Our Story
May 29, 2023
The First Text
Just 48 hours after getting Rachel's phone number (shoutout Claudia), Jared decided to shoot his shot. Sure, Rachel was moving to London in a few months, but what did he have to lose? Turns out, he had a lot to gain.
June 8, 2023
A "Chill" First Date
Fresh off a trip to Miami with the Perls and just days before Rachel's 24th birthday, what better place for a "chill" first date than EJ's Luncheonette? Between the pancakes, chicken tenders, and unexpectedly good company, EJ's quickly became a place we'd hold near and dear to our hearts.
June 13, 2023
So Much for Keeping Things Chill
We quickly realized that "chill" dates weren't really our style. Instead, we went on a double date with Morgan to a G-Eazy concert, where Jared was introduced (as a friend, of course) to Rachel’s dad, Steve. This was the night Jared learned there's a difference between going to a concert and going to a concert with Steve.
July 15, 2023
Making It Official
It only took a little over five weeks to realize this was more than just a summer fling. Something about this felt different. An eager Jared and a cautiously optimistic Rachel officially became boyfriend and girlfriend. Not bad for two people who knew one of them was moving across the Atlantic.
September 1, 2023
Mattituck Makes Its Debut
Our first Mattituck weekend together! Jared quickly learned just how special Mattituck and the North Fork are to Rachel and her family. He also discovered that the North Fork is significantly better than the Jersey Shore. We're still working on getting him to admit it.
October 15, 2023
Brooklyn Roots & Jewish Deli
What better way to bring our families together than over a meal at Sarge's Deli? We brought GloStu and Pa to meet for the first time, and with all three having grown up around the block in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, there was no shortage of shared history or stories to tell. Our Brooklyn roots, family traditions, and love of a good Jewish deli were already things we had in common. Watching our grandparents connect made it that much more special.
October 24, 2023
And Then There Were 3,000 Miles
Just like that, the honeymoon phase became the long-distance phase. After only five months together, Rachel was off to London with no definite return date in sight. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into, or just how many flights, FaceTimes, and goodbyes were ahead of us. But five months in, we already knew we had something worth holding onto.
January 11, 2024
Across the Pond, Finally
Jared's first of many trips across the pond! After what felt like an eternity apart, we were finally back in the same city, and somehow, it felt like no time had passed at all. Turns out, distance really does make the heart grow fonder. Though we'd still prefer the same time zone.
February 10, 2024
London, Round Two
Jared's second trip to London, this time for a full 10 days! Between a Noah Kahan concert, a football match, and our first Valentine's Day together, we were making the most of every minute. Long distance wasn't ideal, but it certainly gave us a good excuse to turn every visit into an adventure.
May 11, 2024
Our First European Adventure
Our first big trip together! Ten days spent exploring Berlin before making our way through Italy, from Pisa to Siena to Florence. We ate, drank, wandered, and made memories we'll never forget. And to the Australian ladies from our winery tour, if only you could see us now.
June 15, 2024
Wedding Season (Just Not Ours Yet)
Our first wedding together! We were so excited to celebrate our cousins Max and Jack, have Rachel home for her 25th birthday, and somehow squeeze in not one, but two music festivals: Gov Ball and Palm Tree. Because apparently, a wedding and a birthday weren't quite enough for one trip.
November 25, 2024
No More Goodbyes
Rachel moved home! We did it! After more than a year of navigating a relationship across an ocean, countless flights, and far too many airport goodbyes, we were finally in the same city for good. We may have been 3,000 miles apart, but we never let the distance come between us. Now, we could start the next chapter of our relationship in our favorite city. No offense, London.
August 1, 2025
Making Up for Lost Time
After spending so much of our relationship counting down the days until we'd see each other again, 2025 was all about enjoying the fact that we finally didn't have to. From building our everyday lives in New York City to adventures in Montana and Napa, celebrating Vivek and Shaili, we filled the year with friends, family, travel, and all the little things we'd missed out on during long distance. Turns out, we like each other just as much when we're in the same zip code.
January 1, 2026
A Little College Nostalgia
While we met as postgrads in New York City, it was important to show each other where we came from. And no, we're not talking about Manalapan and Port Washington. We're talking Gainesville and Madison, of course. A few trips down memory lane, a little college nostalgia, and an ongoing debate over whose school is better. Go Gators! Roll Badgers!
April 1, 2026
We Moved In!
From London to Gramercy, 50 UN, and StuyTown, we finally found our first home together. And with Nishido Sho Ten Ramen, 7th Street Burger, and La Vera Pizza on our corner, we'd argue we found the best one in NYC.
July 10, 2026
The Big Question!
Rachel thought she was getting ready for the Schwabs' "five-year anniversary party." Meanwhile, Jared was busy orchestrating a slightly bigger event. Between switching his phone's location to his iPad at the apartment to make it look like he was working from home and convincing Rachel that his brother was in Florida, Jared had gone to great lengths to keep the surprise under wraps. And somehow, it all worked. At Soundview Road Park, a genuinely surprised (and teary-eyed) Rachel watched as Jared got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said YES!
July 11, 2026
TO BE CONTINUED......
We can't wait to celebrate with so many of the people who have been part of our story along the way. See you in December 2027.