Bride Rides Matilda The Camel To Wedding

[wildwood]

Norco, California-Riding atop a camel named Matilda, bride Sherel Crockett bounced along a horse trail to the church to recite wedding vows with George Stone.

The animal lovers met four years ago and including Matilda in the ceremony was "my dream come true," the bride said after Sunday's wedding at Norco Christian Church.

The couple met while working as part of a pet-assisted therapy program and both are currently therapists who work with severely emotionally disturbed children.

Using a dromedary as wedding transportation _ especially Matilda who is considered by many to be the unofficial city mascot _ caught the eye of Sixth Street passers-by.

"Everybody was smiling and waving. Matilda's a real celebrity here in town," said Stone, who often takes Matilda for appearances at area elementary schools.

After transporting the bride, Matilda stood outside in the back of the church.

The new Mrs. Stone is moving her cadre of animals onto Stone's property when they combine homes, said Stone, noting they have a lot in common.

"We both have Icelandic ponies," Stone said. "So we even have the same breed of horse in common."