Justin and Toiya met in August of 2008 as freshmen at Hampton University. “Justin T. Thomas” (yes, he always said his full name), was charming and charismatic, with the biggest personality and brightest smile. Toiya N. Turknett, a true GA peach, was strong-willed and soft-hearted, fancy for every occasion, with a fierce loyalty to those she loved. While attending The Real HU, Toiya and Justin developed a friendship as their friend groups frequently hung out together. Neither knew Student Center 12-2 sessions or Harbors gathering would create foundational memories for their future. From random Virginia Beach trips to Justin crossing into Omega Psi Phi, to Toiya’s 21st birthday celebration at Justin’s home, each memory created a foundation of trust, respect, and peace between the two of them. Post graduation, from 2012 – 2021, Justin became a commissioned officer in the Army traveling from Upstate New York, a deployment to Iraq, overseas tour in Hawaii, and then returning to Virginia. Toiya ventured back to her home state of Georgia, attended and graduated from medical school in Atlanta, completed Internal Medicine residency in Arizona, and moved back to Atlanta in the Summer of 2021. Fun fact: in the Spring of 2021, Toiya was being cast as the main character for a reality television show about finding love through reconnecting with a person from the past. Unbeknownst to her, all of Toiya’s friends recommended Justin as a top possibility to the casting producer. However, when Justin was contacted, he thought it was a scam and declined the offer. Finally, In 2022, God said “It’s Time.” Justin came to visit Atlanta during Memorial Day weekend in 2022; weeks before his second deployment to Iraq. Toiya and Justin made plans for a HU reunion, but neither of them expected what happened next. The moment they saw each other, something felt…different. Later, each realized it was their spirits recognized God’s purpose and instantaneously aligned. Their connection was strong, yet unexpected, and initially both Justin and Toiya tried to disregard it. However, no matter how they tried, they kept being drawn to one another, and months later, they made the decision to be together. And what an amazing journey life has been since then! Their relationship started while Justin was deployed, and it allowed them the unique opportunity to build a foundation of communication in all things, turning their previous friendship into best-friendship. As they navigated the nuances of new love, time zones, and incredibly demanding lives, they learned quickly how together, they could enjoy and conquer even some of the most difficult trials of life. It was in their many conversations during deployment that Justin coined the phrase “Forever Isn’t Long Enough”. Only God knew how Justin and Toiya reconnecting at that perfect time would catapult their love and their life together. In the time they’ve been together, Justin has been promoted to Major in the Army, moved from Virginia to Kansas City, MO where he obtained another master’s degree, and now continues a legacy of leadership in his station in El Paso, TX. Toiya has transitioned from her role in Atlanta, moved to Kansas City as well, and now practices medicine at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. Through it all, they’ve been each other’s support system, and their love continues to grow daily. Then, on the beach of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Justin proposed to Toiya in April of 2025. As they embark on a marriage rooted in faith, grounded by communication, and constantly growing in love, both Toiya and Justin remain humbled in God’s caring so much for each of them to wait until the time was right for them to recognize they were soulmates. Forever truly isn’t long enough, but Justin and Toiya are determined to make the most of every moment together.