The year was 2021 and Nadine and I were both invited to Vasona Park to celebrate Eid al-Adha, which also happened to be Nadine's birthday that year. Although we had somewhat known of each other prior to that, we never actually met until that day. I'll never forget the moment I saw her that day at the park because it stopped me dead in my tracks and made me ask myself "wow, who still wears denim shorts in 2021?". Enamored by her questionable and daring fashion sense, I knew I had to learn more about this person. So, I did what any reasonable single Arab man would do, I sent my little cousin Joanna to do some digging. Joanna came back informing me Nadine was starting a game of volleyball and me being a 6'1" absolute specimen of an athlete (mashAllah), I knew this was my time to shine. After seeing me tower above the sky to deliver some of the most brutal spikes known to man, Nadine was clearly blown away by my athletic prowess. At the same time, she was holding her own and delivering some of the most gnarly serves I'd ever seen, impressing me beyond the cringe point of her jorts. Nadine and I clearly showed a lot of chemistry on the court together, but I knew I had to play it cool and not seem too interested. Therefore, I packed my bags and moved to New York just so she wouldn't think I was too desperate. I know you may be thinking that was an extreme measure to take, but then I ask you, "it worked didn't it?" The moment I knew I was going to back to California, I made sure to reach out to Nadine and the rest is history.

It started on a beautiful summer day in July…It was Eid al-Adha 2021, and also my birthday. My cousins were in town and we spent our Eid at Vasona Park with all our friends and family, the day couldn’t have been more perfect…until it was. I saw some friends setting up Volleyball over on the field and for anyone that knows me, knows, where theres competitive sports, theres Nadine. So, naturally, I sauntered over to dominate the court. Little did I know, fate had a partner in crime - I see Joanna walking over with the epitome of tall, dark (tan), and handsome (emphasis on the tall) and they ask if they can join the game. As the game ensued, Sean is scoring point after point with his perfectly executed spikes as I’m diving left and right for the ball. With both of our competitive play, I knew we made the perfect team! The game goes on and of course our team wins the game. Little did I know this was just the start of it all. We add each other on Instagram and I come to find out Sean is leaving to New York. As bummed as I felt, I knew if it was meant to be, it would be. Months passed, and with Sean’s return came a renewed spark. We finally got to hang out. With our magnetic chemistry, love for competitive games, and Seans charming wit, I knew I had to make sure he doesnt return to New York. And well, the rest is history...

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ