A tradition for centuries, the release of doves at the close of the wedding ceremony is a dramatic expression of unity and love. “Doves mate for life, defend each other and jointly raise their young, representing the dynamics of a family that works together,” says Jadia Ward, co-owner of Bright Eyes Dove Release in Vancouver, Washington. Specially trained rock doves (a pigeon relative) are used because of their highly developed homing instinct, meaning they will always return to their home loft where they were raised and learned to fly from. Birds assigned to each wedding are separated from the loft the day before and fed a limited diet to ensure a fast return home. And of course, they all get baths before loading, to look their best for the ceremony. “In years to come, memories of the food and drinks will fade, but the memory of holding a dove in your hands, releasing it to fly freely,” says Ward, “that will remain.”