Tanya & Louie in Honolulu, HI

For Louie D’Avanzo’s proposal to Tanya Schwartz, he booked a hotel suite for the night as a Valentine’s Day surprise. When they entered the hotel room, Tanya found that it was filled with pink and red balloons, roses, and rose petals. A candlelit dinner was also set up, complete with a perfect view of the ocean. The two shared a romantic meal; afterward, a waiter arrived, carrying two dome-topped platters. Beneath one was a card with a poem Louie had written, and beneath the other was a selection of Tanya’s favorite desserts created in miniature, with a diamond ring tucked into the raspberries that adorned them. The Bride Tanya Schwartz, 39, neuropsychologist The Groom Louis (Louie) D’Avanzo, 41, portfolio manager The Date April 21 The couple chose to marry in Hawaii (where they live), and they picked the Hawaii State Art Museum as the venue for their ceremony and reception. “We’re both very interested in the arts, and the museum houses contemporary art from local artists,” Tanya explains. “The building has a long history, plus its elegance lends itself well to large events.” With help from a local wedding planner -- a friend from Louie’s coed soccer team -- the two used their 14-month engagement to plan a spectacular celebration.