September 7, 2024 was the day they first met, after a little encouragement from family and friends. It was a rainy afternoon, and they met at Starbucks near Baymeadows Road.

A couple of months later, their paths crossed again in an unexpected way. Tanem had become friends with Hasan’s cousin’s wife, who was planning a birthday dinner for her husband on June 29, 2025. They all met that evening in Jacksonville Beach, Florida for a simple birthday dinner, then spent time walking along the beach and taking pictures together.

Their official connection started during Tanem’s sister’s birthday on July 8, 2025, where Tanem’s mother planned a bowling night and invited a large group of family and friends. They ended up bowling together, and the night continued back at Tanem’s mother’s house, where everyone gathered for more quality time together. From that night on, they officially started talking regularly and slowly began going out together.

On October 12, 2025, Tanem was overwhelmed with a major assignment for her Doctor of Education program when Hasan kept encouraging her to go out. Though she was stressed and reluctant at first, she eventually agreed and changed into a simple dress. The car ride began tense, but she slowly calmed down as he drove her to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida. Along the way, he stopped to pick a flower for her, which she tucked into her hair. When they arrived, they took pictures by the sunset before walking down to the beach. As the evening grew quiet and dark, Hasan nervously began to speak, and Tanem realized what was happening. With her encouragement, he continued, got down on one knee, and asked her to marry him.