Runaway Roscoe
This happy-go-lucky Labrador retriever was only 7 months old when Jill Werner and Ryan Rolf tied the knot in August 2015 in Cologne. The bowtie he’s sporting matched those worn by the groomsmen. “Roscoe was as well behaved as a puppy could be,” says Jill. “He loved all the attention and being outside—hence the big smile.”
Sitting Pretty
Florist Petals & Beans surprised Meredith Campbell and Jeff Knoblauch with a floral wreath for their dog Bullet to wear on their August 2015 wedding day; the couple loved it so much they kept it in the fridge so their pup could wear it for days following the Pequot Lakes ceremony. “She is my princess and had a fabulous day with everyone,” says Meredith. “The wreath was the icing on top of the cake.”
Dog Treats
Catherine Lavin and Harry Hopkins opted for more nontraditional cake decoration with this topper by Cherry Red Toppers. Their boxer, Stuart, and yellow Lab, Belle, sat upon a frosted throne at the couple’s November 2014 wedding at Calhoun Beach Club in Minneapolis. “In typical fashion, Stuart made sure to go up to everyone and give them lots of kisses throughout the wedding day,” says Catherine.
Love Me Tender
Elvis is a big thing for newlyweds Christy Piotrowski and Jeffrey Leintz, who were wed September 2014. Their dog, Elvis, posed for wedding photos in a white bowtie from Lulu & Luigi before switching into an Elvis costume for their Golden Valley Country Club reception. The wedding also boasted a surprise performance by a professional Elvis impersonator, who serenaded the couple for their first dance.
Three’s Company
“Having three dogs is pretty nuts,” says Lindsey Peterson, who married Nick Olson in August 2014 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. But we trust they wouldn’t have it any other way. Tonka, the golden retriever of the pack, served as ring bearer at the wedding and wore a bowtie collar from Etsy, as did brothers Carter and Barley. “They got a lot of attention,” Lindsey says. This sleek 1959 Cadillac belongs to Lindsey’s grandmother, and also served as her parents’ wedding chariot.
Pink-Ribbon Winner
Martha’s Gardens created this sweet little flower collar and ribbon for Annie Berman and Joseph Lieto’s September 2015 Lake Minnetonka wedding, before a reception at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. “He is extremely social,” Annie says of her pup Sammy, who will turn 10 this summer.
Picture-Perfect
Katie Barta and Joe Cox’s Doberman pinscher Kayne had her own collar corsage made by Ashley Fox Designs for her parents’ July 2015 wedding at Aria in Minneapolis. Kayne was present for the couple's 2014 proposal, too. Joe and Kayne were waiting in the driveway for Katie to come home--but the pup got too cold so she had to watch the surprise unfold from inside the car.
Murphy’s Law
Murphy Lee Fitzherbert Gould, aka Marvin, is a wirehaired pointing griffon and was a VIP guest at Caitlin Scott and Allan Gould’s October 2015 wedding in Excelsior. Marvin sat in the front seat of the car and in the front row of the ceremony at Pique Travel Design’s event space. “He was the first thing we saw after we walked down the aisle!” recalls Caitlin.
I Do, Too
Stella, the Staffordshire-pit bull mix, wore a Hello Hazel Co. handkerchief stamped with her seal of approval for Courtney Crowley and Erik Knutson’s April 2016 nuptials in Rochester. “Stella had a blast running around my family farm,” says Courtney. “She is the sweetest, spunkiest little spirit.”
Pet Preparations
These local vendors help dogs get ready for the big day.
Dog Threads
Founders and designers Gina and Scott Davis say: “Look good, feel good. We believe our pups should walk out of the house feeling their best.” The Long Lake-based outfitter offers classic doggie button-downs, but they also receive requests for their Hawaiian-print pet shirts and tropical bandanas once destination weddings roll around. A portion of each purchase benefits local animal rescue Secondhand Hounds.
Lucy & Co.
Minnesotans Ashley Paguyo and Ahmed El Shourbagy started online pet accessory shop Lucy & Co. to collaborate with canine-loving craftsmen. The shop features exclusive Dog Threads apparel, wedding-ready bowties and leashes, and high-end leather collars from Solid Manufacturing Co. Scroll fast, though, most collections are only available for a limited time.
Bone Adventure
With three store locations across the Twin Cities, Bone Adventure is a family business that has brought high-quality grooming and pet gear to Minnesota since 1977. Stop here for puppy bowties and stylish collars, as well as top-of-the-line toys to keep your furry friends entertained.
Nadia Cakes
Winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, Nadia Cakes makes “doggie cupcakes” so your pet can enjoy a treat at the wedding, too. Their dog-friendly mix of peanut butter and molasses turns the treat a natural brown, but they are open to other color requests. $2.75 to $3.50 each.
Lulu & Luigi
Get your pup properly cleaned up for the big day. At their three Twin Cities locations, Lulu & Luigi’s Grooming Pawlour offers luxury grooming services for your pampered pet—essential oil treatments, “pet-a-cures” and blueberry facials, along with more traditional bath and style packages.
