Although we were both in the Bioengineering doctoral program at UT Dallas and in a class together, we didn't officially meet until a Halloween party during Kara's first semester. After admiring each other's costumes (Rashed dressed in a sweatsuit with a gold chain as a Russian mobster and Kara wore butterfly wings) and joking around with each other, the mutual attraction was realized thanks to a common friend (thanks, Allison)! After attempting the entire next week to ask Kara for her phone number, Rashed was finally successful and we went on our first date at a local Thai place called Bambu. After hanging out and going on a few more dates, we officially started dating on November 20, 2017. We were very grateful to be brought together through graduate school and have each other as a support system throughout the difficulties of getting a PhD.

We had been talking about getting married and started the process of designing a custom engagement ring, however, Rashed was looking for the perfect place to propose. Luckily, Kara's family was planning on visiting Iceland - a place that was on everyone's bucket list, including Rashed. After deciding to come along, Rashed hired a photographer and planned the proposal location all while still in the US. Leading up to the proposal, Rashed was nervous of Kara figuring out his plan. He successfully made it through airport security without getting his bag checked and the ring box revealed all while keeping the wraps on what was to come (he has a hard time keeping secrets). The first full day in Iceland was when Rashed was planning on proposing. Unbeknownst to Kara, who thought he was a little hyper from excitement of being on the trip, he was trying to keep his calm throughout the day until we reached the designated area. After lunch, where Rashed was almost caught texting the photographer by Kara, we all went to see the cliffs overlooking the ocean at Arnarstapi. Kara, still completely clueless to what was about to happen, was tightly bundled up in a hooded jacket and hiking pants (a real sight to see) and led over to the cliffside by Rashed. After professing his love and other kind words, Kara asked "wait, are you serious?" to which he responded "yes" and got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. Through a few tears, Kara responded "yes!". Afterwards, Rashed pointed out the hidden photographer who had been snapping pictures the entire time and then took our engagement photos. Apparently, in Rashed's excitement, he had led Kara to the "wrong" cliff but the photographer was still able to take the pictures of the proposal. Towards the end of the trip, we celebrated our engagement by enjoying a six-course meal at Matarkjallarinn - Foodcellar in Reykjavik.