Nova is a professor of history who is passionate about her students and her research about the history of women’s activism in Syria and Lebanon. Nova is creative and kind. At home, she enjoys hosting large dinner parties, tending to our many house plants and herb garden, and crafting. Nova loves being outside. On weekends, we backpack, hike, ski, and snowshoe together, depending on the season. Nova craves mental stimulation, listening to audiobooks and podcasts while in the car, devouring books and New Yorker articles while at home, and attending lectures and exhibits around Seattle. One of the things I love most about Nova -- beyond the fact that she is one of the smartest people I know -- is how generous she is. Nova organizes meal trains for friends with newborns, hosts parties for friends’ life events, and is always willing to help students and colleagues.

Jacob is one of the most thoughtful, considerate people I have ever met--a true gentleman. As a programmer, Jacob is highly skilled at anticipating and solving problems. His happy place is on top of a mountain. Ever inquisitive, he is constantly reading the news about space, politics, and the environment. He is always ready to discuss any of those topics, so ask away! One of the things I love most about Jacob is that he always says “yes” to an adventure. In 2018, after six months of dating, I invited Jacob to come to Lebanon on a sabbatical research trip. He booked his ticket immediately. While in Lebanon, we hiked in cedar reserves, ate lots of shawarma, and strolled along Mediterranean beaches. He came to my lectures and raised probing questions, revealing his capacious curiosity and great listening skills. I knew he was a keeper before the trip was done.

On our originally scheduled wedding date, August 15, 2020, we signed our marriage license in a micro-marriage license signing ceremony with four witnesses and the officiant overlooking the Puget Sound. With so much uncertainty in the world over the last year, it did not make sense to postpone the joy of getting married as we knew we were certain we wanted to commit to one another. We look forward to exchanging our vows in front of our family and friends in July 2021.