Weddings always seem to surprise us. Sometimes it’s music that comes out of nowhere, a speech that comes from the heart, or an unexpected deluge just before the vows. But for Sara and Gabriele, the best thing that happened was when they spotted a cat with fur, whiskers, and a meow under a silk mermaid outfit.
The sun was shining, making everything look golden. There was a lot of light coming in through the hall’s huge windows. People in their best clothes sat in rows of shiny seats. People were fixing their ties, taking pictures, and waiting for the big moment. There were quiet sounds in the air.
Sara, the bride, was in the center of it all. She looked beautiful and peaceful with her hand warmly clasped in Gabriele’s. Her long veil followed her like a dream as she walked down the aisle in her dress. But even though she smiled at the boy she loved, there was a small hint of something—maybe nerves? Her eyes showed a trace of anxiety.
Then, everything changed.
The Skirt That Went on Its Own
It wasn’t next to her. Not behind. Below her.
At first, it was hard to see, like the hem of her dress had caught a breeze and moved. Sara stopped. Gabriele could sense immediately away that there was some stress.
“What’s wrong?” He mumbled, and his forehead wrinkled.
Sara didn’t utter a word.
The movement returned. This time, it’s more powerful. The dress’s bottom jumped a little, as if something or someone was stuck under it.
Everyone in the hall gasped. One of the bridesmaids covered her mouth in shock. Auntie, who was very old, did the sign of the cross. The officiant, a beautiful woman named Judit, froze in the middle of a phrase and seemed astonished.
Everyone stayed still. Everyone leaned forward in startled silence.
Then there was a noise. It wasn’t a whisper or a ruffle; it was a meow.
A Guest at the Wedding That No One Expected
Sara yelled in shock and lifted the front of her dress.
A small black thing dropped out of the fabric’s folds. Everyone gasped, a glass of champagne fell, and someone in the back yelled loudly.
After that, they all laughed.
A small black kitten sat in the center of the aisle, its tail twitching and its ears perked up. It was wide-eyed and didn’t seem to care about the noise at all.
“Is that a cat?” Someone asked, half in shock and half in awe.
Gabriele stared at Sara, not understanding at all. “Why was there a cat under your dress?”
Sara opened her mouth and then closed it. She was just as confused as the rest of us.
Then, from the front row, a weak, guilty voice spoke.
“Maybe… “He is mine.”
It was Lucia, Sara’s youngest sister, who was just seven years old and wearing white stockings. She had a stuffed bunny in her arms.
“I didn’t want to leave him alone,” she said quietly. “He must have jumped into the basket before we left…” I thought he was gone.
The guests looked to her in shock and silence.
Then the laughter came back. This time, it’s bigger. The laughter was so loud that it made you cry and made your shoulders shake.
Sara got down on her knees, scooped up the cat, and caressed its head. “You’re the furry guest of honor, huh?” she added with a giggle.
The cat purred softly, as if to say yes.
The Ceremony Does Go On (Eventually)
Judit, the boss, raised an eyebrow with interest. “Are there any more uninvited guests hiding in the bride’s dress?” “Is there anyone else who wants to join us before we go on?”
More laughter.
Lucia moved nearer, her cheeks flushed and her rabbit held securely. “I’m so sorry,” she said in a low voice. “His name is Bogi.” I spotted him near the school. I didn’t want him to be by himself today.
Sara smiled and carefully handed Bogi to Lucia. “Okay, just tell me next time you want to bring a cat to a wedding.”
Lucia nodded, happy that the stress was gone.
Judit made a faux dramatic sound when she cleared her throat. “Should we move on before the cat asks for toast?”
A Wedding That Will Be Remembered by All
The ceremony continued on, but the mood had changed. At first, the occasion was formal and looked nice. Now, it was full of love and laughter.
Sara and Gabriele were married not just because they loved each other, but also because they realized that life is full of surprises, which is a good thing.
People drank champagne and spoke eagerly about the “cat incident” later in the yard. The photographer had previously decided to send the video to a “funniest wedding moments” movie.
One of the bridesmaids turned to Sara and said, “They say black cats are lucky.” I think Bogi just made this wedding well-known.
Sara smiled and looked at Gabriele, who was tossing a small ball of paper for Bogi to chase across the field.
“It’s just the start,” she said. “Starting our marriage like this makes me think we’re in for a lot of surprises.”
A New Family Member
Lucia walked over to Gabriele with her head down that night while the music played and the cake was cut.
She pulled on his sleeve and pleaded, “Uncle Gabriele, can we keep Bogi?”
He bent down next to her and looked her right in the eye. “Only if I can play with him too.”
The sun made Lucia shine. “Okay!”
The family will have Bogi’s wedding pictures for years to come.
How to End a Bad Day
The wedding album would then sit on a shelf with all the other usual pictures, including the rings being exchanged, the vows being read, and the toasts being made.
But how about the cover?
The first kiss was not on the cover.
The part where they sliced the cake was not shown.
But Sara was in her dress and holding a black kitten that was sleeping.
The words below say:
“There is always a little surprise behind every great wedding.”
