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Let a pet sitter help
The idea of couples including dogs in their weddings is becoming so popular Gray Moore has built an entire business around it. Dog Tired on Johns Island offers a wedding nanny service. Moore started the business 10 years ago and it has grown along with Charleston's popularity as a destination wedding city and with people's increasing love for their pets.
By using a pet service no one in the wedding party has the added stress of handling the dog, Moore said. She suggests working with a company that has experience with dogs and is licensed and insured. Moore requires dogs be leashed at all times during the photo shoot and ceremony, so brides should think about getting a nice leash for the day along with whatever else the dog might wear. Moore has seen pups in bow ties and veils and even in pearls and dog-sized cuff links.
Dogs in the wedding party
Jordan Proffitt also couldn't imagine not including her mini-Beagle, Cortana, in her Aug. 31 wedding at Boone Hall Plantation. Cortana was the "flower puppy," decked out in a little dress and flower collar.
The best man walked Cortana down the aisle and she sat quietly throughout the ceremony. Even though Proffitt didn't hire a professional dog nanny, she recommends having at least one person in charge of the dog so the bride and groom aren't worried about their pet.
Picture this: Dogs in wedding photos
Local wedding planners are seeing this trend increase as couples continue to make Charleston one of the top spots for weddings. And as couples wait longer to get married, live together first and get joint pets, it's likely this trend will be sticking around.
Dana Cubbage photographs a lot of weddings and actually got her start in weddings through pet photography.
"I love it when clients want to include their fur-babies in their engagement session, bridal portrait session or wedding day photos," she said. "Photographing pets comes with its own set of challenges, so if including their pets is super important to them, they should really look for a photographer who has experience with pets. It can make all the difference."
She recommends
hiring someone to help with the dog on the wedding day, including during the photo session. And maximizing the photo time is key to getting great pictures.
"Dogs are family and I can totally see why so many people choose to include them on their wedding day," she said
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