A bride paid tribute to her deceased father by having their favorite football mascot escort her down the aisle. INSIDE EDITION speaks to the happy newlyweds about the unforgettable moment.
It was a bride's dream wedding.
But for Jennifer Sullivan, it was also bittersweet. That's because her father wasn't there to walk her down the aisle. He died two years ago from a heart attack.
As she descended a grand staircase to meet her groom, her guests wondered who would fill in for dad.
Surprise! It was a bird! Specifically, the University of Miami mascot known as Sebastian. The 150 wedding guests went wild as Sebastian escorted Jennifer to the groom, Patrick Sullivan.
Jennifer said her dad was a devoted fan of the university's football team, and she thought the mascot was a perfect tribute to him.
She told INSIDE EDITION, "Considering our shared love of football, I didn't think there was anyone more representative of that than the mascot."
Patrick said, "He was definitely smiling down from above."
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It was a day she will never forget that was made a little more special because of a mascot who stood in for dad.
Jennifer said, "I was a little bit solemn coming down the staircase. I definitely had my dad in the back of my mind. So, when I finally saw Sebastian, it took this huge weight off my shoulders. Suddenly, the moment was about the happiness and the celebration behind the marriage and not what was missing from the day."
