Melanie & Doug in Saint Paul, MN

Often, love is all in the timing of things. That’s what Melanie and Doug learned. They met through a friend when they were 24 years old, but didn’t actually start dating until 10 years later. “We both happened to be at the same restaurant opening after not seeing each other for many years!” says Melanie. They started dating immediately after that. The Bride Melanie Anderson, 40, a senior manager The Groom Doug Bulthuis, 41, an IT analyst The Date July 18 On Christmas Eve, six-and-a-half years later, Doug sent Melanie on a treasure hunt for her gift. “He had paper clues all over the house,” says Melanie. Her last clue was in her stocking and read, “Will you change your last name?” “I screamed and turned to Doug, and he held out the ring and proposed.”