Alexis & Colin in Columbus, OH
Alexis' and Colin's relationship brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, young love. The two met in preschool, back when I thought boys were yucky, says Alexis. In high school, they were friends -- she was a cheerleader and he was the star running back on the football team -- but it wasn't until a party during college that the pair's friendship turned romantic. The Bride Alexis Charity, 26, fashion product development manager The Groom Colin O’Reilly, 27, financial analyst The Date July 5 The two dated for three years before Colin proposed on Christmas Day. Colin handed her a gift bag with a rock inside—This is the rock you've been waiting for, he joked. He then knelt down, revealed an engagement ring and proposed. The couple wanted contemporary elegance for their wedding, so they chose a black-and-white color palette with Tiffany blue accents. A year-and-a-half after the proposal, the two celebrated their wedding with an elegant reception at The Westin Columbus. Surprising details like a post-ceremony balloon release, a cocktail hour martini luge and an ice cream sundae bar at the reception personalized the upbeat event.