OCONOMOWOC - This time of year is all about candy, costumes and pumpkins. But, for Jolene Pyka and Pete Manne, both of Oconomowoc, Halloween is the perfect day for their wedding.

"It was not a hard decision to get married on Halloween, because we have always loved the holiday," said Pyka, 33. "This is the second marriage for both of us, so we wanted it to be fun for everyone."

After the couple got engaged May 16, they immediately starting planning for the big day.

"I looked at a calendar and saw Halloween was either on Friday this year or Saturday next year," Pyka said. "We decided to plan the wedding in only five months instead of waiting. Getting married on a Friday is more economical."

The entire wedding party, as well as the bride and groom, will be wearing traditional gowns and tuxedos at the church. However, wedding guests are encouraged to wear more festive attire to the ceremony and reception at the Loft and Chapel in Waukesha.

"Our friends and family members are already getting excited about dressing up," said Manne, 37. "There will be everything from witches, Indiana Jones and even Sonny and Cher."

Manne’s children, Peter, 11, Madeline, 10, Gracie, 8, and Christopher, 6, are looking forward to dressing up after trick-or-treating. Once the couple says their "I do’s," the birde and groom will show their spirit by wearing Playboy bunny accessories and a Hugh Hefner robe at the reception. Pyka said a costume contest will be held at the reception to find the best-dressed.

"Halloween candy will be everywhere, and guests will have a goblet decorated with a mummy, witch, Frankenstein or pumpkin to drink from," she said.

The father of the bride, Richard Pyka, is helping make this ghoulish event a success by making a coffin, which will be the final resting place for wedding cards. A fall-inspired cake complete with miniature firefighter helmets on top will also hold special meaning for the couple, who met while working together at the Oconomowoc Fire Department.

"Growing up in the area, we crossed paths many times, but we really never met until working at the fire department," Pyka said.

Although Pyka transferred to Stone Bank and Okauchee fire departments, the two remained friends for eight years before dating.

"This will definitely be a memorable Halloween for everyone," Pyka said. "And we will never forget our wedding anniversary."