News, Tips & Offers delivered to your inbox.

Meet Lainie Belitz and Joshua Rafofsky, winners of Bridal Guide's Bride of the Year 2002 contest. We'll follow them every step of the way!

Lainie Belitz and Joshua Rafofsky met in a thoroughly modern manner: through an on-line dating service. Sparks flew at their first real live meeting, and what Josh describes as the 'magical romance between us' began.

Ah, but for the next stage in that romance - the proposal - Josh looked back in time to a much simpler technology than the Internet. On a date to see a vintage Buster Keaton silent film at a historic theatre, Lainie was surprised to note that she and Josh were the only members of the audience. Her surprise grew when, after the main attraction, a black-and-white image of Josh's face filled the screen. What came next? A private screening of 'The Girl in the Picture,' a 1920's-style silent film starring Josh as a lovelorn bachelor in pursuit of the perfect woman (who was, of course, Lainie). At the final caption, which read 'This is just the beginning...' Lainie turned to find Josh down on one knee, ring in hand. He proposed, she accepted. They kissed, she cried. Then Josh led her upstairs to the theatre's balcony, where their families had been waiting with Champagne and flowers to share in the celebration.

With a proposal like that how could we not select Lainie and Josh as America's Most Romantic Couple? It's no wonder Lainie comments that Josh 'brings out the best in me. I love his surprises and returning that joy gives me the greatest happiness. It's like a never-ending cycle of smiles.' Bridal Guide is delighted to share those smiles with our readers as we help these two celebrate the wedding of their dreams.

Among the prizes Lainie and Josh will win to make their special day even more fabulous are:

• Wedding reception at New York City's Tavern on the Green
• Wedding gown from Alfred Angelo
• Shoes from Touch Ups
• Bridal veil from Symphony Bridal Veils
• Bridal accessories from The Beverly Clark Collection
• Salon & spa services from Avon Salon & Spa
• Bridesmaid dresses from Alyce Designs Inc.
• Bridal party jewelry from Cathy's Concepts
• Tuxedos from After Six
• Platinum & diamond wedding bands from Scott Kay
• Cookware and small appliances from T-Fal
• Cutlery from J.A. Henckels
• Sterling silver from Towle Silversmiths
• $3,000 gift card from Linens-n-Things
• Fine china and crystal from Noritake Co. Inc.
• Food processor, blender & hand mixer from Cuisinart
• Vacuum, microwave oven, coffee maker and stand-mixer from DeLonghi
• Bed, bath and drapery products from Springmaid
• Upholstered furniture from The Mitchell Gold Co.
• Wine for the reception and for home consumption from Luna di Luna
• 7-night honeymoon at SuperClubs Grand Lido Negril

In addition, The Learning Channel will feature the Belitz-Rafofsky wedding on its 'A Wedding Story' program.

We'll follow every step of Lainie and Josh’s journey to the altar in five issues of Bridal Guide magazine. Join us as we help them select their wedding attire, give the bride-to-be the ultimate makeover and more, all to make sure that this truly will be their dream wedding.

Choosing America's Most Romantic Couple out of the thousands of contest entries we received was tough, and we want to thank everyone who shared their love stories with us. We wish you all luck in planning your own weddings and hope you'll count on Bridal Guide magazine and Bridal Guide Online for inspiration and advice!