Why You Should Include Your Furry Friend in Your Wedding Photos: A Wedding Photographer’s Perspective

As a wedding photographer who has captured countless special moments, I’ve noticed a heartwarming trend that never fails to create magic: including dogs in wedding photos. After photographing hundreds of ceremonies, I can confidently say that having your four-legged family member present adds an extraordinary dimension to your wedding album.

They Add Genuine Joy and Spontaneity

There’s something remarkably authentic about the moments when couples interact with their dogs during photo sessions. While posed photos have their place, the genuine laughter that erupts when your pup decides to shower you with kisses in your wedding attire creates the kind of natural, joyful images that truly capture your personality as a couple.

Dogs Help Everyone Relax

Wedding days can be surprisingly tense, even for the most laid-back couples. I’ve witnessed countless times how the presence of a beloved pet helps dissolve pre-ceremony jitters. Something about petting your dog or watching them bound around in a bow tie just makes everyone’s shoulders drop and smiles emerge naturally.

They’re Part of Your Love Story

For many couples, their dog was there for their first date, the proposal, and countless moments in between. Leaving them out of wedding photos would be like excluding a family member. These photos aren’t just about documenting a ceremony – they’re about capturing your family as it exists in that moment, fur members and all.

Creating Unique Photo Opportunities

From “save the date” cards featuring your pup holding a sign, to first-look photos where your dog’s reaction steals the show, pets open up creative possibilities that make your wedding photos distinctively yours. Some of my favorite shots have been candid moments: a dog joyfully running down the aisle, sophisticated poses interrupted by enthusiastic tail wagging, or quiet moments as a couple pets their dog while taking in the magnitude of their day.

Tips for Success

From experience, I recommend having a designated “dog handler” – someone your pet knows and trusts who can manage them when they’re not in photos. Consider your dog’s temperament and plan photo sessions during their calmer hours. And remember, even if things don’t go exactly as planned (like that time a golden retriever decided to jump in the lake mid-photo session), these moments often make for the most memorable and cherished images.

One Last Thought-

While I’ve photographed elaborate ceremonies in grand venues, some of my most touching images have been simple shots of couples with their arms around each other and their dog sitting faithfully at their feet. These photos capture not just a wedding day, but a family’s love story in its entirety.

If you’re on the fence about including your dog in your wedding photos, take it from someone who has seen the magic unfold through their lens countless times – those furry family members add an irreplaceable element of joy, authenticity, and love to your wedding memories.

Remember, your wedding photos will be treasured for generations, and they should tell the complete story of your family – including the four-legged members who fill your life with unconditional love every day.

Would you like some specific examples of creative ways to incorporate dogs into wedding photos? I’d be happy to share some of my favorite setups that have worked beautifully in the past.