College orientation. Who would have thought I'd meet Kelsey, the person that would be my best friend throughout my whole college career and after. Also in attendance, unbeknownst to her, was her future husband.

In those first weeks, you would find us hangin' in Kelsey's dorm room enjoying the stream of people stopping by to say hello. It was during this time Tanner first came to Kelsey's attention and as many of you would guess it was his humor that grabbed her notice. He told her to add him on Facebook, "I'm the one on the bike." Thinking motorcycle Kelsey went to check out his page. Yeah, he was the one on the bicycle with training wheels!

Over the years I have had the joy of watching their relationship grow. From those early days of hanging out in the basement of Hansen Hall at South Dakota State University, where Tanner would come to join us just to chat, to their senior year in college when they traveled to China together.

Tanner is helpful and hardworking. I know how much Kelsey appreciates how helpful he has been to her family as family means the world to Kelsey.

Kelsey is one of the most caring and thoughtful individuals I have had the honor to meet. She is that friend that goes out of her way to see how you're doing. She takes the time to write people personal letters – she even mails them – by snail mail!

After months of teasing Kelsey with his "getting down on one knee to tie his shoe" trick Tanner took Kelsey out to eat sushi, a personal tradition, and he commented they should stop by to see her parents after. Shortly before arriving he stopped on the gravel road around the corner from her parent's home and he popped that question for real. I got the call at midnight to hear the wonderful news!

Together they have graduated early, purchased their home, share a passion for raising livestock and even managed to start their family. That would be those two adorable dogs, Leroy and Kipper. Having watched Kelsey and Tanner's relationship grow stronger over the years it is obvious their hard work and dedication will serve them well as they keep working on their dreams.