Lara & Jerome in Rochester, MI

Even though Jerome spilled an apple martini on Lara when they met at a Halloween party, they still hit it off. Jerome invited Lara to have dinner every night the following week. One evening, Jérôme, who’s from France, played his guitar and sang to Lara in French. They were officially a couple soon after. The Bride Jerome Maitre, 30, engineer The Groom Lara Donaldson, 34, graphic designer The Date October 18 A year-and-a-half later, the two went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic for her birthday. After a romantic dinner on the beach, they took a walk along the shore. Jerome drew a heart in the sand and wrote Marry me inside. He placed the ring on a starfish. Lara’s response? Oui. The couple only took four months to plan an intimate wedding near Lara's hometown, incorporating oranges and yellows for a warm, earthy feel. They also planned a second wedding, which took place in France the following summer.