NEWLYWEDS have tied the knot in a Lake District hotel with their dog as their dutiful 'bridesmaid'.

54-year-old Julie Marie Pearch married the 50-year-old Martyn James Pearch.

The pair work as civil servants and met at work.

"I liked that he was kind and had a good sense of humour," said Julie.

Martyn added: "I liked that we just got on, how relaxed I felt with her and obviously how good-looking she was."

On March 16 2022 while in Venice the couple had a 'not planned' engagement. They saw a perfect ring in a jeweller and Martyn proposed to Julie on a gondola. 

The couple married at Merewood Country House Hotel in Windermere with a total of three attendees, including Julie's daughter Eloise, her best friend Jane and Mabel the dog as 'bridesmaid'. 

Julie said: "The weather wasn't great, a bit drizzly, but it didn't affect the day. We all had breakfast together, took Mabel for a walk and had a glass of champagne together then the girls came into me to get ready and Martyn went to his room.

"We had a lovely time getting ready and dancing around to ABBA and other cheesy tunes. Julie Robinson arrived and took some pictures. I met the registrar and then went down to the ceremony.

"It was emotional, and all the ladies cried. The registrar was lovely and funny. After we had drinks in the lobby with more photos and we then went to the lake and grounds of the hotel for some more pictures. 

"The entire day ran smoothly and was just what we wanted no massive fuss, just private and relaxed."

After the wedding the couple, from Bristol, returned to the city on Wednesday and on the following day they flew from Heathrow Airport to Kenya for a week on safari followed by a week in Mauritius.

Julie said: "We would like to thank Merewood for being so helpful and everyone was lovely and Julie Robinson for helping us be relaxed and for the lovely photos."