BAINBRIDGE, Ga. — A Bainbridge couple is competing in the “America’s Favorite Couple” contest and is currently in third place in the nationwide competition.

Kimberly and Matthew Gabriel have lived in South Georgia for years. The two met online eight years ago. After dating for seven months, Matthew proposed in 2017, and the couple married the following year.

Kimberly said she learned about the contest through a Facebook ad and submitted their story. She later received an email confirming they had been selected to compete for the top spot.

The contest is based in California. Each year, one couple is selected to receive $20,000, a trip to California to have dinner with previous winners, and additional prizes.

If they win, Kimberly said she would like to take a trip to Italy. Matthew said he would use half of the prize money to pay off debt and put the other half toward their 10-year wedding anniversary, which is two years away.

The Gabriels are asking residents in Bainbridge and across South Georgia to support them as voting continues. The contest ends on Thursday, August 6, at 7 p.m.

Those who would like to vote can vote here.

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