Tami & Scott Koel

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Ceremony location: First Presbyterian Church, Omaha
Reception location: Omaha Hilton
Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero, Ellynne Bridal, Lincoln
Bridesmaids' Dresses: White House/Black Market
Tuxedos: Men's Warehouse
Hair: Kristy Sliffe
Rings: Helzberg's Jewelers
Flowers: Debbie Pitt
Caterer: Omaha Hilton
Cake: Karen Brophey
Music: Complete Music
Photography: Multi-Images Photography
Videography: Virtual Knowledge Inc.
Transportation: Extreme Limosene
Invitations/Programs: Alaun by Design
Rentals: AAA Rentals
Travel Agent: Donna Osterchill
Favors: BlueMOON Photo Booth Rentals
Harpist: Karen Conoan
Trumpet: Jim Woodland
Vocalist: Ryan Pivonka

Tami Foehlinger was a freshman and Scott Koel was a sophomore when they met at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln through a mutual friend. Although Tami had an instant crush on Scott and they were friends, they never dated in college. Three years after graduating, their friendship blossomed into romance.

"We saw each other at a party after a Husker game," Tami said. "We ended up talking late into the evening and realized that our friendship had become something more. Scott likes to joke that I made him wait three years before going out with him. I just didn't realize that the friend I had a crush on during those years had a crush on me."

During the first year of their courtship, the Huskers went to the Rose Bowl. Tami, her twin sister Tina, and their late brother, Bobby, were baton twirlers with the marching band. Scott made the trip to cheer the team on and to watch Tami perform in the Rose Bowl Parade and the bowl game half-time show. They spent their first New Year's Eve together on a beach in Santa Monica, Calif.

Exactly five years after the couple started dating, Scott proposed. He sent Tami to a spa for a massage, manicure and pedicure. Then he took her shopping for a dinner dress. Tami sensed that something was up. When she couldn't find anything to wear she suggested they give up and just go to dinner. Scott stalled by looking at gadgets at Sharper Image and buying an Orange Julius.

"I couldn't figure out what was going on," Tami said. "Finally, we went to our car. But when we got there, Scott said he left his driver's license in a store so we both went back in. When we finally walked out of the mall, there was a stretch limo parked at the curb. I jokingly said, 'Hey, look, there's our ride.' He smiled and announced that, yes, it was our ride."

The limo took Tami and Scott to their favorite restaurant, but Scott didn't pop the question at dinner. He waited until they got back into the limo. He turned to her and said, "Tami, we've been together for five years and I want 55 more.'' The limo took the couple to the home of Tami's parents, where Tina had organized an impromptu engagement party.

Tami and Scott were married Aug. 4, 2007, at First Presbyterian Church in Omaha. The same pastor who married Tami's parents and baptized Tami and her four siblings officiated. A reception followed at the Omaha Hilton. The day was shared with family, friends and Tami's twirling and dance students.

"I remember feeling strangely calm the morning of my wedding day," Tami said. "The importance of the day finally hit me when my veil was placed on my head. I took one look in the mirror and the tears started flowing. I also remember standing at the doorway of the church clutching my father's arm. . . I began thinking about my late brother and my grandmother, wishing that they were there. . . I saw the grinning faces of my students. Then I saw Tina wiping her tears, and I realized that our relationship would be forever changed. There's nothing quite like the bond between twin sisters."

Tami's favorite line from Tina's toast: "I always thought that I completed Tami, but as it turns out, Scott does."

Black-and-white rose print bridesmaid dresses and fuchsia roses set the tone of the wedding.

A custom monogram with a rose and the couple's initials appeared on the invitation and the program, as well as a table runner for the reception.

Guests enjoyed taking pictures in a photo booth at the reception, and each guest received a photo key chain as a memento.

Tami's diamond white Maggie Sottero gown featured intricate lace and Swarovski crystal detailing that shined as the couple danced to a medley of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow/Wonderful World" sung by Hawaiian artist Israel Kamakawio'ole.

The couple honeymooned in St. Lucia and are making their home in Omaha.

"I knew from the beginning that he was the one," Tami said. "I was so glad that our friendship turned into romance."