Both of us found ourselves reluctantly swiping through profiles on the online dating app "Tinder", thanks to some well-meaning friends who insisted we give it a shot. But on one particular night, exhaustion and annoyance reached their peak, and we had the same thought the same time far apart, "I don't have time for this sh*t…". Just as we were about to say farewell to our virtual dating endeavors, fate intervened. Austin spotted Shirin and said, "Why not! She is German!" Shirin, upon receiving a simple "Hey" from Austin, decided to take a leap of faith and responded, "hey! I was about to delete the app so here is my number.” Thus began a week-long exchange of texts and calls because Shirin directly mentioned her busy schedule for the upcoming week - oops! 😜 Despite the initial hiccup, we found ourselves drawn to each other, and on October 31st, 2021, Shirin took a leap with a spontaneous invitation: "Random question. Do you have plans for tonight? I will go with friends to a Casino, but they are all couples, soooo are you free?" Without a moment's hesitation, Austin eagerly accepted, even though work loomed the next day. Before our Casino adventure, Shirin visited Austin's house to meet in person. Conversation flowed effortlessly, setting the stage for an evening filled with laughter and unexpected surprises. And true to form, Shirin insisted on a Halloween costume for Austin - he chose a soccer player (not exactly shocking, right? 😂). Our night at the Casino wasn't about winning jackpots; it was about basking in each other's company, savoring every moment until the early hours of the morning when we finally returned to Austin’s house. There, we kept the conversation going until Shirin had to leave. Both of us were filled with happiness, excitement, and starting to grow in love with one another. For the next week, our lives became a whirlwind of dates and shared experiences. And on November 7th, 2021, Austin made a decision that would alter the course of our journey together forever. With unwavering determination, he asked Shirin to be his girlfriend. With joy radiating from her, Shirin eagerly exclaimed YES, knowing deep down that he was the one. From that moment onward, we embarked on a new chapter of our lives, ready to embrace the adventures and challenges ahead hand in hand with our best friend and soulmate. ♥️

This beautiful chapter of our love story began in the first week of April 2023, with a search for the perfect ring. On April 1st, 2023, we embarked on a cruise adventure with Austin's mom, Brian, Mikayla, and their friends. Amidst the sea breeze and laughter, we found the one ring that would symbolize our forever - a stunning Zultanite Ring. Returning from the cruise, anticipation filled the air as Shirin eagerly awaited the moment to say "yes." Then came Friday, August 11th, 2023, the start of a journey that will stay in our memories forever. Shirin, Austin, Peter, and Alicia embarked on a journey to Port Charlotte to collect Shirin's new car. From there it led us on a seven-hour road trip to Brooks, Georgia, to surprise Austin's mom, Danna, in her new home. In the middle of the night, with Austin’s step-dad’s, Brian, approval, we orchestrated a surprise entry, leaving Austin's mom in shock. The following day, Saturday, August 12th, 2023, Austin hinted at plans to explore Atlanta, Georgia, teasing Shirin with the question of whether she wanted to wear her green dress. With excitement bubbling inside her, Shirin anticipated a momentous occasion, only to realize that Austin had other plans up his sleeve, wanting to keep the surprise intact. (He certainly fooled her well!) Sunday unfolded with us lending a helping hand to Danna with her new chicken coop, an endeavor that unexpectedly left Austin with a bout of poison ivy on his arm. As we journeyed back to Florida on Monday, Shirin couldn't shake the feeling that the proposal might happen at any moment. But it did not. Then came Tuesday, August 15th, 2023, a seemingly ordinary morning filled with getting ready for work and regular morning tasks. Little did Shirin know, this day would be far from ordinary. Austin casually requested a cream for his itchy arm, providing the perfect distraction. Unbeknownst to her, Austin knelt around the corner, with Baloo, our dog, sitting patiently beside him. When Shirin finally (3 minutes later!!!) appeared with the cream, expecting nothing out of the ordinary, she was met with the unexpected sight of Austin on one knee. Overwhelmed with shock and joy, she could barely comprehend the moment as Austin held a heart warming speech, culminating in the most important question of all - “Shirin Bos. Will You Marry Me?” In tearful disbelief, Shirin exclaimed, "Right now? What realllllllyyyyyyyy?" (Imagine this face 🥹) before joyously accepting Austin's heartfelt proposal. In a tight embrace, surrounded by love and with Baloo joining in the celebration, the perfect moment unfolded. Reflecting on the surprise proposal, Shirin cherished the significance of the timing, exactly one year after moving in together, in the home we had built with love. With Baloo by their side, it truly couldn't have been more perfect.