Tailgate wedding for Knoxville couple before Vols game

The kickoff to the Vols 2014 season also marked the start of a marriage.

Before the University of Tennessee vs. Utah State football game, a Knoxville couple held a wedding ceremony--tailgate style.

"We've never gotten ready for a wedding quite like this before," said Carrie Shepard, a wedding guest.

When Ashley Armes and Daniel Dickson got engaged, they also got a "Big Orange" idea.

"First off, we both love everything Vols. Everything they do. Even softball. If it's orange and white, we're watching it," Ashley said.

The couple held the ceremony in the Blackstock tailgating area at 5 p.m. Sunday.

Guests wore Vols gear; Shepard bought her orange Vols shirt for the wedding.

The bride wore checkered overalls with a veil; bridesmaids wore jerseys.

The couple stood underneath a goal post wrapped in bows.

Even their officiant matched the Vols-themed wedding.

"They liked that my last name was Orange. They thought that was a good sign and everything. Big Vols fans. I said, 'Yeah, I'm a fan too... that's my real last name,'" Rev. Thomas Orange said.

According to Ashley, the couple spent about eight months planning the wedding. The Dicksons have been together for more than five years. They each have a son.

Daniel's brother could not attend the wedding, so they had a cardboard cutout of him at the ceremony.

"It was great. Had a good time. It'll be a lot better if the Vols win tonight," Daniel said.

After the wedding, friends and family ate tailgate food and then attended the football game.