Collins Ole Towne | Central, SC (Wil & Chu)

Chu’s friends like to joke that not even a pandemic could stop her from her dating goals. Lucky for Wil, this was based in truth. Chu and Wil met in September of 2020. Trying to at least maintain the facade of pandemic social responsibility, they planned their first date around a local hike in Great Falls, Virginia. This hike allowed for reasonable social distancing and gave Wil the opportunity to meet Chu’s new puppy, Marzo. Wil was happy to demonstrate the dog handling skills accumulated over a childhood growing up with four special pets. The trail Chu chose for the first date, known as Difficult Run, would host another important milestone for the couple two and half years later…when Wil proposed to Chu.

To add some flavor and excitement to the date, Chu suggested a sandwich swap. From an existential level, this allowed each suitor some room for creativity and to demonstrate what qualities they might offer to a relationship. When they reached the hike’s half way point, a nice sandy beach along the creek with lot’s of room for Marzo to splash around off leash, it was time to reveal each chef’s creation. Chu demonstrated her dedication for finding inspiration from the world around her, and to blending cultures with her sandwich, which consisted of: French brioche bread, figs, avocados, and Spanish prosciutto. Although clearly outclassed by Chu, Wil was able to show his care and attention to detail by toasting his Trader Joe’s sprouted grain bread and storing sliced tomatoes in a separate container to avoid presenting Chu with a soggy sandwich.

Silly sandwich story aside, Chu and Wil experienced an instant connection on that date. Both felt comfortable to share personal stories and trip details that might not usually come until later in a relationship. They discovered they had many common interests and had traveled to many of the same places, such as Nepal, Brazil, and several US National Parks. Over the coming weeks, they went on more dates together, including, by Chu’s suggestion, a nursery, which upon arrival to the Merrifield Garden Center, Wil was relieved to discover was a “plant nursery.” During these early weeks of dating, something special was forming. Both Chu and Wil were discovering that they might have found someone who would one day be the one.