Babine Forest Products employees, Dwayne Joseph and Leona West are not letting the Jan. 20, 2012 fire and explosion at the sawmill stand in the way of their plans to get married this year.
Both Joseph and West worked at the sawmill and were not working at the time of the fire and explosion, however Joseph had worked the day shift that same day.
West said at first she wanted to cancel their plans for their Sept. 29, 2012 wedding after the tragedy.
"After the explosion and fire everything paused. I wanted to cancel the wedding. I thought how can we celebrate after such a tragedy? My family said we should continue with our plans and that even though it seems like Burns Lake has stopped, the whole world is still going. They said that by September, many things may have changed in Burns Lake for the better. They also told me that it would give everyone something to look forward to ... a happy celebration."
So, one week after the tragedy, West forged ahead with her plans and decided to enter into a Global TV B.C. competition to win a dream 'Passion Wedding Package' worth $20,000.
If successful West and Joseph, along with 10 of their friends or family members will be whisked away to the four star all inclusive Catalonia Yucatan Beach Resort and Spa Cameleon Gold in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.
The prize package includes private round trip transfers, wedding coordinator services, a bridal bouquet for the bride and boutonniere for the groom as well as wedding decorations.
Also included is wine and wedding cake, a romantic dinner for the bride and groom including wine, flowers and candles, $50 credit for hairdressing and makeup and $100 for wedding photos.
West's entry was chosen as one of the top 10 in the running for the prize and she is hoping the community will help them win.
As part of the top 10 the couple are set to fly to Vancouver to be interviewed and while on the show will have the opportunity to encourage people across the country to vote for them. The show will air on Feb. 17 at 8:15 a.m. on Global TV.
Online voting at www.globaltvbc.com will begin Feb. 13, 2012 and will end Feb. 26, 2012.
Voters can log on every day to vote and could win a $1,500 travel voucher.
"Dwayne and I have been together for almost eight years. We have two beautiful daughters, Susan who is five and Vayda who is two months old. Dwayne proposed to me on Christmas Eve 2011 in front of his whole family. He said a lovely speech about how he loved me so much for giving him two beautiful girls and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me."
"This is good news for our family and even the community. It's something positive to look forward to, while we keep taking steps to a brighter future," she said adding that if they will they will also hold a wedding in Burns Lake for all of their family and friends to attend.