Her Story: Like a cheesy romcom, I met Christian for the first time at my new school when I moved to Manassas Park. I knew I wanted to marry him within the first five minutes. We seemed to click and got along as if we had been together our whole lives. His humor and natural lighthearted personality drew me in, but his kindness and romance are what sealed the deal. A natural friendship grew between us over the year that followed and after hours of long walks and endless conversations, he finally asked me out on our first date. His Story: I still remember the day we met. It was a gray, dreary morning in the middle of November. I had just walked into my marketing class when I noticed a new girl standing at a corner desk. She was in dark boots and a leather jacket, contrasting her pale skin and honey-blonde hair. It was the first day of a new project, and we quickly found ourselves partnered together. One collaboration led to another, and even more the following year. Over time, our conversations extended beyond the classroom. I began to relish these interactions. Aside from being a fun and responsible partner, I simply found myself happier the more we talked. We spent time together outside of school, which only served to enhance this fervor. As 2012 drew to a close, I knew I wanted more than just friendship. I asked her out, only to find I had kept her waiting by over a year. Our relationship quickly blossomed, and the rest, as they say, is history.

After 8 years together, Areeje and Christian always made it a point to celebrate their anniversary in romantic ways. This particular year Christian requested to be in charge of planning the evening. Because Areeje had been swamped at work after the holidays, she gladly acquiesced to his request. What she didn't know (but certainly hoped) was that Christian had ordered a ring months prior and was waiting for the night of their anniversary to propose. There had been a couple of close calls in the weeks leading up to the proposal, particularly when Christian asked permission from Emad (Areeje's father) and he wanted to make sure it was something that would make his daughter happy before agreeing (good parenting!). After nearly giving it away he was able to discern that yes, Areeje would be very happy to get married to Christian. When the night arrived Christian surprised Areeje at work and took her out to one of her favorite restaurants to eat. Afterwards he gifted her with two reserved spots at the downtown Rockville Ice Rink (one of the few that opened during COVID). As the two glided over the ice (without falling once!) they spent the entire time laughing and talking. It was on the way back to the car that Christian found the perfect time to propose, stopping under the remaining Christmas lights of downtown he asked Areeje to marry him. She said yes immediately and off they went to tell everyone in person regardless of how late it was.

Christian is an avid reader, hiker, and enjoyer of Labrador retrievers. "I’m so grateful to have found a partner as kind, passionate, and devoted as Areeje is. She's not just the person I love, but someone I draw strength from, someone I admire and can rely on. No matter what the future may hold, I know I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Areeje can typically be found either in the woods or working on a car with her dad. She's a diehard romantic who has always believed in love at first sight. Wherever Christian is she won't be far off. You can typically find the two of them out in the wilderness sharing their passion for the outdoors. She knows her name can be a tongue twister and would like to invite our guests to call her by her much shorter nickname, AJ.