Rawni and Robert Sprague were both born and bred here in Washington County, well north of the Mason-Dixon Line.
But in no way do they consider themselves Yankees. Instead, they'd rather be known for their rebel ways.
"We're rednecks," said Robert, formerly of Eighty Four. "I hunt, fish and drive four-wheel drive trucks."
The Spragues are so proud of the title that made comedian Jeff Foxworthy mainstream that they could think of no better place or time to show off their hootin' and hollerin' style than at their own wedding in front of thousands of people.
The couple, who now live in Warner Robins, Ga., were married July 5 at the 13th annual Redneck Summer Games in nearby East Dublin, Ga.
And while some 10,000 people were on hand to watch the Spragues exchange their vows, millions more will get the opportunity this fall when their wedding airs on the Country Music Television channel on the reality television show "My Big Fat Redneck Wedding."
Robert Sprague, 43, graduated from Bentworth High School.
Rawni Mankey Sprague also will soon turn 43. She met Robert in fifth grade at Somerset Elementary School, but the two lost contact when Rawni moved to Canonsburg. She then graduated from Canon-McMillan High School.
After graduation, Robert joined the U.S. Air Force. He retired after 22 years of service and settled in Georgia.
Rawni remained here. She married but then divorced before the two were reunited.
"I needed a date for my 20th class reunion," said Robert, who eventually located Rawni through www.classmates.com. "I wasn't looking for romance. I just thought she would know some of my old classmates and wanted someone to go with me."
That was in 1983. The two remained in contact, although the old flame had not quite yet fully reignited.
Then, a few years later, Robert said he came across race tickets for Talladega Speedway and decided to ask Rawni if she would like to go to the race. Rawni agreed and flew down for the race. And, that was that.
The couple maintained a long-distance relationship for some time, but early in 2007, Rawni finally moved to Georgia to be with Robert. And, in the spring, Rawni agreed to marry Robert after he popped the question while again at Talladega.
There was some discussion about wedding plans, but nothing was set in stone. That was until Robert's friend, Pete Griffith of Monongahela, told him about CMT's "My Big Fat Redneck Wedding" show.
Robert contacted the coordinator of the Redneck Games about letting the two get hitched there. He then contacted CMT producers who thought the wedding would be perfect for the show.
There was only one hitch - Rawni knew nothing about her fiancee's plans.
"She didn't know until the day that CMT wanted to interview us for the show," he laughed.
After being let in on the plans, Rawni said she couldn't resist.
"Rawni was a real good sport about all this," said Robert.
CMT film crews spent two weeks taping the couple preparing for the wedding. They then returned for the ceremony, which proved to be a real humdinger.
"I bought five wedding dresses on eBay. I couldn't decide which one I wanted to wear," said Rawni.
She finally decided on a traditional white wedding gown. But, the gown was probably the only traditional thing about the whole affair.
Beneath her gown, Rawni wore a bikini in a Confederate flag print. She also wore not-so-new sneakers, carried a bouquet of silk red and white roses in an empty Jack Daniels whiskey bottle, and donned a hairdo of Shirley Temple curls that dangled down over her bottle cap earrings.
Robert wore a white three-piece suit with a vest that matched Rawni's bikini and a large white cowboy hat.
"I went for the classic Boss Hogg look," he laughed.
After exchanging vows on a stage before the mass crowd, the newlyweds jumped directly into a mud pit.
"We were a mess," said Rawni. "So we then went to the river to wash off."
The couple then traveled to their hunting camp some 15 miles away where they met up with close friends and celebrated their nuptials.
The Spragues may laugh about their wedding, but neither would change a thing.
"I'm very proud of being a redneck," said Rawni, who went on to point out that the couple's wedding outfits are now on display at a redneck museum in East Dublin.
The Redneck Summer Games is an annual event that pokes fun at the country culture and features activities such as Bobbin' for Pigs Feet, Armpit Serenade and the Mud Pit Belly Flop.