When a pair of childhood sweethearts tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on an idyllic sub-tropical island, it wagged a few tails – because the betrothed couple were dogs.
Shih Poo, Truffles, and Shih Poo-Yorkie, Coco, both six, gave their paws in marriage in August this year, watched by an eclectic congregation of pooches, chickens and bunnies.
Their proud owner, photographer Stacia Morgan, 45, worked tirelessly to make their special day paw-fect, recording every special moment on her camera.
As the pampered pooches have four paws, they swapped collars, rather than rings.
And afterwards they enjoyed a first dance – padding, enthusiastically, to ‘How much is that doggy in the window,’ before tucking into a three-course doggy dinner.
Truffles (L) and Coco (R) gave their paws in marriage in August this year, watched by an eclectic congregation of pooches, chickens and bunnies
The loved-up pooches tie the knot in a lavish sub-tropical island wedding before departing in a hot air balloon
‘From the moment they met, they’ve been totally connected,’ said Stacia, who lives in Florida Keys, with her husband Jason, 40 and children Amelya, 16, Katelyn, 14 and Jacob, 13.
‘Now, they’re loving married life. They used to have separate crates to sleep in but now they share one.’
The canine couple first met five years ago, when Coco was living with a friend of Stacia’s family, and would come over for puppy play dates.
Her daughters would dress the pair up in Build A Bear toy outfits, putting on ‘doggy fashion shows.’
But, the pooches grew so close, they cried whenever they were apart.
Stacia, her daughters and Coco’s original owner hit on the idea of throwing a ‘waggy’ wedding ceremony with personalised dog truffles
Truffles and Coco wore Build A Bear outfits, although Coco – the bride – topped hers with a floral headband
Invitations were designed by Kitty’s Hand Krafted and favours by Key Largo Chocolates
So eventually, 18 months ago, Coco moved in with Stacia and Truffles and their romance blossomed.
Then, earlier this year, Stacia, her daughters and Coco’s original owner hit on the idea of throwing a ‘waggy’ wedding ceremony, to cement the furry friends’ bond forever.
‘We wanted them to get married, so they never had to leave each other’s side again,’ said Stacia.
For the venue, she chose Island Home Nursery – a greenhouse brimming with tropical flora and fauna – calling in Island Life Events to help plan the day.
Tickled by the idea of the four-legged couple woofing their wedding vows, several local vendors donated their services free.
On the big day, Truffles and Coco wore beautiful Build A Bear outfits, although Coco – the bride – topped hers with a floral headband, made by Floral Fantasy.
The pooches wed at Island Home Nursery – a greenhouse brimming with tropical flora and fauna – calling in Island Life Events to help plan the day
There were truffled treats for guests to tuck into on the big day
Stacia Morgan’s daughter with Coco ahead of her big day
The dog’s had lavish three-tiered wedding cakes and a sweet treat made from macaroons
Groomer Sammy’s Paw Mobile made sure their fur looked fabulous, while invitations were designed by Kitty’s Hand Krafted and favours by Key Largo Chocolates.
Stacia even sent out ‘save the date’ cards to guests, giving RSVP options of ‘pawsitively yes’ and ‘unfurtunately no.’
And an amazing dog friendly menu, worthy of The Great British Bark Off, included macaroon and dog bone cake and a two-tiered wedding cake with gold frosting, made by Maggie’s Bakery.
‘People were really kind and donated their services,’ said Stacia, whose friend Joy Smith helped with photographing the day. ‘I’m not sure what a wedding like that would cost if we’d had to pay. I guess hundreds.
‘We even had little table settings with the guests’ names on. They were mainly animals, so they said things like Pipsqueak and Buttercup. It was really cute.’
The canine couple first met five years ago, when Coco, pictured, was living with a friend of Stacia’s family, and would come over for puppy play dates
The happy pooches posed for snaps in a lace tent outside the venue
The pets were lucky enough to have a dog biscuit and macaroon cake
There was a doggy menu full of dog biscuits and sauteed chicken, as well as golden dog biscuit favours. ‘They virtually went viral,’ Stacia said. ‘People have been loving them’
The owner said: ‘We even had little table settings with the guests’ names on. They were mainly animals, so they said things like Pipsqueak and Buttercup. It was really cute’
After the ‘ceremony,’ which was held in a bohemian tent, the newlywed pups posed happily in a hot air balloon, made by Stacia’s daughters.
Spending all night – post the pooch party – editing pictures, Stacia then posted them to Instagram the next day – where they were greeted with howls of delight.
‘They virtually went viral,’ Stacia said. ‘People have been loving them.
‘I never expected such a reaction.’
Stacia Morgan with her family (L-R) Amelya, Katelyn, Stacia, Jason and Jacob
Their proud owner, photographer Stacia Morgan, 45, left with her husband Jason, and, right, on holiday, worked tirelessly to make their special day paw-fect, recording every special moment on her camera