When summer rolls around, a few things are certain; there's more sun, more fun and more weddings! While most people are consumed with what dress the bride is wearing, how much was spent on decor or where the new couple will be going on their honeymoon--we often overlook the greatest detail of all. How the couple fell in love.

Every married couple has a story about how they met and fell in love and Dawn Kelley and Maurice Redd are no different. The couple was introduced to each other by Dawn's boss, who she suspects set them up. At the time Dawn was working as head volleyball and assistant track coach at Beloit College in Wisconsin. The two hit it off right away and began dating.
A month into the relationship tragedy struck when Dawn's father passed away unexpectedly from an aneurism. Despite the relationship being fairly new, Maurice "stepped up to the plate" and offered Dawn emotional support during her time of need, allowing their relationship to deepen.

Fast-forward to July, 25, 2009-the day Maurice proposed. Maurice asked Dawn to join him in the park where he surprised her with a card, flowers and a proposal. Without hesitation, the bride-to-be said yes.

Dawn soon began planning her wedding and in the midst of it all she developed a personal wedding blog. Dawn says the blog, 'Happy Nappy Bride' , allowed her to focus on wedding plans without it consuming her entire day-to-day life. The site also helped counteract the lack of representation women of color have in wedding publications these days.

The lovely couple wed on May 28, 2010 on the campus of Beloit College, where the two originally met. Maurice's six year old daughter served as their flower girl. Their 141 guests joined them for their reception at Briggs's Mansion in Rockford, Illinois. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Dawn and Maurice plan on settling in Rockford, Illinois where they intend to start a family. We wish them the best!

Do you have a love story similar to this or know a couple like Dawn & Maurice? If so, share your love story with Aisle Dash by sending your name, wedding date and brief summary of how you met and got engaged to ideas@aisledash.com.