A happy couple stunned their wedding guests by having a penguin as the ring-bearer.
Pringle the Humboldt waddled down the aisle and made a surprise entrance during newly-weds Jen and Tom Loveland’s big day.
Unsuspecting family and friends were told that Jen’s brother, Adam, and Tom’s sister, Carys would be the ring-bearers.
During the ceremony, the pair pretended they forgot the wedding bands and quickly exited the room – leaving guests feeling awkward.
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However, they quickly returned with the 25-inch penguin who accompanied them down the aisle with the rings.
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Pringle then posed for a number of photos alongside the other 80 guests.
Jen, 27, and Tom, 28 were already aware of the stunt as they booked the special guest beforehand.
But guests were left in stitches at the surprise visitor at their nuptials last Saturday (3 Feb).
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Pringle was lured down the aisle by Adam with a bucket of fish.
But he was joined by his pal and backup penguin, Widget for moral support.
The couple have been together for four years after meeting at uni.
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Tom proposed to Jen 18 months ago whilst they were snorkelling in Greece.
Jen, of the Wirral, Merseyside, and Tom, of Birmingham were adamant on having a cuddly critter attend their wedding.
They booked reindeer for the wedding party with the private zoo, Heythrop Zoological Garden.
Initially, they were looking into booking a goose as a ring-bearer but were told didn’t have the “right temperament.”
Instead, staff suggested a penguin could take part at the wedding in Bridgenorth, Shrops.
Hiring a penguin set the couple back just over £1,000 as this included the cost of transport and the animal handler.
Jen said: “We kept it a secret from all the guests – only me, Tom and the ring-bearers knew.
“It was really funny when they ran out and pretended they had forgotten the rings.
“The guests were muttering uncomfortably and it was so awkward until I heard someone go – oh my god there’s a penguin!”
She added: “They were a last-minute addition and we booked them with the left-over wedding funds.
“We booked reindeer from a petting zoo as our honeymoon will be in Norway and we wanted to fit the theme.
“Tom asked about a goose but we were told they don’t have the right temperament.
“They suggested penguins because it is basically like having a dog there.
“They’re inquisitive and friendly and used to being around people.
“They were really relaxed on the day and everyone loved them.”
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