THE WORK BEFORE THE SPARK

Before the first Spark Project session ever took place, there were months of work happening behind the scenes.

For nearly three months, Ashlee from Timber & Toast and I collected applications, reviewed responses, discussed potential matches, and carefully considered who might be a good fit for one another. What started as an exciting idea quickly became something we felt deeply responsible for.

As applications came in, we spent countless hours reading answers, comparing values, discussing personalities, and looking for similarities in lifestyle, goals, and what each person hoped to find in a partner. We wanted to be thoughtful. We wanted to be intentional. Most importantly, we wanted every participant to feel seen and considered. To be honest, there were moments when the responsibility felt overwhelming.

When you're matching real people, there is no perfect formula. Human connection is far more complicated than checking boxes on an application. Ashlee and I often found ourselves revisiting applications, second-guessing decisions, and asking ourselves if we were making the best possible choices. We cared deeply about getting it right because we were genuinely invested in the people who had trusted us with their stories.

What we learned very quickly is that there is no such thing as a perfect match on paper.

Even two people who share similar values, interests, goals, and lifestyles may not be right for one another. Likewise, two people who seem completely different can sometimes surprise you with an incredible connection. When it came time to choose the participants for our first Spark Project session, the decision wasn't necessarily difficult, but it was taken seriously. We knew we weren't looking for perfection. We were simply looking for the possibility of connection.

And that's exactly what the First Spark Project is about.

THE SPARK PROJECT: SESSION ONE

The first session took place on a beautiful evening, and honestly, we couldn't have asked for a better start.

Ashlee and I arrived around 5:30 p.m. to set up the picnic provided by Timber & Toast, scout our photo locations, and make sure everything was ready before our participants arrived. There was a mix of excitement and nerves as we prepared for what would be the very First Spark Project experience.

Our female participant arrived first, and shortly after, it was time to meet her match. We brought each participant to the location separately and kept the experience a surprise until the moment they met.

From the very beginning, the conversation flowed effortlessly.

As a photographer, I am used to helping people feel comfortable in front of the camera, but these two hardly needed any encouragement. They talked constantly, laughed often, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know one another. More than once, Ashlee and I found ourselves interrupting their conversation so we could move on to the next location before we lost the light.

The evening couldn't have been more perfect. We were treated to warm weather, a beautiful sunset, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you're being photographed.

Partway through the session, we gave them some time to sit together and enjoy the picnic we had prepared. Over pizza and drinks, they were able to relax, continue their conversation, and simply enjoy getting to know one another without any pressure.

As the sun disappeared and the evening came to a close, we packed everything up and headed home feeling grateful for how naturally the experience had unfolded.

A week later, we followed up with both participants to see what had come of the evening.

Ultimately, they decided to go their separate ways. While they both enjoyed meeting one another and appreciated the experience, they realized they were looking for different things in life.

And honestly, that's okay.

One of the goals of the First Spark Project isn't simply to create romantic matches. It's to create opportunities for genuine human connection. Sometimes that connection grows into something more, and sometimes it helps people gain clarity about what they're looking for in a partner and in life.

We also learned something valuable from this first experience. While we put a tremendous amount of care into the matching process, there are nuances that don't always come through on an application. Human beings are complex, and no questionnaire can fully capture everything that matters to a person's future. As we continue The First Spark Project, we'll keep refining our process and learning from every experience along the way.

We're incredibly grateful to both participants for trusting us enough to be part of this first session. Putting yourself out there takes courage, and they embraced the experience with openness, kindness, and a willingness to try something new.

For The First Spark Project session ever, we couldn't have asked for anything better.

What's Next?

One of the most surprising parts of launching The First Spark Project was seeing just how much interest there was from people over the age of 50.

While we received applications from a variety of age groups, we were overwhelmed by the number of incredible individuals in the 50+ community who were eager to participate. It became clear very quickly that there is a real desire for meaningful connection at every stage of life.

Because of that, Ashlee and I have decided that our next First Spark Project experience will be dedicated exclusively to participants aged 50 and older.

We're especially excited about this because many people in this stage of life bring a unique perspective to dating and relationships. Some have adult children, some are empty nesters, some are widowed or divorced, and many are simply ready to find companionship and connection again.

If you've already submitted an application through our original First Spark Project application form, don't worry, we are keeping all applications on file and will continue reviewing them for future experiences. There is no need to reapply unless your circumstances have changed significantly.

For our upcoming 50+ The First Spark Project, however, we will be opening applications specifically for that age group.

A few important reminders:

• Participants must be 50 years of age or older.
• Participants must be comfortable being professionally photographed and filmed during the experience.
• Photos and video content from the session may be shared on social media, websites, and other promotional materials related to The First Spark Project.

We're excited to see what stories unfold next.

Applications for The First Spark Project will be opening soon, and we can't wait to meet the incredible people who apply.

Here's to the next Spark!