We met at Ballard's Beach Club on Block Island during the pandemic. We were on a group trip with his best friend Alex and my best friend Jess (who were dating at the time but are now engaged too!) It all started with an innocent game of flip cup in which we were winning on the same team. A few drinks (maybe some shots) later, we were inseparable. The next day, he immediately made plans the next weekend to take me on a double date with Jess and Alex. He traveled from the Cape to Boston almost every weekend after that to take me out. We had quite the whirlwind romance as we both weren't working and living at home. It was the best summer of our lives.

It was a normal Friday evening and Tarek had made dinner plans for us to meet his cousin Mo in Hermosa Beach. He picked me up at work and we started to walk along the water. I had absolutely no idea that my life was about to change. He had us turn down a random street to walk down to the water and all of a sudden he got down on one knee and I started to hyperventilate. I pretty much ruined the moment and the poor guy didn't really get to give the whole speech he prepared. I definitely blacked out but I do remember it being the best moment of my life. He had a photographer and a beach picnic set up. We had champagne and sushi and enjoyed this intimate moment that we will never forget. The next day we went on a surprise staycation to Palm Springs and had an amazing weekend. It was the most perfect dream scenario.