Harley-Davidson Lovers Set World Record for Largest Wedding Vow Renewal

Market Wire, 20050229

Harley owners never lose their passion for life and love! On March 2, 2003 they proved it as Orlando Harley-Davidson set the Guinness World Record for Largest Biker Wedding Vow Renewal. Orlando Harley-Davidson hosted this historic reception in conjunction with the dealership's Orlando Bike Week's "Party of the Century" celebration. Married from one day to 52 years -- hundreds of couples were in hog heaven as they renewed their wedding vows "biker style" at Orlando Harley-Davidson, the site of the re-creation of the 1910 Historic Factory and the legendary shack where Harley was built. There was no better way to celebrate Harley-Davidson's 100th year than by Biker couples the world over renewing their wedding vows with their beloved Harleys.

Herbert & Betty Fauls hailed as the couple celebrating the most years married -- with 52 years of biker wedded bliss, followed by Patricia & David Steele with almost 42 years together. Lillian Burton and James Pilger celebrated 1 day of marriage and were the newlyweds of the group.

Other interesting stats of the participants:

- Over 325 Couples traveled from over 30 states and 6 countries to participate - Couples traveled from as far away as Canada, Scotland, England, Germany & France - Total combined years married was over 5,000 - Average age of women was 45 and of the men was 50 - Average years married was 25 - 25% of couples both rode Harleys - 7 couples commemorated their actual wedding anniversaries that day - Some romantic husbands 'surprised' their wives with the ceremony - A number of active duty military couples re-affirmed their vows to one another - Many considered it a family affair, as parents and their married children participated and sisters and brothers in law shared the ceremony

Participating couples received a FREE Wedding Vow Renewal complete with:

- Group Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony by Official Biker Officiants - Harley Orange long-stemmed Rose for the Wife - Special Lapel Pin "Boutonniere" for the Husband - Live Harley Music through the Decades & Dancing - Commemorative Anniversary Photo in a keepsake folder - Orlando Harley-Davidson Wedding Vow Renewal Certificate - Harley-Davidson Themed Anniversary Cake - Custom "Together Forever" Orlando Bike Week Wedding Patches - LIVE Webcast of the ceremony on www.orlandoharley.com/webcast -- which was viewed by thousands of internet users during the one-hour webcast

The special Wedding Vow Renewal event followed the successful launch of the Orlando Harley Wedding program in March 2002. The Orlando Harley-Davidson Historic Factory dealership recreates Milwaukee's 1910's factory and the 1903 "Shack" -- the historic birthplace of Harley -- to host weddings, vow renewals and special events. Harley lovers marry or reaffirm their wedding vows, decked in their "Biker Best" on their customized Harley-Davidsons.

"Harley is more than a motorcycle. It is a total way of life to its millions of enthusiasts worldwide," said Anne Deli, who co-owns the Orlando-based dealership with husband Steve. "Harley riders and wannabes live and breathe Harley-Davidson. Renewing their wedding vows during Harley-Davidson's 100th year was another way for them to renew and grow their bond with Harley."

This event set the official Guinness World Record for the largest group of couples ever to assemble to renew their wedding vows. The celebration was joined in by thousands of bikers attending Orlando Bike Week - which drew over 60,000 in 2002 and is expected to attract 100,000 in 2003. To view images from the record-setting vow renewal and the festivities of Orlando Bike Week, visit www.orlandoharley.com.