Not until dogs became an intricate part of my immediate family unit did I pay any attention to the steady increase of couples including their pets in weddings.
When Kelsie McKenzie of It’s Dog or Nothing got married and incorporated her two gorgeous fluffy Pyrenes into their big day – I thought the photos were stunning. #seeforyourself
In 2013 we attended a wedding and to this day it still remains one of my all time favorites. The bride, the location, the cultural infusion – it was a fabulous afternoon. But I was mesmerized when the brides stunning doberman (Zeppelin) pranced down the aisle (in lieu of a bell ringer) bearing a sign around his neck… #herecomesmymommy
All photos taken by the insanely awesome Amanda Gilley of AG Photography
She (the bride) couldn’t have asked for a grander prelude to her walk down the aisle.
Some of you may know that our daughter Tiffany is getting married later this year.
Some of you may also know Tiffany convinced me to be a two doodle household and “Doodle – dared” me to start Groovy Goldendoodles™
Multiple times both she and her intended have expressed interest in The Boys participating in their special day. I would be lying if I told you I wasn’t giving the idea serious consideration. #Idreamaboutit #justsaying
I mean, if you’re going to build your wedding party with family and friends, why not add your favorite furry companions to that list?…
HOWEVER
The Boys are just not ready for this. At least one of them isn’t. #canyouguess?
For the past several days we’ve been in SC running around like crazy humans, dragging doodles along with us. #loveCharleston #petfriendly
We’ve met with florists and event planners, had make-up appointments and photo shoots and experienced a little weight gain from food & cake tastings, all in preparation for the big day.
While Harley did well following instructions during the engagement photo shoot…
All Jax wanted to do was pull towards me…
Or should I say pull towards “anything”…
They were both angelic during a quick stop for the Groom’s fitting #airconditioning…
Pamela, the wedding planner had a great time with both Harley & Jax. She was looking forward to them being present on Tiffany’s wedding day. She said there has definitely been an increase with family pets (mostly dogs) participating in weddings lately…
As much as I would LOVE this – We will have to forego adding the Boys as part of the “official” wedding party. I will have too much on my “to-do’” list as the MOB and I think Doodle Dad will be twice as emotional as I that day. #basketcaseforsure
As I stated before, it’s a beach wedding, and while I know their presence would make people “ooh and aah” I can’t bear the thought of the bride having to chase a Doodle in her wedding gown… #itcouldhappen
If your contemplating whether to include your pet in your wedding day activities –
I found a wonderful article from the Bridal Guide –
What To Consider Before Including Your Pet In The Wedding
They address things I would have never thought of.
For instance –
- Consider your pet’s personality
- Confirm that pets are allowed in your ceremony facility
- Don’t jeopardize safety for style
- Inform your guests
- Notify your photographer
- Book a pet sitter
Tiffany and John both understand and agree this might be too much for them at this time.
Jax is just too young, and right now Harley is seriously playing the “am I my brothers keeper” role. Wherever “shorty” goes he believes he must follow!
With the entire family in agreement, there was no more pressure and they spent the rest of the afternoon having fun, exploring and hanging out on the beach!…
BEFORE I GO…
Have you entered our Mothers Day Contest?
Don’t fret –
There’s still time, entires will be excepted until 11:59pm Wednesday (April 6th).
Click here NOW – read the full details and enter either yourself, or anyone else you believe is a “Super Pet Mom”
The prize is extraordinary – One customized 3D model of your pet (valued at approx. $270.00) compliments of PetPrints3D #checkitout
Be kind to someone and as always, thank you for sharing us with your friends!
May 5, 2015
Cathy!!!! Sounds like the wedding should be “Doodle-less” based on what you’ve shared BUT I know that was long-pondered decision for you I’m sure. Meanwhile, I am LOVING all your photos (no surprise!) and find this post to be moving and poignant even though perhaps that wasn’t your angle. Perhaps it’s because Tiffany is getting married and starting a new chapter, perhaps it’s because I know how you will be as you say overly-emotional LOL but overall, I just feel endless joy for you and your loving family. I am thinking of you all xoxo ~ Mayra @mayraruiz
May 5, 2015
Hey Mayra – One thing for sure, if I add human content to my blog post, you can’t resist commenting. #toofunny I always know when I’m going to hear from you 🙂 Such a fan, and I love you for it! Yes, Doodle-less wedding this fall. But I’m “OK” with it. They had a great time this past week, the photographer fell in love with them and we have tons of photos – so their memories with Tiffany and John have already been made. We’re good!
May 5, 2015
A good decision. But I know how hard it is. Many times when I go to friends’ houses for dinner or for a visit they will say “you didn’t bring the doodles?” Truth is. I have learned that the doodles are much happier at home and well, I am a bit calmer with them at home and not figuring out ways to get into mischief at a friends’ house. I love that folks invite them — how loving and kind! But the doodles and I agree — home is the best place.
May 5, 2015
I’m thinking Deirdre this is best for all. It could be one hot mess and I’d never forgive myself. My nephew always says “you’ve got to know your personnel” LOL
May 5, 2015
What a wonderful weekend and a wonderful post. I now have a better understanding why my doodle bothers won’t be at the wedding. I’m just grateful they were able to come and share in all the memories this weekend.
May 5, 2015
Tiffany, I think between the photographer and myself we have enough photos of them from this weekend to feel as if they participated. Just don’t want you running down the beach after Jax. #notcute 🙂
May 5, 2015
Mom says with one dog, maybe, but with the three of us no way, even two is really pushing it. Too much room for disaster on an already stressful day, but if it was just a small affair, then maybe. Mom can’t imagine not including us, but she feels it would not go well.
May 5, 2015
We tried everything we could to make this work, but I really don’t see it happening Emma. They will be fine away from the madness, and I will be elated to see them upon my return and let them put me back together with their doodle kisses.
May 5, 2015
Congrats on such a wonderful celebration to come! So happy for all of you! It’s funny because this morning I was listening to “I loved her first” my Heartland, and I thought of you (us) because it’s almost like Harley/Wrigley could be singing the first verse to Jax/Piper… but then it’s actually a really gorgeous song from a Father of the Bride perspective. If Doodle Dad isn’t already familiar with it, you should play it for him! #happytears!
May 5, 2015
Amanda, I will certainly suggest it! I don’t think they have a song picked out yet so good looking out. How’s your pack doing these days?
May 5, 2015
I hope it will be lovely day!
May 5, 2015
Frada – I’m shooting for a Doodle*tastic Day!
May 5, 2015
Always good to minimize the wedding stress, but I can tell you’d love for them to be there with you. Maybe photos in a locket? Congrats on the upcoming nuptials; no doubt it’ll be simply pawsome! 🙂
May 5, 2015
Monika, I am at peace with them away from the madness. Harley feeds off of my emotions on a normal day, can’t imagine how stressed out he would be because of me. We will figure out a way to incorporate them into the day. I’m sure!
May 5, 2015
What a fun day!
May 5, 2015
It was a glorious weekend JoAnna, really special.
May 5, 2015
I think more and more people are considering their dogs as family or children. So they think their children should be included in their big day. I can understand their perspective, but weddings are already such a stressful day that adding a dog could take a bride to stress overload. However, your tip was great to hire a pet sitter, that way the dog is taken care of.
BeAUTIFUL Photos. I love reading your posts, Cathy! Great Job.
May 5, 2015
Thanks Cara – In my dream state I would adore having them there, but if I’m going to be completely “real” and look at this w/o the rose colored glasses, I’ve got to leave them home. It would be cruel to them also. And I never want to purposely “place” them in an environment where they are afraid.
May 5, 2015
Oh my Gosh Cathy. Congratulations, and congratulations to Tiffany. You are absolutely correct about the Nerves. Although I was not a MOB, I was a MOS. my youngest Son got married 4-29-2015, in Las Vegas, and all I could do was sit and cry. All sorts of emotions flood in and take over, Happiness, Releif, Fear. Sorrow… I mean, I went through the complete gamut of emotions. I know your Beach Wedding will be absolutely breathtaking. I know poor little Jax would love to be in the wedding, or should I say – take over the Wedding lol but you’re right, for that Very Special day a Pet Sitter is the only answer. I can’t wait to see some pictures & be sure to have a nice frilly hanky, or maybe two 🙂
May 5, 2015
Thanks Claudette. I know exactly how you feel. I fell apart at the reception food tasting. The hotel staff got so concerned – they thought I didn’t like the food 🙂 I’m looking forward to it really – I love her intended, and even though the boys won’t be there, I intend to have a wonderful time. Congratulations on your son’s wedding. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
May 5, 2015
Great tips! When I get married someday, I absolutely plan to include my dog and these are great things to consider in preparation.
May 5, 2015
Cool Jessica! We will keep our paws and fingers crossed that it will be soon… Luna will do spectacular I’m sure!
May 5, 2015
But, but, but…. They’re already in wedding colors!
Okay, it looks like you made a great decision, based on both your needs and the needs of your dogs. But I can’t help but wish that the dogs could be in the wedding party. They’re so adorable! I’d love to see them.
@JeanDion from Welcome to the Menagerie
May 5, 2015
I know Jean – trust me, I have moments when I’m thinking “you can do this” but all I have to do is look at a few photos I took (real bloopers) this past week, and I am slapped back into reality. Maybe if I only had one dog, maybe if Jax was a little older, maybe if Harley wasn’t that protective and such a doodle guard. But the fact is they are all that AND a bag of chips, so I’m sticking to my “responsible adult” decision #hum-bug and leaving them home 🙁
May 6, 2015
I’m sure the wedding will be beautiful, and Harley and Jax will be happy at home, Cathy.
May 7, 2015
I agree with you Rachele – I am truly at peace with my decision and the kids are too. They got their photos with the photographer last week so the memories are already there.
May 7, 2015
Great pictures. Good advice. Perfect decision. I think including all family members — where you can — and remembering that dogs are dogs is a really smart thing. Looks like it will be one special moment after another!
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
May 7, 2015
Thanks Susan – sometimes you’ve just got to do what’s best for them and not try to think of yourself.
May 8, 2015
Back when I got married, I hadn’t even had a dog in my life yet! But if I got married now, what fun it would be to include them (I loved Kelsie’s pictures too). But you are right that the dogs have to have the right personality and be ready for something like that. Everyone will have enough to deal with and worry about on that day, so you don’t want to add additional stress. Puppies can definitely be stressful, even when they’re so adorable like Jax!
Maybe you can bring them to the reception later when things are winding down? Just a thought. You must be getting so excited!