It was the summer of 2020, a time when the world was grappling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdowns in place and traditional avenues of meeting new people shuttered, the prospect of finding love seemed distant. Little did we know that fate had a plan for us, leading us to embrace the world of dating apps. Both of us found ourselves navigating this uncharted territory, and it was on Hinge that our paths crossed. As we exchanged messages, a connection began to blossom. The written words sparked something special between us, but the question lingered: how deep did this connection go? The answer could only be found in a face-to-face meeting. Given the restrictions and closure of conventional date spots, we had to get creative for our first date. The decision was made to embark on a hike through the nature preserve at Palmyra Nature Cove in New Jersey. Under the open sky and surrounded by the beauty of nature, we walked, talked, and discovered shared interests. A picnic of charcuterie and wine became the backdrop for a conversation that seemed to flow effortlessly. The initial sparks transformed into a glowing flame, confirming that the connection we felt was real. Time slipped away, and as the sun began to set, we realized neither of us was ready to part ways. Racing against the fading light, we made our way back to our cars, the question of 'will we see each other again?' lingering in the air. As we stood under the canvas of stars, the moment crystallized into something magical. A shared kiss illuminated by the moonlight sealed our fate. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, whispering promises of a future together. In that instant, both of us knew this was not goodbye. We had stumbled upon something special, and as we embraced beneath the stars, the certainty that this was the beginning of a beautiful journey settled in our hearts. Our unconventional first date paved the way for a love story that continues to unfold, proving that even in the midst of a pandemic, love finds a way.