Melanie & Chris in Katonah, NY

Christopher had waited so long to propose to his college sweetheart, Melanie, he felt he'd better get down on both knees when he popped the question. Nearly 10 years after the two met in their SUNY Binghamton dorm, Chris brought Melanie to a big family dinner at his parents’ house. The Bride Melanie Young, 29, director of client services The Groom Christopher Perry, 30 college professor and multimedia consultant The Date August 30 It was Christmas Eve Eve, which happened to be Melanie's parents' wedding anniversary. After finishing their meal, Chris pulled out his chair and asked Melanie to marry him. I said yes, but Chris never heard me because his relatives were screaming with joy, says Melanie. When it came to their location, the couple knew they wanted an outdoor ceremony. The same day that Melanie first found Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts online, Chris coincidentally suggested that they check it out. It was meant to be.