From the Cincinnati Enquirer: August 7, 2005

True Stories of Rapid Romance
Quick courtships aren't limited to the rich and famous ... as readers were quick to tell us

By Lauren Bishop
Enquirer staff writer

Renee Zellweger and Kenny Chesney had a whirlwind courtship, marrying after just four months of dating. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner have a similar story. And Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, engaged after just a month of dating, also appear to be on a fast track to the altar.

But celebrities aren't the only couples who get married in a hurry. When we asked readers to tell us about their whirlwind romances, we heard from dozens of couples who started dating and got married in about a year or less - sometimes much less. It may not be the best decision for everyone, but with love, determination and lots of laughter, these couples have made it work.

Donna and David, Dillonvale; married 11 months

First date: April 2004

Engaged: August 2004

Married: September 2004

How it happened: Donna was a widow in March 2004 when Dave, an old acquaintance, came into the bank branch that she managed to solicit donations for the Deer Park Athletic Boosters. They exchanged phone numbers so she could get back to him, and he left a message on her answering machine about a week later.

While she was deciding whether to return his call, Donna was driving her son to Sports Plus in Evendale for a birthday party when Dave pulled up at a red light next to her and honked his horn. Dave, 41, was also on his way to Sports Plus with his son to meet friends, and the two made a date for lunch the next day.

"We just feel like we were meant to be together, and when you know, you know," she says.

How they make it work: "We really love each other," says Donna, 43. "The second time around, you're just more committed to making it work."