File#4 - the Best Man with Paws
It was a wedding ceremony in a woodland clearing. The couple’s small and excitable dog was included in the ceremony as a “ring bearer” of sorts. Midway through the vows, the dog decided the floral garland wasn’t to their taste and promptly shook it off, sending petals flying across the makeshift aisle. Everyone laughed, including the couple, who paused in the middle of the vow exchange to scoop up their four-legged guest of honour. By the end, the dog was back on the ground, sitting proudly by the bride, tail wagging, claiming its place in the ceremony.
Ceremony is always a bit of a balance between what you plan and what you didn’t. Pets remind us that meaningful moments don’t have to be scripted. Having their dog there that day shifted the atmosphere and brought smiles, shared glances, gentle chaos. Including the animals we love in rituals isn’t just cute - it mirrors real life: imperfect, joyful, alive.
Invite a touch of unpredictability into your celebrations, however small. A pet, a child, a spontaneous gesture - these unplanned moments often leave the strongest impression. Let life itself take the stage.