Drew and Hailey’s story began in 2020, when much of the world was physically apart — yet somehow, they found each other. Both were in the thick of medical school, spending most of their days studying and FaceTiming with friends as a means of social interaction. In an unexpected turn of events, Hailey noticed Drew in the background of a group FaceTime, and the rest was history. What started as a casual introduction through mutual friends quickly evolved into something more. Drew and Hailey found themselves talking every day, and before long, their calls became a nightly ritual. After months of virtual connection and hours of conversation, they decided it was time to meet in person. Both were preparing for one of the most important milestones of their medical careers: the Step 1 exam. They promised each other that once that hurdle was behind them, they’d make it happen. True to their word, once the exams were over, Drew booked a flight to Miami. Their first meeting wasn’t just a casual coffee date or a quick lunch — it was a 12-day road trip through Florida. Starting in Miami, they set off to the Florida Keys, with the salty air and endless turquoise water serving as the backdrop for their budding relationship. Just three days after their first official date, they stopped in Hailey’s hometown, Boca Raton, where Drew met her parents. From there, they drove north to the West Coast of Florida and Melbourne Beach, sharing stories, playlists, meals, and experiences that would quickly turn into unforgettable memories. What could have been an awkward first meeting instead felt effortless, as if they had known each other for years. Even after the trip ended, Drew and Hailey were committed to making it work. Over the next year, they continued to fly across the country to see each other, navigating long distances and busy schedules. Hailey even flew to Arizona and spent the holidays with Drew and his family. Every reunion felt like picking up right where they left off — full of laughter, new adventures, and the deepening certainty that they had found something rare. In 2021, Hailey started a research position at the University of California, San Diego, while Drew completed his final year of medical school. Despite the challenges of rotations, residency interviews, and the uncertainty of the future, they leaned on each other. Their future came into sharper focus when Drew matched into Anesthesiology at the University of Miami. As fate would have it, Hailey was due to return to Miami for her final year of medical school, and they moved into their first apartment together. While living together in Miami, they expanded their love and adopted their two black kittens, Polo and Pan. Later that year, Hailey matched into Ophthalmology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, which meant three more years of long-distance. Their time apart only confirmed their commitment to one another, and in March of 2024, Drew proposed on the beaches of Positano, Italy. Some stories take time, twists, and turns to unfold, but for Drew and Hailey, it was simple: when you know, you know. There is no better place for them to celebrate their love than by the ocean, surrounded by their favorite people– the one constant in their story besides each other.