In 2015, Josh and Rachel begin medical school at NYU in the Big Apple. They don't know each other yet, but are bright-eyed and ready for their futures.
A few months later, Rachel and Josh's medical school class goes on a weekend ski trip to Vermont. Rachel and Josh *coincidentally* find themselves in the same group of skiers. Josh always waits for Rachel after the chairlift, and frequently checks in on her to make sure she's okay. (She's not: her quads are burning and she's super out of shape, but what a nice guy!)
One year after meeting, Josh and Rachel are spotted dancing *soberly* near one another at NYU's Spring Formal event.
Not shown: Rachel and Josh started studying together for medical school exams. Josh (a future plastic surgeon) tutors Rachel in facial anatomy, and Rachel helps Josh with central nervous system physiology. They consume lots of coffee, share lots of laughs, and ace their exams! #teamjachel
It's the new year, and the Northwestern Wildcats (Rachel's team) face off against the Kentucky Wildcats in the 2017 Music City Bowl. Josh *coincidentally* takes an interest in Northwestern sports (blaming his alma mater's lack of a football team). NU wins the bowl game by 1 point. Rachel and Josh bond over the win and later go on a few dates, frequenting Penelope's brunch for their *to die for* blueberry pancakes! (highly recommend)
A year and a half after meeting, Josh asks Rachel on a Valentine's Day date extraordinaire. He brings Rachel to Lincoln Center where they dine, wine, and listen to one of Josh's favorite jazz bands live. The night was a success, and a few weeks later on 3.9.2017, Josh and Rachel start officially dating!
They debut their relationship at NYU's Spring 2017 Formal, making it round trip from the 2016 Spring Formal, and taking a much classier photo this time.
During the next year, Rachel and Josh complete their clinical clerkships, taking breaks for relaxing trips to Martha's Vineyard and Jamaica (shown). They then reluctantly buckle down to study for part 1 (the hardest part) of the United States Medical Licensing Exam, otherwise known as Step 1.
They tackle the exam head on, and study really really hard (with some breaks for selfies of course.) Tears were shed (mostly by Rachel), but in the end they passed the exam with flying colors!
Oh, and they scored only 1 point different from one another.
Rachel and Josh are both accepted into NYU's 3-year MD program, matching to stay at NYU for their residency training - Rachel in Internal Medicine, and Josh in Plastic Surgery.
It's finally Medical School Graduation Day!
Due to Rachel's hair fiasco (don't ask), Josh and Rachel *nearly* miss their own medical school graduation. But they sprint (Rachel in high heels) from Grand Central Station to Lincoln Center (the same site of their fateful 2017 Valentine's Day date, mind you), arriving just in time to walk down the stage (albeit slightly sweaty and nauseated).
Josh will never forgive Rachel for this, but THEY DID IT! Meet: Dr. Rachel Sibley, MD and Dr. Joshua Cohen, MD!
The graduation celebrations commence, and Rachel and Josh move into their first apartment together on 25th Street in Manhattan. They don't have long before their first year of residency begins...
First year of residency is challenging, to say the least. Rachel and Josh work long hours at NYU and Bellevue Hospitals in Manhattan. Due to 27-hour shifts, they sometimes don't see each other for days on end, despite living together. But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? And they survive, with more grey hairs than before, but a lot more confidence in this thing called doctoring. #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
They celebrate the completion of the year with a trip to the Amalfi Coast. They explore the wonderful cities of Positano, Capri, Pompeii and the nearby vineyards of course! Rachel's friends bet Josh is going to propose on this romantic getaway, but Josh has his own plan...
Making a full circle to the Winter Ski Trip of 2016 where Rachel first noticed the cute nice Jewish boy who always waited for her after the chairlift, Josh decides to propose on their winter ski trip to Beaver Creek, Colorado. This is the same place where Rachel's grandparents, parents, and siblings all grew up skiing. She has so many positive memories here. The morning of their proposal, they take a beautiful hike through the mountains.
Then, because of a slight hitch (a little thing called the COVID-19 global pandemic), Josh's proposal plans A, B, C and D all get cancelled. But he keeps his cool (kind of) and manages to pull off an epic and romantic proposal with candles, flowers, strawberries, champagne, and most importantly, lots and lots of love.
On 3.16.20...WE SAID YES!!
We look forward to celebrating with you all at our wedding in 2022!!