Jenny Seay

It's not common for an engaged couple to open their wedding ceremony and reception to the general public. But Cody and Lucy are a generous sort, welcoming guests of all shapes and sizes to their Saturday afternoon nuptials.

That's because they don't know any better--they're dogs.

The turnout is not excessive, but there's a good-sized crowd milling about in the Foundry of Barrington's parking lot. People congregate around the ceremony site in front of pet boutique Carl and Cody's Blvd., marked by several rows of white folding chairs and a small tent. Others mingle before the refreshment table, the rest settle into their seats. Just about everyone has a canine in tow, and the occasional bark punctuates the chatter. One woman leads an enormous French poodle, festooned with an American flag bandanna, to the back row. Another sits with her quiet black lab, whose neck is tastefully adorned with a pink beaded purse. To her left a small white Westie pants and whines, straining against its leash in an attempt to sniff another dog that's passing by.

In the minutes leading up to the ceremony, a white plastic runner is rolled down the aisle, and a woman patrols with a large canister of birdseed, which she doles out to guests by the handful.

"We'll be throwing this at the end," she explains, then takes her position at the head of the aisle while a Whitney Houston ballad transitions into the procession music.

Everyone focuses on the people strolling up the aisle, lowering their eyes to catch a glimpse of the puppies comprising the bridal party. Cody is sporting a black tuxedo, and observes the procession with his best man/ring bearer Carl at his side. Pink is the signature color for the bridesmaids, one of whom strolls along with a woman scattering white and pink rose petals. And of course, everyone rises for Lucy, who has gone all out with a white tulle dress, pink bows on her ears, and a designer collar with sparkling stones.

Once everyone is in place, the vows are exchanged rather quickly.

"Do you take Cody Bear, to be your puppy dude, and agree to share treats with him even when he has more than you?" the woman conducting the ceremony asks.

"And do you Cody Bear, take Lucy Girl to be your puppy chick, and agree to sniff no other?"

Both dogs seem to be in agreement, so they are pronounced puppy friends and Cody is given the go-ahead to lick the bride. Delighted guests fling handfuls of birdseed, enjoy drinks and hors d'oevres, and discuss adoption with representatives from local shelter Dogs Deserve Life. Cody and Lucy pose for pictures, eventually escaping the flashbulbs in order to sniff their guests.

(2006-06-27)

Also by Jenny Seay

The Story of Story Week
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Survivor: The Divorce
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And God said porn
"I was in the shower talking to God one morning," Foster explains. "I said, God, how can we work together on something to make the world a better place? And he responded with one word. Porn."
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Lords of the Ring
Wrestling is an art of illusion--professional wrestling, done right, gives the illusion that someone is getting torn apart limb from limb
(2005-10-11)

Silver Hairs and Super Villians
(2005-09-13)

Stalking Jerome
(2005-07-26)

Personal paparazzi
(2005-02-22)

Just do it
(2004-09-14)

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