Gail & Scott: A Formal Wedding in Ann Arbor, MI

On a romantic getaway to New Orleans, Scott Hauman and Gail Amato woke up on Easter Sunday and walked to the famed St. Louis Cathedral. They were surprised to discover that the door to the courtyard was open, and the peaceful space was mostly empty. They settled themselves on a stone bench and spent two hours there. It's hard to describe, says Gail, but we knew at that point we had each found our life partner. THE BRIDE Gail Amato, 31, store manager THE GROOM Scott Hauman, 29, advertising executive THE DATE May 20 Months after their first trip to New Orleans, Scott suggested that he and Gail spend a few days in their favorite city on the way home from a trip to Texas to visit his parents. Gail eagerly agreed, and Scott set in motion a set of secretive plans for a surprise proposal. They arrived on a Sunday morning. Scott suggested a visit to the cathedral courtyard (having secured the keys, unbeknownst to Gail, with a series of pleading phone calls -- the courtyard is normally open only on Easter Sunday). They sat on the same stone bench with beignets and cafe au lait, and then Scott got down on one knee and proposed marriage. In tears, Gail accepted Scott's proposal and the two stayed in the quiet courtyard, sharing their happiness, for about an hour. Then they returned the courtyard key to the church and came around the corner to find Walter, the very same horse-and-carriage driver that had given them a ride on their first visit to New Orleans. After the couple enjoyed a spin around the French Quarter, they returned to their hotel. Scott had had a dozen bi-color roses delivered along with a bottle of champagne. After toasting their engagement, the couple hit the phones to share their news with friends and family.