Erin & Gavin in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Erin and Gavin met through mutual friends during Erin’s freshman year at Spelman College in Atlanta. Gavin was a senior at neighboring Morehouse College and, after a year of friendship, he swept Erin off her feet. They dated for eight years, but spent the last few separated by three thousand miles. In January 2008, Gavin spilled the beans and told Erin he had a ring but was mum on when she’d get it. The Bride Erin Poulson, 27, an associate director at a real estate acquisition firm The Groom Gavin Morris, 30, a consumer credit card decision analyst The Date July 18 Three months later, Erin flew to visit Gavin on her birthday weekend. On their way to dinner Erin got a phone call with a much-coveted job offer. Erin was on cloud nine -- then Gavin proposed at a red light, giving her even more reason for celebration. Erin soon got to work planning a destination wedding that didn’t require too much traveling for their guests.