Daniel and Layla (Safiyya) met over eight years ago when they were both students of the Interdisciplinary Film and Digital Media Program at the UNM. As they both started their careers, distance grew between them. Layla moved to Washington DC to change her direction in life to work in politics and Daniel started to aggressively pursue his career in the film industry. Four years later, Daniel, Layla and their close friend Diahndra decided to reconnect. Daniel worked very hard to impress Layla that night but they remained friends for a few more months. Eventually, they both admitted they had feelings for one another & the rest is history...

On Labor Day weekend 2018, Layla and Daniel snuck away to go backpacking and camping with their new dog, Arroyo, in Trampas, NM . As they reached the top of the mountain, they found a beautiful landscape with a gorgeous hidden lake. Unfortunately, it began to rain. They managed to get through the night and wake up to beautiful clear skies. They spent the day fishing and hiking before heading back. About two miles into their five or so mile trek down the mountain, it began to rain again. Luckily, they were prepared and were just enjoying each other’s company so much it didn’t even bother them. They stopped under a tree to get a a break from the rain for a second. As they were admiring the beauty that was surrounding them, Daniel knew it was the perfect moment. He kneeled down and presented Layla with a ring in a homemade wooden box. She literally could not have planned a better moment. It was perfect!