Connect How did your love story begin?

I rescued a shark tangled in fishing line, and the video went viral. She saw it from the other side of the world in Iran and sent me a message. That single message sparked a connection—we bonded over our love for the ocean, shared values, and a deep curiosity about each other. For a year, we talked every day across time zones. Finally, we met in Turkey for our first dive together. One shark rescue led to the love of my life.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

After nearly a month together in Bali, we said goodbye at the airport with Elnaz leaving back to Iran —not knowing when we’d see each other again. Two years into our K-1 visa wait, hope was fading. That night, I got a message: her interview was approved. I sent her a video so she’d see it on her layover. When she landed, she called me in tears—happy ones. That moment changed everything. It meant our love had a future—and it was finally beginning.

What would you do with $20,000?

We’d use the $20,000 to fund marine conservation diving trips, create educational videos about ocean protection, Every dollar would help us protect marine life, clean reefs, and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates. Our love brought us together through a shark rescue—this would help us give back to the ocean that united us.