Celebrate with us!

On January 20th, during what was supposed to be a simple seven-minute virtual speed date, two people living on opposite coasts unknowingly stepped into the rest of their lives. Elizabeth immediately recognized Rachmin’s name and knew. She surprised him by pronouncing it perfectly — unmistakably Bukharian. Rachmin was stunned. Seven minutes passed quickly, but something quietly clicked. About a week later, that spark turned into something deeper. Long phone calls became countless hours on WhatsApp video, texting, and conversations that never felt forced. It was easy to talk and easy to be honest. In that first month, they talked through life’s deepest moments. Just two weeks in, Rachmin told Elizabeth he was going to marry her one day. Soon after came his first visit — a short weekend in Seattle, squeezed between three jobs and a very full life. They played tourist together, visiting Snoqualmie Falls, Kerry Park, Chihuly Gardens, and the Starbucks Roastery. Their connection only grew stronger in person. Two weeks later, Rachmin returned for ten days. They took their first road trip together to Vancouver, BC, not knowing that months later they would be driving cross-country from Seattle to Florida to start their life together. On the drive home, Rachmin told Elizabeth he loved her. In March, Elizabeth flew to New York and stepped into Rachmin’s world — meeting his brothers, friends, cousins, and his mom. Their lives were weaving together naturally across cities and time zones. Back in that first speed-dating conversation, Elizabeth had said, “I’m moving to Florida this year.” So in May, they met in Sarasota, spending two weeks exploring Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. In the final days, Rachmin met Elizabeth’s parents and told them he was going to marry their daughter. In June, Rachmin flew to Seattle to celebrate Elizabeth’s birthday with her family and friends. He met the entire family and joined a Lake Chelan celebration filled with great food, wineries, laughter, and summer days. Through it all, Rachmin’s actions spoke loudly. He always did what he said and said what he meant. His character was steady, honest, and deeply good. Elizabeth met him there, bringing warmth, humor, and softness that made life feel lighter. In mid-August, Rachmin moved from Brooklyn to Seattle. A week later, seven of his closest cousins, friends, and his little brother flew out. Elizabeth assumed they were just visiting but something was happening behind the scenes. After five beautiful days of food, lake swims, sightseeing, and hiking, Tuesday, August 26th arrived. Nine people hiked seven miles round-trip. Everyone was tired afterward… or so Elizabeth thought. That afternoon, Rachmin suggested they go out together and led her to botanical gardens she had never visited in her 33 years in Seattle. They wandered, took photos, and enjoyed a quiet moment — until Rachmin got down on one knee and proposed. It was the easiest yes of Elizabeth’s life. That evening, they walked into The Nest in downtown Seattle to find Elizabeth’s parents and both sets of close friends waiting to celebrate. Two weeks later, they were on a plane to Uzbekistan, returning to their roots — visiting the cities that raised their families, the homes their parents grew up in, and sharing stories along the way. After returning in early October, they packed up Elizabeth’s townhome. On November 6th, with a packed car and a dog, they hit the road. Nine days later, they arrived in Florida just in time for Rachmin’s birthday, celebrated with a home-cooked meal and cake from Elizabeth’s parents. Since then, they’ve settled into their home, welcomed visitors, celebrated Hanukkah, nailed in their mezuzah, and begun planning their wedding — all while building a life that feels full, grounded, and joyful. Seven minutes were all it took to start a lifetime. 🤍