Nicole & Rich in Covington, KY

A few years ago, Nicole was a hardworking single mother who, according to one of her coworkers, “needed to get out and have a good time.” So Nicole agreed to a blind date with Rich, and the two made plans to meet at a British-themed pub, where they spent hours talking about everything from baseball to careers, politics, and kids. Their second date was the very next night, and the two have been together ever since. The Bride Nicole Morris, 34, regional sales director for The Knot The Groom Rich Schlaack, 37, self-employed The Date March 16 Around a year later, after a stressful day of work, Rich stopped by Nicole’s home office with something to cheer her up: a black velvet satchel. “I untied it nonchalantly and three diamonds spilled out,” says Nicole. Rich proposed and then said, “You have amazing taste, and I would love nothing more than for you to build your dream engagement ring.” Nicole loved the idea: “It was simple, beautiful, and original -- just like him!”