Mariska Hargitay didn’t anticipate finding love when she landed her role on “Law & Order: SVU” at 55. Yet, fate had other plans. Introduced in 2002 on the set of “NCIS,” Peter Hermann, then 51, instantly clicked with Hargitay, and she was smitten. Despite her initial denial, her co-star Christopher Meloni noticed her attraction.

Their first date was after filming, attending a church service. Hargitay knew he was “the one,” a feeling she’d never experienced before, describing it as being “hit with a lightning bolt.” However, they hit a rough patch, with Hargitay believing things wouldn’t work out. They both cried during a deep conversation, but ultimately, they worked through it.

Hermann, though slower to realize his feelings, distinctly remembers when he knew she was the one he wanted to marry. It was during her 40th birthday, seeing her surrounded by love, like a person eager to be planted in fertile soil. Eight months later, on August 28, 2004, they exchanged vows in the same church as their first date.

Their love has only grown stronger. Hargitay once expressed surprise at how good their marriage is, constantly reminded that she “married the right one.” Hermann shares her sentiments, confident in their lifelong happiness. Today, they have three children: August, Amaya, and Andrew. Their love story proves that sometimes, love finds you when you least expect it.