Jessica & Jonathan in Bald Head Island, NC

Being a friend's plus-one had an unexpected benefit for Jessica . When Jonathan got free passes for a Carolina Panthers NFL kick-off party, he invited his friend who invited Jessica. She was interested in working at Jonathan's old company and thought this would be her chance to get a gig. They talked briefly and kept in touch, but when she finally pressed him on her chances of getting hired, he said he didn't have anything open. But Jessica did get something out of it: A date! The Bride Jessica Pratt, 30, communications manager The Groom Jonathan Gibson, 34, vice president of Penske Racing The Date May 10 The following fall, Jonathan was offered a job in Milwaukee; Jessica decided to move too. Two years later, while on vacation with Jessica's family in Holden Beach, Jonathan asked Jessica to take a walk on the beach. A while into their walk, Jonathan got down on one knee and proposed. Jessica was shocked, but a bigger surprise was still to come: a private dinner further down the beach. Inspired by their engagement site, the couple chose a starfish theme to complement their beach wedding.