Couple sees four-legged, furry wedding crashers in Wears Valley

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - One pair of newlyweds in Wears Valley had a unique set of wedding crashers this week- a bear and her two cubs.

Taylor and Blake Clabaugh were set to be married in Wears Valley when their special day was put on hold as the three bears stopped by to check out the wedding décor. WVLT News spoke to April Lackey, the aunt of the bride, who said she thought the bears were trying out for a role in the ceremony.

“Perhaps the cubs were just trying to show they could listen to mom and would make a good ring bearer & flower girl if Momma could talk us into it,” Lackey said.

The surprise visit was good news for the bride and groom.

“People have said it’s good luck to see them or have them at your wedding,” Lackey said. “They say rain on your wedding day is good luck too. Saturday morning started off nasty. It was cold, rainy, and windy. Thankfully things started calming down and the sun started peaking through the clouds. It ended up being a gorgeous and perfect day with double the luck, blessings, and all the love for the newly married couple.”

The wedding was put on hold for a bit to let the animals make their way away from the venue, Lackey said, but then went off without a hitch.