Why Do So Many Couples Want to Include Their Dog in Their Wedding?

Couples including their dog in their wedding is nothing new necessarily, but in the past few years it has become much more popular.

We are asked often why couples incorporate their pups into their wedding. If you’re a dog person, then you already know the answer to this, but for those that might not fully understand what it is we do & why couples utilize our service, we’re here with some insight.

Photo credit: Marc Edwards Photographs

When we first started our “wedding day pet care” company in 2015, there was not one other business offering this service in the US.

(During our initial research way back when, we discovered just one company in Italy that seemed to be offering something similar to ours)

We were inspired while working in events at a hotel, realizing how many people wanted to have their dog as a part of their celebration, but the logistics of it all left them too overwhelmed to make it happen. We can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard someone say “I wish you were around when we got married!”.

We KNEW this was a thing, couples wanted their furry best friends to be a part of their day, but there were no solutions for how to get them to & from the venue, or for who would take responsibility for them or how to ensure Fido was well behaved around Mom’s beautiful white dress. That’s when the lightbulb went off.

WE could be the solution.

Photo credit: Cami Z Photography

We put our dream job into action when two close relatives were each set to be married within the same year. It all started to click when we made plans for their individual pups, one that was an older, gentle soul named Denver & the other a hyper, very excitable puppy named Harper.

We realized each wedding day would be different, each pet’s personality unique & their involvement in the day would vary.

When each respective wedding day rolled around, we were confronted with something we never could have fully anticipated; the IMPACT the pup’s presence would have on not only the couple, but on the bridal party, the guests & even the vendors!

Photo credit: Pezz Photo

Emotions on a wedding day are at an all time high - hope, excitement, fear of the unknown all wrapped up into this new & mysterious feeling. While the pup may not know exactly what this day represents - some are even adorably certain the day is about them - they do pick up on these emotions & it’s our experience, that they tend to just innately know exactly what it is we need.

We’ll never forget the moment before Harper walked down the aisle five years ago. You could feel the anticipation as the groom nervously awaited his bride, tears beginning to well up as the eyes of every guest rested on him, that is until his pup came strutting down. Harper made it a point to say “hello” to all of her friends, but saved the best for last when she was finally able to give a few much needed kisses to her Dad. It was a brief, but profound moment that brought an uncontrollable smile to everyone in the room.

And now that our sweet Denver has passed, the photos of him in his tuxedo looking so content with his Mom & Dad are irreplaceable & will help preserve precious memories for an eternity. Nothing can compare to the love that was shared on that special day & we are so grateful he was there to celebrate with the entire family.

You see, a dog is much more to many of us than just a pet.

They are FAMILY. They are our best friends.

One of the first questions we ask when meeting a new potential client is, “Did one of you bring your pup into the relationship or did you get them together?”. For so many, their dog was their first love, their baby. For others, they may have helped create an unbreakable bond that strengthened one’s relationship, leading to the realization they are in fact ready for the next step.

Photo credit: Ocean Bound Media

They bring an incomparable joy to the room, prompting us to slow down & simply live in the present moment. A tongue-out, tail-wagging reminder that we are exactly where we’re supposed to be.

Throughout all of life’s ups & downs, twists & turns, our pup’s unwavering love is always at our side, a lovable constant in an ever-changing world.

And, in our opinion, it’s exactly that kind of love should be brought to & recognized on one’s wedding day because, frankly, there is nothing else like it.

Photo credit: Monika Gauthier

We’ll just go ahead & say it,

all you need in life is love… & a dog!

Congrats to Our Friends at AGoldPhoto on a Huge Milestone - $100k Raised for the Animals!

Our friends at AGold Photo Pet Photography just hit a big milestone & we want to take a moment to recognize a truly incredible achievement:

$100k in donations raised for animal charities across the country!

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Their efforts began in July 2016 with their first Pet Photo Shoot Fundraiser. Every photo shoot is a unique event where people can bring their pets to get professional photos taken, while raising money for an animal related organization.

The events are often held at breweries or bars making it a fun & social experience for pets & their humans! They host about 100 each year & travel all over the country.

They are heading out this summer for a road trip starting in Florida and ending in Utah where they aim to photograph 200 dogs & raise $7000 for animal charities.

Interested in signing your pet up for a photo shoot that will benefit animal welfare? Check out their schedule to see if they are holding an event near you!

AGold Photo offers other pet photography services, such as In Home & Office pet photo shoots. While their main focus is on the pets, they will occasionally have people (with their pets!) in front of the camera, too.

Congrats & THANK YOU to our friends & colleagues for their incredible dedication to the animals!

Your efforts are appreciated by so many!