Kelly & Robert in Ocean Springs, MS

Often, when you set your sights on someone, you have to take matters into your own hands. During Kelly's junior year of college, she needed a date for a sorority party and decided to muster the courage to ask Robert, who she thought wanted nothing to do with her. Her bold gesture paid off, and the couple started dating soon after. The Bride Kelly Long, 27, physical therapist The Groom Robert Gaiotti, 26, energy broker The Date April 19 Robert proposed six years later during what Kelly thought was a dinner to celebrate Robert's birthday. As the site for their April wedding, the couple chose the one place they could think of with the most meaning: Kelly's parents' home. The house had been destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and was rebuilt just in time for the wedding. Having the reception there was not only a celebration of their union -- it symbolized the strength of the entire community.