Renee: "I could not have concocted a more beautiful, genuine love story than the one fate had planned for us."
...It all began with a book called, Making Sense Out of Suffering, by Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College.
It was the summer of 2016; Renee had come back to Arizona from her time living in Leon, Spain, and on the other side of the continent, a man in Cincinnati, OH was in search for a new beginning. His name was Cory. The two had no ties nor knowledge of the other’s existence. But simultaneously, they found themselves in a time that challenged them to look for hope in their state of difficulty and banality.
While the two were independently discerning God’s purpose of these trials, little did they know mutual friends were conspiring in hopes of bringing these two unique individuals together. Upon hearing he lived in Cincinnati, Renee denied her aunt the opportunity to even utter his name, as she had determined a long distance relationship was not a challenge she desired.
Weeks later, Renee found herself thinking multiple times a day about this handsome, dapper man living on the other side of the country. Coming across young, successful men wasn’t a first for her but there was always a depth and wisdom she yearned for in these men that was only minimally present, if at all. Due to the rarity for such a combination of qualities, she was not totally convinced about giving this man a chance. During her birthday weekend, Renee, Rihan, and Nahid spent the day together discussing a multitude of things over tea and baklava when the perfect opportunity came to introduce Renee to Peter Kreeft’s book. Renee engulfed the book falling in love with both its contents, the author and, unwittingly, the man who had unintentionally gifted her with the book. Much to Renee's surprise, she was shocked and intrigued to discover the fellow she had rejected had recommended the book. Renee knew, having read the book, that something about Cory's heart and mind she hadn't known in any other man. And in that moment she felt like she knew him, declaring within her heart that she would marry this man. Wanting to spend a life with someone who could discuss existential subjects and theology with eloquence, finesse and wisdom was not only Renee’s deepest desires in a significant other but Cory’s as well. The message was instantly received. 4 hours of texting, late night phone calls, and a plane ride later would seal their fate for a life together.
So what was their 4-hour phone call about?
Renee: It ranged from everything between our families, friends, disappointments, biggest accomplishments, travel, music, Catholicism, philosophy, politics, our parents, iconography, Cory's painting of Mother Mary, the garlic festival and Middle Eastern cuisine.
When did you know Renee was the one?
Cory: "The first night we spent talking over the phone for 4 hours. My favorite moment within that conversation was when I texted her a picture of a charcoal drawing of mine of Mother Mary. She immediately recognized the sadness portrayed in Mary's eyes. No other person had ever picked that detail out so easily and quickly. To have someone understand a piece of your artwork that is personal is quite a moving moment."
What are some similarities you both share?
Renee: When I found out Cory had a playlist dedicated to Flamenco music I was sooooo ecstatic; it's such a passionate, sensual kind of genre of music and it said a lot about him in that moment!
Cory: Her love of Philosophy. It was comforting and refreshing to have met someone that understood something so personal and integral to my personality and character.
It was a cozy, overcast Thanksgiving Day. Heaven decided to open its light upon us for a few moments while we shared our first slow dance as fiance's. Everyone was mesmerized by this little blessing and it's still one of my favorite memories, today.
We were walking over to our favorite speakeasy in Scottsdale- Kazmierz. We love this spot because the drinks are good, live music always playing (jazz, samba, r&b, etc.)...it's never a dull night there.
Spending the day at the Omni Montelucia Resort. We like to come here for Prado Restaurant; excellent Spanish cuisine and beautiful architecture all around.
Cory’s first trip with the Yacoub family.
Celebrated with a few of my favorite uncles that met us up on the special night.