**Best Man Steals the Show with Hilarious Wedding Prank**
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In a delightful twist to a typical wedding tradition, Benson Boone, a singer-songwriter from Utah, left attendees in stitches during his childhood friend’s wedding by dressing up as the bride for a surprise first look photo session. The light-hearted prank unfolded on March 29, ahead of the nuptials of Eric Magelsen and Sydni Burrup, who tied the knot on April 30.
The couple had arranged for a first look photo shoot at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City, but unbeknownst to Magelsen, his best man had something completely unexpected planned. Prior to the shoot, Burrup had reached out to photographer Ashlyn Harrop, eager to orchestrate an unforgettable prank that would delight both her fiancé and their guests.
As Magelsen anticipated seeing his bride in her wedding gown for the first time, he was instead met with the sight of Boone clad in a white dress, complete with a veil, sparkling jewellery, and even a bridal bouquet. Clad in one of the bride’s mother’s vintage dresses, Boone fully embraced the moment, much to the surprise and amusement of his friend.
Harrop described the moment as “hilarious” and noted that Boone’s enthusiasm and humour made the prank all the more memorable. “He definitely showed off his diva side!” she expressed, describing the joy and laughter that filled the venue when Magelsen turned to see his best mate in women’s attire.
As the groom prepared for the emotional reveal, he expressed to the videographer from Hannah Kate Films that his heart was racing with anticipation. However, as he turned, the sight of Boone in full bride regalia elicited an immediate burst of laughter. The sheer surprise prompted Magelsen to embrace his best man in a congratulatory hug, quipping, “You look so handsome!”
Reflecting on their lifelong friendship, Magelsen revealed that pranks have always been a part of their bond, stating, “Benson and I have been best friends since we were babies. Growing up, we constantly pulled pranks on each other, so I probably should have seen this coming, but I had absolutely no idea.”
Magelsen later reminisced about spotting a group of women filming from a distance, unaware that they were capturing his best friend’s outrageous stunt. “I just assumed they were filming for a sweet moment,” he recalled, only for his heart to drop in disbelief when he turned to find Boone before him, clad in a wedding dress.
Meanwhile, the group of unsuspecting spectators – including Haley Erickson, Katie Derrick, and Abby Purcell – had stumbled upon the Capitol while appreciating the cherry blossom trees outside. They were originally there simply to escape the heat when they noticed the unfolding scene. Erickson shared that they thought it was just another quirky wedding tradition and started filming their encounter, calling it a “very common” occurrence in Utah.
Later, while reviewing footage of the festivities, the group recognised Boone as the prankster in the initial first look video. “I recognised the groom and then after reading some comments about their friendship, it clicked that it could’ve been Benson,” Erickson explained. “It was so crazy.”
The joy of the prank didn’t overshadow the genuine moments that followed, as Magelsen and Burrup shared a heartfelt first look just moments later, filled with all the romance one would expect on such a significant day. Their friends, having witnessed the comedic first encounter, were there to enjoy the tender moment that truly marked the beginning of the couple’s journey together.
In a world where weddings can often become overly serious, Boone’s unexpected antics served as a reminder of the joy and humour that can be infused into these rites of passage. The event will undoubtedly be remembered not only for the love shared between the newlyweds but also for the fun and laughter that came courtesy of a best man’s spirited prank.
As wedding trends evolve, it seems that good-natured pranks might just become a staple for future ceremonies, as seen in this unforgettable case of friendship, humour, and celebration at the Utah State Capitol.