1. Real Weddings

Cristina & Mark: A Summer Wedding in Chatauqua Park, CO

The skies were friendly, all right, when Cristina Gutierrez and Mark Koch sat next to each other on a flight to O'Hare Airport in Chicago. They had a

The skies were friendly, all right, when Cristina Gutierrez and Mark Koch sat next to each other on a flight to O'Hare Airport in Chicago. They had a blast the whole way -- even stopping for a drink at the airport bar -- and began dating soon after. THE BRIDE Cristina Gutierrez, a veterinarian THE GROOM Mark Koch, a senior software architect THE DATE August 3 When Cristina began veterinary studies at Colorado State, Mark bought her a stethoscope. When it came time for him to pop the question, he had the front side engraved with the words GoofyChick DVM, his nickname for her (DVM stands for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine). On the back were the words, Will you marry me? What are you doing? she asked, when she first looked at it. I'm asking you to marry me, goofy chick! he replied. They planned the wedding in six months.

The Wedding Party Looks
For her wedding gown, Cristina chose a beautiful white dress by Oleg Cassini. She was knock-you-off-your-feet stunning, recalls Mark. Even their dogs, which were part of the celebration, were flabbergasted. When Cristina came down the aisle, they didn't realize who it was, Mark says. But then their expressions changed and it was like they said, 'It's you!' and they were all over her in a matter of seconds. It was definitely one of the defining moments of our wedding.
The Couple
The First Dance
The Bridal Bouquet
Even the wedding cake had an unexpected twist -- a luxurious dulce de leche filling (a caramel-like spread) frosted with a chocolate-and-buttermilk icing.