And The Winner Is??????

First off, we would like to thank everyone who entered our "Let Us Help You" Christmas Contest! There was more than one very deserving entry, but as with all things, we had to make a choice. We would like to congratulate Jennifer Mortensen (one of our "08" brides) for her very touching entry. We have posted the story below, but neither one of us could think of a much more deserving family than the one she wrote about:


I believe in the miracle of Christmas, the blessing of family, and the wonderment of friends. I believe that God knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). And I believe that He places certain people in our lives for a reason.

I firmly believe God knew what He was doing when He introduced me to my good friend, Sarah Petroske. I know it sounds cliché, but everyone needs a friend like her! She is a devoted friend who is always willing and wanting to lend an ear, a voice, or a really good laugh! Throughout the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Sarah and I have continued to make our friendship a top priority.

I trust the reason Sarah is such a good person is because she comes from such strong, faithful roots. The obvious love her parents have for each other has overflowed to their three children. They have raised a beautiful family, continually supporting each other, and instilling remarkable values in each of their three children. As all families do, the Wensmann family is constantly changing.

In a couple of weeks, Sarah’s older sister and her husband will have a baby...the very first grandchild of the Wensmann family. How exciting! Babies always seem to bring out new attitudes of thanksgiving and peace.

And just a few short weeks after the addition of the new baby, Sarah’s younger brother will be getting married. Again, how exciting! Life just seems a little more complete when you find that special someone.

The very unfortunate piece to all of this, is that Sarah’s father, the pillar of strength in the Wensmann family, was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, last year. This devastating disease, despite much research and development, has no cure. The Wensmann family finds peace through their faith, and somehow manage to find the silver lining in this very deep, dark, gray cloud.

I believe that the Wensmann family, with all of its new additions, is exceedingly deserving of the “Christmas Contest” this year. I believe that a beautiful photo of this beautiful family is one that they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Jennifer Mortensen


It is so unfortunate to hear about a family going through something like this, but we can only hope that the gift she will be able to give them will help make their holidays a little bit brighter.

Congratulations Jennifer! We can't wait to meet The Wensmann Family, and they are in our prayers.

- Stacey and Jason