Kathy & Shane in Chicago, IL

When Shane bought a ring for Kathy they were already eight years deep into a romance that had taken them around the globe (with stops in Massachusetts, Miami, Australia and finally Chicago). Shane patiently waited another two months to propose on a cold dark night just before New Year’s, when Shane lit candles around their home and asked his long-term love to be his forever mate. The Bride Kathy Beymer, 34, VP of interactive market The Groom Shane Winegard, 36, director of information technology The Date October 20 After celebrating with a Cabo San Lucas escape, the couple planned a fall wedding that was equal parts homespun -- crafty Kathy sewed almost all of the decor -- and high-tech, with an online RSVP system and wedding blog created by Shane. Their goal was to create a feel that was urban and hip but still very personal and hand-crafted (what Kathy calls Holly Hobby Elegant). The aesthetics of the wedding evolved from a particular fabric -- a vintage-inspired poppy print of brown, orange and gold.