Alison & Kevin in Bridgeville, PA

Though Alison Carter and Kevin McGowan knew each other in high school, neither made a lasting impression on the other. That is, until the hometown honeys reconnected at a party years later -- and they've been inseparable since. THE BRIDE Alison Carter, 25, bid coordinator THE GROOM Kevin McGowan, 26, outside claims adjuster THE DATE October 4 After five years of dating, Kevin surprised a sleepy Alison with a proposal on a typical Saturday morning in late December. Like most brides who have already envisioned the perfect wedding, Alison immediately began planning: I knew I wanted a fall wedding, October was only 10 months away, and I didn't want to wait two years! Alison pulled it off with ease. Ivory with rust and gold accents infused the autumn-inspired wedding, capturing the essence of the season.