In her words…

1. How did he propose?

Well, our initial engagement was just a conversation. We have been together since 2011 and first moved in together in 2014 until 2016 when we were long distance (Indiana to Pennsylvania) for my first 2 years of medical school, so we’d known for a while that we were going to be together for the long haul. He came to visit me Labor Day weekend 2017 and we were discussing when the best time to get married would be, I wanted to do it before I graduated medical school but after I finished all of my residency interviews so I asked what he thought of March. He said March sounded good and we settled on the first weekend in March of my fourth year. Then I looked at him and asked if this meant we were engaged and he said yes, so we told our families and I thought that was it. Three months later I’m flying back to PA to celebrate Christmas with Sal and his family and when he picks me up from the airport and we walk into his house he tells me that he has a surprise for me and tells me to close my eyes. I’m standing in the middle of his kitchen with my hands over my eyes when I hear him come up behind me and drop to the floor. I get worried, should I open my eyes? Did he fall? Is he ok? He says ok you can look, I turn to see him on one knee with a ring in his hand as he asks “Will you marry me?” My first thought was, “I thought I already was!?” Then I of course say yes, put on the ring, and cry happy tears. To this day he says that I looked more confused than surprised, and that’s most likely because I was.

2. What was your favorite wedding moment?

I think my favorite moment was in our bridal suite between the ceremony and reception. We sat on the couch together, married, holding hands with my head on his shoulder and rested our eyes. It was a moment of peace in an absolutely incredible but so busy day.

3. What was his favorite wedding moment?

He says the “whole ceremony part” is his favorite.

4. What was the funniest wedding moment?

The Pot game and watching both families get incredibly competitive was pretty funny to witness. But also when there was a floss off on the dance floor and my 12 year old nephew showed up my maid of honor’s boyfriend at the floss dance, and then we all tried and failed miserably to learn how to floss.

5. What was your first dance song?

Open Arms by Journey

6. What advice would you give to future couples?

Just roll with it, your day will be absolutely perfect even when it isn’t. And take breaks, it’s a marathon not a sprint. (I agree!) 🙂

In her words….

1. How did he propose? “We had talked about getting engaged. And we knew we wanted mountains in the background. So our trip to Costa Rica was the perfect setting. One day – February 25th to be exact, we were exploring a rocky area on the beach. Nour was wandering off taking photos, as usual. Joey was fumbling with his backpack. Then, Nour turns around to him chasing after his hat that had blown off. When he gets back, he motions to her to come closer. He sets one knee up on the rock and looks up at her. Joey says a few sweet words. She’s starting to figure out what is going on… ‘I love the hikes we take. I love all the beautiful places we travel to. I love going on adventures together. And I want to go on many more adventures with you. Will you be my adventure partner? Will you marry me?’ He pulls out a box and opens it to show the simple gold ring band with the subtle rectangular stone that they had both looked at online together. She said yes! Then, he put that ring box back in his pocket and said: that is not the right one! Nour wondered what was going on. Joey took out a more brilliant ring from his other pocket – one that was not in the plans – and slid it onto the ring finger of her left hand.”

2. What was your favorite reception moment? “It’s hard to narrow it down to one – it was all so perfect! I loved catching up with everyone – wish we had more time to talk. Our parents’ toasts. Dancing with Joey – and friends/family.”

3. What was his favorite reception moment? “Talking with friends and family.”

4. What was the funniest reception moment? “When his brothers, Alex and Jack, and friend Peter busted out dance moves to Sandstorm – they were in sync without planning it!”

5. What was your first dance song? “I Choose You by Sara Barreilis”

6. What advice would you give to future couples? “Find someone you can be yourself around, you can laugh with, who challenges you. Travel together…you’ll learn a lot about each other on a trip – even if it’s just 2 hours away.” (Great advice!!) 🙂