Niki & Gautam in Columbus, OH

When Gautam proposed to Niki the night before her graduation from Ohio State University, she never saw it coming -- even though the proposal was preceded by a wonderful dinner at her favorite restaurant, Buca di Beppo, and Gautam became teary-eyed while telling her how much he loved her. I just thought it was weird but sweet, Niki laughs. THE BRIDE Nicole (Niki) Markley, 22, teacher THE GROOM Gautam Bagchi, 25, engineer THE DATE July 10