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The cosmic lights were on Saturday at Gilliam Bowling Lanes, but no strikes were thrown by the more than 100 people there, and nobody had to change their shoes.
Instead, the familiar words, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here ..." were heard in a rather unfamiliar setting. But, as Scott Pattison, pastor of Celebration Church, put it: "God's love is not bound to church walls. God's love is everywhere ... (and) can be expressed on a Saturday morning in a bowling alley."
Aside from the location, the wedding ceremony of Pam Alderfer and Gale Estep of Warsaw was quite traditional, with prayer, communion, lighting of a unity candle, exchanging of rings and the gathering of friends and family.
The bride wore an ivory suit trimmed in gold with a gold blouse and no numbers on the backs of her ivory and gold pumps. The groom chose a pin-stripe navy suit with a Mickey Mouse tie and burgundy loafers.
They were attended by Robin Fluke as matron of honor and Sam Collins as best man.
Tables were adorned with multi-colored balloons anchored by bowling pins, and Gale's trophy pins from his most recent 300 games (September and November) held balloons at each side of the white lattice archway beneath which the ceremony took place.
The couple, who met about a year ago and had their first date at the bowling alley nine months ago, thought it only appropriate to proclaim their love for each other at their favorite spot. Gale even proposed to Pam there.
Between the two of them, Pam said, the couple bowl six nights a week.
Owners of the business, Mike and Debbie Gilliam, were excited about hosting the first wedding at their establishment. "It's been a lot of fun," Debbie said. They were also excited for the couple. "Gale's just a really nice guy," Mike said.
The timing, the Gilliams said, worked out well, because the lanes are shut down for two weeks each year for cleaning and resurfacing and will reopen today.
Mr. and Mrs. Gale Estep spent the rest of their weekend in the bridal suite at the Barbee Hotel and, thanks to their great timing for their wedding, can be found on the lanes tonight at Gilliam's.
