As fate would have it, Nick and Nicole met in July of 2020, months after the COVID-19 pandemic confined North Americans to their homes and respective countries.

Nick was working from home in Michigan, taking up new hobbies, and disappointed that his family cruise to Alaska would not sail as planned that summer due to the pandemic.

Nicole was diligently studying for her Family Medicine Board Exam which was begrudgingly postponed from the spring, extending her stay in Michigan and delaying the start of her career as an attending physician in Canada where her family resides.

They downloaded the Bumble app to help pass the time and found themselves drawn to one another and the flowing conversation that ensued. The dialogue continued for a few days until Nick suggested dinner and a stroll around downtown Plymouth, MI. Despite her impending deportation as an alien, Nicole accepted the invitation and took a chance on love – with a gentle push from her sister Elena.

Their first date went spectacularly well and they proceeded to have four lengthy dates in the span of a week before their dreaded expiry date – when Nicole returned to Canada. With COVID restrictions still in full effect, the border was closed with no foreseeable date of opening, crushing their hopes of seeing each other in person anytime soon.

They talked and texted daily which allowed them to truly get to know each other. They both looked forward to their weekly date night where they'd simultaneously cook the same meal via videocall before watching a movie together – until Nicole fell asleep. It was incredibly challenging to be apart for the entire year before the border regulations slowly changed in their favor.

Initially one could not simply drive across the border, but would only be permitted to fly between the two countries with the proper documentation. The Rohe Family Vacation would take place in Gulf Shores, Alabama in July 2021 and Nicole's presence was eagerly requested. After many travel mishaps, Nick and Nicole finally reunited under the golden sunshine and tropical palm trees – both in awe that their moment had finally arrived. Weeks later, the Canada-USA border finally opened to land transportation which allowed the 'Moose' and 'Goose' to roam together once more. They haven't missed a weekend together since! Together they've vacationed to Arizona, South Carolina, and Texas, and road-tripped across Michigan and Ontario – crossing off their travel bucket list one destination at a time.

Nick proposed in March of 2023 to a teary-eye "absolutely" under twinkling lights and a candlelit path. He sealed the deal and kissed the girl, and they lived happily ever after!

Nick and Nicole's story has only just begun! Stay tuned for the long-awaited epilogue: THE MOUNTAIN ELOPEMENT