Sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them.

2021

Sharlene and Tyler’s story is no exception. While they both worked at Kuhn North America, it wasn’t until they both swiped right on Tinder that their paths truly crossed.

Here’s the funny part: Sharlene actually saw Tyler on Tinder before they matched, but being the planner that she is, she decided to use her Tinder Premium to wait for him to swipe right first (she wanted to make sure the stars were aligned, obviously!). Spoiler alert: they matched, and the rest is history! From there they started dating on November 27th of 2021.

Traveling Partners.

2022

From there Sharlene and Tyler grew inseparable, continuously going on new adventures, meeting new people, and making new friends along the way. They took their first big trip together in February of 2022, this was a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota where they attended the Black Hills Stock Show. Tyler had the chance to meet some of Sharlene's family members from South Dakota and old friends. It was on that trip where they both decided they LOVED to travel with each other. In March of 2022 Tyler took Sharlene back to his hometown (Randolph, New York) to meet some of his family members, and childhood friends.

As they continued on their newfound love and journey, they both decided that it was time to move in together - some may think that it was super soon, but as the saying goes: 'when you know, you know'. Sharlene and her dog Koda moved in with Tyler in June of 2022 where they then started to navigate the different areas of living together as a couple. It didn't stop their love for traveling though! That year, Sharlene took Tyler to Iowa to watch her best friend (Sharon) graduate college, Tyler took Sharlene to Iowa where they watched a Cinch Rodeo, they found a new coffee shop that they loved in Illinois, and they began traveling more to South Dakota, New York/Pennsylvania, and venturing through southern Wisconsin as Sharlene took on the role of the (27th) 2022 Green County Fairest of the Fair. They attended many events together - some that they still continue to attend each year, and a handful of fairs! They also took a trip to Kentucky (for the North American Internatinal Livestock Expo), where Tyler gave Sharlene a promise ring!

The year Sharlene said 'YES!'

2023

2023 was a year that changed a lot for Sharlene and Tyler, they began navigating a new path. Sharlene had become the 2023 (57th) Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, where she then took on the role and responsibilities of promoting and advocating for all of Wisconsin's incredible fairs - including the Wisconsin State Fair! Tyler had just begun a new job with UW Madison that year as well, so their travels looked fairly different - Sharlene began traveling through the state of Wisconsin, and Tyler began his research with the UW. They were still able to take one 10-day long trip early on that year, Tyler's friends were in Lake Tahoe skiing, so they both decided to go. They ended up driving - where they made stops in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California! They were able to catch up with Tylers friends, go on exciting excursions, and tried so many new foods along the way.

On May 27th of 2023 Tyler invited one of Sharlene's best friends from South Dakota (Summer) and his brother from New York (Evan) to be there with both himself and Sharlene as he got down on one knee. In June of 2023 they closed on their first home together and welcomed 3 new pets. They took in two Siamese kittens (Toast & Pudge), and they then adopted a Great Pyrenees (Scout) towards the end of the year. 2023 was a year filled with exciting adventures for the newly engaged couple, along with many learning curves, but they pushed through and came out stronger in the end.

A year of planning!

2024

Sharlene's time as the WI FOTF came to a close, they knew it was time to get their thinking caps together and PLAN for an exciting day ahead of them. This was the year that they also started traveling again! They took a trip in May of 2024 to Orlando, Florida where Tyler had the chance to meet even more of Sharlene's family (from Oklahoma) and watch her youngest sister (MakaylahJo) compete in the Worlds Cheer Competition. They took a trip to South Dakota to watch Sharlene's best friend (Summer) marry the love of her life. In that same trip they watched Sharlene's brother (Alex) propose to the love of his life!

Sharlene had started a new job that year where she found a love in marketing and still had the chance to travel to some fairs in Southern Wisconsin. They kept busy with wedding planning, planning their last big vacation before the wedding, and spending as much time together as they could.

In September of 2024 they both watched Sharlene's sister (Hanna) marry the love of her life, it was a beautiful wedding and made the both of them even more excited for their big day to come.

To end the year, Sharlene and Tyler took a trip to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving to spend time with Sharlene's family, and for their final trip before the big day, they decided to head back down to Orlando, Florida to experience Disney World together during Christmas and Tyler's birthday. They drove down, so they were able to make stops in Tennessee, Georgia - and on the way back they made stops in South Carolina, and North Carolina!

Here is to the future!

2025

Tyler and Sharlene are beyond excited to tie the knot and officially start this next chapter of their lives together! They can’t wait to celebrate with all of their closest friends and family members, who have supported them along the way. It’s going to be a day filled with love, laughter, and so many unforgettable moments.

They’re looking forward to sharing in the joy and happiness of their big day, and of course, throwing a great big party! From heartfelt vows to dancing the night away, Tyler and Sharlene can’t wait to create new memories with the people they love most. Here’s to an amazing celebration of love, happiness, and the beginning of forever!