You never know what you’ll find when you go looking through a treasure trove of old VHS home recordings. From bad hair, to epic clothes, it’s always a good time.
But for one man, what he found inspires love – even if not for humans.
Vintage video collector and actor Matt McCarthy recently sent TikTok into a frenzy when he shared footage from “the weirdest historic footage he’s ever found” – a dog wedding. In the video, two beagles, Gigi and Barney, exchange vows, joined by a throng of party guests, an officiant, two-tier wedding cake, and even an Elvis impersonator.
Can you believe this summer will be their 29th wedding anniversary? I wonder what they’re up to now,” he quips while dropping the cassette into a VHS player.
The video from June 5, 1994, shows Gigi in a veil and Barney in a tuxedo, joined in paw by their human companions. The officiant lays out the rules of the ceremony, telling guests that “No tears, just barking,” is allowed at the nuptials. Every moment is precious, from the exchange of vows (“for fleas or shedding and all of your howling too!”) to the end of the ceremony when the officiant proclaims, “You may lick your bride, Barney.”
Photos from TikTok
McCarthy, who has over 149,000 followers on TikTok, is no stranger to uncovering obscure finds, and his collection includes old television show recordings featuring commercials that can transport you back in time. However, the dog wedding video has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide. One person commented, “Life is beautiful,” while another added, “I am forever changed.”
Their future was even pondered:
I heard they retired,” one comment reads. “Moved to a farm upstate.”
The video has gone viral, with even more viewers sharing their thoughts on the stunning video. One commenter posted, “I wasn’t expecting Elvis, but I wasn’t surprised,” while another wondered about the whereabouts of the lovebirds, asking, “I wonder if they’re still together.”
The VHS tape was discovered with dozens of others at a garage sale. “I bought the whole collection of VHS tapes, and this one said ‘Gigi and Barney’s Wedding, Beagles Love’ on it,” McCarthy said. “I’m always intrigued by what’s on these tapes – you never know what you’ll find.”
As McCarthy noted, “The possibilities are endless,” when it comes to what we can find through old video tapes and other forms of media, and the love shared between Gigi and Barney is a poignant reminder of the pure, simple joy we can find all around us, even in the most unexpected places.
Watch for a glimpse of the wonderous wedding below.
@mccarthyredhead Replying to @zombieking758 #moviecollection #vhs ♬ original sound – Matt McCarthy
