Emily & Anthony in Dayton, OH

A preference for contemporary elegance marked Emily and Anthony’s wedding day, and the clean lines and modern feel of The Dayton Art Institute set the tone for their sophisticated celebration. THE BRIDE Emily Stamas THE GROOM Anthony Shay THE DATE May 15 It’s an age-old story of triumph over tragedy. Emily Stamas and Anthony Shay were always good friends—but never took that step to something “more.” First introduced in high school, the old friends, who are now 31, lost touch after graduation until it came time for their ten-year reunion. Anthony, who lived in Los Angeles, emailed Emily (who was in New York City) to see if she planned on attending. She didn’t, but the two kept up their correspondence until Anthony, who works in pharmaceutical sales, flew out for a visit. “During that trip we both decided there were no sparks and we were better off remaining friends,” says Emily, a senior merchandise planning analyst. Their bicoastal conversations dwindled until September 11, 2001. “Anthony called and emailed me to make sure that I was OK,” she says. “We have talked everyday since.”