Midway Marriage

Kimberly Gale (CFRB News)- The smell of popcorn and candy apples wafted through the air and the sounds of midway games and shrieks of roller-coaster riders provided the music for the wedding of Sheila Penton and Colm Lynn.

The bride wore a cream-coloured, off-the-shoulder gown and carried a bouquet of red roses; a corn-dog stand and a Ferris wheel flanked the aisle she walked down.

In attendance were Sheila's grandparents, Terry and Joy, who were married 55 years ago in the same church as Sheila's great-grandparents. Terry says with a twinkle in his eye, "It is different and if this is what they like, that's important, not what I like."

Dozens of on-lookers watched the nuptials some shaking their heads in disbelief, others getting in the mood for marriage.

The couple agrees the wedding location suits them completely because they're so spontaneous. Groom Colm even compared them to a midway ride. "Like a roller, you start off and you're nervous and you know what's gonna come but once you get going you just enjoy the ride."

A fairy-tale wedding with 9-days notice?  Is that even possible?  Sheila and Colm pulled it off saying it was good to have less choices. Sheila didn't even get to choose her dress. "They did everything for us.  I called with our measurements and they sent the dress the next day and I got any alterations I needed."  Sheila says the dress is perfect and exactly what she would have chosen.

After the newlyweds were pronounced they took a ride on the Ferris wheel and were then whisked away in a golf cart down the midway.

23-year-old Sheila and 28-year-old Colm won a radio contest sponsored by the CNE and received as their prize rings, a bridal gown, a tuxedo, a justice of the peace, limo service, food, a wedding cake and a 4-day honeymoon in Montreal.

The couple has been together for three years and has been engaged for 15 months.