Emily & Adam in Chicago, IL

The last thing Emily expected when she relocated from her home state of California was to find the love of her life. But, when she took a less-than-desirable part-time gig as a bartender, she met Adam, a student who was working at the bar while getting his degree. They started up a friendship and kept things platonic. The Bride Emily Vaughn, 28, recruitment coordinator The Groom Adam Spears, 25, research scientist The Date July 12 One night, Adam walked her to her car after work and they kissed—they’ve been together ever since. A few days before Christmas, after more than two years of dating, Adam asked Emily to come into the living room to help him turn off the Christmas tree lights. She walked out of the bedroom to find the room lit with candles and the Christmas tree, and Adam was down on one knee with a ring box.