Kim & Ryan in Duck, NC

During the first week of school, a new college friend invited Kimberly to a party where Ryan lived. Kim and Ryan became a part of the same circle of friends, and two years later, they started dating. The Bride Kimberly Emery, 25, government consultant The Groom Ryan Mannion, 26, account executive for PR software sales The Date June 7 After nearly three years together, Kim jokingly asked Ryan when he was going to make a lady out of her. At dinner that night, they each received relevant fortune cookies. Kim's said, Rome wasn't built in a day, and Ryan's said, Live for today. The next night, Kim surprised Ryan with a candlelit dinner to thank him for helping her through a tough week at work. Ryan took advantage of the romantic setting. He proposed with (what else?) a fortune cookie with the message Will you marry me? inside. The couple soon decided on a destination wedding. Every year we travel to the Outer Banks with about 20 friends from college, and it's our favorite place to vacation, says Kim. A black, white, turquoise and orange palette set the tone for the upbeat beach event.