Marianne & Chris in Cincinnati, OH

Christopher had impeccable timing when it came time to proposing to his girlfriend Marianne. THE BRIDE Marianne Hunter, 28, an eighth-grade teacher THE GROOM Christopher Sample, 25, an IT manager and architectural engineer THE DATE September 13 Marianne was having a hell of a day at school. I was more or less in tears, she says. When Chris showed up with a gift, she didn't even want to open the box. So he opened it to reveal a stunning platinum engagement ring. Marianne instantly said yes.