“You are far, but distance doesn’t break a heart. It gives us time to know our love.”

Gabriela and Elijah are living proof that absence makes the heart grow fonder. The bulk of their time dating had them split apart on opposite sides of the state. But, that did not hinder their relationship, it only strengthened it, teaching them to cherish the time together and rely on one other differently. However, before they conquered long distance, they had to conquer, well…. Social complications.

Elijah and Gabriela did not know each other before dating. They would see each other at church here and there, but it wasn’t until Natalie blatantly asked Elijah of his relationship status, and not so subtly mentioned her single daughter Gabriela. This obviously sparked Elijah’s interest, but that is where the roadblock occurred. You see, the elephant in the room was that Elijah and Natalie were coworkers and He was Elena’s teacher. This put Elijah in a weird place if he wanted to pursue Gabriela.

Their first conversation was at church with a nervous Elijah who was called over by Natalie to be presented with a quiet Gabriela who was lost for words, thinking she blew her shot only to be reassured at the end of their first conversation as he left her with, “it was a pleasure meeting you!” Those words secured hope for her! Words her mother and sister would not let her forget.

From the beginning, both had a fondness of the other and immediate attraction, but did not approach the situation as some might. Each had little actions meticulously planned, hoping, just hoping that the other would notice that they were interested. Later the two interacted at Coventry Christian on Elijah’s birthday (which Gabriela was oblivious of). After they talked, Elijah made a point to find her and say goodbye before going away for the weekend, touching her arm as they departed. Excitement stirred in both of them as they left for what seemed like the longest week and a half until they saw each other at Christmas Eve Service. At the service Elijah made another awkward attempt to catch Gabriela’s attention by lighting her Christmas candle. However, when he turned around to light Gabriela’s, she was three people down and then awkwardly lit Lexie’s. Don’t worry, they talked about the upcoming Spider-Man movie after service.

Two days after Christmas and a loud house of Trinidadian yelling, Gabriela sent her first message asking Elijah about his Christmas. Upon hitting send, she threw her phone across the room, not believing what she just did. Elijah was so excited when he saw the message, which gave him the green light! They planned their first date; Elijah planned to pick her up for coffee and to see Spider-Man on January 1st, 2022. The only problem was… Elijah was in Tennessee on New Year’s Eve, the night before with a 5 am flight calling his name. Against all odds from his night out, he was able to make his flight home to take his future wife out on their first date.

The first date was a fever dream for them both!! The date was scheduled to be coffee and a movie, but turned into a fine dining experience in a McDonald’s drive through and then a long night drive, neither could say goodbye. The first date lasted about 8 hours and date #2 was planned for the next day!

On their second date, Elijah had a mug he had made that he planned to give to the girl he would one day marry. His confidence quickly grew and by the end of the date he gave her the mug and they shared their first kiss on the hilltop where Elijah would propose 15 months later. After a month of talking and going on dates they made it official and laid out their game plan on how to conquer distance.

Fast forward to now, Gabriela lives back in the area. They enjoy watching movies together, cooking together, and their favorite activity is disc golfing and hiking with their Dog Charles. God has a certain way of having the most impeccable timing for things, even when we cannot see it. As they begin their marriage, they will hold that promise to be true: God’s timing is always superior to their own timing!

Gabriela, Elijah, and Charles are excited to celebrate this amazing day and marriage that God has blessed with all of their friends and family!