THE priceless moment an owl went rogue and attacked the best man during a wedding ceremony has been captured in an unforgettable series of images.
The barn owl was hired as the ring-bearer at Jeni Arrowsmith and Mark Wood’s wedding at Peckforton Castle, Tarporley, Cheshire last Saturday (17th).
Friends and family of the couple gasped in delight as the bird glided down the aisle with the rings in a pouch attached to a leg.
But mayhem followed seconds later as the owl took an apparent dislike to the second best man and launched itself at him.
As the audience erupted in laughter, the unfortunate victim crashed to the floor with his legs flailing in the air. The owl then perched on the table used for signing the wedding register and glowered at the congregation.
Jeni and Mark, from Wrexham, Clwyd, saw the funny side and joined in the hilarity as much as their guests, and their big day passed off without further incident.
Video of the incident, captured by Jenny Wood, shows the owl with its handler at the back of the hall require some coaxing before taking off.
The guests gasp loudly as the bird heads towards the best man standing near to the couple and lands on his outstretched arm.
But the owl seems unsettled and flaps its wings repeatedly. When the second best man, seated nearby, points at it the bird immediately flies at him.
Wedding photographer Stacey Oliver was also positioned at the side of Jen and Mark so managed to capture stunning action shots of the attack.
Speaking today (Mon), Stacey said: “It was one of the best moments I’ve ever seen.
“One of my friends had an owl ring-bearer at her wedding and it all went to plan, it flew in, dropped them off and went back so when this happened it was just so funny.
“The best man’s reaction, when he fell off the seat and the crowd erupting into laughing was just great.
“For some reason the owl just decided he wanted to go for him and he was just terrified. He’s absolutely petrified of anything that flies.
“Then there was a panic when the owl flew off and we didn’t know where he was but it was fine, we found him.”
Speaking today (fri) Jeni said: “It was absolutely hilarious. Peckforton Castle have never seen it before.
“It was an amazing day for us both, and has give us great memories we will never forget.”
