Written By: Duffy Kelly and Jonathan Mumm, KXTV

ORANGEVALE, CA - An Orangevale couple celebrating a matrimonial milestone said faith has helped them through 70 years of marriage.

"We try to do what the Lord wants. I think that's the secret," Mae Van Riper said.

She and her husband, Walter, began in their 71st year of marriage Wednesday aboard a paddlewheeler at Lake Tahoe. Their marriage feat is so impressive, President Obama sent them a congratulatory card.

Mae and Walter were each 20 years old when they married in 1942. They're now 90.

"I never dreamt it. I never thought I'd be kissing a 90-year-old man!" Mae said.

The couple met on Walter's 19th birthday when Mae was babysitting for her sister.

"The three of us went to a carnival and that's what started our courtship right then," Mae said.

Asked if something clicked right away, Walter said, "Well, I guess so. I came back a few times."

The couple said they have managed to live a happy life celebrating the good times and coping through the bad. They have three children, seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.