In a first for , Orchardleigh Estate in Somerset has hosted its inaugural doggy wedding, following an increase in canine participation at more traditional nuptials. The unique event saw Poppy Vincent, a resident of the estate, exchange vows with Milo the Cavapoochon, .
The ceremony was organised after Poppy's owners posted a 'lonely hearts' ad in search of her ideal partner. .
Among numerous applicants, nine-year-old Poppy chose Milo, who boasts a substantial following of over 14,000. The February wedding was a sunny affair, with Poppy preparing at Orchardleigh Castle before meeting her groom.
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Milo looked sharp in a tailored suit, while Poppy enjoyed a morning of pampering, complete with a taste of 'pooch hooch'.
At Orchardleigh Estate, . The main house reception spared no expense on the canine front, replete with a dog-friendly wedding cake and an assortment of bespoke 'hound' cocktails — names like Barkarita, Pawstar Martini, Pupperol Spritz, and Muddy Mojito graced the menu.
A 'Barcuterie' board added to the pup-ular festivities making for an event sure to get tails wagging everywhere. The day culminated with the happy couple's first dance, followed by a quiet moment at the estate's Palladian Lakeside Boathouse.
Wedding planning maestro Heather Vincent from Orchardleigh Estate couldn't hide her delight as she watched Poppy walk the aisle, admitting that whilst they're well-versed in canine capers due to a surge in pet participation at weddings, it doesn't come without its fair share of hitches.
"Poppy really was the belle of the ball today," Heather commented, also giving a nod to the groom, "And Milo was a dapper dream, he was very handsome. We are very happy in-laws."
She noted their growing experience with animal attendees, revealing, "We're quite accustomed to welcoming here," but confiding that "I think at least a third of our weddings now feature a dog or animal. And more people ask us if it's possible to have their dog in the wedding every day.
"Of course it's not always smooth sailing working with animals as we found out today. You could say it was like watching an Instagram vs reality video in real life."
The union of Poppy and Milo falls amid a soaring trend for pet-friendly nuptials, underpinned by studies indicating a 36 per cent jump in couples eager to have their pooches play a part in their special day.
Orchardleigh Estate is not only a popular wedding destination for couples but has also become a hotspot for doggy influencers.
The estate's latest love story involves Poppy, who is set to join the nearly one-third of individuals turning to online dating sites or to find their match.
However, Chris Vincent, the owner of Orchardleigh Estate who has cared for Poppy since her puppy days, disclosed that even with Poppy's upcoming wedding, it won't be the most extraordinary event the venue has seen.
"Hosting weddings is what we love to do at Orchardleigh," Chris said. "In the past we've seen movie stars, TV stars and rock stars visit for weddings and we've even hosted horse nuptials. Now we can add Pops to that list."
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