Cheri & T.R. in Orange Park, FL

With all the palm trees, beaches, and sunsets in their midst, most Floridians might fail to recognize the romance of the Midwest, let alone the state of Michigan. But Jacksonville residents Cheri Rinne and Theodore T.R. Wickman know better. THE BRIDE Cheri Rinne, contract manager for a physical therapy company THE GROOM Theodore (T.R.) Wickman, manager for a staffing firm THE DATE August 19 Both are natives of the Wolverine State (T.R. moved to Stuart when he was 13; Cheri moved to Orlando for a career opportunity after college) and it was their shared midwestern roots that forced their first connection. In the summer of 1999, Cheri had attended a Harry Connick, Jr. concert with some pals, and was capping off the night at Café on The Square, a San Marco nightspot that, sadly, closed down last year. T.R. was also enjoying dinner out with friends. T.R. knew one of Cheri's friends and approached the ladies to say hello. My friend introduced him to all of us, and T.R. and I began chatting, says Cheri. I found out he was from Michigan, too. He cracked some jokes, Cheri tossed him a handful of witty retorts, and a charmed T.R. asked her out for a dinner date the following week. And then, says the bride, we danced! They were engaged the following January: After a day of picnicking and hiking in and around the old Spanish fort in St. Augustine, T. R. proposed at the ultra-romantic, canary yellow-colored Raintree Restaurant.