Eric and Alia met while enrolled at Philadelphia University in 2013. Alia was a sophomore and Eric was just a few short weeks away from graduation. One of Alia’s roommates at the time was a resident assistant and was hosting an ice cream social event at their townhouse for students living in the complex. It happened to be on a weekend that a lot of other campus activities were going on, so turnout to the party was much less than anticipated. Needing more attendees, Alia’s roommate set out to round up some more ice cream eaters. One of the houses that answered her frantic knocking was Townhouse T. Eric, his roommate and now Best Man, Brandon, and his now wife Erin who was visiting Philadelphia University that weekend, arrived to help empty the cartons of ice cream. The two didn’t talk much during that initial meeting, but shortly after, Alia added Eric on Facebook finding him only by snooping the names on the sign-in sheet from the party that was left on living room table. After chatting and texting for a few days, the two decided to hang out. Alia was a bit reluctant to give up any time, as it was almost finals week, but headed over to Eric’s house anyway. That night they quickly found that the conversation was effortless, the connection was obvious, and they were pretty much inseparable from then on. Some of their early "dates" included late night McDonald’s (Eric’s choice), dinner at the Brass Buckle and pizza nights -- a sacred staple in their household to this day. As the saying goes, "when you know, you know," and they both definitely knew. Alia and Eric share 10 years of fond memories of their college days and beyond with love and laughter throughout it all. They have grown with each other and shared so many milestones, including graduating from Philadelphia University, Eric’s purchase of his first house that they eventually both called home, adopting their beloved cat Rocco, plenty of home renovation and real estate adventures and a few trips including countless visits to their favorite weekend getaway, Atlantic City. They are so thrilled to begin this next phase of life together -- marriage!

It happened to be a day with some of the most miserable weather they have ever experienced in Atlantic City. There was a Gale Warning and a cold, misty rain was predicted for the entire day. Despite the weather, Eric still felt that today was THE day. They set off to a breakfast spot they had heard great things about but had never tried. It was a few blocks away from where they were staying and Eric convinced Alia to walk, despite the weather. By the time they got there, both were wind burnt and freezing. The food turned out to be disappointing at best and the morning was definitely not going the way Eric had originally envisioned. But, unbeknownst to Alia, Eric’s plan was still falling into place. Despite the wind burn and mediocre food, she agreed to still stick to their plan of going to the beach after breakfast. They headed over to walk along the shore and look for beach pebbles and sea glass. They have a tradition of having a friendly competition to see who can find the shiniest, clearest beach pebble and today was no different. Alia doesn’t like to lose so she is always scanning the beach so intently, she didn’t even notice Eric lagging behind her waiting for the right moment to take out the box he has been trying to hide in his pocket. Alia finally found the rock she thought would win today’s hunt. She exclaimed “I found a clear one!” Eric cleverly replied, “Oh yeah? I bet the one I have is clearer” and got down on one knee and pulled out the ring. (For the record, his rock was most definitely the clearest and shiniest of the day!) He popped the question and of course Alia said YES! They are excited to continue their life journey together, create long lasting memories, and can't wait for all of you to be there on their special day!