After doggie ‘I do’s’ they were united in canine matrimony

They were commanded to commit for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.

Then they tied the knot, er, marital collars.

Tazz, a 5-year-old terrier, and Mila, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, joined together in canine matrimony on a recent weekend. But, like a lot of Orange County marriages, it wasn’t clear if the bride and groom knew what they were getting into.

The Aug.16 nuptials at the Heritage Museum of Orange County in Santa Ana were part of the Dapper Dog Social, a benefit that raised funds for and educated guests about the Heritage Museum and the Lovebugs Rescue and Barks of Love animal rescue organizations.

After the El Segundo dogs’ two-year courtship, Tazz and Mila’s owners and friends decided to “marry” the pooches at a ceremony before a gathering of about 100 guests, including dachshunds, huskies and boxers. Mila wore a white dress embellished with sequins, and Tazz was in a collared shirt and waistcoat.

As the beginning notes of Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” sounded through the gazebo and lawn, the animals were led down the aisle by their owners.

Tazz eyed a bichon, veered off the path and kissed the attendee.

Mila stood at the altar, waiting for her groom.

“Is there anyone here who objects to this marriage?” asked officiant Jamie Hiber.

A bark came from somewhere.

“I’ve never had this happen before,” Hiber said.

After a brief exchange of vows, which omitted a pledge of fidelity, the dogs were proclaimed husband and wife.

They celebrated with a slice of canine-friendly wedding cake, shaped like a bone.

“We have been trying to have these two fall in love, so we forced an arranged marriage,” said Tiffany Inga, owner of Tazz. “It’s a special day.”

The community event featured adoption opportunities, dog races, natural-food presentations and Heritage Museum tours. The Victorian home — set among gardens and citrus groves in a historic plaza that dates to the 1890s — preserves and promotes the heritage of Orange County and offers hands-on educational programs.

Kevin Cabrera, interim executive director of the museum, said he was pleased to help raise awareness about pet adoption while simultaneously promoting the history center.

“This was a great event because there are so many dogs that are needed, and the museum was able to earn more funding to provide additional resources to schools,” Cabrera said. The site is a favorite field trip destination for teachers and students.

Jessica Mendivil of Santa Ana-based event planning company Mendivil Events and Design organized the occasion in hopes of assisting pet rescues.

The event raised $2,500 — $1,000 for the museum’s educational programs and $1,500 for the dog rescue groups.

Mendivil and Cabrera plan to make the fundraiser an annual event.

“The wedding just adds an element of humor,” Mendivil said. “Next year, we’ll have a Las Vegas-style chapel.”