Alison & Ben in Columbus, OH

It might sound made-up, but Alison and Ben actually met in Vegas. They were both there on trips with friends (him for a bachelor party, her on a girls’ weekend), when their respective groups hit it off in the lobby of their hotel. Though they saw each other several times during their vacations, Alison and Ben parted ways at the end of the weekend not thinking they would ever see each other again. Fortunately, a mutual love of college sports (and a flirtatious Big Ten rivalry) kept them in contact until Alison moved to Columbus to be with Ben. The BrideAlison Widholm, 28, a wholesale design representative The Groom Ben Kautz, 29, a financial adviser The Date September 11 About a year later on her birthday, Ben presented Alison with a cake in her favorite flavor. As she blew out the candles, Ben dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. Alison happily accepted, and the two started planning a wedding for the same weekend as a major football game -- so guests could attend the wedding and watch the game, of course!