She’s in Chicago; he’s in Iraq. Yet, these two lovebirds have never felt closer.

Couple #1: Aleksandra, 27, director of business development; Russ, 30, captain and commander of a scout/attack helicopter troop
LoveStage: Dating

The story of how Aleksandra and Russ fell in love is part old-fashioned romance, part modern-day fairy tale. The two first encountered each other on an online forum for people interested in philosophy. They began a correspondence over email, and before they could control-option-escape, they were lovestruck.  “He wrote excellent letters,” says Aleks. His ability to express himself beautifully in writing swept me off my feet.” Russ was similarly smitten: “Because we learned so much about one another before meeting in person, the first thing I noticed about her wasn’t her eyes or smile or anything cliché like that. It was her depth and her ability to ‘get’ me, to understand me.” Russ is currently stationed in Baghdad, and their separation, while certainly difficult, has actually made them grow closer. “Our priorities have come into very clear focus,” says Aleks. “It ensures that we will never take each other for granted.” Why vote for them? “Because it would give Aleks one of those genuine smiles, and all would be right in the world,” says Russ.

Song that Best Captures Their Relationship
Russ: “ ‘Just in Time,’ by Dean Martin. Even here in Baghdad, I sing to myself walking across the flight line on the way to my helicopter, thinking of Aleks.”

Best Gift He’s Ever Given Her
Aleks: “I don’t know how he did this from Iraq, but he organized a day at the Chanel boutique for me. They delivered flowers and gifts to my building, then picked me up in a car and took me to the store where I was given a makeover, champagne, and personal shopper.”

Best Gift She’s Ever Given Him
Russ: “We were in New Orleans and one night on Bourbon Street, we went into Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. Aleks had the witch doctor in there put a spell on me to make me fall in love with her. I can’t thank her enough for that present.”

Secret to an Enduring Relationship
Aleks: “Without a doubt, heartfelt, meaningful communication that gets to the heart of the matter. Saying exactly what’s on your mind, not beating around the bush, being direct, honest, and sensitive to each other.”

Best Compliment They’ve Heard About Their Relationship
Russ: “It came from my mom, though she didn’t give it to me directly. My sister told me that our mom has said that Aleks and I are a great couple and that she hopes I’ll marry her. That’s about as big as it gets coming from Mom.”