Mari & Chris in Avon, CO

Mari and Chris first crossed paths when the two began working for the same hotel, but it was their love of snowboarding that ultimately brought them together. “We would snowboard every day, everywhere in Colorado,” says Mari. The pair became inseparable friends, and it wasn’t long before Mari and Chris had completely fallen for each other. The BrideMari Ishikawa, 32, registered nurse The GroomChris Ciana, 30, banquet supervisor The DateApril 22 “After just one month of hitting the slopes, we realized this could be the one,” says Mari, “but it took a year and a half for the feeling to become a reality.” One morning after working an all-night hospital shift, Mari woke to find giant cherry blossom branches (her favorite) decorating the living room table. As she enjoyed the beautiful flowers, Chris pointed out an even better surprise -- an engagement ring hanging from one of the branches. Mari replied with a very enthusiastic “yes,” and the couple began planning their white wedding in Bachelor Gulch.