On the 15th of each month we feature a new and magnificent wedding! This is more than just a weekly "best site" contest with a link to the couple's wed-site. We will take you through the entire wedding process...from the planning, to the actual event, and everything in between...including details which made each big day special.

And when I take your hand...
Rachel and Ryuji met on the Internet. They chatted in the same chat room for two years and met when Rachel went to Japan to visit friends. Instead of staying for two weeks as intended, Rachel stayed almost half a year.

After that Ryuji went to visit Rachel in Israel, and proposed to her just days before her birthday. Upon leaving Israel, Ryuji went to Japan first, and then Canada. In February of 2001, Rachel flew to Canada to join Ryuji (carrying a wedding dress and veil purchased in Israel).

I'll watch my heart set sail...
The couple chose to wed in Niagara Falls, Canada at the Old Stone Inn Hotel. The evening ceremony was intimate and included just the bride and groom and hotel guests. Following their vows the hotel guests all clapped for the new Mr. and Mrs.

They plan on having a vow renewal ceremony in either Japan or Israel very soon.

I'll take my trembling fingers...
Before the ceremony, the bride and groom had pictures taken in front of the Niagara Falls waterfalls. It made a stunning backdrop. Rachel remembers how kind everyone was to them that day. She says that several people stopped them to pass along their congratulations and take their photograph. The temperature was freezing cold with snow cover still on the ground, but the weather was beautiful.

The bride wore a tank-style wedding dress with scoop neckline and full skirt. The bodice and skirt of the gown featured unique floral appliqués -- which were heavily accented around the hemline, bustline, waistline and straps as well. Rachel complimented the dress with sheer white opera-length gloves, with matching floral appliqués. She wore a full, fingertip veil cascading from a flat-bow hair barrette.

And I'll lift up your veil...
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds shared a romantic, candlelight dinner together at the hotel restaurant by the fireplace. Hotel guests sent drinks and stopped by to share their best wishes. Then a snowstorm hit, and the couple were given a free night at a five-star hotel.

Rachel sums their Niagara Falls wedding experience up in one word: "Fun!"

For more information about Rachel and Ryuji's wedding -- visit their their site.
And check out the April 2002 "Fifteen Minutes of Fame" with Aubrey and Kevin.

Want to submit your own website for its Fifteen Minutes of Fame? Click here.