Vote for Josh and Alicia; Real Maine Weddings

Josh and Alicia Photo: Submitted by Josh Merrill

Alicia Bulger and Josh Merrill of Rumford would like your vote to afford them the grand prize of a Real Maine Wedding.

RUMFORD- A local couple has entered to win a Real Maine Wedding through the annual contest and are looking for your vote to help them win the wedding of their dreams.
The love story between Josh Merrill and Alicia Bulger began over 13 years ago when Merrill's family moved to the Virginia section of town and Bulger's mom, Brenda was hired as Merrill's babysitter.
The two spent the majority of their time together and became best friends; hanging out, getting to know one another and falling in love when they were 16.
“Josh was too scared to ask me to go out with him,” noted Bulger. “So I asked him what he thought about us dating. He instantly agreed and from then on we have been inseparable.”
On September 1, 2007, Merrill got up the courage to ask Bulger to marry him and when she accepted, he promised her he would give her the wedding of her dreams.
The next couple years proved to be a challenge for young couple, as they were both trying to put themselves through secondary education, working full time, all while they moved in with one another. Bulger's family home burnt and then each of them lost a grandparent.
“It's been a struggle for us,” noted Merrill. “I work 40 to 60 hours as a CNA Rumford Hospital and it's been tough for Alicia to find work. She's going to school for mental health and human services. I promised her I would take care of her.”
The couple heard about the contest one night when they were sitting home. Brenda Bulger called and told them she just saw the advertisement on television and told them they should enter. The two didn't think they'd have a chance and didn't give it much thought. Then, a little while later, Marcey Sweetser, Merrill's mom, called to tell them the same thing.
“It was kind of funny that they both called,” stated Merrill. “Then we thought it must be fate and maybe we would actually have a chance of winning.”
With Bulger collecting bridal magazines since she was nine years old, she has a picture of what her perfect wedding would be.
The couple is asking for area residents to visit http://www.realmaineweddings.com/vote-for-your-favorite-couple/item/47-alicia-josh.html and cast your vote for them.
The couple has spent countless hours volunteering in the community through their involvement in the annual HeartWalk, Eagles fundraisers, Relay For Life and many others.
Their commitment to their community shows their pride for where they come from and will hopefully afford them a Real Maine Wedding.