Julianne Hough Calls Brooks Laich 'Love of My Life'

Dec. 4, 2014— -- Things seem to be heating up between Julianne Hough and boyfriend Brooks Laich.

The "Dancing With the Stars" judge shared a rare Instagram photo Wednesday of her and the NHL star after a hike, declaring him one of the "loves of my life."

"A little nature walk with the loves of my life!" Hough, 26, wrote alongside the pic of the lovebirds and Hough's two dogs.

The "Safe Haven" actress has been dating the Washington Capitals forward since last December. They were set up by a mutual friend, the actor Teddy Sears.

In April, Hough sounded determined to make their relationship work no matter what.

"We are going to make it work," she told ABC News. "In every facet, whether it's family, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, whatever."

Before Laich, Hough and Ryan Seacrest were together for nearly three years before ending their romance in March 2013.