no... NO NO NO NO!! This can't be real. ((( PICS ))) (ghetto wedding)

Never thought of Wal-Mart as a hotbed of romance? Well, think again.

Recently, I was invited to attend the wedding of Janice Riley and Coleman Zeno. It was to be held at the Algiers Wal-Mart, on Behrman Highway. The couple wanted to have their wedding at the spot where they met, and where they continue to work today.

I was skeptical, I must admit. A wedding at Wal-Mart? But, as I'm not a big fan of alarming wedding budgets that might be better spent on a down payment or a trip around the world, I kept an open mind.

The staff had cleared an area for the wedding party and guests. There was a lovely trellis, decorated with netting, ribbons and flowers. Maid of honor Donna Stevenson scattered rose petals along the "aisle."

Pastor Raynard Casimier of Love Outreach Christian Church in Algiers officiated. Arriving at the store, he asked if there might be a pedestal, or something to serve as such, for the Bible and marriage documents. Store Co-Manager Bill Rapko returned a couple of minutes later with a small table from the furniture department, perfect for the job.

In the minutes before the arrival of the wedding party, the store was abuzz. Several dozen co-workers, friends and family members waited with great anticipation. Excitedly, Wal-Mart associate Angelita Castine said she was "taking lunch, waitin' on a wedding!"

Zeno's sisters Patricia Brazil and Jacquelyn Thompson were among the guests. Thompson said, "Their co-workers thought they would make a good match and they did. They really did." Smiling and looking at the rose-strewn aisle, she repeated, "They really did."

One associate revealed "Our store manager, Mr. Percy (Shaw), is going to give her away." Asked about the unusual mid-day closure of the garden center, Shaw replied "That's the Wal-Mart way. We like making associates happy. That's what we do. They're family."

Shortly before noon, Shaw asked an associate to make sure the PA was turned off for the ceremony. Moments later, one last announcement was made: "The garden center cash register is now closed."

After the wedding, the new Mr. and Mrs. Zeno greeted their guests and posed for more photos. Someone put on some music and then there was dancing in the garden center. A row of Wal-Mart associates was line dancing during their lunch hour, joyfully celebrating with the newlyweds.

True love, family, friends, fun -- turns out, it was a perfect wedding.