Francesca & Mark: A Formal Wedding in Galveston, TX

Francesca and Mark first met in college, but they didn’t have their first date until years later-- they reconnected after graduation, when they’d both moved to California. It was there that, over dessert after a pizza dinner, the two learned they shared a sweet tooth -- and a mutual attraction! The Bride Francesca Spezzapria, 27, graphic designer The Groom Mark Papini, 28, salesperson The Date October 9 One Saturday, Mark made breakfast in bed, “which is normal,” Francesca says. “He is wonderful!” Afterward, the two hung out all day until Mark suggested they take a motorcycle ride to watch the sunset. As the sun fell into the Pacific, he proposed in a park overlooking L.A. “I thought I would cry,” says Francesca, who had always dreamed of a surprise proposal. “Instead, I laughed, tackled him, and yelled, ‘Yes!’” The two soon began planning a wedding in the bride’s home state of Texas.