Animal-loving couples across Australia are going to great lengths to include their beloved pets on their wedding day.
Whether it’s forking out up to $1,000 for training and a special minder on the day or purchasing couture tuxedos and mini tiaras, some couples are pulling out all the stops to ensure their pet feels as loved as they do on the big day.
Gillian Aptroot, 33, the founder of First Class Pet Wedding Assistants in Queensland, is hard at work behind the scenes to make sure her clients’ and their fur babies have the perfect day.
Animal-loving couples across Australia are going to great lengths to include their beloved pets on their wedding day
And Gillian Aptroot (pictured), 33, the founder of First Class Pet Wedding Assistants in Queensland, is hard at work behind the scenes to make sure her clients’ and their fur babies have the perfect day
Since starting the business, which sees her team do everything from transporting pets to and from the wedding to arranging hydrobath appointments, Gillian has been sharing snaps of the happy couples and their pets online
Since starting the business, which sees her team do everything from transporting pets to and from the wedding to arranging hydrobath appointments, Gillian has been sharing snaps of the happy couples and their pets online.
One couple, Kylie and Dan, posed with their tuxedo-clad chocolate Labrador Travis on their big day, who served as both the page boy and ring bearer.
The dashing dog donned a black and white bow tie, faux rings, a ring pouch and cuffs and took centre stage in a number of the couple’s stunning wedding snaps.
One couple, Kylie and Dan, posed with their tuxedo-clad chocolate Labrador Travis on their big day, who served as both the page boy and ring bearer
The dashing dog donned a black and white bow tie, faux rings, a ring pouch and cuffs and took centre stage in a number of the couple’s stunning wedding snaps
Another pair, Kat & Darren, posed alongside their dachshund Poppy who rocked a flower crown and special ‘Just Married’ plaque for the occasion
Another pair, Kat & Darren, posed alongside their dachshund Poppy who rocked a flower crown and special ‘Just Married’ plaque for the occasion.
Others included their dog in the official marriage certificate snap while some stylish brides made sure to colour coordinate their bouquet with their pups’ outfit.
The adorable photos are the result of hard work behind the scenes, which sees hired staff taking care to provide resting mats for the dogs’ paws so they don’t dirty the dress, provide water and snacks and even take photos from the pets’ perspective throughout the day.
In many cases, the pets are also transported to and from the venue on a luxury pet mattress.
Others included their dog in the official marriage certificate snap while some stylish brides made sure to colour coordinate their bouquet with their pups’ outfit
The adorable photos are the result of hard work behind the scenes, which sees hired staff taking care to provide resting mats for the dogs’ paws so they don’t dirty the dress
In many cases, the pets are also transported to and from the venue on a luxury pet mattress
An array of adorable couture outfits and accessories for pets including tuxedos, bowties, handmade flower collars, flower girl dresses, ring pillows, faux rings, ring pockets and ‘Just Married’ plaques are also supplied if required.
The increasingly in-demand service costs $50 per hour for rehearsals, preparation and training and on the wedding day, costs between $300 and $1,000 depending on the dog.
Speaking to FEMAIL previously, Ms Aptroot said she started the business to ‘achieve her dream of working with animals full time’.
An array of adorable couture outfits and accessories for pets including tuxedos, bowties, handmade flower collars, flower girl dresses, ring pillows, faux rings, ring pockets and ‘Just Married’ plaques are also supplied if required
Louis was on his best behaviour by the flower girl as he watched his ‘pawrents’ Darren and Jenna tie the knot
The increasingly in-demand service costs $50 per hour for rehearsals, preparation and training and on the wedding day, costs between $300 and $1,000 depending on the dog
Speaking about her most elaborate client, Ms Aptroot said the day started with an hour long walk for the lucky pup ahead of the wedding.
‘We then headed off to the groomer for the royal treatment then back to the house to get into our couture wedding attire and took pre-wedding photos before safely transporting the furbabies to the ceremony,’ she said.
‘I arrived early and allowed the furbabies to become familiar with the environment, smells and sounds and then the furbabies walked down the red carpet as the ring bearers.
‘After we travelled to various photo locations for photos we then safely returned home for dinner and a tuck into bed. I then stayed in the clients home for four nights to care for them while their parents were on their honeymoon. This service cost the clients just over $1000.’
Speaking to FEMAIL previously, Ms Aptroot said she started the business to ‘achieve her dream of working with animals full time’
Speaking about her most elaborate client, Ms Aptroot said the day started with an hour long walk for the lucky pup ahead of the wedding
‘We then headed off to the groomer for the royal treatment then back to the house to get into our couture wedding attire and took pre-wedding photos before safely transporting the furbabies to the ceremony,’ she said
‘I am hoping the future will allow for many flower-doggies and page-doggies. Having your furbaby involved is just like having a family member attend your wedding, it’s a must,’ she said
While it may not be for everyone, Ms Aptroot says the service is growing.
‘I have been working hard at gaining exposure and increasing awareness. Many brides-to-be and grooms-to-be do not know this service even exists,’ she said.
‘I am hoping the future will allow for many flower-doggies and page-doggies. Having your furbaby involved is just like having a family member attend your wedding, it’s a must.
‘I treat my client’s furbabies as if they are my own. Knowing that all the needs of their furbabies are catered for, takes away any stress the bride and groom may have once had.’