Kerri & Doug: A Traditional Wedding in St. Joseph, MO

After dating for eight months, Kerri and Doug were already looking at rings. The couple had met at work more than two years earlier, but didn't officially get introduced until a work outing. They started exchanging emails, then texts and finally phone calls. The Bride Kerri Guenther, 31, microbiologist The Groom Doug Lockard, 27, facilities engineer The Date October 18 The connection was clear, so even if it seemed early to ring shop, they couldn't help themselves. About a month after they started looking, Kerri found the one—an antique diamond and sapphire ring. She texted Doug to tell him and expected him to be surprised, but he played it cool. Days later, Doug broke the news to Kerri that he called the store but they already sold the ring. He was shocked when Kerri started crying! I seriously underestimated how much she liked this ring, he says. He hated to see her upset, so he told her that he had, in fact, bought the ring—but she'd have to wait for the proposal! The next night, he held out his hands with two wedding bands in them. Kerri started jumping up and down already knowing what was next. Sure enough, Doug popped the question -- saving the perfect ring for last. The couple held their formal reception under the crystal chandeliers and marble columns of the United Ballroom after a traditional Catholic ceremony.