By LANCE STOCKHAUS

lstockhaus@dailynews.net

For the first time in the state of Kansas, a Harley-Davidson dealership played host to a wedding ceremony -- with Doerfler Harley-Davidson/Buell in Hays playing the host Sunday.

Andrew and Dinah Charles have been riding motorcycles for several years, even before they met. Andrew has done business with the dealership before, so the thought of a wedding in the store at 1100 E. 43rd was first on their list.

"We just thought it wouldn't hurt to ask," Dinah said.

Owner Deanna Doerfler and Shannon Dechant, the store's marketing coordinator, were flattered by the idea of hosting a wedding for the couple.

"We are really honored that they would choose to have their wedding here," Dechant said.

It took about two months to prepare for the wedding, and the dealership staff and the couple worked together to make Sunday a day to remember.

On Saturday, motorcycles and other merchandise filled the showroom floor. By Sunday, it was transformed into a makeshift church. White chairs were set in rows, and an aisle led to an archway where the couple would be married. Officiating the ceremony was Pastor Gary Simon, a Harley owner and enthusiast.

"I thought we were having a biker wedding," Simon said with a smile. "What's with all the cars out there?"

The bride entered the room on a white motorcycle for her "walk" down the aisle.

About 120 friends and family watched the couple make history.

"We wanted something different," Dinah said. "We're trendsetters."

Keeping with the Harley-Davidson theme, all of the items in the store were left on the walls, and Harley-Davidson decals surrounded the ceremony.

"We just wanted to keep the same theme and ambience of Harley," Andrew said.

A reception also took place in the dealership following the ceremony.

A leather jacket shaped wedding cake added to the nuance of the afternoon. A live band played into the evening, ending a day of love, celebration and a day of Harley-Davidson.

"We just want to thank Doerflers," Dinah said. "Without them, none of this would have been possible."