Josh and Leila met in Gainesville, FL the good old-fashioned way… swiping right.

They met at a strange time in each other's lives. Leila was studying hard for the not-so-fabulous Step 1 exam and Josh was getting ready to move to Atlanta to chase a career in film production.

Even with the stress of studying for an extremely challenging exam or a looming move to a new state, they made time to hang-out and found enjoyment in each other's company.

Unbeknownst to Josh, he kept her afloat through the tortuous exam.

When the time came for Josh to move to Atlanta, GA, he even tried to write Leila a “Dear John” letter but she wasn’t having it! Amidst the added test of long distance, they still managed to see each other at least once or twice a month and they made it “official” on September 4th, 2017. Leila even visited him during Atlanta’s 2017 Snow-pocalypse!

Josh’s time in Atlanta was short-lived and he ended up moving back to Gainesville in the beginning of 2019. However, everything worked out because they ended up moving in together.

Fast forward a few years later, Leila matched in Albuquerque, NM for residency where they would continue their adventures out in the Wild West! Before the big move, they brought a baby into the family… a fur baby. The infamous Hanzo. You may have heard of him.

…And then the world shut down.

2020 was a strange tough year and a make or break for a lot of couples. They grew stronger and closer despite the boredom, the fear, and the unknown. They shared laughs while binge-watching Tiger King, indulging in Ben & Jerry’s, and creating TikTok videos.

That same year they moved to Albuquerque.

Two years later in 2022, they took a small 10-mile hike to Lake Colchuck in Washington with some family and friends. It was there on a beautiful frozen lake at the top of a mountain that Josh stretched his way onto one knee and proposed to Leila. It was a long time coming but on June 4th, 2022 they were engaged!

We made it through everything thick and thin! We can’t wait to make more memories together and with all our loved ones!

Fun fact: The ring has such sentimental value it’s hard to put into words. The centerpiece belonged to Josh’s grandmother, Gloria Gross, who passed away in 2021. She was the glue of the family, she kept everyone together. Leila and Grandma had a special relationship.

It seemed natural to Josh to entrust her to safeguard that cherished piece forever.

TLDR: It was the right swipe.

Lodging

Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection