Ally and Mahmoud’s journey is one of chance and connection, bridging continents and hearts. Ally grew up in the coastal town of Cohasset, MA, while Mahmoud was raised in Giza, Egypt. Despite their different worlds, fate brought them together at Bates College.

They first met as freshmen back in 2016, living on the same floor, and formed a close friendship that grew stronger over the years. By senior year, the pandemic disrupted their lives and plans, forcing Mahmoud to move to Seattle for work while Ally returned home to Cohasset. It was then they realized their bond was more than friendship and decided to take a leap of faith.

The goodbyes? They only got harder.

Mahmoud quit his Seattle job and moved in with Ally’s family (yep, that really happened). From there, a new job took him to NYC, kicking off three years of long-distance—Boston to NYC became their unofficial commute as they visited each other every chance they got.

Fast-forward to today: they live together in Brooklyn, building a life filled with love, laughter, and the occasional snowboarding & skating wipeouts (thanks to Ally teaching Mahmoud how to hit the slopes & the ice—a true test of their relationship). Over the past five years, they’ve explored the world, grown close with each other’s families, and friends, and made countless memories.

Then, in February 2025, in true Mahmoud style, he planned the perfect proposal. Back where it all began, at Bates, he surprised Ally with a romantic weekend in Portland, ME, capped off by popping the question at the campus pond (affectionately known as "The Puddle"). Ally said yes so fast he barely finished asking—and yes, there was a photographer, because subtle hints are kind of her thing.

Now, here they are, ready to start the next chapter of their story together. They’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with all of you—their favorite people!

Photos

The Proposal