Some love stories begin with a grand, romantic gesture. Others unfold gradually over time. For Rana and James Ballan, it began with persistence, culture, and a bit of surprise.

When they first met in Beirut, Rana was visiting her uncle to babysit for the weekend. James, working in Egypt at the time, had flown to Beirut to surprise his grandparents. From the moment James saw Rana, he was captivated. “For me, it was love at first sight,” James recalls. Rana, on the other hand, wasn’t as charmed initially. “I thought he was a bit annoying. He stared at me the entire time,” she laughs.

Yet, only two days later, James shocked her by proposing. Naturally, Rana said no. But James’s persistence paid off. Over six months, they stayed in touch and built a connection. Eventually, James’s family formally asked for Rana’s hand in marriage. “He was so nervous during the formal proposal,” Rana shares. “His father, his father’s uncle, and James were met by my parents and six of my aunts and uncles. He had no idea what to do or how to act.” A year later, they were wed.

Their wedding day was nothing short of magical. Over 400 guests gathered to celebrate their union, including 30 family members who traveled from the United States and a large contingent from Syria. “What made it special was the sheer love and happiness we felt from everyone around us,” Rana recalls. The highlight? Riding to the church in an open-top Rolls Royce while strangers showered them with rice and cheers. “People we didn’t even know came out onto their balconies to watch us pass,” says Rana. On their way to the reception, a shop owner even stopped their car to light fireworks in their honor. “It felt like the whole city was celebrating our marriage!” she says with a smile.

The reception was equally memorable, marked by a traditional Lebanese “zaffe,” where a group of musicians and dancers led the newlyweds into the venue. “The energy was incredible, and it truly felt like the beginning of a beautiful new chapter,” Rana recalls fondly.

Building a life together wasn’t without its challenges. Rana, who grew up in a small Lebanese town, found adjusting to life in a new country daunting. She didn’t speak English at first, and James’s work required frequent travel. “I basically lived with his family until I got my green card,” Rana explains. But through it all, James’s easygoing nature helped them navigate their differences. “Despite our different upbringings, our core values were the same. We both valued family and kids, which always brought us back together,” Rana adds.

Their journey took them across the globe, including a memorable three-year stint in Brazil with two young children in tow. “We didn’t know anyone, couldn’t speak the language, and were still figuring out how to be parents. But we got through it together, and it made us stronger,” Rana says proudly.

During those early years, Rana and James found ways to stay connected despite the demands of James’s career. “He traveled a lot, but whenever he was home, he made up for it in a big way,” Rana says. They established traditions that strengthened their bond, such as family dinners. “Even if it’s just two people at the table, you never eat alone when you’re home,” she adds.

Now, nearly 22 years later, Rana and James reflect on the life they’ve built. Their greatest triumph? Raising kind and strong-minded children while maintaining their deep connection. “We’ve grown so much individually and as a couple,” Rana says. “James taught me how to see the world differently, and I helped him embrace emotion and empathy.” James adds, “I was such an engineer when we got married, always focused on solving problems. Rana taught me the power of conversation and empathy. Without her, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

As for advice to newlyweds, the couple keeps it real. “Life isn’t an Instagram reel. It’s tears, sweat, and hard work. But if you’re committed and share the same goals, you’ll always find a way,” says Rana.

Looking back, they wish they had traveled more as a couple without worrying so much about the kids. Yet, they have few regrets. Their story is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of partnership. And through all of life’s ups and downs, Rana and James continue to evolve together, facing each new chapter hand in hand.