What are the chances you and your spouse would win a cutest couple competition? Do you think you’d stand a chance?

Well, it’s almost a reality for Nelson and Jessica Quinones, of Allen Township.

The Quinones duo just made it to the second round of America’s Favorite Couple — a contest searching for the ultimate love story. The couple that makes it to the end will win $20,000 and have their journey shared in a Variety magazine advertorial piece.

Voting is free, but if participants choose to make a donation in exchange for votes, the funds go toward two important causes — cleaning the oceans through the Oceania charity and feeding the homeless through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

“I saw the contest advertised on Instagram,” Jessica Quinones said. “I entered it, not thinking we would be accepted. What were the chances? But (I) thought I’d give it a shot. A few friends of ours had complimented our relationship in the past by saying we were their relationship role models and calling us ‘couple goals,’ so I thought a contest like this would be a good venue for us to share our love story.”

Nelson and Jessica’s relationship dates back two decades. The pair met teaching at the same school, where Jessica taught first grade and Nelson was teaching Spanish.

The pair said if they win the $20,000 prize, they’ll put it toward their son’s Drexel University student loans.

“Some of the couples that I’ve seen in the contest have only been together for a few years. We’ve been happily married for 23 years,” Jessica Quinones said. “In that time, we’ve implemented practices in our marriage to make it stronger — like the six-second kiss, going to bed at the same time and going on ‘ThursDate’ each week.”

She said being empty nesters allows them to spend a lot of time together, so they make sure to support each other.

“We genuinely enjoy being together and making each other laugh,” she added.

Nelson and Jessica are currently in second place for their group.

“We are so blessed to have made it this far through the contest,” Jessica Quinones said. “It’s so exciting that people believe in us and are showing us love by voting for us and spreading the word! We’re particularly grateful to our church family at St. John’s in Fogelsville. They are super enthusiastic about helping us make it through each round.”

The top 10 make it to the next round by 7 p.m. July 24. Vote at americasfavcouple.org/2025/nelson-and-jessica.