How to Incorporate Your Pets into Your Wedding: Top Tips

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ALL ABOUT Jon

I'm Jon: tea-lover, husband, father, photographer, writer, book-worm, teacher, cricket-watcher, Peak-District explorer. Not necessarily in that order!
I cover weddings all over the UK (and occasionally abroad) and tell the story of each day - moment by moment.

I'm Jon

Tips and Tricks for a Paw-some Experience!

Getting hitched and want to involve your furry, feathered, or even scaled family member in the festivities? After all, pets are part of our families too, so why wouldn’t you want to include them in your wedding photos? As a seasoned wedding photographer and an enthusiastic pet lover, I’m here to guide you on this pet-iculiar journey. So, strap in and hold onto those leashes and feathers – we’re about to dive into the wonderful world of pet-friendly wedding photography.

Preparing Your Pet for the Big Day

You’d be amazed at how good some pets look in pearls! But let’s start with the basics. Grooming is the name of the game here, folks. A fresh wash, a spiffy haircut, and maybe even some pet-friendly cologne (yes, it exists!). Dressing up your pet could add some extra charm. A dapper bow tie or a delightful floral collar could do the trick. But remember, comfort is key – nobody wants a grumpy groomsmen on four legs!

We all know practice makes perfect. Acclimate your pet to the wedding environment to avoid a case of the wedding day jitters. Teach them how to strike a pose, walk down the aisle, or simply stay put. Remember, patience and treats are your best friends during this process.

Rachel proved that you can take your horse to your wedding — Horses ***love*** a wedding bouquet!

Communicating with Your Wedding Photographer

Surprises are great, but not when it comes to your wedding photographer and your pet. Make sure they’re prepared for your furry (or scaly, or feathery) plus one. As an experienced pet-wedding photographer, I appreciate knowing about your pet’s antics, quirks, and whether they’re prone to photobombing.

Collaborate with your photographer for creative ideas – think ‘dog with a ring bearer sign’ or ‘cat peeping out of the bridal bouquet’. It’s all paws-sible!

Choosing the Right Moments for Pet Inclusion

Including pets in the ‘I do’ moment is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get! So, you might prefer to include them in the pre-ceremony or post-ceremony photoshoots where things are a bit more relaxed.

Think twice before letting them loose at the reception – we wouldn’t want your pet making off with the roast beef or disrupting Aunt Sally’s allergy!

Assigning a Pet Handler for the Day

A ‘bestie for your beastie’ is essential on your big day. This could be a dedicated friend, family member, or professional pet sitter. They will ensure that your pet is looked after, fed, and most importantly, prevented from chasing the neighbourhood squirrels during your vows.

Capturing Candid Moments with Your Pet

The magic often lies in candid moments. That impromptu roll on the grass or the wide-eyed fascination with the flower arrangements might just provide the most aww-worthy shots.

Work with your photographer to capture the right mix of candid and posed shots. This way, you’ll have a wedding album that perfectly captures your pet’s unique character and your bond with them.

In conclusion, including your pet in your wedding photos doesn’t have to be a doggone stress-fest. With some preparation, a sense of humour, and the right photographer (ahem, that’s me!), you can create a truly paw-some wedding day experience. So, are you ready to make some beautiful, and slightly fur-covered memories? Give me a bark…err…I mean, call today, and let’s chat!

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