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Like many pandemic couples, Tarek and Monet met through an online dating app! Monet’s smile and kindness first captured Tarek’s attention and Monet loved that Tarek mentioned his faith and family in the opening pages of his profile. After reading over each other’s profiles, they both realized that they shared numerous similarities and wanted to get to know each other better. Their first date was special and they both felt at ease with the other. However, it was the second date and Tarek’s willingness to change his entire plans for the sake of Monet’s comfort (there was still a pandemic, yall!) that showed them this was the start of something really special. Since being together, they've been to aquariums and sunflower fields. They’ve tried all kinds of foods and recipes. They’ve laughed a lot and cried a little. They’ve played scrabble, family feud, taboo, and even uno. They've recreated a Van Gogh painting. They’ve watched so many movies and TV shows. Theyve encouraged each other through tough times. They’ve prayed together and for each other. They’ve taken tons of walks at local parks, gardens, and on NC beaches. On June 4, 2022, this couple will take their most treasured walk yet…the walk towards marriage and a life of love, joy, and happiness.

Earlier in their relationship, Monet mentioned to Tarek that she wanted to go on a “fancy date,” so they could get dressed up and just have a nice dinner together. Tarek didn’t make much verbal acknowledgement of the idea. However, the first week of January, right before Monet had to return to work and begin another semester of Graduate school, Tarek brought up the idea of the “fancy date” again. He told Monet that he wanted to enjoy some seafood with her at The Oceanic (local restaurant), and possibly take a few pictures together. Fast forward to the night of the dinner date…everything was perfect! The atmosphere was romantic and everyone was so sweet! The young couple placed their food order and updated each other on their day. Eventually, one of the managers came to the table and told Monet and Tarek that the kitchen “lost” their order ticket, so dinner would take a little longer to prepare. The man apologized profusely, but Monet reassured him that everything was okay. Tarek, on the other hand, was very “displeased” that the order was going to take longer than anticipated, and he hoped they would fix the situation. Tarek asked to “go to the restroom,”and when he came back to the table, a violinist had set up a music stand and was playing “Part of Your World.” Tarek then wanted to know why there was a live musician in front of his table, and Monet simply thought the restaurant was providing free entertainment to make up for the “lost” ticket. Tarek stood up and declared in front of Monet and all the other restaurant patrons that the night needed to be perfect because he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Monet. He then got down on one knee, and asked the ultimate question. Monet, of course, said YES!!! It wasnt until after the manager reappeared with celebratory champagne and their food, she realized that the kitchen had NOT lost the ticket. They were simply trying to help Tarek make the perfect “fancy date” proposal!