Lauren & Matt in Nantucket, MA

In late 2004, a well-intentioned friend all but dragged Lauren out to meet some college friends for dinner and drinks at a local Irish pub. Though she's usually shy, Lauren sat next to Matt and the two chatted for most of the night. Thanks to a bit of matchmaking by their friend, they began dating not long after. The Bride Lauren Noble, 27, stay-at-home mom The Groom Matthew (Matt) Marshall, 30, clinical data manager The Date October 27 Nearly two and a half years later, the couple attended Mass and then made plans for a picnic at a nearby park. Lauren noticed that Matt seemed especially cheerful that day, but thought he was just looking forward to their afternoon together. As they packed up their picnic and prepared to head out, Matt persuaded Lauren to have a seat on the couch and relax for a minute. Though she was hungry and ready for lunch, she took a seat. At that moment Matt knelt down, pulled an heirloom engagement ring from behind a couch pillow, and proposed. The very next weekend they headed to Nantucket to celebrate and scout locations for their autumn wedding.