A Tale of Finding Love in the Midst of a Pandemic

Fate has a funny way of working its way into our lives, whether to our favor, or our detriment. We are dealt a certain hand, and ultimately it falls in the power of the beholder to make the best of whatever has been thrust upon us. Fate unfortunately affected us all with the impact of the COVID-19 virus, along with the seemingly endless ripple effects still impacting us today. However, for soon-to-be newlyweds Ian and Hannah, the pandemic brought fate to their door in a way they never expected; by meeting the love of their lives. 

Hannan and Ian were introduced at a socially distanced party in Boulder, where small groups of 12-15 were approved indoors. Ian’s new puppy caught Hannah’s eye immediately, however, it turned out that the owner of this puppy was someone who would also soon have her attention. It was a moment of clarity that Hannah could not ignore, she later told Ian, “Everything disappeared when I met you.” The two talked all through the night, and afterwards they began to see each other on a one-on-one basis. Through their shared interest in exercise, the pair soon came to realize that they shared much more than just surface value attributes. They also shared mutual values in life, and they found themselves striving for corresponding goals for their futures, as well as like-minded thoughts about the past. It was at this point that Hannah not only decided to adopt Ian’s puppy, she became okay with the idea of adopting Ian into her life permanently as well. Hannah reflected back on her time of hesitancy in finally agreeing to say yes to dating Ian, she initially had said no to his question when posed. She knew very early on that Ian was the one for her, and the finality of the situation was a daunting prospect at first. However, she soon came to realize she would regret saying no for the rest of her life, and she took the plunge. Once both parties were full in, everything, “clicked into place.” It was at this point that both Ian and Hannah knew there was no going back, that they had found their forever in each other’s arms. 

When seeing Ian and Hannah interact with others, there is a light of positivity that radiates from each of them individually. But when they interact with each other, their internal fire sparks from flicker to bonfire. Adoration seeps from within when they look at each other, and there are non-stop smiles through every exchange. They each describe the other as their, “light in the dark.” The times of lock down and quarantine were a bleak time for everyone, and too often as a society we experienced loss. It speaks volumes that Hannah and Ian were not only able to maintain their own individual positivity, but were able to find an intimate connection with someone just as like-minded. And although their story is so picturesque it feels like it could easily become a romcom release on Netflix in the next year, it works as a testament to how unique the couple is, both as a duo as well as respective adults in the midst of a pandemic. 

What emanates from their relationship through their interactions is a sense of balance. It is clear that these two started out as humble, thoughtful individuals who both worked to brighten the day of the people around them. That was what initially attracted Ian and Hannah to each other; a selflessness and determination to be there for the people close to them. But observing them as a unit, it is evident that these two have mastered the finesse of the relationship dance. Each step is thoughtful, and delicate to not step on the toes of the other. They are careful to not move too fast outside of the rhythm of the beat, and to ensure support for their partner as they take on their next moves. Fate may have brought Ian and Hannah together, but it is obvious that hard work and consideration for one another keeps them going strong. As Hannah can attest to as a runner, love is a marathon, not a sprint. With their upbeat attitudes and ever-present infatuation with one another, there is no doubt they possess the steam to continue on their journey with as much passion in their eyes as that first day they locked in Boulder.