When Julia and Tom Moriggi promised forever to each other, they both knew one thing for certain — their golden retriever, Wally, would be right there beside them.
The cheerful, sensitive dog had been part of every important moment since he joined their lives in 2020, and there was no way they’d say “I do” without him.
A Love Story With Golden Paws
From the day they brought him home as a tiny ball of golden fluff, Wally filled their home with laughter and warmth.
But what made him stand out wasn’t just his beauty or playful nature — it was the way he felt. Julia and Tom soon realized that their pup had a heart that mirrored their own.
He wasn’t just affectionate; he was deeply emotional. Whenever they left the park or finished a beach day, he’d lower his head, sigh dramatically, and sulk in the back seat as if the world had just ended.
“He’s our emotional boy,” Julia often said with a smile. To her and Tom, Wally wasn’t just a dog — he was the heartbeat of their little family.
Every quiet evening, every slow dance in the kitchen, and every morning walk felt more meaningful with him around.
So when their wedding day came into view, they knew their gentle golden had to play a special role in the celebration of their love.
The “Best Boy” Walks Down The Aisle
As wedding plans took shape, Wally was a part of every decision — big or small.
Julia designed napkins and seating charts featuring tiny golden retrievers swimming in martini glasses, subtle tributes to their furry son. But beyond the small details, they wanted Wally to be present in the heart of the event itself.
So they gave him an official title: Best Boy.
On the big day, the air was full of excitement, and Wally felt every bit of it. As guests arrived, his tail wagged wildly, brushing against wedding gowns and tuxedos alike.
When it was finally time for the ceremony, he proudly trotted down the aisle with Tom, his eyes sparkling with joy.
He looked around the crowd, recognizing faces he adored, unable to hide his happiness that all of “his people” had come together — and for once, the entire day seemed to revolve around him.
“He was just thrilled,” Julia recalled later. “It felt like he thought everyone was there to see him.”
But the Moriggis didn’t want Wally to simply be a part of the ceremony. They wanted him to be written into the story of their marriage — literally.
That’s why they made a unique decision that perfectly reflected how deeply he belonged in their lives. They chose to marry in New York, a state that allowed their dog to serve as a legal witness on their marriage license.
After exchanging vows, Julia and Tom guided Wally to the marriage document. They gently pressed his paw onto an ink pad, then helped him stamp his paw print next to their signatures.
In that moment, Wally became not just a guest, but a witness — forever recorded as part of their union.
Julia swore he looked proud of himself, standing tall and wagging his tail as if he knew the importance of what he’d just done.
A Celebration Full Of Love (And Cake)
Once the official duties were complete, Wally could finally do what he loved most: celebrate. The reception was full of laughter, music, and love — and Wally had his own special place in all of it.
When it came time to cut the wedding cake, Julia and Tom surprised him with his very own dessert: a custom-made, dog-friendly cake from Dog Eat Cake in Boston, with the words “I do, too” piped across the top in white frosting.
Guests smiled as Wally devoured his cake, tail wagging furiously, crumbs dotting his nose.
The couple even had matching dog treat favors made for their guests’ pets, stamped with phrases like “Love, Wally” and “I do, too.” It was a charming detail that reminded everyone that this wasn’t just a wedding — it was a celebration of family in every form.
As the night drew to a close, Julia and Tom shared one last slow dance under the lights — with Wally at their side.
The golden retriever pressed close between them, his fur brushing against Julia’s dress as they swayed. For a brief moment, it was just the three of them, a perfect little family wrapped in love and soft music.
When the song ended and the guests began to leave, Wally looked heartbroken, his head drooping as the crowd thinned out. He had loved every second of being surrounded by people — and didn’t want it to end.
@wally.meets.world HE WAS SO PROUD OF HIMSELF 😭 #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #wedding 🎥 @WEDDING CONTENT CREATOR | NY ♬ EVERLASTING LOVE – GROWS
Julia laughed gently, brushing his fur. “He gets so sad when things are over,” she said. “He loves people too much — and when the fun stops, it hits him hard.”
The next morning, though, Wally’s sadness melted away as he hopped into the car for his parents’ honeymoon in upstate New York.
With every new trail, every lake swim, and every quiet evening by their side, Wally’s joy returned. The Moriggis knew they weren’t just starting their marriage — they were continuing the story of a family that had already been built on unconditional love.
Julia often says that Wally changed the way she understands connection. “He’s truly our best friend,” she shared softly. “We’re so grateful to know him, love him, and have him with us through everything.”
Even now, when Julia looks back on their wedding photos — the ones where Wally’s golden fur shines beneath the sunlight — she can’t help but smile.
It wasn’t the dress, the venue, or the cake that made the day unforgettable. It was the way their “best boy” looked up at them, eyes full of devotion, as if to say that love — the pure kind that never fades — had brought them all there together.