If you're here you sound like "my people", dog parents!
Welcome to a space where the bond between human and canine is cherished and celebrated. I am someone who understands the profound connection we share with our furry companions, a connection that extends to every facet of our lives, including the most significant milestones.
Your wedding day is a reflection of the love and partnership you and your significant other have cultivated, and it's a joyous occasion where every aspect of your journey together is honored. This includes the invaluable presence of your furry family members, who have undoubtedly played a vital role in shaping your lives and enriching your shared experiences.
Whether your beloved pets are physically present to witness your union or not, I am here to support you throughout the planning process and to ensure that every detail of your special day is infused with inspiration and meaning. Together, let's create a celebration that not only captures the essence of your love story but also pays homage to the cherished bond you share with your canine companions.
I think this is a beautiful way to support your local baker and have them create your pup into something savoury. Having them into toppers for the desserts or into cookies shaped as them, I liked these ideas for desserts the most. Everyone likes cookies especially!
Something that has really been on trend the past year is incorporating your pups into the party! Etsy has some amazingly talented artists that are offering custom designs of your pups to place on party items like napkins + drink menus. If creating alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks is your vibe I think this is a fun way to honour your furry family. Having your guests toast to your pups!
In addition to adding them to your dessert you can add them to your official cake/cupcake! This cake topper can be saved and always cherished in your home afterward. There are only so many tangible things that you’re going to be able to take from your big day (in addition to your photos, video, wedding outfits, and maybe dried up flowers). Why not have one more special item be of your family at that moment in time?
As mentioned from the engagement session, these are photos you can include in your official invitations. Or you can reach out to an artist (Etsy has great ones) to create a custom invitation with your pup as the center of it all. I love this idea because it gives your guests their first impression of your special day with your furry family!
Another way to reach out local small businesses or someone you know who has the talent of embroidery. Having your pup be a detail on your veil, wedding dress, or pocket square is personally one of my favourite ideas I came across. Having them right on you all day long, a little reminder when you look down, I don’t know what pulls at the hearts strings more!
I love that your guests can take a little reminder of your pups love with them home. Do you have fellow pet parents on your guest list? You can include doggy bags for their pups too! Whether it’s something edible or not your pups can be the ones to sign out your guests for the night!
Photo By Caroline Tran Photography
Photo By Krystal Zaskey Photography
These may sound obvious but it’s great to communicate a little bit of a schedule that the handler feels comfortable with. For example, you will see the beautiful sister of the groom below who had the responsibility to make sure Bernie got to the places he needed to be. Bernie was with the groom during the getting ready time and once it was time for the ceremony his sister took over and had Bernie for the rest of the time. Once Bernie went home his sister was able to join us again. AGAIN simple arrangements that can be made with no fuss.
Like you I am obsessed with my pup and would want her to have a starring role in my wedding. You will have seen these photos of pups walking down the aisle, pups as the flower girl, pups at the altar. No matter what title your pup will have the only piece of advice I would give you is to have them sit in the front nearby with their handler. Once their duties are done they are doing to want to be close to the two of you. Hey your “mom and dad” after all.
Personally, my style of photography is to very much have you forget I’m there so I can grab those candid moments that naturally happen. When there is a set time for the pupper to be there for photos I understand that time and a little planning might be required to grab the most desired shots. What I would suggest movement’s that make or great photos with your puppers:
There are so many talented businesses and services that can help with your wedding day that are specific for your dog. That’s where I come in. First and foremost the safety, comfortability, and stress levels of your pup on your wedding day is my main priority. Ensuring that they have a positive experience on a big day that will occupy their owners attention is the most important thing to me. Why? As a dog momma myself, and someone who works with dogs very regularly for weddings, I never want my couples to be thinking/worrying about their dog and their state of mind. Even the little things like “is someone watching Bernie? Is someone there to pick up his potty breaks?” Yes the little things matter, and all those things can weigh on your thoughts EVEN on your special day. I’m wanted to provide my top picks of services and vendors that will help with the care of your pup AND some others that amazing humans that provide fun products too!
Though this will take the perfect setting with your pupper, and trust (!), but I would love for them to be right next to you during your ceremony. I have done many flower pups and ringer bearers too that acts as a great role for them to be right with you the entire time.
It goes without saying that this is going to be one of the fastest days ever! Taking those few quiet moments for your pup can feel difficult, especially working within their temperament and comfort zone. But if you see your doggo fit for some activities to share together I think these make for great memories and "photo opportunities" that you can cherish forever.
Yes it’s possible, and yes we can totally make this happen! I would suggest you start your dancing together with your pup in a location where they can’t see you. Once you both have had your moment together we then reveal to your pup where you are and allow them to run to you (clean paws of course). Hopefully they will want some snuggles and kisses enough to join in.
Photo by Apaige Photography
First looks are in! And having this moment together before the big day starts is a time I protect for my couples. So when it comes to first look with family and friends it’s extra special. I can’t even express how BADLY I want this to happen. This will spark a special couple (I just know it) and if it’s you reading this, let’s do it! I think this is so special and if your pup is good about “stay” and “sit” I think this is totally possible. OR we can always set your pup up around a corner (a place where they can’t see you) and have them run to you as you call their name. Lots of options to set this up for success.
Photo by Steph Photo Co..
I couldn’t believe this creativity and amazing moment this creates for you both. Their time with us can sometimes feels like “a blink” of time. Having their paw print alone is SO special. And having that piece of them on a paper that already means SO much to you I think is something to cherish and frame.
Photo by Adventure instead