Ilona & Benjamin in Livingston, NJ

When Benjamin Thurman found himself unemployed, he decided to take a road trip for a few months to get away from it all. After putting 13,000 miles on his car in two months, Ben returned to New Jersey and unexpectedly came to a crossroads -- once he set eyes on Ilona Bondar, there was no turning back. THE BRIDE Ilona Bondar, 29, senior Java developer THE GROOM Benjamin Thurman, 30, project manager THE DATE December 31 During lunch with some former coworkers, Ben couldn't stop looking at new employee Ilona. She was mysterious, quiet, and wonderful, he says. After the meal, an intrigued Ben asked a friend about her. Apparently, Ilona did the same.