Meet Stepan, a delightful 294-pound grizzly bear who recently served as ring bearer at a Russian couple's wedding.
Donning a bow tie and a dazzling smile, Stepan was on his best behavior as Denis and Nelya exchanged vows. The occasion, which was captured by photographer Olga Barantseva, was a "fantastic experience," according to the groom.
"It is such a special feeling to hug a real, huge bear, and you cannot compare it to anything else. We will absolutely remember this day forever," Denis said.
"We both knew Stepan is a very kind bear but still it is a huge, unpredictable animal so we were a bit scared, but still happy to be able to make our dream come true."
Stepan, 23, caught the couple's attention after he posed for a photoshoot last May that highlighted his tame demeanor.
Stepan was adopted by Svetlana and Yuriy Panteleenko when he was just three months old after being found orphaned in the woods by hunters.
These days, Stepan helps his owners with chores by watering plants, and loves watching TV with his family.
“He absolutely loves people and is a really sociable bear – despite what people might think, he is not aggressive at all,” Svetlana told the Daily Mail.
“We have never been bitten by Stepan.”
Stepan's daily diet consists of 55 lbs of fish, veggies and eggs, but he works it off by playing football.
"He's got so many talents and loves a picnic. It's a wonder he doesn't eat us out of house and home," Svetlana added.
ILY Stepan: