Denis and Nelya, a couple from Moscow, Russia, decided to have their wedding ceremony hosted by a special guest – Stepan the bear. Unlike traditional wedding hosts such as a pastor or a special relative, Stepan is a 23-year-old bear weighing 149 kg and standing at 2.1 meters tall. He was adopted by the couple when he was just three months old, and he has since become known for his gentle nature.
During the wedding ceremony, Stepan not only brought the rings to the couple, but he also held their hands and participated in the ceremony by “declaring” the couple as husband and wife. The unique wedding idea gained international media attention and sparked a debate about the ethics of using animals in such events.
While some critics argued that using a bear for entertainment purposes is cruel and poses a risk to both the animal and the wedding guests, supporters of the couple defended their decision, stating that Stepan was well-trained and treated with love and care by his owners.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the wedding, the couple’s decision to have Stepan as their wedding host serves as a reminder of the importance of following one’s heart and creating a wedding ceremony that reflects their unique personalities and values.