Last month, we shared that Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Northmen Brewing Co. in Alexandria -- in collaboration with several other local vendors -- are giving away a dream wedding valued at over $26,000.

"During these trying and uncertain times," the contest website reads, "we, along with our favorite Central Minnesota vendors, wanted to bring hope to one deserving couple."

That hope is a wedding valued at $26,545 and includind rental of The Grand Hall at Bold North Cellars for up to 150 guests ($7,600); social hour hosted by 22 Northmen Beer & Carlos Creek Wine ($1,050); Depot Express Catering buffet or plated dinner for up to 150 guests ($6,000); wedding party floral with MBaumann Design Company ($1,500); 4 hours of shuttle service from Hart Travel ($625); 8 hours of photography from Design Studio by Stacy ($2,800); music, sound, lighting, & MCing for the wedding reception by Beautiful Day DJ ($1,495); custom 3-tier cake & 150 cupcakes by Dough-Phoria ($500); a 360º video booth/premier photo booth from Alexandria Photo Booth ($3,400) and more.

Over 100 submissions later, Carlos Creek Winery/22 Northmen Brewing have announced their Top 10 Finalists!

"We received over 100 applications," they shared on Facebook. "Applications about love, perseverance, overcoming illnesses, overcoming adversities. It was truly inspiring, emotional and overwhelming. We heard from multiple vendors how hard it was to pick just 10 and I think after reading all of the submissions, we all wish we could give away 100 weddings!"

The final 10 were chosen for their moving stories of compassion in relationships, perseverance and overcoming obstacles, love without bounds and strength. Of the 10 couples chosen, one is from Washington DC, one is from Wisconsin and one is from Iowa. The seven remaining couples are from around Minnesota, including one from St. Cloud -- Kristen Hilsgen and Bryan Wick!

"So one night I see this contest on FB," Kristen shared on Facebook. "And I say, what the heck let's give it a whirl! By some grace of God they chose us as one of the finalists!"

Their next step is to film a short video introducing themselves, which will be shared to the Carlos Creek Winery and 22 Northmen Brewing Facebook pages beginning July 23. The Top 5 will be announced on August 5th, with the final winner and two runners-up announced on August 6th.