Sarah & Jess in Apalachicola, FL

Sarah doesn't exactly remember the first time she set eyes on Jess at her sister’s wedding. Sarah's sister married one of Jess’ cousins, and years later her sister invited Sarah along on a trip with her in-laws. Everyone wound up canceling except for Sarah’s sister, her husband, Sarah, and Jess -- and 'inadvertently, the weekend felt like a fabulous double date, Sarah remembers. Though both felt a connection, neither made a move, and Sarah went home to Virginia and Jess to Florida. Three days later, Jess called—and after a little more than a year of long-distance dating, the two met halfway, moving to Atlanta. The Bride Sarah Mikowski, 26, financial manager The Groom John Jess Glenn, 30, civil engineer The Date October 6 Two months later, Sarah thought they were just out grabbing a chili dog when Jess stopped. Out of the corner of my eye, I thought Jess had fallen, recalls Sarah. But he was down on one knee, asking her to marry him -- and after she said yes, the two celebrated with a decidedly more upscale meal.