It's (finally) here!!

In the hot New York summer of 2019, two weird people matched on Coffee Meets Bagel and started texting. Both decided to move to normal people dating apps because the Minder populace wasn't cutting it. Ashiq was traveling a lot for work (#accountinglyfe) and thought Noura would get bored because he wasn't responding to texts from Houston. Luckily for him, Noura wanted a low pressure relationship where she could ditch her phone for eight hours and not feel bad about it (#technologyisevil). On their first, awkward, in person date, Ashiq made the weird #desiboy move to wear joggers and a t-shirt. He claims it was because it was crazy hot outside, and yet, 9 out of 10 times he still wears those clothes on dates. But he charmed the pants off Noura and she asked him on a second date to see an off-off-Broadway show about being a young Muslim in America. She knew he was the one when he embarrassed himself ice skating so he could learn this hobby she loves more than (almost) anything else in the world. Work, school, and public health emergencies ruined their plans for exploring every inch of NYC, but insha'Allah that chance will come.

It wasn't too long after the two met and spent ample time together that they knew it was meant to be. But what was the next step? Getting the parents involved of course! Lets just say, its definitely a sight to see when NY meets NC. All in all, a great experience full of amazing memories and amazing food. So, whats the next step to really solidify the relationship after that? Getting engaged of course! It wasn't the easiest plan to come up with, but on Christmas day Ashiq managed to corral a few little helpers with some assistance from Noura's cousins in Charlottesville to propose the idea of marriage. To which Noura replied "Well I guess so!" Fast-forward a few months later back to NY where the engagement was solidified with a small gathering of friends and family. Things got a little bit hectic once COVID reared its ugly head changing certain plans around. But the two are quite smitten and are looking forward to the next step...the Wedding!!!

Due to COVID-19, we sadly had do downsize and do a local, small nikkah ceremony in Rockville Centre, New York at Ashiq's oldest sister's house. It was a beautiful ceremony, officiated by Rutgers Chaplain Kaiser Aslam, with our closest family members in attendance in person, and everyone we love tuning in via Zoom.

Our biggest accomplishments of our first year of marriage: -Adopting a kitten and preventing him from murdering the resident cat in a 500 square foot apartment -Hosting all 4 of Noura's kid cousins in a successful week of NYC shenanigans -Flying on our first plane trip together to Colorado and not getting altitude sickness -Cooking new things including lamb chops, homemade gyro, chicken shawarma, and chai -Not eating gyros for every meal -Noura getting a job!