our story

What began as a quiet friendship in middle school bloomed years later into the love of a lifetime. We reconnected in 2015 when we both found ourselves far from home — at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Nafisa was Junaed’s International Student Diplomat, and somehow between study sessions, midnight chats, and food runs, a bond naturally formed. We became each other's biggest cheerleaders, support systems, and best friends.

Fast forward a few years, Nafisa moved to Saskatchewan for her Master’s degree, and without hesitation, Junaed followed — beginning the next chapter of our lives together. We built our home from the ground up, piece by piece, starting with our first rescue cat, Whiskey, followed by the majestic Hades, who came into our lives the same month we moved into our new place.

In January after Hades arrived, we traveled to Bangladesh where Nafisa met Junaed’s entire family for the first time. They welcomed her with open arms, traditional clothes, sweet treats, and warm embraces. His mom placed two gold bangles on Nafisa’s wrists and softly said, “You are now part of the family.”

That same year in December, our families gathered virtually from around the world and we got officially engaged over a Zoom call — no fancy rings, just love and a deep desire to make it official. Unbeknownst to Nafisa, Junaed was quietly gathering hints about her dream ring. A few months later, while celebrating her sister’s birthday in Toronto, he planned the most magical surprise. It began as a treasure hunt at the cottage, complete with scrolls, clues, pouches, and finally — a scrabble-style reveal (because Nafisa is obsessed with Scrabble). The letters spelled out: M-A-R-R-Y M-E? Cue tears, laughter, and the kind of joy that only comes from the most thoughtful surprises.

We came back home floating, and just days later, while Nafisa was attending a conference in Calgary, Junaed called and asked, “Wanna get married this Friday?” With full hearts and no hesitation, she said yes. That Friday, we exchanged vows in our living room, dressed in a Le Chateau dress Nafisa picked off the rack, surrounded by three close friends and our beloved cats. It was simple, beautiful, and uniquely us — made official in the most intimate and heartfelt way.

Later, in June, we held our Nikkah ceremony — a deeply meaningful moment that honored our traditions and brought our journey full circle. The president of Nafisa’s workplace officiated, her sister Nabila walked her down the aisle and stood as her Maid of Honor, and Nafisa wore a repurposed saree from her Nanu’s 1960s wedding. In front of our closest loved ones, and in the eyes of Allah, we became one.

Though this chapter has been filled with love and celebration, one thing was missing — our families. Sadly, they couldn’t be with us in person. So this December, we’re heading back to Bangladesh to celebrate with them (and all of you) — the people who’ve cheered us on from thousands of miles away. We can’t wait to dance, laugh, and celebrate properly with the ones who’ve shaped who we are.

And life didn’t stop surprising us — in the dead of a -30°C January night, we heard faint meows outside. We rushed out to find a shivering little kitten munching on food we’d left for strays. After a couple of shy visits, she walked right into our home (and our hearts) like she’d always belonged. We named her Freyja, and she became the third piece of our little fur family puzzle. Now, with Whiskey, Hades, and Freyja — our house is full of fur, purrs, and unconditional love.

From that tiny dorm room with a twin bed in Grantham, to six homes across three countries, two degrees, three cats, and countless memories — we’ve built a life rooted in love, trust, growth, and deep respect. We’re each other’s calm and storm, softness and strength, the loud laugh after a long day, and the hug that makes everything feel right.

We can’t wait to celebrate the rest of our story with you.