I found Liz and Jeffrey on a very warm (by Berkeley standards) night at Cesar Chavez Park. I was walking with two friends when we spotted their amazing setup. I went over to say hello, and Jeffrey immediately started explaining how Liz had surprised him. Liz told me she was determined to have a good old-fashioned date night—no phones, no news, no distractions. (That is until I showed up, but I promise I didn’t stay long.)

Liz had told Jeffrey she was taking him to her favorite taco stand, so when she parked in the lot, Jeffrey was confused—he said Liz often gets lost. Ha! But then she walked him to the pre-prepared picnic spot, and the surprise set in.

These two have been long-distance dating since the beginning of their relationship. They were set up by a cousin and co-worker, and they were both uninterested until Jeffrey finally sent a text. Then they started talking and never stopped. That was three years ago.

They've moved to different cities since then, but when her lease is up in California, Liz will join Jeffrey in Atlanta. Even before I walked up and spoke to them, I could tell how much they enjoy each other's company. They were prepared for an evening of wine and games like Jenga, Uno, and tic tac toe, and they seemed lovely and playfully competitive. They said the distance between them has been hard, but it is what it is for now. They just go out of their way to enjoy the time they do have together, and they’re planning for the day when they'll live in the same city.