Connect How did your love story begin?

Our love story began in 1997 when we both went to watch an all night hockey tournament. Jess, who was 17 & was a Senior in High School and Bran, who was 19, & was working an overnight shift for a trucking company. The second they saw each other they both knew they needed to get to know each other- but first, Bran had to stick up for Jess as her prior boyfriend was there & being pretty rude to her. When Bran put the guy in line, Jess knew Bran was an amazing human & exchanged PAGER numbers!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

We tried hard to get pregnant with our son. When we finally did we faced many tribulations while we were going through pregnancy. Bran Jr came 9 weeks early, & he had to stay in NICU for 22 days. Bran Sr had to go back to work, and Jess went into a deep depression waiting. It was a LONG road but, on that 21st day when the NICU called to say Bran Jr COULD come home the next day if he gains at least an ounce & can breath on his own. When we got that call- we were finally an US! That’s the memory!

What would you do with $20,000?

After Jess’ dad died very unexpectedly, we had no choice but to jump in and help her mom. Jess gave up working her business to help her mom get her childhood home fixed and together to help her mom sell to move into a home she could afford on her own. It caused us to fall behind in SO MUCH! We can hopefully catch up on all the things, and maybe even get a small camper again, which was another great memory that we have, and can make new memories as a winning couple with our family and friends!!