In a world so full of tragedy, it's heartwarming to see proof that the darkest moments of our lives can lead to the happiest.

When Melissa Dohme's high school boyfriend became controlling and abusive, she knew it was time to leave him for good. He asked to meet her one more time, promising to leave her alone forever if he could. Dohme trusted him, but it turned out to be a trap.

In a brutal attack, her deranged ex-boyfriend stabbed her 32 times. That night, paramedic Cameron Hill was her hero. He carried Dohme into the helicopter that lifted her to safety. Now, she's said "I do" to the man who proved to her that "life and love after abuse is possible."

Warning: some of the images in this story may be disturbing.

It has taken years of hard work, treatments and counseling to make Dohme feel safe and happy again. She lost so much blood during the attack that she suffered a stroke, and she actually died on the operating table several times that night.

But Dohme said the hardest part of rebuilding her life was adjusting to the way people treated her like she was  made of glass.

Dohme kept herself busy studying to be a nurse, and working as an advocate for the victims of domestic violence, but she worried that she would be unhappy and single for the rest of her life.

Then, a few months after her attack, she was reunited by chance with Hill at a community event in her honor.

Dohme says that after a few minutes of talking to Hill all of her bad feelings disappeared. They started dating, and Hill's love gave Dohme the strength she needed to carry on.

He even stood beside her in court when she confronted her ex-boyfriend.

After 4 years together, Hill finally popped the question to Dohme in front of a stadium full of baseball fans.

Earlier this month the couple tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony with their friends and families, as well as some special guests. All of the police officers, firemen and EMTs involved in Dohme's case were invited to her wedding.

For Melissa, who had to have a number of facial reconstruction surgeries because of her injuries, it was the perfect opportunity to show off her new smile.

"I spent the worst and the best day of my life with Cameron," she told People magazine.

But Cameron won't take any credit, saying that Dohme rebuilt her life with her own amazing spirit.

"Her strength was unbelievable," he said, just like their incredible love story.

You can donate to Dohme's charity for victims of domestic violence here.