Matthew and Virina first met at a Coptic Medical Association of North America (CMANA) conference in December 2018 (in true Coptic fashion). It wasn’t love at first sight, but it quietly laid the foundation for something special that was still to come. Over a year later, in March 2020, during the boredom of COVID lockdown, Virina asked Instagram for song recommendations. Matthew decided it was finally time to shoot his shot, and somehow, he was the only one who suggested a song she actually liked. That one song turned into hours of texting, calling, and FaceTiming every single day. What started during lockdown never stopped. Through MCATs, interviews, college graduation, medical school, and five years of long distance, they chose each other every day. What could have been difficult became a blessing, because somewhere along the way, they became best friends. When Matthew matched for residency in Chicago, where Virina was living, they knew it was finally time to close the distance for good. Now, they are so excited to begin their lives together as one, under the grace of God.