DOG WEDDING GUIDE

the

unable to attend

able to come

recommended vendors

timeline

inspiration

the wedding guide for your dog

for all your photography guidance.+ general wedding knowledge

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.

"Whether they're physically there for your big day or not..."

add them to your dessert

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!

BAR NAPKINS + CUSTOM DRINKS

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!

FAMILY CAKE TOPPER

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?

INVITATIONS

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!

EMBROIDERED ON YOU

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!

FAVOURS + DOGGY BAGS

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

if they can't be there

Why not get back in your wedding outfits for your pup? We can adventure to a fun location, stay at home, or even get a studio space just to grab extra photos with your pup. Since they won’t be there for your big day we can make this a fun addition to your official wedding photos with no pressure of a wedding timeline.
I think this one goes without saying but including your pup into your engagement session is an amazing way to get content with them BEFORE the wedding. That way you can incorporate these photos into your big day. Things like invitations, table numbers, thank you cards, your wedding website, you name it! Evening bringing a little “Save the Date” sign is a great addition that isn’t cheesy into a few photos.

Engagement Session With Your Doggo

Post Wedding Session

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.

having your dog at the wedding

Yes it’s great to have them all dressed up as your ring bearer, flower girl or best man, but what goes into setting those arrangements up for the wedding day. What about potty breaks? Let’s get real, there are a few things to have in place for all of this to happen. I want to give you the facts behind making these memories a reality for your special day and, of course!, the photo opportunities that they should be a part of.
If you're wondering whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day, here are some ideas to consider.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES THIS LOOK LIKE?

This can be a friend, family member, or their regular dog walker. You want an individual that is designated to this role. The worst part is too have too many people handing off your pup, not keeping track with their potty breaks, and then an accident happens. I always suggest your pupper come for your GETTING READY photos so they can be a part of it. Of course the CEREMONY.

In most cases they have a role in your wedding. Scheduling your photos with your pup BEFORE all the FORMAL PHOTOS with family or wedding party (whether it’s after or before the ceremony). That way there’s no fuss, your dog handler doesn’t need to wait around and they aren’t over stimulated from all the action of the day.
It’s great to have someone that isn’t scheduled to be in too many formal photos but who is able to come and go with your pup. That way there isn’t a demand on your dog handlers time but they are also available to hand the pupper over for photos.

THE LOGISTICS OF A DOG HANDLER

  • Dog Handler and Pup arrive for GETTING READY PHOTOS.

  • Pup waits with Handler until time for CEREMONY.

  • Stays with them during CEREMONY.

  • Whether your photos are before or after the ceremony have your pupper’s portraits done FIRST. That way they can get their attention and get those trickier photos “out of the way”. As a photographer I can then move onto the list of family portraits that need to be done without having to accomodate for the pups needs (like potty breaks). As a photographer we try our hardest to make sure things run on time and efficiently. This is another tip for getting through the family photos time.

  • Once the pupper has had their close ups done and the ceremony is over the handler can then bring your pup back home or to a designed spot for the evening. Then your handler can come back and party with the rest of your guests.

the breakdown

having them a part of the

 Ceremony

HAVING THEM A PART OF THE

Photo Time

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:

RECOMMENDED VENDORS + SERVICES

“Let our Wedding Day Dog Handler make your special day even more memorable by allowing us the honour of be your dogs chaperone for the proposal, rehearsal, wedding or vow renewal. Clients will find the experience to be stress free having a professional who’s making sure your dog is at the right place at the right time, adequately exercised, hydrated and being on his or hers best behaviour while greeting guests or walking down the isle. Prices are determined after a consultation based off the location, requests, needs, requirements and of course budget of each client.”

www.rioandco.ca
“An all-inclusive vacation destination for dogs! Some of the excursions we offer is walking, drop in visits, daycare, boarding, sitting and special events.”

www.barksandbeachesco.com
Our personal dog walker for our sweet Moira, we love Zoltan and his team. 

"We here at East End Canines Love dogs! We use the most up to date training methods available. With our approach we create lasting relationships by building trust, confidence and understanding. All of our staff is a highly trained canine professional with a deep understanding of dog behavior."

www.eastendcanines.com

EAST END CANINES
BY ZOLTAN

BARKS AND BEACHES COLLECTIVE
BY JOY HAROULA

RIO & CO. DOG WALKING INC.
BY KATHERINE LAKE

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!

"We know how important pets are to you and you cannot imagine your special day without them. Bark Bash will provide each person or couple a stress-free experience to include your pets for any special event. "

www.barkbash.ca

bark bash with joshua

"Whether your dog is a groom’s dog, dog-of-honour, a flower dog, or a VIP wedding guest, Black Dog Weddings is here to accommodate your dog’s care needs on your wedding day. 

We vow to treat your beloved dog as one of our own, complete with transportation, one-on-one dog care, a wedding day timeline for your pup, and canine first aid-ready wedding dog attendants.

www.blackdogweddings.com

black dog weddings with ASh

WHAT KIND OF TIME DO I REALLY NEED AS A PHOTOGRAPHER WITH YOUR DOG?

Having your puppers be close with the details that bring your wedding together. My example is a little Yorkie Corson with the bouquet. 
Just that. I love that classic photo when your pup takes center stage standing in front of you. I usually get my couples to kneel down to their pupper’s level and take a few steps behind their pup. It make for a great shot to showcase the details of your pupper.
Get some of their energy out while there’s a stranger around them (aka me the photographer following your pupper). I literally get my couple to walk with their pupper on a leash away from my camera and back to my camera. Interacting with one another before giving the pupper too much stimulation.

walk it out

LETTING YOUR PUPPER SHINE IN FRONT

the details

I’m sure you’ve heard of flower crowns being a part of the bridal ensemble. My opinion is to create a dog WREATH and not a dog flower crown. My reasoning may seem obvious but the way a wreath sit around their collar instead of around their head is much more manageable.

flower wreaths

I like to have these right after your first look (if you’re having one) or right at the start of your couple portraits. That way they aren’t over stimulated from the day and happy to be with you before returning home or going with a handler for the day. This time frame I ask that they be around for 20 minutes.

Formal Photo Time

If you want them to be part of the extended family photos (yay!) then again I would get these done first so they can retreat to their dog handler/care taker. This would take 10 minutes.

Extended Family Photos

WEDDING DAY TIMELINE for your dog

  • Can my dog be a part of my day? What parts are they allowed to be present for? Ceremony, Getting Ready, Reception, etc.

  • Do you allow for our dog to stay the duration of our time here if they have a handler?

  • Are there specific spots they are/aren’t allowed to be during their time with us?

  • Are their options or services you provide for dogs at your venue?

WHEN INQUIRING WITH YOUR VENUE/LOCATION FOR YOUR DOG ASK:

1:00pm – Getting Ready with Partner 1 (Photographer Arrives)

1:30pm – Head over to Partner 2

1:40pm – Getting Ready with Partner 2

1:50pm – Into Outfit

2:00pm – First Look with Parents

2:05pm – First Look with Wedding Party (if there is one)

2:10pm – Head over to First Look Location

2:20pm – First Look with Couple

2:25pm – First Look with Pupper (yes we will have them turn and see you)

2:30pm – Couples Portraits with Pupper

3:00pm – Pupper can leave and get ready for Ceremony

3:30pm – Couples Portraits with Just Each Other

4:00pm – Wedding Party Photos

4:30pm – Family Photos

4:50pm – Get Ready for Ceremony

5:00pm – Ceremony Start Time

5:20pm – Ceremony End Time (Cocktail Hour Begins)

5:25pm – Extended Family Photos

5:40pm – Pupper’s Portraits (as the couple joins the cocktail hour)

6:20pm – Reception Begins

6:30pm – Dinner is Served

6:35pm – Couples First Dance

6:40pm – Special Family Dances

6:45pm – Cake Cutting (if there is one)

6:50pm – Sparkler “Exit” (even with just the immediate family or wedding party for some final photos)

7:00pm – Photographer Leaves

FIRST LOOK – SUMMER OUTDOOR WEDDING – 1 LOCATION

6 hour schedule

1:00PM – GETTING READY WITH PARTNER 1 (PHOTOGRAPHER ARRIVES)

1:30PM – HEAD OVER TO PARTNER 2

1:40PM – GETTING READY WITH PARTNER 2

1:50PM – INTO OUTFIT

2:00PM – FIRST LOOK WITH PARENTS

2:05PM – FIRST LOOK WITH WEDDING PARTY (IF THERE IS ONE)

2:10PM – HEAD OVER TO FIRST LOOK LOCATION

2:20PM – FIRST LOOK WITH COUPLE

2:25PM – FIRST LOOK WITH PUPPER (YES WE WILL HAVE THEM TURN AND SEE YOU)

2:30PM – COUPLES PORTRAITS WITH PUPPER

3:00PM – PUPPER CAN LEAVE AND GET READY FOR CEREMONY

3:30PM – COUPLES PORTRAITS WITH JUST EACH OTHER

4:00PM – WEDDING PARTY PHOTOS

4:30PM – FAMILY PHOTOS

4:50PM – GET READY FOR CEREMONY

5:00PM – CEREMONY START TIME

5:20PM – CEREMONY END TIME (COCKTAIL HOUR BEGINS)

5:25PM – EXTENDED FAMILY PHOTOS

5:40PM – PUPPER’S PORTRAITS (AS THE COUPLE JOINS THE COCKTAIL HOUR)

6:20PM – RECEPTION BEGINS

6:30PM – DINNER IS SERVED

6:35PM – COUPLES FIRST DANCE

6:40PM – SPECIAL FAMILY DANCES

6:45PM – CAKE CUTTING (IF THERE IS ONE)

RECEPTION CONTINUES

8:00PM – DANCE FLOOR OPENS

8:30PM – SUNSET COUPLES SESSION BRING YOUR PUPPER (10 – 15 MINS)

8:45PM – SPARKLER “EXIT” (EVEN WITH JUST THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY OR WEDDING PARTY FOR SOME FINAL PHOTOS)

9:00PM – PHOTOGRAPHER LEAVES

FIRST LOOK – SUMMER OUTDOOR WEDDING – 1 LOCATION

8 hour schedule

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.

Right In between your vows

making memories with them

on your special day

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.

First dance together

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.

first look with your pup

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.

signing the license

Photo by Adventure instead

If you're a dog parents and still looking for someone to document your day through photo OR video I'd love to chat! Toronto based and available worldwide. I'm Danica! Thanks for reading my insights here.

celebrating them

moira and i at the beaches!