They walked about a 1/2 a mile up to a clearing where Sharif asked for Annah to marry him. Kristie Crowder Photography was tucked away in the bushes to capture the moment and give us a forever keepsake from that day!

With so many of our biggest milestones coinciding in September and October it only made sense to start our lives together in our favorite months of the year, the fall. We are looking forward to welcoming our guests for an evening ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception on 9/24/2022. Our event will be a formal event. As guests arrive they can consider hotel options at our blocked hotel in Holly Springs or seek options in Cary, Apex, or Downtown Raleigh. Annah and Sharif are encouraging friends and family to plan for safe rides. Uber is not widely available close to the venue so guests may consider options such as scheduled taxis, party buses, etc. You can find recommendations for hotel, food, and activities on this website as well as further details regarding our event! Thanks again for joining us!