In a delightful twist to wedding traditions, David and Michelle Doughty from Brandon, Suffolk, recently celebrated their nuptials with a very special guest of honour—a hedgehog named Pico, complete with a miniature top hat.
The couple’s unconventional choice aimed to raise awareness about the plight of hedgehogs and to inject a sense of fun into their big day.
Mr. Doughty, an ardent hedgehog enthusiast and fundraiser, has dedicated much of his time to supporting hedgehog rescue efforts. This passion inspired him to include a hedgehog in their wedding ceremony, a decision that delighted guests and highlighted the importance of protecting these beloved creatures.
“Pico was the first hedgehog I ever held,” Mr. Doughty shared with BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. “We wanted our wedding to reflect our personalities—fun and not too conformist. Hedgehogs are a massive part of my life, and we wanted to use this occasion to raise awareness among our friends and family about how crucial it is to help these little animals.”
To make Mr. Doughty’s wish a reality, he reached out to Heather Johnson, who runs a hedgehog rescue called Heather’s Hedgehog Hostel in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire.
Johnson gladly accepted the invitation and dressed Pico in a charming black top hat for the special occasion. “When David contacted me, I thought, ‘Why not?’ This has to be one for the books,” she remarked. “I managed to find him a little outfit that was just the right size.”
Pico, who is also Johnson’s pet, stole the spotlight during the ceremony. He posed for photographs with the bride and groom and mingled with guests before enjoying some outdoor exploration. “It was a surreal afternoon,” Johnson recalled.
“For all David has done to support hedgehogs, he’d never actually held one before. When Pico and I arrived, people could stroke him because he’s quite friendly and used to it. Seeing David hold Pico was a dream come true for him.”
Mr. Doughty expressed his gratitude for Johnson’s efforts in bringing Pico to the wedding, acknowledging her contributions to hedgehog welfare over the past decade.
“Heather is fantastic; she’s doing amazing work to help these animals. Having her and Pico there made the day even more special,” he said, laughing, “I was more than happy to step aside and let Pico take the limelight for a while. He was the best man you could say—if my son doesn’t mind me saying so!”
The couple’s wedding, held several weeks ago, was not just a celebration of their love but also a heartfelt reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation. Through their unique approach, the Doughtys aimed to inspire their guests to consider how they can contribute to the protection of hedgehogs and their habitats.
As awareness for hedgehogs continues to grow, thanks in part to passionate advocates like Mr. Doughty, events like this one serve as a charming and impactful way to promote kindness toward wildlife. The Doughtys’ wedding, featuring Pico the hedgehog, has certainly left a lasting impression on their family and friends, encouraging everyone to play a role in safeguarding these endearing creatures.
