Ramy and Anna Laura went on their first date in 2013 after connecting online. Ramy had just moved to the area from graduate school in Japan and Anna Laura from graduate school in Spain. While they both had a nice time, it was clear that the timing wasn’t right. They remembered each other and even saw each other on the dating apps over the years. Ramy remembered Anna Laura’s love for social justice and that she was Italian. Anna Laura remembered Ramy’s gentle and kind heart. As Ramy says, it took 10 years for him to get a second date, but that date finally came in February of 2023. Over the first few months of dating, they connected on their love of nature and hiking. Leo, Anna Laura’s dog, very quickly took a liking to Ramy. She knew his approval meant Ramy really was a quality man! Ramy and Anna Laura both realized this relationship had the potential to grow into something very serious, and over the spring and summer, they fell in love. Over the last year, Anna Laura has opened up Ramy to be more adventurous, showing him how much fun travel can be. They’ve loved beach camping with wild horses in Assateague or waking up to changing fall leaves in the Shenandoah. Ramy has helped Anna Laura slow down and appreciate the every day, noticing beautiful bugs and butterflies… or any creatures they come across. They even got close to bears on a beach trip to the Outer Banks, Ramy’s favorite animal! Importantly, he’s kept her laughing and promises to do that forever. Anna Laura met Ramy’s family in Egypt over Christmas. In Alexandria, they loved walking along the Mediterranean Sea… and this is part of why they chose to have their reception on the water in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Ramy is going to Italy with her family in April, his first trip to Italy. They’ve also recently purchased a lake-side home together in the suburbs of DC, close to many trails, birds and kayaking. Now, they can’t imagine life without each other and can’t wait to celebrate their marriage with you all!