Including Dogs in Your Elopement: A Heartwarming Tale
Eloping in the bustling city of New York is already a thrilling adventure, but when you decide on including dogs in your elopement, it becomes a truly unforgettable experience. So, if you’re considering incorporating your four-legged friends in your ‘I do’ moment, here’s a few ideas to make it a paw-some celebration.
Dog-Friendly Elopement Location
When Clara and Noah, our featured couple and furry friends, decided to tie the knot in New York City, they knew they wanted their beloved dogs to be a part of their special day. Naturally, choosing the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge Park as their elopement venue not only provided breathtaking views of the city skyline but also offered a pet-friendly environment where their dogs could be close and share in the joy of the occasion. Luckily, there are lots of parks and venues in NYC that allow for you to bring along your pets.
Capturing Precious Moments with Your Canine Companions
As Clara and Noah exchanged vows against the backdrop of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, their dogs frolicked nearby, adding an extra layer of love and happiness to the ceremony. Including dogs in the photography sessions allows you to capture candid moments and create lasting memories that truly reflect the essence of your bond as a family. You definitely want to make sure your photographer is comfortable doing photos with dogs.
Stylish Attire for Your Furry Friends
Just like any other member of the bridal party, your dogs deserve to look their best on your wedding day. Clara and Noah adorned their pups with adorable bow ties that complemented their own attire, adding a touch of charm and whimsy to the celebration. Whether it’s dapper accessories or floral collars, incorporating stylish elements can make your furry friends feel like VIP guests at your elopement.
When Your Dog Can’t Make the Elopement
While including dogs in your elopement adds an extra layer of joy, it might not be an option to have them onsite at your wedding. Instead you could honor their importance by naming them in the ceremony. For example, I will refer to pets by name throughout the ceremony on most occasions. Another fun way to incorporate dogs into your elopements is by picking a reading just for them. For example, Taylor Mali’s poignant poem “How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog” illustrates, the bond we share with our pets mirrors the love and commitment we have for our partners.
How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog
by Taylor Mali
First of all, it’s a big responsibility,
especially in a city like New York.
So think long and hard before deciding on love.
On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security:
when you’re walking down the street late at night
and you have a leash on love
ain’t no one going to mess with you.
Because crooks and muggers think love is unpredictable.
Who knows what love could do in its own defense?
On cold winter nights, love is warm.
It lies between you and lives and breathes
and makes funny noises.
Love wakes you up all hours of the night with its needs.
It needs to be fed so it will grow and stay healthy.
Love doesn’t like being left alone for long.
But come home and love is always happy to see you.
It may break a few things accidentally in its passion for life,
but you can never be mad at love for long.
Is love good all the time? No! No!
Love can be bad. Bad, love, bad! Very bad love.
Love makes messes.
Love leaves you little surprises here and there.
Love needs lots of cleaning up after.
Sometimes you just want to get love fixed.
Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper
and swat love on the nose,
not so much to cause pain,
just to let love know Don’t you ever do that again!
Sometimes love just wants to go out for a nice long walk.
Because love loves exercise. It will run you around the block
and leave you panting, breathless. Pull you in different directions
at once, or wind itself around and around you
until you’re all wound up and you cannot move.
But love makes you meet people wherever you go.
People who have nothing in common but love
stop and talk to each other on the street.
Throw things away and love will bring them back,
again, and again, and again.
But most of all, love needs love, lots of it.
And in return, love loves you and never stops.
Conclusion
As Clara, Noah, and their dogs basked in the love and warmth of their Brooklyn Bridge Park elopement, it was evident that including their furry friends had made their celebration even more meaningful and memorable. Whether it’s through choosing dog-friendly venues, capturing precious moments with photography, styling their attire, or incorporating dogs into your elopement with a reading it can add a unique and heartwarming touch to your special day. So, if you’re considering saying ‘I do’ with your canine companions by your side, embrace the joy and love they bring, and let them be a part of your journey towards forever.
If you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding in New York City, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need ideas or advice for something magical. Or give me a call or text me at (646) 456-4555 or email me at Jackie@JackieReinking.com. As an experienced New York wedding officiant, I can help you plan the perfect ceremony, dreamy locations and make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
#TeamReinking Vendors:
officiant | Jackie Reinking New York Elopement Officiant
photos | Sascha Reinking Photography
team | Jackie and Sascha, the New York Elopement Team
