Every summer, Jennifer’s family sets sail through the San Juan Islands, retracing a familiar route of treasured memories. But in the summer of 2023, her father decided to chart a new course—one that would unknowingly lead her straight to Evan. They ventured into the wild beauty of Desolation Sound, exploring remote Canadian isles that felt worlds away, eventually anchoring at a tiny, tucked-away harbor called Refuge Cove. At that very same time, Evan had just accepted a sous chef position alongside a celebrated chef—his new post was at none other than Refuge Cove Dockside Kitchen, the only restaurant on the island and a hidden culinary gem known to the lucky few who pass through. Upon arrival, Jennifer’s family wandered up to the kitchen, lured by the scent of wood-fired pizza and the serenity of the cove. Evan noticed them immediately—specifically, a brunette with wild, curly hair and a warm, vibrant laugh. He felt something stir in his chest. There she is, he thought. The next evening, Jennifer returned for a family dinner and struck up a conversation with one of the staff, half-joking about matchmaking for her sister. From behind the kitchen line, Evan listened—drawn to her quiet confidence and curiosity. That night, a neighboring yacht extended an invitation for drinks, and as fate would have it, it was moored right beside Jennifer’s family boat. Onboard, Jennifer met a woman painting watercolors, and their shared love for creativity quickly bloomed into a conversation—and then an invitation. Jennifer, always a seeker of beauty, joined her family on the yacht beneath a golden twilight. Later that evening, the kitchen crew joined the gathering. Evan saw his moment and approached her. They found themselves talking about music—Noah Kahan, Caamp, The Lumineers—then art, photography, and the way creativity colors their world. A playful spark turned into a quiet connection, and before long, they slipped away to the dock, where Evan jokingly cast an imaginary fishing line and reeled her in. She played along, flopping like a caught fish, laughter echoing through the still cove. Hand in hand, they made their way up to the restaurant’s patio, where they lay beneath a sky ablaze with meteors—three shooting stars a minute during one of the most brilliant showers of the year. They talked about dreams and passions, and Jennifer spoke of Italy with stars in her eyes. A month later, Evan flew to San Diego, carrying a Noah Kahan vinyl, watercolor paper, and ink. He cooked for her, they painted together, listened to records, and fell more in love with each other’s inner world. And now here we are—two creative souls who met in the most unexpected place, under the stars, in a moment that changed everything