Gwen & Gary in Bates City, MO

Gwen and Gary’s outdoor wedding was a dream-come-true for the bride, with a ceremony in a picturesque gazebo followed by a candlelight reception awash in her favorite color. THE BRIDE Gwendolynn (Gwen) Blanchard THE GROOM Gary Jones THE DATE August 15 The two met a few years earlier in Arizona. Gwen, 26, figured she’d spend time sightseeing when she attended a religious convention there in September 2002, but she never imagined she’d have a partner in Gary, a thoughtful 27-year-old account executive who she had met just briefly one year before. “We went bowling,” Gwen says, “and our competitive natures led to flirting.” But then she had to return to Michigan and he to Missouri. Nevertheless, their fondness for each other grew, and so did their phone bills. Seven months later, Gwen got a Missouri apartment and a local job as an administrative assistant. The following year, Gary countered with a diamond ring.