Get the biggest stories sent straight to your inbox Sign up for regular updates and breaking news from WalesOnline Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A bride registered blind just three years ago says her “incredible” guide dog has made such an impact on her life that he was made ring-bearer at her wedding.

Kirsty Williams, who was given gorgeous black labrador Bass just before Christmas, tied the knot to care home administrator Tom James at Penallta House in Ystrad Mynach.

The 25-year-old wowed her 90-plus guests with a stunning princess-style dress covered in Swarowski crystals.

'I don't feel blind anymore'

But it was beautiful Bass who stole the show when his owners swapped his harness for a specially-made collar and tie for the ring-bearer role.

Kirsty, whose sight deteriorated rapidly three years ago due to a rare eye condition, said Bass has massively improved her confidence.

Heroic guide dog honoured:

“I would never have been able to plan this wedding in the way I did without him,” said Kirsty.

“He has enabled me to get out and about and visit different shops. We work so well together that I don’t feel blind any more. “I think it hit me when I took Bass for a run on my own for the first time. I felt the sun on my face and realised I had the freedom to go out on my own terms instead of being stuck in the house.

“I’m a better me than before I lost my sight. I now feel genuine happiness.”

Related:

'He was proud to be wearing it'

Two-year-old Bass regularly accompanies Kirsty to work as a complementary therapist for the Cancer Careline in Blackwood where her colleagues have fallen in love with him.

“My boss made him the special collar for the wedding and Bass seemed to like it,” said Caerphilly resident Kirsty.

“We showed it to him before the ceremony and he wagged his tail as if he was proud to be wearing it”.

Related: People with sight loss in Wales feel 'cut off' from their communities, charity boss warns

Related: The most iconic wedding day kisses remembered... for International Kissing Day

Keen clubber Kirsty met 30-year-old Tom nearly five years ago on a night out in Hereford where he was DJing.

“I knew there was something special about him,” said Kirsty.

“We both love dance music, so it was great to bring out the drum n’ bass music at the wedding. People said it was the most fun wedding they’d been to.

“I think having Bass has helped our relationship. Tom is no longer my carer. Now we’re able to walk down the road holding hands with Bass by our side.

“I want to help other young girls with sight loss and tell them you can still do normal things and enjoy life.”

'He has given Kirsty independence'

Groom Tom said Bass has also made a big difference to his life.

He said: “He has given Kirsty independence, dignity, happiness and joy in place of isolation and loneliness, which enables us to be a couple.”

The pair jetted off on holiday to Turkey for their honeymoon today.