Uzair Hafeez & Melissa Etter

April 1, 2017

"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten."

Melissa lives her life by the above quote, and in classic fashion, she decided to do something different and try a dating app! Uzair, always trying to be efficient, also figured an app was the best way to meet someone with the same intentions. With the advent of modern technology (and a little luck), Uzair and Melissa swiped right on each other. After a little banter back and forth, the two decided to meet for a casual Saturday morning coffee. In a surprise twist, they went ziplining the same day and the rest is history!

November 2017

"Melissa, I'm moving to California."

After only a few months, Uzair moved to California for work. Melissa, stubbornly independent as she is, decided she wasn't moving across the country for just 'some guy!' After sleepless nights and long discussions, the pair decided to give the long distance relationship a try. 

Flying every 5 weeks or so wasn't easy on either of them, but it affirmed what they already knew - they wanted to spend more time together. As hard as the distance was, they were going to make it work.

October 2018

"I'm joining you in California!"

After nearly a full year of constant red-eyes, late-night phone calls, and navigating time zones differences, Melissa made the big decision to move to California. This decision didn't come lightly, but as her father put it, the fact that she and Uzair were making it work was a beacon for good things to come. A new job, a new city, and 3000 miles later, the two were inseparable.

March 2019

"There's an amazing flight deal and I'm booking it now. We'll figure out the details later." 

The two lovebirds share an appreciation for food, culture, and travel. When an opportunity to spend a little time in Thailand popped up, they were immediately in. Melissa, the clear planner of the relationship, was apprehensive to book something on a whim, but Uzair, ever spontaneous, booked the flights anyway and assured her they would figure out the details together. What turned out to be an impromptu trip led the pair to learn more about each other (and only reiterated their shared appreciation of spreadsheets).

December 2020

"Take the next exit!"

Long road trips can certainly test the bounds of patience, and when Melissa and Uzair do something, they do it all the way. So naturally they decided to drive from Georgia to California. At times they sat in silence and just enjoyed each other's company, while other times you couldn't get them to stop talking if you tried! Besides visiting family, the two enjoyed an amazing adventure at Zion National Park and a spooky stay near the Carlsbad Caverns.

July 2021

"Wow, so much parking!"

When Melissa and Uzair decided to move in together, they knew that they wanted to start fresh and build something together - not move into one of the two's existing apartments. What better way, they thought, than to escape the fog and move to sunny Oakland! They knew they'd learn even more about each other with this new adventure - turns out they learned more about themselves, too! 

September 24, 2021

"Oh by the way, I submitted an application."

Late one evening with Uzair already fast asleep, Melissa submitted an application for the best boy, now known as Gobi. While the two always knew they wanted a dog, circumstance had not allowed it. A home video walkthrough, an essay of why they'd be good pawrents, and a blood sample later, the two were approved and adopted Gobi! Known as a 'plug-and-play' dog, he immediately fit in, and the family felt complete. 

March 31, 2022

"Melissa, will you marry me?"

With Melissa busy with work, Uzair took the reigns on planning what Melissa thought was just a 5 year anniversary trip. Somewhere sunny, warm, and relaxing, beautiful Turks and Caicos was ideal. Little did Melissa know, Uzair had been planning a little more than just a vacation. In case you weren't sure, she said yes!