We're getting married!We're getting married!

It all started at a Hamelmal Abate concert in New York City. The music was incredible, but the real show was Brook, who walked up to Hiyab and said, “I just moved here and would love it if you could show me around.” Smooth, right? Except… he’d actually been living in NYC for over six months. Despite the playful fib, something just clicked. We laughed our way through a long-distance relationship between the Bronx and Harlem (yes, that counts), survived lockdowns, and supported each other through it all. Fast forward to New Year’s 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when Brook completely surprised Hiyab with the sweetest proposal (she did not see it coming… wink!). It was one of the happiest moments we’ve ever experienced. We call each other Bubu and Dudu, and beyond being the love of my life, Dudu is also the smartest guy I know. His family friends lovingly call him “Professor” for good reason: he earned his PhD and, just for fun, went back to Yale for his MBAs. 🧠✨ At the heart of our relationship are the values we share: loyalty, love, care, and unwavering dedication to each other. Both of our parents have been married for over 30 years, showing us what lifelong partnership looks like. Their example means everything to us. Now we’ve moved to Maryland and are building a magical life side by side. We’re so excited to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!