While they had crossed paths before, Sean and Rachel had previously been just out of reach from one another. Both of them had lived in Woolrich as children, and years later they lived only a few blocks apart in downtown Williamsport. Sean always had a smile and a wave for Rachel as they passed each other in local restaurants and bars, and Rachel always thought he was pretty handsome. It wasn’t until fate (or perhaps the algorithms of Hinge – an online dating app) matched them together that this friendly acquaintance began to blossom into the loving relationship they share today.

The first date was Sean’s pick: a mini road trip to the annual State College Arts Festival followed by a delicious dinner at the Elk Creek Café in Millheim, PA. Any doubts as to whether they’d “click” or have enough to talk about during an 8-hour first date were quickly dismissed as they eagerly explored State College and laughed over wine slushies in Millheim. The conversation flowed, even if the Elk Creek didn’t that day, and the feeling that this was something special lingered in the back of their minds. It was, as Sean calls it, “An epic first date”.

A second date (Rachel’s plan), took them to a blueberry patch in Dewart, PA. Sean had previously shared his love of this particular berry over dessert at the Elk Creek Café, and Rachel had arranged the special evening of foraging followed by a stop at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds. It was another successful date consisting of walking tacos, running into mutual friends, unending conversation, and an abundance of Sean’s favorite: blueberries.

They had officially hit it off and weren’t looking back. Camping weekends; scooter rides to the farmers market; and long, late night phone conversations evolved as they travelled across the country together (a wedding in New Mexico, hiking in Utah, a music tour in Durango). A beautifully planned trip to Mexico quenched their thirst for warmth and adventure as they swam with sea turtles and discovered the magical Cenotes.

It was love. They knew it early in the relationship, and the feeling had only grown stronger. When the opportunity to purchase a house became a reality, they were eager to merge their lives and create a home: a beautiful home filled with plants, two dogs, one cat, many pairs of shoes, and lots of laughter in love.

Now they enter into marriage, to live happily ever after, and look forward to the many adventures still to come!