It was Saturday night, August 3, 2019. A night in which Mahboud and Anna both had invites to multiple events, yet by chance, they decided to attend the same one -- a mutual friend's birthday party at Joe's Seafood & Prime Steak in DC. Mahboud recalls when he first locked eyes with Anna, something felt "different." After exchanging pleasantries along with some banter, they hit it off. As the night progressed and the group moved around to different bars, they became more and more intrigued by each other, which led to some dancing, and perhaps a first kiss!?... all of which led to a first date two days later. They've been inseparable since then. Before they knew it, they were building a life together - buying a new home while a beautiful, surprise proposal was underway. They can’t imagine life without one another and look forward to all the adventures to come.

When Mahboud made the decision to pop the big question, he was faced with many challenges. The world was in the midst of a global pandemic -- quarantines/isolations, travel restrictions, and closed stores! Mahboud wanted the proposal to be special, but he knew he had to be extra creative. After connecting with an old friend, who happened to be a jeweler, Mahboud started the ring shopping process via text and email. Nearly two months later the final product was ready, which came just days before a Labor Day Weekend beach trip with friends—Chris and Chloe Marantette. Mahboud decided to get the Marantettes in on a scheme to surprise Anna during the trip. The group had already planned to have dinner in Fenwick Island, so Mahboud asked Chloe to suggest a "maternity photoshoot at sunset by the bay" just before their dinner; she did, and everyone agreed. The photographer was at the location ready to go when the group arrived. She started taking photos of Chris and Chloe, while using Anna as her glare shield. Mahboud had the ring hidden in Chloe's handbag, which was strategically placed on the sand away from the photoshoot. Just as the sun was about to set, a small plane flew overhead with a banner that read "Anna, Will You Marry Me? As Anna looked up, Mahboud quickly grabbed the ring out of the bag, Anna turned and looked at him in shock, and he proceeded to get down on one knee. Anna said YES, and the "maternity" photoshoot quickly turned into an amazing engagement photoshoot, with views of the bay and sunset in the background. Chris and Chloe played their parts perfectly, and later helped the newly engaged couple celebrate accordingly.