6 Celebratory Moments From Grey’s Anatomy That Made Us So Emotional

Time flies when you're watching one of the best medical dramas ever on television, especially when there are so many celebratory moments. As Grey's Anatomy fans, we triumph in these monumentally joyous occasions in the lives of the doctors of Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital because we have witnessed their hard work and well-earned journeys; it feels like their successes are ours, too, inspiring us to push harder and dream bigger.

The nuptials of Alex Karev and Jo Wilson, or Catherine Avery and Richard Webber felt like finally getting the wedding invitations to our BFFs' weddings. When Meredith Grey won the Harper Avery award, it was like all her hard work and our cheerleading for her every step of the way had finally paid off. There have been so many great celebratory moments on Grey's over the years, it's almost hard to keep count. We've narrowed it down to six that are sure to give you all the feels, and help prep for the two-hour premiere of season 15. Be sure to tune in to ABC on Sept. 27.

01
Alex and Jo get married
ABC

Alex and Jo get married

This felt like a long time coming, and boy, was it finally worth it! The moment Jo said "yes" to Alex's proposal, a countdown to the wedding began in the head of every Grey's fan. When these two finally do tie the knot, it does not disappoint. Their nuptials are officiated by Meredith on a ferry boat, which isn't just romantic, but an incredibly symbolic moment that had every single day-one Grey's fan weeping tears of joy.

02
Dr. Miranda Bailey finally becomes chief of surgery
ABC

Dr. Miranda Bailey finally becomes chief of surgery

This moment felt like a huge win not only for Miranda, but everyone who's loved her since season 1, episode one when the "Nazi," as she was so affectionately called by the hospital's staff, rattled off to a band of misfit interns her five rules. (Who can forget rule no. 1: "Don't bother sucking up. I already hate you. That's not going to change.")

Miranda has been a strong, smart, and outspoken woman from the start, and it was only a matter of time until she became the leader she was always meant to be. So when it was revealed in the premiere episode of season 12 that Dr. Miranda Bailey would be the first female chief of surgery at Grey-Sloan Memorial, finally her dreams were actualized. For Grey's fans, it felt like a "hell yeah" for women everywhere, proving we can have it all as we've watched Miranda balance motherhood, marriage, and a flawless career over the years. It was the kind of moment that makes you cheer in your living room.

03
Meredith Grey wins a Harper Avery
ABC

Meredith Grey wins a Harper Avery

It was only a matter of time before the daughter of Ellis Grey won her very own Harper Avery award. So when the moment finally happens (and during the landmark 300th episode, nonetheless), it feels like a win for women everywhere. Also, nostalgia abounds in the episode, as there is a sweet moment where Zola mentions Derek and Ellis stands proud, smiling at Mer in the operating gallery.

To watch Meredith go from intern to chief of general surgery to Harper Avery award-winner was not only a time for the ugly-cry for Grey's fans, but also for rejoicing. She finally made it, reassuring other women out there that you can, too. It's what truly made this an unforgettable moment for lots of Grey's fans, who likely emptied an entire box of tissues to wipe away tears while watching the tremendous occasion unfold.

04
Dr. Richard Webber and Dr. Catherine Avery tie the knot
ABC

Dr. Richard Webber and Dr. Catherine Avery tie the knot

After much anticipation and pre-wedding jitters, it was in the season 11 finale that Richard made the most dreamy promise ever to Catherine Avery. "You need a place to not be Catherine Avery," Richard told her. "You need a place to fall apart. I will be that place should you require it."

This heart-melting profession of love led to the two reciting their vows with both Jackson Avery and Miranda Bailey standing at the altar to bear witness to their union. Grey's fans were able to bask in the moment as we watched two people whose genuine love for each other translated beyond the television screen and into each of our homes. It gave fans hope that no matter your age, it's never too late to find your "person."

05
The lady doctors kick butt
ABC

The lady doctors kick butt

It's revealed that Amelia has a brain tumor, which may have been the reason behind a lot of her behaviors over the years. Fans witness her kick butt after having the tumor removed as she works to get back to being an amazing neurosurgeon. Meanwhile, Miranda admits herself to the hospital when she suspects something is not right with her heart and advocates for herself, adding that women are rarely taken seriously by their physicians after no one believes that she's having a heart attack. The girl power exhibited by these two women is just another inspirational moment Grey's fans can add to the list of reasons why they tune in to the show each week.

06
Meredith makes Amelia and Maggie “dance it out”
ABC

Meredith makes Amelia and Maggie “dance it out”

After an emotionally taxing time for both Amelia, who was still grappling with her brother's death, and Maggie, who just learned her biological parents were divorcing, Meredith came up with the perfect solution. It was an unofficial tradition to relieve stress and alleviate worries that fans hadn't seen in a while, and Mer had yet to introduce to her sisters: they needed to dance it out.

Their carefree dance break was a fitting addition to Richard Webber and Catherine Avery's wedding reception, which was held in Meredith's former home with her late husband Derek. To see Meredith, Amelia, and Maggie dancing with the rest of the wedding party in that home was as celebratory as it gets, and the hearts of Grey's fans everywhere was surely overflowing with joy. And, yes, it's OK to admit that you were dancing along, too. Because as Meredith reminded us all towards the closing of the episode: "But any surgeon knows, what's broken can be mended. What's hurt can be healed. That no matter how dark it gets the sun's gonna rise again."

From the early wins way back at Seattle Grace Hospital to season 14's heart-warming nuptials, Grey's Anatomy always brings the feels, and we're so excited for the celebratory moments to come this season. Tune in to the two-hour premiere of Grey's Anatomy on Sept. 27 and get ready to cheer on your favorite characters.

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Gear up for the 15th season of Grey's Anatomy on Sept. 27!

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