Shola and Ahmad met while living in Philadelphia. Shola was finishing her residency at Temple University, thinking about moving back down South, and Ahmad had just moved to Philly the week prior. They literally put the meaning behind "timing is everything"! Shola didn't expect much and even told one of her best friends, Ijeoma, that she would just eat and be back in an hour for them to hangout the rest of the day. Little did she know this would be the start of something wonderful! Their first lunch date was full of conversation and laughter! Ahmad was full of charm and wittiness and Shola couldn't help but be infatuated by his beautiful, white smile. Ahmad loved Shola's intellect but down-to-earth personality and Shola couldn't get over Ahmad's drive and passion to achieve. The lunch date went so well that they decided to spend the rest of the day/evening walking around Manayunk, PA (a hipster area west of Philadelphia) and even having dinner together. Manayunk, PA holds such a special place in their hearts, that they named their Goldendoodle after the beloved neighborhood -- Manayunk aka "Manny".

Ahmad is known for surprising Shola -- whether it's a party for her birthday or a romantic dinner. The proposal was no different. He had planned for the two of them to go to dinner at Hal's Steakhouse in celebration of him completing his MBA. Before dinner, he told Shola that they should head over to Piedmont Park to walk around and grab a few drinks before dinner. Shola thought nothing of this sudden change and didn't even question Ahmad when he asked her to pick out his outfit (he clearly wanted the memory of this day to be perfect). Once at Piedmont Park, it seemed like Ahmad was aimlessly wandering around which wouldn't have seemed strange except for the fact that it was extremely hot outside and there was absolutely no shade in sight. Shola was trying her best not to complain but couldn't help herself as sweat was starting to "ruin" her makeup. Finally, they reached the pond in Piedmont Park and Shola took it upon herself to ask Ahmad to take pictures of her in front of it. While she was walking into position, Ahmad gently pulled her back. The whole thing is a blur to the both of them -- full of emotion and anxiousness. Shola barely remembers the words coming out of Ahmad's mouth (probably because she was too busy hyperventilating) and Ahmad hardly recalls the moment he went down on one knee. But they both will tell you that it was absolutely magical!! The whole world disappeared and it was just the two of them! It wasn't until after that Shola realized there had been a photographer there capturing the entire moment (and moments leading up to the proposal). There was even a bystander who captured it all on video. Once again Ahmad had pulled off the PERFECT SURPRISE!