Pet hen makes guest appearance in couple's wedding photos

Ivy the hen took centre stage with bride Amelia Longman

Images: Mark Sisley

When Amelia Longman started planning her Berkshire wedding at Cliveden House, it was inevitable that her VIPs (very important pets) had to be included in the day. 

Amelia owns six chickens adopted from the British Hen Welfare Trust (BHWT) as well as pigs, goats, horses and sheep.

Amelia, who married Rob in September 2021, wanted photos with all her animals, but it was Ivy the hen who was a natural in front of the camera. 

“Ivy actually loved posing for the photos – she should have been a model," said Amelia, "but the pigs ate the back of my dress and the horses stood on it, so it was trashed. I took it to the dry cleaners and they couldn’t fix it but getting married is a once in a lifetime experience and it wouldn’t have felt right for the animals not to be involved.

“It was a smaller day and a later date than we’d originally intended, after having to change our plans due to Covid-19, but it was perfect – we wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

Commenting on the day,  Amelia continues: “The only animals our venue allowed inside are dogs, but we just had to have our pets be part of our special day. As well as the photos, we incorporated them in other ways, such as through our stationery; on our beautiful wedding cake, which was made by one of my bridesmaids; and our tables, which were all named after our chickens and pigs.

“They’re such a big part of our life. I love them all but Ivy the hen has such personality and is so funny. Every morning when I go to the coop, she ninja kicks the door to get out and then squawks at me until I give her breakfast. When I first adopted her from the BHWT she struggled to get up the steps to her bed and was really nervous, but now she jumps into my lap and falls asleep.”