Elizabeth & Robert in Dunn, NC

From their first date as giggling teenagers in high school to a post-college hot air–balloon proposal, Elisabeth Sanders and Robert Strickland III experienced romance like true Southerners and then recreated that for their guests. The Bride Elisabeth Sanders, 25, retail district manager The Groom Robert Strickland III, 25, business banker The Date September 24 When Elisabeth moved to Dunn during her sophomore year of high school, she met a whole new group of friends -- including Robert. In true high-school style, Robert expressed his interest through a friend, and the two spent their first date in 1996 watching Scream. “As I remember, Elisabeth was either really scared, or she just wanted to hold onto my arm,” says Robert. Though they were off and on for years, they reunited seriously during their junior year at East Carolina University. Robert brainstormed for months about the proposal before settling on a hot-air balloon that would purposely drop down mid-flight and then rise again. “This symbolized the rise-and-fall nature of our relationship,” says Robert. “I got through it with only a medium lump in my throat, and then my parents -- who were following us in the chase vehicle -- joined us for a champagne celebration.” Soon after, Elisabeth and Robert started planning a hometown wedding in the Deep South.