Abel and Halle don’t even remember their first meeting. Growing up, Halle was childhood best friends with Abel’s cousin, Leeya, and they attended many of the same birthday parties (though neither remembers much of those moments). Their families became even more intertwined in eighth grade when their moms, Hanna and Hirut, co-founded a Mahaber (Tigrinya word for a community group). When Abel’s parents learned about Halle’s positive experiences at Newark Academy where she attended middle school, they encouraged him to apply for high school. He was accepted, and Abel and Halle found themselves sharing four years at the same school. They had their own friend groups, but they were always glad to see a familiar face. In a full circle moment, they celebrated prom at Crystal Plaza, which is the very venue where they’ll celebrate the wedding. As high school seniors, without planning it, they both applied early decision to the University of Pennsylvania, and both got in. At Penn, they became great friends, supporting each other through the highs and lows of college. Towards the end of their time there, Abel worked up the courage to ask Halle out, though Halle was hesitant due to their great friendship & community ties. After graduating, COVID had it that they both moved back home to New Jersey, and their paths continued to cross. In November 2020, Abel asked her to be his girlfriend and their love story began! All the while, many of their friends and family had a feeling this was meant to be: #HAADaFeeling.