Labrador Trevor usher at Northumberland wedding

Jun 21 2009 by Rob Pattinson, Sunday Sun

IT’S USUALLY the vicar who wears the dog collar at weddings.

But Trevor the Labrador proved such an important part of Jo Swinney and Andy Crinson’s courtship, the bride and groom had to have him at their wedding.

And instead of just adding their pet pooch to the table plan, the dog-doting couple dressed him up in the same colours as the bridesmaids and gave him a formal role at the service at Langley Castle in Northumberland.

To make sure he felt like a “proper” guest Trevor was also presented with a “plus one”, by the loving couple, so kennels owner Kath Rowland could come along as his personal chaperone.

Their friends thought they were barking-mad, but the newlyweds too busy enjoying their big day to care.

Jo, 43, said: “I knew everyone would think we were crazy, but we just had to do it. I wanted a castle and we both wanted Trevor at the wedding.

“He’s a part of everything we do and it seemed such a shame to come to this gorgeous countryside without him, when he would appreciate it so much.

“We wanted him to be a part of everything so we made him a bandana in the same colours as the bridesmaid’s dress. And because we didn’t have any ushers, it was left to Trevor.

“The day was fantastic and having him there just capped it all off for us.”

Newcastle-born and Carlisle-raised groom Andy, 46, was always keen to keep his wedding day in the North.

So when fiancee Jo found fairytale Northumberland venue Langley with luxury kennels Centre Barks close by in Hexham, the sweethearts quickly settled on their venue.

Now they have received all the snaps from the big day the newlyweds have opened up their wedding album to the Sunday Sun.

Jo said: “We always joked about how important the dog was, so we couldn’t leave him out.

“He is such a good boy, we knew we could trust him to behave. We didn’t tell all of the other guests so it was a real surprise for them. Everyone thought it was fabulous he was there.”