In many ways, our story is so typical of modern love: we both were single in our 30s and happily independent, with full lives, but looking for a partner to share it all with...on a dating app. The not so typical part of our story is that we did it all during the COVID-19 pandemic and had to navigate all of the confusion and complexity that came with it. The one thing COVID did for us though, was slow us down and make us really take the time to get to know each other and grow into our relationship and our love.

We matched the first weekend of the pandemic roaring into the US, both of us trying to be responsible and not out partying for St. Patrick's Day like so many others in DC. (Julia) I was drawn to Erik's height...of course. But also the pictures on his profile that showed he was serious yet goofy and liked to travel and drink wine - two of my favorite things! (Erik) I was taken in by the sparkle in Julia's eyes, her enthusiasm for discovering and sharing all that life and the world has to offer, and her easy, contagious and heart warming smile.

We had a few video dates that lasted hours and found ourselves comfortable with each other right away. As the pandemic waned on, we tried to figure out a safe and responsible way to meet up. Both of us had been cooped up and social distancing for weeks, had tests available, and knew we were healthy, but it still seemed somewhat irresponsible.

(Julia) One night, while I was taking my last horrifically boring class of grad school...online, camera off, watching Bravo, painting my nails, texting with Erik, and drinking Manhattans, I got the brilliant idea to just invite him over. I called him after class wrapped up, slightly tipsy, and said "Screw this. Why don't you just come over?!" Ever the gentleman, Erik said, "are you sure?" Next thing I knew, this 6'5" masked dude was at my door.

Once Erik got past Hammie and his initial approval, having not touched another human in almost a month at this point, we stood at the door and hugged for what felt like forever but was probably only about 10 minutes. We spent the rest of the evening talking and basking in the warmth of being so close to another person amid a global pandemic. And the rest - as they say - is history...

Thanks SO much to our friend Irene for capturing the photos of us and Hammie when we knew we wouldn't have him for much longer. We're forever grateful!