Sharon & Franklin in Hampton, VA

Franklin first saw Sharon making coffee at the Virginia Air & Space Center in 2002. He was there shooting an educational video; Sharon worked at the center. Franklin turned to one of Sharon’s coworkers to get the scoop on her, and the woman introduced them. They hit it off immediately and met for breakfast the very next day! Their friendship and romance blossomed over the next six years. The Bride Sharon Gates, 35, a college and career coach The Groom Franklin Fitzgerald, 37, a small business owner The Date October 18 Then, on Valentine’s Day while the couple was having a romantic dinner, Franklin’s friends decorated his apartment with rose petals, candles, strawberries, and wine. He led Sharon to the couch where they talked about plans for the future as husband and wife.