K + P

It all started with a little harmless internet sleuthing. In spring 2020, Kelsey was scrolling through Facebook groups for the medical schools she had been accepted to — not just researching curriculum and campus life, but, in full honesty, checking to see which school had the cutest boys. She came across PJ’s profile picture: him in his EMS uniform, looking very official (and very cute). She sent him a friend request. He responded with a classic: “Do I know you from somewhere?” That message sparked a conversation, and eventually a beach hangout organized by one of Kelsey’s future best friends at the Jersey Shore on June 23, 2020. Though they barely spoke that day, PJ clearly took note — because not long after, he sent a GroupMe message to Kelsey asking for her number. A few days later, on the 4th of July, Kelsey was relaxing with her parents when PJ spontaneously invited her to his family’s shore house. Not usually one to make impulsive moves, she surprised even herself by saying yes. That night, she did a mini fashion show for her mom to pick out the perfect bikini and drove down to Baltimore Ave the next morning. She knocked on the door, peanut butter protein balls in hand… and met the entire Smith family. The day was magic. Beach time, a long walk to the Seaside boardwalk, and hours of easy conversation made it clear — something real was starting. For PJ, it was love at first sight. When Kelsey left that day, he turned to his mom and said, “I’m in trouble.” Kelsey was a little more reserved, but she couldn’t deny the butterflies. It was PJ’s last summer as an ocean lifeguard — the tan, the muscles... she was definitely hooked. That COVID summer turned out to be one for the books. From weekends at the shore to dinners with each other’s families, their bond grew quickly and deeply. On August 13, 2020, PJ gave Kelsey a handwritten letter asking her to be his girlfriend — choosing the 13th because it’s a meaningful day in the Larkin family. As medical school began, so did the reality of long hours and hard work. But even in the busiest weeks, they found time for each other — Friday night study sessions at the RWJMS library, morning workouts (solo long runs for Kelsey after PJ learned his limits), and occasional adventures planned by Kelsey, the self-declared social chair of the relationship. PJ, ever loyal and steady, came along happily — Anki flashcards in hand. They shared everything… except exam scores. As a fiercely competitive Larkin, Kelsey established early on that scores were off-limits — unless she scored higher. Which she did (by two points!) on Step 2. It was a proud day for both. Their relationship was always the perfect mix of playful and serious — joyful but rooted in deep respect and love. And then came the biggest test of all: residency Match Day. Kelsey applied into pediatrics, PJ into orthopedic surgery, and they knew the results would be life-defining. As they opened the envelopes, surrounded by friends and family, they couldn’t believe it — both matched at their #1 programs… in NYC. Kelsey sobbed. PJ smiled. It was everything they had worked for, together. Of course, everyone (Kelsey included) thought PJ would propose in Italy. It was the obvious fairytale setting. But PJ had other plans. On Thursday, June 13th — a date full of personal meaning — he told Kelsey they were going to dinner with his aunt and uncle to celebrate graduation. Kelsey had spent the day nannying and wasn’t in the mood to get dressed up, but thankfully, PJ convinced her to do her hair and makeup. As they drove toward the restaurant, PJ passed it… and kept going. Kelsey started to catch on. When he pulled into a scenic overlook at a park, she knew. She quickly slipped off her Garmin watch (can’t ruin the photos!) and walked hand-in-hand with PJ toward a perfect spot with a view of the New York City skyline. There, PJ got down on one knee. She said yes — to a lifetime of love, adventure, and spontaneous shore house invitations.