Keri & Andrew in Hot Springs, VA

Years after meeting Keri at a friend's housewarming party, Andrew was ready to ask her to marry him. There was just one hitch: he had absolutely no idea what kind of ring Keri would want. Instead of giving up, Andrew bought a cubic zirconia ring online to use as a stand-in for the proposal. The Bride Keri Arnold, 28, vice president at a sports marketing firm The Groom Andrew Hostetler, 30, managing director at an investment bank The Date October 27 He woke Keri up extra early on New Year's Eve to pop the question. I was surprised, being half asleep and blinded by the huge ring, says Keri. She said yes, and eventually the couple had a real engagement ring custom-made -- which actually turned out to look like the decoy, minus a few carats. The couple soon began planning a destination wedding in the bride's home state of Virginia.