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This was originally posted by Amanda Hedgepeth Photography In honor of officially announcing Ashley and Chris’ engagement! Such a beautiful couple, although I am a bit prejudiced since Ashley is our daughter. But that’s to be expected, right? “These two … Continue reading
After the flamingos hired us to do their wedding, word must have gotten around. Now we were approached by this wonderful canine duo who wanted a small but special wedding for family and a few close friends.
Rusty and Samantha met at doggie day care. Even though Sam is an older woman (by a year), Rusty was instantly smitten. And how could he resist those big brown eyes and soft golden hair?!
Obviously it was love at first sight! Rusty came home that night and informed his mom Ashley that he’d met “the one”! He couldn’t stop dancing around the room and wagging his tail!
From that day on, Rusty and Sam were inseparable. He taught her to play ball; she taught him the correct way to bond with cats without getting his nose scratched! He taught her how to swim (even though she was a bit scared of the pool at first, he gradually coaxed her down the steps and into the water). They even went to one of the local parks and went down the slide! The result – two Golden Retrievers who could swim together, play ball in the pool, and go on all kinds of adventures!
They had a lot of fun dates together, and one of their favorites, of course, was going out for ice cream together. They had no trouble sharing the same bowl, and didn’t argue about who had more! And since Ashley paid for it, that was even better! 
It wasn’t long before Rusty made the decision that he just had to propose to his lady love; he just didn’t know when to do it, or how she’d react! He thought about a Christmas engagement, but decided Valentine’s Day was much more appropriate.
So he planned the perfect evening. With the help of his mom, he selected a gorgeous ring, and even bought flowers and special Valentine treats for them to enjoy. He was a bit nervous, but when Sam’s mom dropped her off at Rusty’s house, he KNEW as soon as he saw her it would be a perfect evening! And it was!
But yes, he was more nervous as the time grew closer to “pop the question”! What if she said no? What if she didn’t like the ring? What if he dropped it and couldn’t find it? Poor Rusty….he was really starting to get to be a mess.
But then he remembered his mom had told him everything would be fine, after all, when Chris had proposed to her, he was a bit nervous, and even dropped the ring, but everything had turned out great. So why should he worry!?
Arf, arf……
But after dinner he got his nerve up, put the ring on his nose like he’d planned, and, well, the rest is history….of course she said yes! And she proudly wore the ring, and showed it off every chance she got!
Of course, planning a wedding for two golden retrievers was, well interesting, to say the least, because they really had their own ideas of what they wanted. Rusty and Sam’s moms suggested a double wedding for when Rusty’s mom Ashley and her fiancé Chris got married, but that idea was quickly vetoed. They wanted their own day! And who can blame them?
They wanted something simple but pretty. The other dogs from day care as their wedding guests. And of course, their doggie parents and grandparents and Rusty’s favorite vet!
They selected the friends they wanted to be in the wedding, and chose their flowers, but then…where to hold the ceremony? It had to be just right. Something that reflected their personalities!
Well, where else but beside Rusty’s pool in his mommy’s back yard! Complete with rubber ducks, of course! Then they could always jump in and take a swim during the reception if they felt like it! Needless to say, the swimming wasn’t an idea that Rusty’s grandparents were overjoyed about, but anyway…..they wanted everyone to be happy!
So the big day arrived. It was beautiful and warm and sunny. A perfect day around the pool for a wedding. All of their friends couldn’t wait! They were so excited!
The wedding party was perfect. The best man and groomsman were perfectly dressed in their bow ties, and the ring dog, well, he performed his duties impeccably! He didn’t even drop the rings!
The maid of honor and bridesmaids and flower dog…well, what can we say…
However, as always, the bride and groom were absolutely beautiful… can you say that about the groom? Well, let’s make that handsome! Although Sam did make him change his tie after the ceremony. And lose the hat!
And of course, no wedding is complete without the perfect wedding cake. And this one certainly suited Rusty and Sam perfectly!
It was an absolutely perfect day, and after the reception, and a send off of bubbles, Rusty and Sam drove away for a romantic honeymoon in the Outer Barks.
Their photographer also presented them with a lovely photo album of their special day!
And after all the fun and festivities, well, a lot of their friends got ideas of weddings as well that day! And we got to plan their weddings, too!
NOTE: Even though not all of these pictures are actually Rusty and Sam themselves, Rusty and Sam are actually a real doggie couple who are totally devoted to each other and are really sort of engaged! And you know how we just adore love stories….
Photo Sources: 1st Row: chickensmoothie.com – 2nd Row: personal files – 3rd Row: personal files – 4th Row: sweetspotbakes.com; source unknown – 5th Row: theknot.com; elizabethandjane.ca- 6th Row: personal files – Amanda Hedgepeth Photography – 7th Row: source unknown – 8th Row: personal files – 9th Row: source unknown; animalsinbowties.com; source unknown; quoteco.com; source unknown; source unknown – 10th Row: via pinterest; via pinterest; via pinterest; threegreenleavesphotography; via pinterest; source unknown; source unknown – 11th Row: seabreezebeachresort.com –12th Row: thecleverlittlecupcakecompany – 13th Row: source unknown – 14th Row: createdbyfig.com – 15th Row: chaseandsnap.com; mypethaven.com; trendhunter.com; nandinagoldens.com; source unknown; abbyadealblue.com; kellyprizel.com
It’s tradition. As the happy couple exits the reception, or even sometimes as they exit the church after the ceremony and head to the reception, everyone gets the opportunity to throw something at them. Or shall we say, toss something over them. Something lightweight that won’t HURT them that is!
Where did that tradition start, anyway? Well, in earlier times the throwing of rice over the newlywed couple symbolized fertility and prosperity. In fact in some countries, dates or figs are still tossed at the departing couple. However, I’d really hate to be hit in the head or face with dates or figs! They can hurt, not to mention what they could do to that pretty white dress!
When my husband and I were married, it was still rice. And sometimes when that rice hits you just right, it can sting! And I can tell you, it took weeks to get all the rice out of our car, because one of our guests decided it would be really fun to throw a whole big handful at us as we got in the car. In fact, when we finally sold it, there was probably still some rice in there hiding between the seats!
But rumors started many years ago that rice tends to expand in the tummies of the birds that eat it afterwards, making them sick or even causing them to die, and rice became no longer acceptable. Truth is, birds eat rice in the wild all the time, and we’ve never seen any exploding birds. Birdseed or sunflower seeds have since replaced it at a lot of weddings, and I’m sure the birds are more than happy about that! They still get a great dinner, just like the wedding guests! It’s your basic win-win situation! Normally the birdseed is wrapped in little tulle bags that can easily be opened to toss the contents…please don’t throw the bag itself like I’ve seen some guests do as a joke! It sort of hurts!
But today, many couples are opting for other items to be tossed over their heads, or even having certain things waved at them as they leave! It’s all up to how creative they want to be!
For military weddings, the arch of swords/sabers is normally used as the couple leaves the ceremony, and we love that tradition! We hope all of you military couples who are eligible to participate in it take advantage of the pageantry, because it has such special meaning! (And don’t forget the cake cutting with the sword that is also used!)
There are a lot of other getaway ideas that are being used today, that are really fun, and innovative! The possibilities are endless, and so much more fun when tied into the theme of the wedding. (Except when you get to the clean up, but then again, you’re definitely going to have someone ELSE do that!)
Bear in mind that many venues have rules as to what can be thrown due to safety reasons. Even though bubbles are quite popular with brides and grooms, and are actually inexpensive (and make for a great photo op), bubbles have a tendency to “pop” sometimes in places that will make the floor quite slippery, especially if it’s a wooden deck or a tiled floor. And no one wants the responsibility of someone slipping on bubbly soap residue! Outside on concrete or grass, or on the beach, is a different story! However, watch out for your dress, because some of that bubble mixture can also stain those delicate fabrics!
Flower petals or lavender have become very popular as well. Silk flower petals are pretty, but have you ever tried to toss silk rose petals? Doesn’t work too well. So you need real ones, which will need to be used no later than the day you pick them up, because as they age, they have a tendency to turn brown. Plus they can be slippery on certain surfaces. Lavender also works well, and has a nice aroma to it. And you can put them in such adorable containers! Some couples have even used colorful fall leaves for an autumn wedding. But just be careful what kind you use, because you want them to land on the newlyweds, and not on the people around you!
How about using confetti? Either paper confetti, or some of the bright, colorful mylar pre-packaged confetti you buy at the party or craft stores? Or even sequins! However, talk about being hard to get out of your hair, or your veil, or your clothes! That stuff just likes to stay everywhere! Again, be sure to check with your venue, because you’re going to have to have someone to clean it up really well! I remember one New Year’s Eve party at our house when my brilliant husband decided to toss two huge trash bags of paper punch confetti he’d been collecting for the past year. He almost wore out our vacuum cleaner the next couple of days! (Notice I said HE!) And for several years we were still finding little pieces of it hidden behind furniture!
You can also use any number of different shaped paper punches and scrapbook paper or vellum to make your own confetti in any number of little shapes! (We really like the idea of snowflakes for a winter wedding!) But again, the clean up can be rather interesting!
And you don’t have to just toss the confetti as the couple is leaving. This couple had it all totally dumped on them as soon as they were pronounced husband and wife! Wonder how long it took to get it out of her hair!
Pinwheels and ribbon streamers are a novel touch to wave at the couple as they depart, and they can also be used for favors! Little bells or even your choice of miniature musical instruments can be used as the couple either leaves the ceremony or the reception. Again, great wedding favors, and no clean up!
For a beach wedding, we really do like the idea of tossing little miniature beach balls, either in the wedding theme colors, or even printed with the couple’s name and wedding date on it. But beware, do NOT let the kids get their hands on these and start a beach ball fight at the reception! That could be, well, a bit tricky, shall we say! Use them as the bride and groom leave the reception. And then, even better, the kids will probably do the clean up for you, because they’ll enjoy their new toys!
We’ve even found this idea of hanging piñatas around and breaking them over the couple as they exit! The piñatas make great décor, and you never know what could be in them! Confetti (most likely), candy, who knows!
And sparklers are really popular now, and the pictures some photographers have taken with the sparkler exits have been absolutely amazing! However, there are also some venues that will not allow sparklers to be used because of the potential for fire. Plus, you do need to make sure that everyone who has their hands on a sparkler is well, shall we say, un-intoxicated enough to be trusted with them! You certainly don’t need singed hair or burned clothing!
We would, however, caution against a couple of things. Silly string, while fun at a birthday party or even a bachelor or bachelorette party, should be a big NO at your wedding. Not only can it get all over your wedding gown, it can also potentially stain your guests’ clothes, as well as those rented tuxes! Not a good idea! And we also found this idea of shooting a cork “gun” as the happy couple goes by for a western theme wedding. However, we honestly don’t think this is a great idea either! How about you!?
As a final suggestion though, has anyone thought about tossing money? Not coins, please, because that could really hurt! But a bunch of fives or tens, well…that would be a great thing to try….make them into paper airplanes, even? Hmmm….on second thought, that could really start a bit of a mad dash to grab the cash, so, let’s stick to some of these other ideas and give the happy couple their money in the form of checks or gift cards!
However, it’s YOUR wedding….we’re just there to plan and make sure everything goes the way you want it!
Photo Sources: 1st Row: samanthascottevents.com – 2nd Row: emgpublicatios.wordpress; gianmedinatale.com – 3rd Row: source unknown; source unknown; marthastewartweddings.com- 4th Row: amandapair.com; brides.com; warfighterdiaries.com – 5th Row: milbodas.net- 6th Row: elnovato.com; onewed.com – 7th Row: blog.glendaloughman.or; bp.blogspot; itsabrideslife.com; ebonypeoples.com; rhondapattonweddings.com – 8th Row: minted.com; blovedweddings.com; icingdesignonline.blogspot; bklynbrideonline.com – 9th Row: marthastewartweddings.com; via etsy; marthastewartweddings.com – 10th Row: pocketfulofdreams.co.uk – 11th Row: marthastewartweddings.com; lunaandchloeweddings.com; iloveswmag.com –12th Row: koruwedding.blogspot; weddinggawker.com – 13th Row: confetisystelm via tumblr – 14th Row: stylemepretty.com; winterweddings.com; bp.bogspot; linseykitchens.com; beccadillyphotography.com;studiotran – 15th Row: masterpieceweddings.blogspot; marthastewartweddings.com
Almost every bride we know has her nails done especially beautiful for her wedding day. That left hand is going to be wearing a very important new ring, and she wants to be sure her hands look perfect!
Remember back when you first got your engagement ring? You had to make sure your nails were always looking their absolute best! You wanted to show everyone in the world your new ring, and your manicure had to be in tip top shape! You found yourself talking more with your hands, especially the left one, and even giving change back to customers with your left hand, even though you’re right-handed and it took a bit getting used to! And if someone didn’t notice the rock on your ring finger, well, you made sure that it was somehow right in front of their face!
So of course, on your wedding day, once he puts that new ring on your hand, you’re going to be doing the same thing! Right?
Now granted, when you were picking out all of those manicure styles after you got your engagement ring, you probably went a little crazy at times, didn’t you? Like some of these?
And we know you didn’t go THIS crazy! No one would even notice the ring! (Someone please tell me that these are just models and that no one would really do this….)
But your wedding day nails…that’s a whole different story. And I’m sure you’re going to try several different nail salons and styles to be sure you get exactly what you want. The last thing you need is for someone to do your nails and you not like them and not have enough time to get them changed. And whatever you do, be careful with them. We advise having them done the morning before the day of the wedding so you’ll have enough time to get them re-done if they’re not right, and if by some chance a problem develops, you can get an emergency repair! Just be sure to tell the salon what’s going on in case you need help from a nail technician that day!
Of course, it’s easier to make those emergency repairs if you don’t go with styles like this. Which are beautiful, but they sort of detract from those beautiful new rings! And the chances of messing them up are a lot greater. Plus, the next day, after all the festivities are over, well, you may have to have them re-done before going on your honeymoon. And who wants to have to do that when all you want to do is get away with your new husband and relax!
Now when you’re in this process, there’s something else to remember. Chances are you’ll remember, especially if you’re having a summer wedding. But if you aren’t, here’s your reminder!
DON’T FORGET YOUR TOES!!!!
This goes not only for you, but also for your bridesmaids! After all, their feet deserve a little pampering as well. And chances are, they’re going to be wearing short dresses, so their feet are really going to show!
More than likely you’re going to be wearing some type of open toe shoes whether you’re a spring/summer bride, or even a fall or winter bride. We had this discussion earlier, remember? So those little toes are going to be peeking out of those beautiful shoes! And they have to be looking their best as well!
And if you’re a beach bride, and especially if you’re getting married on the beach itself, well you’re probably either going to be in flip flops or barefoot! And you KNOW your toes are going to show, and they have to be at their very best of perfection as well!
Maybe you’re thinking, “but my feet are ugly” or “but my bridesmaids’ feet are ugly!” Guess what. There’s no such thing as ugly feet when you’ve had your pedicures and it’s your wedding day!
Hurting feet after being on them all day in new shoes, as we mentioned in another blog, but not ugly! And they’re certainly going to deserve another pedicure after all the festivities are over, or at least a good long warm soak and foot massage…and you can talk to your new husband about that!
Just don’t try to talk HIM into having a pedicure before the wedding, even if you’re all going to be on the beach in flip flops! We really, REALLY don’t think that’s going to happen! Or if it does, he’s not going to tell you! Or his friends! (Unless they go with him and don’t take their cameras! Trust me, these pictures were staged!)
Of course, there’s always the honeymoon, and I bet he’d be a lot more receptive to going with you then to have a pedi than before the wedding, because no one will know him wherever you’re going!
Photo Sources: 1st Row: tishsnails.com via pinterest – 2nd Row: source unknown – 3rd Row: nailsartmag.com; oddstuffmagazine.com; mumbaimirror.com- 4th Row: funkytrend.com; quemasmamalatinos.com – 5th Row: via pinterest; via pinterest; via pinterest; pailz.net; allforfashiondesign.com; marce7ina.blogspot.it; elfsack.com; sphotos.ea.akamehd.net; gemsinabottle.net; joycotton.com – 6th Row: thefw.com; via pinterest; cloudfront.net – 7th Row: newimagespa.com; beautythroughstrength.com – 8th Row: harborbayclub.com; classicfaces.com – 9th Row: championweddinggownspecialist.com; via pinterest – 10th Row: weddingshoesblog; thelane.com; socialbliss.com; madamebazaar via tumblr – 11th Row: prestonwynne.com –12th Row:terrymarotta.wordpress.com; pedicuredesigns.co.uk; courierpress.com