Once upon a time in the wild World Wide Web… Nicole ordered a Ben. Ben ordered a Nicole.

And after one too many cringey first dates, the algorithm finally got it right.

The couple first matched on Hinge while Ben was quarantined with COVID-19—his first time catching it, and yes, he spent his birthday alone in isolation. (Sad face.) But they kept chatting, and when he was feeling better, he planned their first date a whole week in advance—confirmed the day before, and everything! A man with a plan! Things were off to a great start! BONUS: Ben drove all the way from Fond du Lac to Middleton just to meet Nicole and Zoe.

The plan? A thoughtful walk at Phesant Branch Conservancy and the meeting place, Orchid Heights Park, with their two pups, Zoe and Maya. Ben even made sure it would be gentle enough for Zoe, who was recovering from a dog park injury. EXTRA Heart POINTS!

It was a sunny day in the middle of winter (a rare 40 degrees in Wisconsin = heat wave), and they walked through the Pheasant Branch Conservancy, swapping their values, stories, sharing laughs, and quickly realizing they had something special. As the youths say these days, they were vibing. The two wrapped up the date with a drink and a bite on the patio of Octopi Brewery (dog-friendly, of course)—and just like that, they had their last first date.

Since their first date, Ben and Nicole have already experienced major life milestones — from loss, to a couple of out-of-country trips, and another big adventure… becoming homeowners!

Ben and Nicole can’t wait to say ‘I do,’ in a celebration that’s equal parts heartfelt chaos, family fun, and Bolivian spice—chuño (a bolivian black potato) included, of course!