So, I have a confession…I spend alot of time driving for work and I have random ideas that pop into my head during the drive.  Sometimes I act on the idea and sometimes I don’t, but when the idea of having a doggie wedding for my dog (Bentley) came about, I had to follow thru with it.  Shoots like these during my off weekends give me a chance to practice my photography skills and try new settings.  Also, during a wedding, there are many situations that are out of my control (lighting, weather, church restrictions, etc.), so what better way to test my patience than to try and direct 3 dogs during a photo shoot.   I mean really, my dog doesn’t even listen to me at home, so I knew this would be a challenge..and I was up for it!!  Oh, and let me not forget that Bentley forgets that he is a dog, so I had no clue how he would act around 2 other dogs.

My friend, Dwan, brought her two Shih Tzu’s (Sophi- the bride, and Tiki- a guest) over and together we bribed the dogs with treats in an attempt for me to get the photos that I wanted.

*PETA Disclaimer: No dogs were harmed during this photo session and the food they consumed was made for dogs only.

After his shower, Bentley decides to relax in his suite before his big day.

Bentley’s groom portraits before the festivities began.

Sophi and her family are doing the final preparations for her big day.  Sophi had a bridezilla moment when her mom didn’t put her veil on the way that she wanted.  She later pulled it together.

Tiki arrives to the wedding and puts the final touches on her gift for the couple. Later she strikes a pose for the camera prior to the start of the ceremony.

Bentley waits for Sophi as she makes her way down the aisle.

They actively listen as their vows are being read and then bow their heads for a special prayer.

The each pose for their bridal portraits after the ceremony!

The couple put a lot of work into their reception details and chose a “Doggie Chic” theme with purple and gray details.

The couple and their guest enjoyed an intimate dinner reception and a tasty dessert station!

The group ended the evening on the dance floor doing the Wobble and the Electric Slide.  Sophi also shows the group how to dance Gangnam Style…and they lived “Yappily Ever After”

Terri Baskin is a Virginia wedding and lifestyle photographer. Terri is passionate about her work and has shot weddings in Virginia, Washington, DC, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia and St. Lucia! Her work has been featured on various wedding blogs such as Every Last Detail and Pretty Brass Tacks. To book her for your engagement or lifestyle session or your wedding, please contact us today!