WLTZ - NBC 38: Columbus Power Couples, Part III

By Olivia Laborde
Wednesday, February 16, 2011

When you see Congressman Sanford Bishop and his wife Vivian together, you notice an ease that comes from several years together. The couple’s first date was in 1985 but they didn't walk down the aisle until 2001.

Vivian Bishop says, "He just wasn't the settled down type when we first met. He was listed in Ebony Magazine as one of the most eligible bachelors.” Congressman Bishop explains, "She was very sought after. It just seemed like people would try to interfere with our relationship so we decided to keep it quite for a while. We both enjoyed politics and we had great discussions."

The Tomlinsons say they become close through their long conversations as well. Mayor Tomlinson says, " It evolved over time. I respected him and admired him. I found myself bouncing ideas off of him.”

Trip Tomlinson adds, "It was how we could just spend time doing almost nothing sometimes and feel so comfortable.”

But while they were dating, Trip felt the need to make a grand gesture to secure his place in his now wife’s life. Mayor Tomlinson explains, "Well we had a disagreement at some point. We weren’t really talking but he knew was that I was going to Atlanta that day. As I drove up Interstate 85 I saw Trip standing in the emergency lane with a big sign saying 'I love you.' Right then I knew he’s the one.”

The couple was married in 1997 after about two years of dating. As for the Bishops, it took them a while to get to the alter, but they say there's no doubt it was worth the wait. Congressman Bishop explains, "One day she just said ‘you know what Sanford? I love you.’ And I realized that I loved her too. Soon after that we got married. Most people didn't even know we were dating.”

Vivian Bishop adds, "Actually Ebony Magazine called recently to ask for him to be listed in the ‘Top 20 Eligible Bachelors' issue again and I said sorry he's married!"