The past six months have been full of ups and downs for Leona West and her (now) fiance, Dwayne Joseph.
In September, Joseph landed a job at Babine Forest Products as a labourer and with that, he knew he'd be able to take care of his growing family. Two months later, Leona gave birth to their second daughter, Veyda.
On Christmas Eve, Joseph managed to pull off the surprise of West's lifetime.
"I had no idea he was going to propose. He put the ring in a clothes box and then inside there was another box and then two more boxes after that. He got down in from of his whole family and said a lovely speech about how he is so grateful to have met me and how I've given him two beautiful girls," said West.
Unfortunately for the newly engaged couple, their dreams of a wedding went up in smoke with the fire at the mill, leaving both of them unemployed.
West is still collecting maternity however she won't have a job to go back to when her leave runs out.
She was watching the news one morning after the disaster, when an promotion was announced about the chance to win a dream wedding package.
"I wrote a 500-word essay and attach a photo. About a week afterwards, I received a message saying we had been selected as one of the top 10 finalists for the dream wedding contest," said West.
After she knew that she stood a chance she started campaigning around the town.
"I made up posters and put them up everywhere, we have an electronic sign that we used to get peoples attention. I've done everything I can think of," said West.
The contest, put on by Global TV BC, includes six trips for two to a four star all inclusive resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico and one passion wedding package. In total, the prize is worth $20,000.
The winner will be announced today at 10 a.m. and until then, the residents of Burns Lake will be crossing their fingers for the couple.
