There are two lessons we learned in 2021. Pandemics don't care about your plans. And love doesn't wait. Getting married in a pandemic may have kept us from celebrating with everyone we wanted when we wanted, but after four years together and the world's collective witnessing of the fragility of life, we knew we didn't want to put our love on hold. It's been less than a year since we got virtually married from our couch in apartment 14C, because vaccines were still unavailable, and only a few short months since our fathers, who, upon meeting for the first time at our intimate micro-wedding, gave the same toast about the union of two families, the ease and the harmony with which the Ezbakhes and Calas melded. These precious memories are so fresh in our hearts, they feel enough to last a lifetime. And still, it wouldn't be the same if we didn't have the chance to gather ALL our most cherished, near and far, from New York and Ohio to Paris and Rabat. And so, we're elated to invite you to join us in Morocco for the final chapter of our COVID wedding saga. It's been a wild and beautiful ride. On April 3, 2021, we eloped at home on a Zoom ceremony in lieu of City Hall, with our Maid of Honor as our witness (and bonus photographer!). On August 28, 2021, we gathered with 30 of our closest family members for a unity ceremony hosted by the parents of the bride in the city where we met and fell in love. Join us May 28, 2022 as guests of the groom's parents in Yasser's hometown for the party we've been wishing and waiting to share with our extended family and friends. We can't wait to finally celebrate with all of you!

It was a chilly March night in Brooklyn. Two strangers invited to the same birthday party arrived at the same time. They didn't know it, but they almost certainly rode the same train there. She climbed the stairs first, and stole a look. "He's handsome," she thought instantly. He idled behind her. "Her eyes are mesmerizing. Oh God, I hope she doesn't think I'm following her,” he panicked. She initiated a conversation that continued up the stairwell. The exchange was easy. When they arrived at the apartment door, someone mistook them for a couple. "Oh! He's my stand-in boyfriend," she quipped even though her date was on his way. He was mortified. They didn't know it, but in six months it would be true. It was a warm September night in Brooklyn. She called a car from Manhattan and arrived to the party overdressed in a floor-length gown and stilettos. He was in the backyard, sitting under a fig tree playing the derbouka. The music between them was instant and undeniable. A dance: He played at her feet; she exclaimed "Kiss my foot!” Out of pocket, and yet, he boldly complied. In 24 hours, they would fall in love. And they knew it.

Thank you to our parents Martin and Catherine Cala, Ahmed and Aicha Ezbakhe, our siblings and bridal party Juliana, Miranda, Yousra and Hatim, and all our guests who will be with us in Morocco or in spirit. Your blessings over this past year bring us joy each day. We cherish you.