A common theme amongst girls while growing up is dreaming about their wedding day. Where it’s going to be, what dress will be worn, what music will be played, etc. I never really cared about any of that. I only ever dreamed of WHO I was going to marry because I knew those other details would not matter in the end. Although I never pictured marrying anyone specific, I did know that I wanted to marry a tall, funny, racially ambiguous, man. Luckily, 1/4th of that list was negotiable. Kelsey and I met in college at the beginning of my senior year while working a summer event. We were both orientation leaders and got partnered up to show a group of freshmen around campus for the day (I consider that group to be our first batch of children). I remember thinking Kelsey was nice enough, but kind of weird. Fast forward a few months, and I met Kelsey again when she was joining my sorority. I still thought she was a little off, but again, nice enough and really enthusiastic about drinking games. I soon discovered she was, in fact, the weirdest person I had ever met, but in all the best ways. As the year went on, I would keep an eye out for her walking around campus. If I knew she had a class near me, I would sometimes stall so I could walk with her for a little while. Occasionally, we would meet up for lunch, and I could NOT figure out why my face kept turning red when I saw her. Blushing. I was blushing. Of course, at the time, that didn’t mean anything to me. It was just a strange phenomenon because I was definitely straight. SO straight that whenever I saw her out on a Saturday night, I would say hello by putting her in a playful headlock. In retrospect, the headlock is the gayest thing I could have done. When I graduated later that year, I assumed Kelsey and I would gradually lose touch. She still had two years left in school, and I was stepping into the “real world.” To my surprise, we stayed close and texted almost every day. A message from Kelsey could turn a bad day around in seconds. I had other close friends, but at some point, I quietly started thinking of her as my favorite friend. When Kelsey graduated college, I had an open room at my Boston apartment, and she moved in with me and another roommate. I was over the moon excited to be living with one of my best friends and my “favorite” friend. The two of us became even closer as roommates and eventually became MORE than roommates after 5 years of friendship. Kelsey and I are each other’s first same-sex relationship, so we both had to come out together. When Kelsey told people she was gay, people would respond with, “That makes a lot of sense. You have such a kind and open heart, of course you would welcome all types of love.” When I told people I was gay, the general response was, “Oh yea… you’re always in athletic wear.” While being told I have an affinity for sweatshirts was not the character analysis I was hoping for, I think the consensus for Kelsey was fitting. I have only ever known Kelsey to be incredibly kind, abundantly empathetic, and remarkably smart. I am not surprised that others have noticed that as well. Kelsey has an energy that draws people in and makes them feel seen. She has a sense of humor that will have a room in tears and a sense of style that makes her a fashion icon. I do not feel biased saying she is a fashion icon because the number of times we get stopped in public for her outfit or “vibe” is insane. Those same people who stop Kelsey usually give me a polite nod before walking away. All that to say, Kelsey is more than I could have ever hoped for, and I cannot wait to marry her!! We welcome you to celebrate our love with us. We hope to see you there! -Colleen