On the wings of love

LOVEBIRDS . . . Sian and Craig, with doggie ‘groomsman’ Cracker

A PAIR of lovebirds will tie the knot when their wedding rings are flown in by barn owl.

Sian Davies and Craig Wilson, from Mossley, will marry at a civil ceremony at the White Hart, Lydgate, later this month.

The owl will carry their two rings in silk bag over the heads of their 60 guests and land on the groom’s arm.

Fudge, the one-year-old bird will present his special cargo to the couple on a cushion, so they can seal their vows in front of their families and friends with an exchange of rings.

The unique event will be witnessed by the couple’s own very special guest of honour — their pet Staffordshire bull terrier, Cracker, who will be dressed in his own tie and tails.

Bride to be Sian, a 25-year-old legal secretary, said: “Craig and I really love animals — we have three cats in addition to Cracker — and we wanted to have something really unusual on our wedding day.

“My cousin has an aviary and falconry centre in Bath, so I suggested the idea of having one of her birds deliver our wedding rings.

“Fudge has performed this kind of service at a Scottish wedding — though that was in the open air. However, I’m sure everything will be fine on the day.”

Craig (34) said: “I will be wearing a special falconry glove as a landing pad for Fudge.

“I will put a safety tag on her while I untie the bag and take out the rings, then Fudge will fly back to her owner.

“It really will be a wedding day to remember.”

Sian’s cousin, Helen Chadfield, said: “I was delighted to help with Sian’s request.

“Although Fudge is only very young, she is a very confident and obedient owl.”

Sian will be given away at the ceremony by her father, Garedd Davies.

He said: “It sounds like something from a Harry Potter story — but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience so we are all looking forward to it.”

Charles Brierley, managing director of The White Hart, said: “We have had some really unusual requests from couples who have chosen to marry here. But this takes the biscuit.

“Initially, we thought Sian and Craig were joking but when they explained just what they were planning we were delighted to oblige to help make their dreams come true.

“All my team are looking forward to greeting them on their very special day.”