Photo Gallery | Couple gets married, hosts reception at Duck Pond

Clouds might have covered the sky over the Duck Pond at Warner Park on Saturday afternoon, but there was plenty of shining taking place on the baseball diamond.

"I was pretty surprised when she called and suggested this," Eric Spanton said. "It worked out pretty well for me."

It was a big day for Kristi and Eric Spanton. The bride and groom became the first couple to have their wedding and reception at the stadium.

"I think fitting all the guests was a big thing for us," said Kristi Spanton. "They've got a great staff. They've been great with everything."

"This is perfect for us because she is such a baseball fan and I played baseball in high school and college, so it's us," Eric Spanton said. "People will remember it and remember where we had our wedding."

Couples had gotten married during Madison Mallards games in the past, but Saturday was different. The couple got took pictures, got married and held their reception at the stadium that was renovated last year.

"When she first told me about it, I thought it was a normal thing," Eric Spanton said. "But we're the first to do the full reception and ceremony it's pretty cool. Hopefully it works out for them to have more (weddings) in the future."

Because of the first, it was also a special day for Mallards officials, who hope to see more events just like this in the future.

"This is the first non-game day wedding here," Mallards General Manager Conor Caloia said. "We're really happy to showcase it for the happy couple and their 300 guests, and hopefully we can do this again in the future."

Kristi Spanton said she heard about the Duck Pond nuptial option at a wedding show. She quickly pitched the idea to Eric, who played high school and college baseball. The couple knew their choice was going to be a hit with family and friends.

"We were at the wedding show in Madison and the Mallards were promoting bachelor and bachelorette parties at the Mallards game," Kristi Spanton said. "I asked if they do weddings, and they said, 'No, but we could try.'"

"Some could think of it as a revenue stream, but we like doing unique things, challenging our staff and ourselves a little bit," Caloia said. "This truly is a community facility. We got a great venue here and we want to try and use it for other community events."

Mallard's officials said there are currently not any weddings planned for this summer, but they are hoping after Saturday that will change and area couple will consider as an alternative to the traditional wedding day.

Other non-traditional events are planned at the ballpark. No details are being released at this time, but if any can generate as many smiles as Saturday's wedding did, they will all be a huge success.