Like many great love stories, ours begins in Shreveport, LA. By the time our third year of residency rolled around, neither of us was particularly impressed with the dating scene — in fact, we were both on the verge of signing up for online dating.

Then came December.

Sara was assigned to the outpatient psychiatry clinic, and I was the lucky resident tasked with deciding who she’d be working with. In what can only be described as a very strategic move, I assigned her to work with me. Sara was genuinely interested in learning more about psychiatry for her future practice. I, on the other hand, was far more interested in exploring our chemistry.

No great story is complete with a little bit of miscommunication. I invited Sara to hang out in a group setting, which she politely declined (though she claims she didn’t realize what I was actually asking). Somehow, my bruised confidence bounced back just enough for me to ask her out formally at the end of the rotation.

From that point on, things just clicked.

I quickly discovered that Sara is as kind, funny, thoughtful, and brilliant as she is beautiful. We shared the same values, the same faith, and the same vision for a life rooted in Christ and centered around family.

We survived the ever-awkward texting phase and soon began seeing each other regularly. Within a month, we were meeting each other’s families — and not long after that, I knew without a doubt that she was the one I wanted to marry.

Sara saying “yes” on my birthday was the best birthday gift one could ever receive.

Now, we’re embracing a new chapter — a long-distance relationship. Sara recently moved to begin an exciting new job, and we’ve been honing our telecommunication skills. While the distance isn’t always easy, it’s made us even more excited for what’s ahead.

We can’t wait for our wedding in December and hope to celebrate with all of you!

#JustGideonMarried