Most of us are told we would know when we find "the one." Although Hargitay had been engaged before meeting Hermann, she never felt they were the right person.
It was a different story with Hermann because she fell in love with him at first sight. She even made a joke to break the ice during their first meeting, but he didn't laugh.
Months later, they discussed religion, and Hermann invited her to church. It was an unusual move for a first date, but it worked: Hargitay thought, "that's my husband" when she saw him in the church.
Hargitay felt such a strong connection with him that it was like "getting hit with a lightning bolt.
" She was so overwhelmed by her feelings that she started sobbing in the middle of the service.
Hermann didn't know what was happening and was sure she was moved by the service and couldn't hold back tears. However, Hargitay cried because she realized Hermann was "the one."
Still, they faced challenging times, and Meloni supported Hargitay after her first serious argument with Hermann.
Meloni revealed Hargitay once came to the "SVU" set crying over her relationship.
She had been dating Hermann for several months, but after having a "deep, long conversation," the couple considered their romance wouldn't work.
Meloni listened to his co-star, but he couldn't stop thinking she would end up marrying Hermann, and he was right.
On August 28, 2004, Hargitay and Hermann tied the knot in Santa Barbara, California.
In June 2006, Hargitay and Hermann welcomed their first child, August. Although she dealt with gestational diabetes and needed an emergency C-section, she was thrilled about having a child. She explained:
"Nobody wanted to be pregnant more than me.
From the minute I found out, I was wearing full-on maternity pants. My stomach was totally flat, mind you, but I was just so excited."
In 2010, the couple acquired a mansion in East Hampton for almost $7.5 million. The 11,000-square-foot house featured 11 bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, a pool, gardens, and a guesthouse.
Nowadays, Hargitay lives with her husband and children in an Upper West Side townhouse (seen in the pictures). They bought it in the late 2010s, and it is currently valued at $8.7 million.
Still, Hargitay's house is her happy place.
Being home "changes everything," especially because her kids know that "everything is fine" when she's there. When everyone is home, "it's happy chaos." About her children, Hargitay said:
"The thing that's made me a better parent is my kids. Because they taught me to really listen. My husband is my North Star, and my kids are my teachers."
The "SVU" star added that her family was perfect for her as she has never known anything "more right" than it. She described them as a happy, joyful, chaotic, and crazy unit.
Hargitay also talked about the aspect that has eased her and Hermann's jobs as parents: teamwork. They are so different that they complement each other. "He knows everything I don't," confessed the actress.
What a beautiful family!
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