Counting to Forever

It all began in March 2022 with a simple DM. Rob (Rafee) replied to one of Sonia’s Instagram stories about the pandemic—and from that moment, the conversations never stopped. Just two days later, Rob suggested they meet in person, and a Thursday night in Astoria changed everything. Their first date was at The Last Word, a cozy speakeasy on Ditmars. Sonia was curious, Rob was effortlessly charming, and the energy between them was undeniable. Over oysters (lots of them, courtesy of Sonia) and flatbread (Rob’s vegetarian pick), the two discovered a rhythm of laughter, curiosity, and connection. The night continued down the block at The Ditty, where the conversation grew deeper, the music was perfect, and the flirting was easy. Harry Potter even made its way into the conversation—Rob, a Ravenclaw through and through, and Sonia, torn between Gryffindor and a little Slytherin edge. The evening ended with a spontaneous dance in the street to Sonia’s latest obsession, Volví by Aventura and Bad Bunny, a moment Rob knew he’d want to relive again and again. Their second date came quickly, though not without Sonia’s classic flair—arriving fashionably late while Rob waited patiently (for two hours, in a snowstorm). During their first date, Sonia had mentioned that she always wanted to visit The Summit at the Vanderbilt, and Rob (the planner and magician of surprises) already had it in motion. After meeting at Dutch Kills in LIC, they braved the storm and hopped on the 7 train together, a reluctant adventure for Sonia, a Queens girl who preferred the comfort of her car. But Rob, a true New Yorker from the Bronx with Harlem roots, knew the trains like the back of his hand. That short ride to Grand Central revealed more than just a route, it revealed their differences, their balance, and their growing connection. Inside Grand Central, Sonia marveled at the iconic architecture she loved so much, and Rob had one more surprise waiting. From his pocket, he pulled out a small piece of paper, two tickets to The Summit. Sonia’s joy echoed through the station with an “OMG!” that Rob will never forget. That night, Sonia realized she’d found someone who not only listened, but who made her dreams come true in the most thoughtful ways. From that day forward, not a single one passed without a message, a laugh, or a plan for the next adventure. Nearly four years later, Sonia and Rob have weathered storms, leaned on each other through life’s hardest moments, and celebrated love in all its joy and resilience. They are opposites in many ways, yet they bring out the very best in each other—grounded, glowing, and stronger together. On October 8, 2026, Sonia and Rob will say “I do” in front of their family and friends—the people who have cheered them on, supported them, and shared in their journey. They cannot wait to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who mean the most.