Alexis Rochlin and Mitchell Herschbach

With more than 120 miles of distance separating them for the past three years, the odds of Alexis Rochlin and Mitchell Herschbach having a relationship, much less getting married, would seem long, indeed.

But the closeness of their hearts was the true measure of their love.

It was a love celebrated by more than 135 guests at their nuptials inside Dorothy Chandler Pavilion last month. But they’ll need to continue living apart for a bit longer. Herschbach, 31, is in his final quarter of teaching at UC San Diego. Rochlin, 26, is finishing her law studies at UCLA.

“I think the key to making it through these last three years is that we knew it was limited,” said Rochlin. “But we both knew this was serious and that we were willing to put in the work.”

They met in 2005 as students at UC San Diego. He was studying for a doctorate in philosophy and cognitive science; she was earning a bachelor of science in psychology. But soon after their first date in 2006, she had to undergo a series of painful surgeries — related to a cyst in her tailbone — and debilitating home treatments.

“Mitch was there through all of it,” she said. “It was then that I knew I was falling in love.” Herschbach felt the same way. He’ll be moving to L.A. in June after his final quarter is complete.

“The best part about the wedding was to feel all of the love around us,” she said.

— Kim Kabar, Custom Publishing Writer