In the world of online dating, Lisa and Noor are a Tinder success story. They matched in the spring of 2020, when the world was locking down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through countless exchanged text and audio messages, a love blossomed between them. With almost everything closed because of lockdown, their first date was a walk in Albany’s Washington Park on a cool spring day. There, Lisa showed Noor her athletic prowess by climbing a tree. Noor was very impressed. As the weeks went on, Noor quickly realized how special Lisa was and asked her to be his girlfriend. Much to his jubilee, Lisa felt the same way and said yes. They met each other’s families, went on trips together (with Key West being a particularly memorable one), and leaned on each other for comfort and support. They were constantly amazed by how aligned their thoughts and dreams were. They often spoke about the future, dreaming of their eventual marriage and starting a family of their own. It was only a matter of time before Noor proposed, but he wanted the moment to be unforgettable. By 2023, Noor had the ring ready—he just needed the perfect moment. He wanted the proposal to be a complete surprise, knowing Lisa was eagerly anticipating it. As an avid runner who participated in many local races, Noor often had Lisa by his side, cheering him on. The Troy Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving was one of his favorite races, and with Lisa’s parents in town for the holiday, he thought, “Why not propose there?” In the weeks leading up to the Troy Turkey Trot, Noor contacted the organizers to share his plan. They were thrilled and offered to make it a grand spectacle. Noor would step up to the podium in front of thousands of participants at the start line, propose, and have the entire moment captured on camera. Though nervous, Noor knew this would be incredible—and Lisa would surely be surprised. On Thanksgiving morning, Noor, Lisa, her parents, and her brother Ethan piled into the car to head to the Turkey Trot. Unbeknownst to anyone but Noor, something extraordinary was about to happen. Minutes before the race began, Noor was called up to the podium. Lisa was confused but assumed he was simply thanking the organizers or sharing a few words about the race. Then, at the end of his speech, Noor called his love to the start line, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him. Overwhelmed with joy, Lisa said yes through tears as the crowd erupted in cheers. Noor had even arranged for some of their closest friends to hide in the crowd and surprise them afterward to celebrate the newly engaged couple. Since that unforgettable day, Lisa and Noor’s love has only deepened. They’ve enjoyed a long engagement, taking their time to plan the wedding without feeling rushed. Now, they’re thrilled to celebrate the start of the rest of their lives surrounded by their cherished family and friends.