Guests at a Lake District wedding were surprised by an Owl which made an unexpected appearance during the service at the weekend.
Unbeknown to the congregation, Daisy the barn owl was brought in by the Bride and Groom to deliver the rings at the service at St Oswald’s Grasmere.
The Bride - Becky May, came up with the idea and she and her husband Gavin decided to spring the surprise on more than 60 people in the church.
Gavin explained: “I have always been interested in birds of prey and have enjoyed quite a few days out with various companies which specialise in them.
“We found out that this wedding service was offered and Becky thought it would be a great way to have the rings delivered.”
Best man Mike Jones had to pretend he’d lost the rings and turn away from the congregation in order to put on a special glove and then encourage the British barn owl to fly from the back of the church.
Gavin added: “It was funny to hear the gasps start from the back of the church as Daisy made her flight.
“She did a great job, delivering the rings which were tied to one of her legs by ribbon and then she flew back to her handler at the back of the church.”
The Rev’d Shanthi Thompson, Priest-in-Charge of Staveley, Ings and Kentmere officiated at the wedding.
She said: “I’ve done plenty of weddings but never one with a feathered guest in the congregation. Daisy certainly put on a show for everyone in the church and carried out her ring-bearing duties with some flourish. It’s certainly one wedding I won’t forget.”
The avian theme continued later in the wedding, with guests able to view more owls and an eagle at the couple’s reception venue the Langdale Chase Hotel.
