Yellowknife (Feb 17/03) - The nature of love has eluded mankind for millennia -- all the way back to our caveman ancestors.

It has encompassed philosophical, scientific and spiritual discussions for centuries without yielding any concrete facts on just what causes us to fall head over heals for that special someone.

With no rhyme or reason, love seems to have a serendipitous way of coming into our lives.

Striking when we least expect, and at times, where we least expect.

Jodi and Brian Smith have been together for four years. They wedded six months ago, on July 20.

They were introduced through a mutual friend and the attraction was immediate.

"I picked her up in a little Toyota Tercel and we went to a party and that was it," said Brian. He added quickly that it wasn't his car.

"We've been together ever since. We just took it day by day. We moved in with each other about a month after."

Jodi, who is 23, has lived in Yellowknife for the past 19 years and Brian, 25, for the past six. Both hail from Newfoundland.

The two married in a small ceremony at the Salvation Army chapel in Yellowknife.

"We had about 100 people, it was big enough," said Jodi.

It was perfect," added Brian.

Jodi said when they got married they were told by friends that things would change.

"They said it is so different after you get married," she said.

Now six months into their marriage, they don't think anything has changed.

"It has its ups and downs. The only difference is the ring," added Brian. "It's all good."

The biggest challenge is raising three children and working on finding larger accommodations, they said.

Sitting in the kitchen of their two-bedroom home with their youngest child Kianna, 11 months, who naps in a high chair nearby, the two seem content with their lives.

"I married my best friend," said Jodi. "He helps with the kids and the housework. He can't cook but he can clean."

Jodi said she is definitely the more romantic of the two, but suggests that Brian can be if coaxed.

"You have to give him hints," she said.

Brian added, "I try but I can't think of anything." The couple are planning to finally get away on their honeymoon this summer.

"We're going to go down to Edmonton and go through Jasper," said Jodi.

Travel bugs unite

The last place Lars Zeeuw expected to meet his future wife was in a hostel in Australia.

But, that is exactly where that chance meeting occurred, when Andrea, a Yellowknife resident, crossed his path.

The two travelled together for four months following that meeting before returning home to the Netherlands and Yellowknife respectively.

"When I left I just wanted to get away from home. I never expected to meet someone to marry," said Lars. "We kept in touch, she came to Holland and I came to Canada."

It was hard in the beginning. It was like four months that we were apart. We phoned lots."

The match was one made in heaven.

The two are avid travellers and jump at the chance to explore new worlds rather than stay at home.

"We've been three times to Australia, Thailand, India, South America, all over, pretty much everywhere," said Lars.

The two married August 19, 2001, in a ceremony fitting with their love for travel.

"It was in Cuba. It was good, the weather was good and we didn't have to organize," said Lars. "We really didn't want to get married in Holland or Yellowknife."

Following their wedding, the two honeymooned in Mexico. They have now been together for eight years.

Lars and Andrea spoke over the phone because Andrea was ill. He was doing most of the talking.

At one point in the conversation she interjected by yelling across the room that she loved Lars.

"She's very good to me. My mom passed away last year and she really supported me," said Lars.

This was Lars' first winter in Yellowknife.

"We've decided not to stay in Yellowknife in the winter. I'm not used to the cold," he said.

The two are sun-seekers and have discussed the possibility of moving to Aruba, which is off the coast of Venezuela on the Caribbean Sea.

"I wanted to try it (Yellowknife in the winter) and now we know," said Lars. "We're probably going to travel again next year."

Hitting the trail has been the couple's lifestyle since they have been together.

"We keep it simple. We keep each other happy," he said.

He admits they are not super romantic but they try. They write each other notes professing their love.

In the end, both agree all that matters to them is being together.

"It all comes down to just me and her," said Lars.