Parul & TJ in Augusta, GA

Parul met TJ in Nashville during her first week of college. The two talked all night at an orientation event and became fast friends. Just before TJ graduated, they became a couple, even though they knew it was a possibility that they could attend different medical schools and residencies in the future. After eight years of long-distance dating, the couple planned a weekend trip back to Nashville. TJ picked Parul up from the airport and took her straight to their old campus, intending to propose, but all of a sudden classes let out and they were surrounded by students. The Bride Parul Bhatt, 30, a pediatrician The Groom TJ Payne, 32, a hand surgeon The Date July 11 TJ took advantage of their next private moment at the hotel. “The second our bags were in the room I turned around and saw him down on one knee holding out the ring,” says Parul. They married in dual ceremonies (one Hindu and one Episcopal) to honor both of their families and backgrounds.