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Bride: Connie Henson, 48

Groom: Elliott Gibson Sr., 55

Occupations: Henson, administrative officer of the U.S. Courts and graduate student; Gibson, retired police captain.

Homebase: Upper Malboro, Maryland

Wedding Date: Friday, June 27, 2008

Love at Third Sight: Though they met over 23 years ago, the best friends would marry and divorce other mates before looking to each other for love. "We spent so much time together: talking on the phone, going to the movies, eating dinner. But I never saw him as anything other than a wonderful friend," Connie recalls. "He always had a girlfriend, and I enjoyed the single life. Then, we both married other people in 1991."

Sealed With a Kiss: "My mother always encouraged us to date, but he was never my type. He was a ‘nice guy,' " recalls Connie with a laugh. As feelings began to develop, Connie decided a kiss would be the ultimate test. "Either there will be a spark or it'll feel like I'm kissing my brother," she explains. The result? "I felt butterflies."

Perfect Timing: "I never thought I'd find love again," confesses the mother of two. "I was divorced with kids and in my 40's." Some friends and family members echoed Connie's doubts. "Everyone thought I was crazy," she says with a chuckle. "But God opened up my heart to receive Elliott for such a time as this. Had this happened before, I wouldn't have been ready. I needed to work on myself before looking for love a second time."

Love Yourself First: "There were things about me that weren't positive," Connie admits. "I was codependent and a people pleaser." As part of a long journey toward self-improvement, the newlywed "went into counseling and relied on faith and family," for support. "Now, I'm stronger, less concerned about what people think and more focused on being a good person," she explains. "When it came time to date, I wasn't looking for someone to complete me. I was complete when Elliott found me."