The contest asked military brides-to-be to submit essays.

Sixteen women tried, but Bobbie Diehl—who on Sunday became Bobbie Bontrager—won.

When Spc. Jeremy Bontrager asked for Bobbie’s hand in marriage last September, he did so while on leave.

The next day, he shipped off to Iraq.

“She’s the best girl I’ve ever met,” said Jeremy. “I can’t imagine anybody else being by me.”

While Jeremy was gone in Iraq, his fiancée Bobbie entered the contest.

Angie Baldwin of Hottie’s Boutique coordinated the free wedding contest, and said she knew instantly that Bobbie’s essay was a winner.

“It wasn't put in terms of herself it was put in terms of planning it for him, because he's in Iraq, and he needed her to do this," said Baldwin.

The wedding—from the invitations to the food—was free. Family and friends gathered for the wedding and reception at Elkhart’s RV MH Museum.

During the reception, the couple danced together, eyes locked.

“Are you happy?” Bobbie asked.

“Yes,” said Jeremy.

“Me too,” she said.

It’s a moment, and a day, both will treasure. In five days, Jeremy returns to Iraq.

“That's what life is about,” said Angie Baldwin, who said she’s become very close to Bobbie, the bride, during the wedding planning.

“I mean, you fall in love, you have a family, you defend your country, you get together and you have a meal and you celebrate, and life goes on," said Baldwin.