American Actress and Director Mariska Hargitay has featured in many movies, but she is best known for playing Olivia Benson in the NBC show "Law and Order: SVU." For the Hollywood icon, appearing in the production for many years earned her many accolades and recognition.

However, Hargitay's career was not the only thing positively affected by "Law and Order: SVU." The series changed the actress's love life as she met her co-star, Peter Hermann, who would become her husband.

Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit at Capitale NYC, September 19, 2022. | Source: Getty Images

Hargitay and Hermann first crossed paths in , when the latter starred as a guest on the third season of the NBC show. Years later, the actress would open up about their encounter and her first impression of the actor.

According to the starlet, she initially felt nervous about being around the actor because he was very handsome, adding that it was "distracting." However, after seeing Hermann a few more times, Hargitay finally relaxed around him.

A few months after their first encounter, Hermann invited Hargitay to church for their first date. Despite how unusual it might have been, the outing was enough for the actress to know that the "Blue Bloods" star was the one.

Mariska Hargitay attends the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

According to Hargitay, while listening to the sermon, she burst into tears. The actress made it known that the reason behind her tears was that she felt something for Hermann that she had not felt before.

Following their church date, the Hollywood stars' beautiful romance journey began. After dating for a while, Hargitay and Hermann walked down the aisle in August 2004 in front of 200 guests in Santa Barbara.

Mariska Hargitay and boyfriend Peter Hermann attend Super Saturday 6, the annual designer sale and family event to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at Nova's Ark Project on July 26, 2003, in Water Mill, NY. | Source: Getty Images

Since they tied the knot, the couple has grown stronger each day. In August 2022, the lovebirds  18 years of marital bliss, and fans could not be happier for the duo.

To commemorate the beautiful occasion, Hargitay took to Instagram with two stunning photos. The first was a monochrome picture taken on her and Hermann's wedding day.

It showed Hargitay in a strapless dress, happily sitting on her husband's lap and sporting a broad smile. The photo was a more recent monochrome snapshot, showing Hargitay lying in Hermann's arms while on a boat.

In the caption, the actress noted that she was grateful, in love, and together with her man. A few days before the anniversary, Hermann  his 55th birthday, and Hargitay ensured to let the world know.

he post garnered thousands of likes and comments as netizens trooped to the comments section to drop birthday wishes for the actor.

Hargitay and Hermann Take to the Dance Floor

After nearly two decades of marriage, Hargitay and Hermann are still wowing the public with their beautiful connection. Recently, the couple showed social media users a different side after they  on the dance floor at a close friend's western-themed wedding ceremony.

So, considering what Hargitay thinks about being a parent, it is no surprise that she spends time with her children and husband despite her busy schedule.

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay during 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Hargitay was clad in a black maxi dress with floral designs and cap sleeves. She finished off her look with a cowboy hat and white cowboy boots. On the other hand, Hermann opted for a simple outfit.

He looked dapper in a shirt, denim pants, and boots. In the clip that captured the duo, the movie stars proved they still had it as they moved their bodies to a country beat.

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann during ELLE Magazine's 21st Birthday VIP Bash Benefiting EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research - Party and Performance at Bloomingdales in New York City, New York, United States. | Source: Getty Images

Shortly after the video hit social media, it went viral. Fans, friends, and celebrities took to the comments section to gush about the lovebirds. Many tagged them as the most beautiful couple and the best sight of the year 2022.

Others not only commented on how Hargitay and Hermann looked but complimented their dance moves. One user jokingly asked when the actress would be on "Dancing With the Stars."

Ultimately, the husband and wife proved that being married for a long time does not equate to having a boring relationship. They continue to inspire many young couples around the world.

Inside the Family Life of Hargitay and Her Husband

Hargitay and Hermann have thriving careers, but away from the big screen, the pair are doting parents to three children — one biological and two adopted.

They welcomed their first child, August Miklos Friedrich, in June 2006. Then, five years later, the couple decided to expand their family through adoption.

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay during 2005 Fashion Rocks - Red Carpet at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, New York, United States. | Source: Getty Images

So, Hargitay and Hermann adopted their beautiful daughter, Amaya Josephine, in April 2011. Six months later, the couple welcomed their third child and adopted son, Andrew Nicolas, into the family. Since becoming parents of three, Hargitay and Hermann have had the most thrilling experience, especially the actress.

She has often opened up about motherhood and how rewarding it can be. She once described being a mother as the most important thing she would do.