Hayley and Ratib met on February 28, 2020—just one week before the world hit pause. What started as a casual first date turned into a 7-hour conversation that neither of them wanted to end. From that day forward, things just clicked in the most natural way. By their third date, Hayley made homemade pasta and sauce from scratch… and that’s when Ratib realized two things: one, she was clearly trying to impress him, and two… someone in this relationship needed to learn how to cook. (So he did. You’re welcome, Hayley.) Over the years, food has become a shared love—especially when Hayley brings home fresh ingredients from her garden and Ratib turns them into something delicious. They’ve built a home together full of cozy traditions, spontaneous laughter, and way too many shared coffee mugs. Brandy, their Golden Retriever, joined the family in 2022 and has been their loyal hiking buddy ever since. That said, Hayley had to be a little sneaky to get Ratib into hiking in the first place—she started by calling them “walks.” It worked. Camping was another story. Ratib was solidly not about sleeping in the woods. For four years, Hayley tried to convince him and then—plot twist—when it came time to propose, he surprised her with a camping trip to Shenandoah and a sunrise hike to Hawksbill Gap. It was blisteringly cold, their packing job was questionable at best, and Ratib was so frozen he forgot to get down on one knee. She still said yes. (Also yes, there were a few fake-outs before the real proposal—he had to keep her on her toes.) When they’re not out exploring, Hayley and Ratib love a good movie marathon—especially if it involves Star Wars. They try to run together every other day, not so much for fitness, but to talk, laugh, and reconnect the way they always have. So far, they’ve traveled to five countries together and are hoping the list keeps growing. Through all the highs and lows, cozy nights and big adventures, one thing has always stayed the same: they’re best friends who never stop finding joy in the everyday. Now they’re getting married—and they can’t wait to celebrate with all the people who’ve been part of their story.