Our story starts back in the summer of 2017 when we were both attending college at the University of North Florida. We were both huge nerds, with a love for biology and how we could use that passion to one day help people. One day after class, some mutual friends of ours introduced us to each other. We instantly became great friends! From late nights studying in the library, the constant quick and witty jokes, and some light-hearted competition of who could get the higher grades, there was no shortage of great memories to go around. But what started as a friendship slowly turned into something more when the stars aligned in our dating lives. Both newly graduated and after years of remaining friends, one summer night we went out for pizza (and a few glasses of wine) in downtown Jax where amazing conversation ultimately led to us confessing our feelings for each other… talk about an awesome night!

We spent the next few summer months stuck to each other’s side. From spontaneous road trips, hiking, fishing (with Gabi doing most of the catching), and amazing dates, it was such an awesome time in our lives! Every day our relationship grew stronger, as well as the witty jokes. Gabi has a great sense of humor, so I definitely had to step my game up lol! After meeting each other’s family, we were both welcomed with open arms. Little did Gabi know at the time, I was already dreaming of ways to spend the rest of my life with her. I knew she was the love of my life, and I was determined to make her mine. But with that summer nearing its end, there was a big elephant in the room… I was about to move to Pennsylvania to start medical school. So after many long nights of figuring out how to make it work, we decided that Gabi would move and join me in Pennsylvania.

Fast forward to a big leap of faith with us both newly living in Erie, Pennsylvania together, it was truly a dream come true. We didn’t have much money to go around, but it was a blissful time spent exploring the outdoors and making new friends every chance we got. Not only did we set out to start making a life together, but we grew immensely in our relationship and in our faith. Looking back on this time, we can’t help but be humbled by how fortunate we both are to live the life we do and have friends and family who support us.

After spending some time in Erie, Gabi moved back to Jax to complete her nursing degree. While we had to temporarily do long distance, I knew no amount of schooling was going to keep us apart. I quickly moved back to Florida to be with her the first chance I got. We spent the next two years continuing to not only build our relationship and figure out this thing called life, we also got engaged and started our own little family (a family centered around our two dogs named Myla & Maverick). Once we completed our degrees while living in Jacksonville, life had bigger plans and sent us out to Texas where we will now be spending the next few years for more training. Once again in a new place with new jobs and new friends, we’re continuously reminded just how blessed we are to cherish moments with one another and live the amazing life we do. Although when moving this time, I did manage to get a ring on Gabi’s finger and make her my wife.

Our journey together has been nothing short of awesome. We’ve made amazing friends and family throughout our journey with endless laughs and good times along the way. Every up and every down has all been worth it, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for my wife She’s the true love of my life!

G&J

Meet the Bride and Groom