1. Bella of the Ball
Bella, a three-legged golden retriever, traveled 24 hours to make it to this July 4, 2014 wedding in Stiles. International teachers Elizabeth Toussaint and Joe Koss adopted Bella in Honduras, and the three now live in Uruguay. Friends took turns “Bella-sitting” during the party. “Bella appeared adorably well-groomed with the kiss-print handkerchief the morning of the wedding,” Elizabeth says. “She not only calmed my husband’s nerves, but succeeded in becoming one of the stars of our big day.”
2. Perfect Pair
Half-brothers Petty and Trapp are man and woman’s best friends—Travis Nelson and Megan Duncan, that is, who were wed in September 2014 at Kalahari Resort. Flora by Jamae made each golden retriever ring-bearer their own flower collars with simulated rings attached (so the real jewels wouldn’t get lost). A doggie highlight: “I gave my mom two bones to throw in her clutch,” says Megan. “Trapp dropped his right away and Petty ended up lying on it—we burst out laughing.”
Photography by: Tara Draper Photography
3. I Love Lucy
Black Lab mix and “guest of honor” Lucy Moon looked over the Lynx Lake ceremony of Simon Scarlett and Julia Moon. The bride’s family dog was adopted seven years ago and, says Julia, “She is an absolutely beautiful soul.” To celebrate the occasion, Lucy’s everyday collar was accented with flowers from Horant’s Garden Center. The happy pup spent the August 2015 wedding day getting plenty of pets and kisses, and taking a few quick dips in the lake.
Photography by: James Stokes Photography, LLC
4. Regal Wreath
When selecting a venue for their October 2015 wedding, Courtney Heeren and Billy Zlotocha had one “non-negotiable”—that they could include Sabine, their rescued Cavalier King Charles spaniel, in the festivities. Villa Terrace turned out to be the perfect place. As for the pup’s fancy floral, it was a surprise from the bride’s parents, who had the dog wreath made by Lori Joyce, owner of Garden Party Florist. “Sabine was pretty curious about what was going on,” Courtney recalls. “Then five minutes into the ceremony, she was fast asleep.”
Photography by: The McCartney's Photography
