They were lab partners! On the first day of Environmental Field Sampling Methods class, they were told to choose a partner for an introductory assignment. Kourosh (known then as Reza) and Alison were seated near each other and Kourosh asked if Alison wanted to be his partner. She agreed! Over the course of the semester, they remained partners for all of their class projects and developed a friendly relationship that included a lot of teasing (Alison teases when she likes you. The more she messes with you, the more she admires you!). The pair continued to study for tests in classes together until graduation. They continued to follow each other on social media and paid attention to each other’s careers and adventures. One day in 2016, Kourosh reached out on Instagram messenger to check in. After chatting a bit, Alison revealed she had developed a crush on Kourosh back in school. Kourosh told her he had no idea but was intrigued and after a few weeks, they began hanging out in person. After that, there was no going back! The pair became officially inseparable in early 2018... 7 years later, they're gettin' hitched!

On a Labor Day weekend trip to their favorite place - Saint Simons Island, the couple took a day trip to Jekyll Island’s driftwood beach. This beautiful and secluded beach features dramatic driftwood trees and branches and gorgeous live oak trees. They brought their dog, Shelby, with them and planned to spend some relaxing hours there. They found a comfortable spot and approached the water. While Alison was admiring the scenery with her toes in the sand, Kourosh began to tell her how happy and complete she had made his life, and how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She glanced down to see a bandana around Shelby’s neck that said “Will you marry my Daddy?” Then, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She threw her arms around him, crying, and said “YES!” She then looked down at the incredible oval cut diamond ring as he slipped it onto her finger. A weekend to remember!