Matt and Claire met on August 11, 2020, thanks to a well-timed message on Hinge. Claire, newly arrived from Brooklyn and unsure about small-town dating, decided to give it a try — and Matt, mid-margarita and steel guitar practice, was glad she did.

That same night, they grabbed takeout from Giobatta Alimentary and drove to the Hudson riverside park in Clermont. Matt, ever prepared, pulled wine glasses, forks, and a bottle of natural wine from his trunk. They talked for hours until a park ranger’s flashlight signaled the end of their first date — but something special had clearly begun.

The very next day, they met again for a swim and float on Twin Lakes, bringing along beer Matt had brewed himself! They spent the afternoon drifting and laughing, already feeling like something real was unfolding.

Not long after, Claire adopted Willow, a sweet and soulful pup who quickly became part of their little family. With the world slowed by the pandemic, the three of them spent countless days hiking, talking, and connecting — with all of life’s usual distractions stripped away, it was easy to fall in love.

As the world reopened, so did their shared adventures — with camping trips, dinner parties, NYC weekends, and plenty of laughter along the way. What started with a message became a life built on curiosity, joy, and deep love — and they can’t wait for what’s next.