In love and loving Major League Baseball.. That was how Reds season-ticket holders Matt Ridener and Joyce Brown started married life Monday.

Judge Ralph Winkler marries Matt Ridener and Joyce Brown Monday atop the Carew Tower. (Jeff Swinger photo) | ZOOM |

        The pair tied the knot atop Carew Tower downtown, with the sounds of the Findlay Market Parade in the background. After the 15-minute ceremony, the couple headed for revamped Cinergy Field to watch the boys in red take on Atlanta.

        It was the Reds' 133rd Opening Day.

        Despite a beautiful start to their day — the couple married under sunny skies, with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the upper 50s — the Reds didn't deliver the requisite wedding gift.

        They lost 10-4 to the Braves, with each club hitting two homers. The couple were undaunted in their choice of wedding day.

        “We chose today because we both really love baseball,” the new Mrs. Ridener said. “This is the way we wanted to do this.”

        The couple wore gray suits — Mr. Ridener had a red pinstriped shirt — accented with red roses.

        They met in Phoenix, where Mr. Ridener was a police officer and Mrs. Ridener was a sheriff's deputy.

        Now retired, the pair plan to live in Forest Park.

        “I'm a native son. I was born here and we've been back for nine days. I wanted to bring my best friend home with me,” Mr. Ridener said.

        Carew Tower officials said Monday's observation deck wedding was a one-time occurrence. No other weddings will be permitted.

Opening Day wallpaper Opening Day mixes new with old Braves 10, Reds 4 Griffey unlikely to start for a while SULLIVAN: Infielders advised to wear body armor Stadium changes make major impact Reds' bullpen rocked for 6 runs Relievers unhappy with new digs Most moves fail to work for Boone Batters adjust to new strike zone Harnisch grades himself 'P' Light-hitting Brave turns on power Reds-Pirates Scouting Report Reds box, runs Baseball lovers tie knot Parade draws 100,000 RADEL: F-16's steal show from pigeons

Prosser said to be staying put
Xavier kicks Price out
Departures open two scholarships
Duke beats Arizona for third title
DAUGHERTY: Dunleavy was the difference
Finalists could be back next year
UK, Smith near contract extension
Cincinnati high school highlights
Cincinnati high school baseball
Cincinnati high school softball
Other Cincinnati high school results
N.Ky. high school results
New Bengals QB gets to work

• Return to Reds front page...