lthough they live a life of privilege and power, Bill and Melinda Gates are working together to give much of their wealth away. Through interviews, Bill and Melinda reveal their thoughts about marriage, working together, and raising their three children.

Born:

William Henry Gates III: October 28, 1955 in Seattle, Washington.

Melinda Ann French: August 15, 1964 in Dallas, Texas.

How Bill and Melinda Met:

Bill and Melinda met in 1987 at a Microsoft press event in Manhattan, New York.

Marriage Proposal:

Bill proposed marriage to Melinda in 1993 when he "secretly diverted a chartered plane they were taking home from Palm Springs one Sunday night to land in Omaha. Warren Buffett met them there, arranged to have a jewelry store open, and helped them pick a ring."

Source: Time.com

Ages at Wedding:

Bill, 38. Melinda, 29.

Wedding Date:

Bill and Melinda were married on January 1, 1994 on the Hawaiian island of Lanai. The island has no stoplights, has 47 miles of coastline, lots of white sand, and is only 18 miles long and 13 miles wide.

To insure their privacy for the day of their wedding, Bill rented every hotel room at the hotel (250 rooms) and chartered every helicopter close by.

Bill and Melinda's $1 million, 15-minute, seaside wedding ceremony took place on the 12th tee of the Manele Bay Hotel golf course. William J. Sullivan S.J., Seattle University Chancellor, was the presider of the wedding ceremony and Steve Balllmer was Bill's best man.

Bill wore black slacks and a white dinner jacket. Melinda wore a $10,000 wedding gown designed by Victoria Glenn of Seattle. The white dress was made out of silk-faced organza.

Wedding Reception:

Wedding guests numbered approximately 130 and included Warren Buffet, Paul Allen, Craig McCaw, and Katharine Graham. Willie Nelson entertained the Bill and Melinda and their guests at the wedding reception.