Tulsa couple competes for $20,000 in national love story contest

A local couple’s real-life fairy tale is capturing hearts across the country — and now, they’re hoping it will win them a national title and a dream vacation to Aruba.

April and Jason Ketchum are finalists in the “America’s Favorite Couple” contest, which awards $20,000 and a feature in Variety magazine. Their love story — sparked by a life-saving act during an asthma attack — is part of a national campaign that highlights couples who support charitable causes.

How their story began

Jason, an armed security officer, was working at a hotel and casino in 2015 when he met April during a medical emergency. She had suffered a severe asthma attack after being exposed to aerosol perfume in an employee restroom. Her inhaler failed — but Jason’s didn’t.

“Try mine,” he said.

It worked immediately.

The two bonded after the dramatic encounter and eventually tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony on Oct. 17, 2020. The event included nods to their love of movies — with quotes from The Princess Bride and Spaceballs, and a cake topper featuring two inhalers.

The dream prize

If they win the contest, the Ketchums plan to use the $20,000 grand prize for a long-awaited trip to Aruba — April’s childhood dream destination. It would be her first time traveling outside the United States.

Jason said the vacation would be “a dream come true” for his wife, adding that it’s something he’s always wanted to give her.

What the contest supports

Beyond the personal reward, the contest is tied to causes like hunger relief and ocean conservation. Votes help spotlight love stories that also aim to make a difference.

The Ketchums describe themselves as a couple who “take long drives to nowhere” and bring joy to those around them — often unintentionally. “Those with us have no choice but to have fun too,” they said in their contest submission.

How to vote

The first cut in the competition happens at 7 p.m. PDT on Thursday, July 10. Voting is open now through the official contest website.