Date: Jan. 30
Her story: Laura Shirley Talbert, 31, was born in Detroit. She grew up in Troy, Mich., Lake Forest, Ill., and Dublin, Ohio. She is a contract administrator in the defense industry. Her parents, Timothy and Linda Talbert, live in Troy.
His story: Chris Capaccio, 35, was born in Cleveland and grew up in Akron, Ohio. He is a biomedical engineer in the defense industry. His parents, Benjamin and Teresa Capaccio, live in Akron.
Their story: The couple met in August 2002 in Chicago while they were students at Northwestern University. The two were riding the "L" and were introduced by mutual friends. "I didn't think too much of it," Laura recalled. "He was a little bit older. I remember thinking that 'He might be a good person to know.'"
The two eventually became close friends but lost touch when Chris moved to Baltimore in 2004. They reconnected in 2010 in Annapolis and Laura brought him as a friend on a family trip to Tel Aviv, Israel. They started dating after the trip, in late 2011.
"Over the course of time, it all came together," Laura said.
Laura moved to Baltimore from Seattle in 2012.
They live in Otterbein.
The proposal: Chris surprised Laura with a ring during a family vacation to New Zealand and Australia in January 2015.
After carrying the ring around both countries and waiting for the perfect moment and location, Chris proposed to Laura on a secluded rock ledge overlooking Tamarama Beach in Sydney.
"I was surprised for sure," Laura said. "He asked me and I said: 'No way! Are you serious?' I definitely didn't expect him to do it. I didn't think he would do it on a family vacation."
Venue: One hundred people attended the reception and ceremony at the George Peabody Library.
They also hosted a welcome party the night before at Sascha's 527.
Flowers and decor: Wicked Willow provided the flowers. The primary color was purple, which is the main color of the couple's alma mater. The centerpieces were made of manzanita branches with orchids, which were inspired by the coming spring.
Bride's dress: Laura wore an A-line, ivory, jeweled and beaded Lazaro gown from a bridal boutique in Detroit.
Bridesmaids' dresses: Bridesmaids wore long purple chiffon knit dresses by Alfred Sung from various locations.
Men's attire: Chris and the groomsmen wore tuxedos from online retailer The Black Tux.
Music: DJ Carl from Classic Collective DJs provided the music. The couple's first dance was to " 'Til Kingdom Come" by Coldplay.
Food and dessert: Food and cake were provided by the Classic Catering People. Guests dined on short ribs, salmon and risotto-stuffed artichokes.
Special touches: The couple honeymooned in Italy, visiting Rome, Florence, Venice and Siena.
