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Couple Ties The Knot At 'Star Wars' Premiere In Apple Valley

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Force is strong tonight at movie theaters around the world, as the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens opened to blockbuster crowds.

Don't worry: No spoilers here, just excitement over a movie series that's touched millions of lives.

The movies have become a cultural phenomenon, with people planning their lives around this release date for years. And tonight, there was even a Star Wars themed wedding.

With Storm Troopers, Hans Solo, Luke Sywalker and Princess Leia, the lobby of the IMAX theater felt like a galaxy far, far away. Fans handed over tickets with anticipation, some with vintage shirts on, and others dressed like their favorite character.

The force led Megan Thompson and Anthony Nygren to their destiny, as they said "I do," or rather, "as you wish."

Megan wore a Pricess Leia-ish gown as she was walked down the IMAX aisle. The wedding party donned Star Wars-themed outfits. The ultimate Star Wars couple dated for five years, and had been engaged for one.

They said they hadn't planned much until they were chosen by KDWB to hold their wedding before The Force Awakens a week ago.

"We're going to have stories upon stories about this," Anthony said. "Such a story to tell our family," Thompson added.

Mega-fans will tell a tale after seeing the latest in the Star Wars saga -- those who saw the first screening had only positive things to say.

Experts say The Force Awakens has a chance to make more money than any other movie.

The highest-grossing film ever in the U.S. was Avatar in 2009, which earned $760 million. Adjusted for inflation, 1939's Gone With the Wind made $1.7 billion in the U.S.

And now, of course, films are released worldwide. Avatar tops the worldwide list as well, with $2.7 billion grossed.

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