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Ask a bride or groom what makes them nervous when they think about the big day and “lifetime commitment” may not be their first thought.

For some, it’s that moment when everyone’s eyes are on them as they sway back and forth to “their song” during their first dance as a married couple.

Why? Because, it also may be the awkward five minutes when a few hundred people realize the groom has no sense of rhythm and that there’s a reason the bride is wearing steel-toed boots.

High school sweethearts Geoffrey Rees and Elizabeth Floom were married May 28, 2011, after dating for more than seven years. Geoff’s mom introduced the couple to one another at a roller-skating party and they became close friends and started dating. They continued to date throughout high school and college. It wasn’t until after they obtained their degrees and secured jobs that they decided to finally tie the knot. They were engaged in January 2009 while on vacation with Geoff’s family in Florida.

Army Gen. Donn Starry built an impressive 6,000-book personal library in his Glenmoor home. He filled the library with collections of military and history books. And, yes, he has read each one — sometimes several times. Pull up a seat as Gen. Starry shows us around his favorite spot.

We asked several couples from Stark and Tuscarawas counties to give us the details of their recent weddings. From surprise engagements to the perfectly planned receptions, these couples wouldn't have it any other way. Read on — and be prepared to say, "Awww."

Remember when cupcakes were just something your mom baked as a classroom treat for your birthday?

The cupcake universe has expanded greatly in recent years. Cupcakes are chic, cheeky and creative confections. Where slices of cake are unwieldy, cupcakes are portable desserts. Even the design possibilities are appealing.

A trio of ambitious and imaginative young women who love to bake have launched successful gourmet-cupcake businesses from their home kitchens in Canton and Massillon. Coincidentally, the three look enough alike to be sisters.

What could be more fun for a bride-to-be than creating a registry? It’s like a fantasy shopping trip, and those beautiful household items will be the backdrop for a couple’s married life. It may be tempting to just take that registry gun and zap half the items in the store, but a little planning is key. Here are some tips for doing a registry right.

BEST CONTRACTOR and BEST HOMEBUILDER

REMBRANDT HOMES

www.rembrandthomes.com

330-699-1608

About readers gave Rembrandt Homes double honors as Best Homebuilder and Best Contractor.