When author Katie Preston Toepfer was looking through old family photo albums, she was struck by some of the unique details of her parents’ wedding day. The best man was a Labrador, and the maid of honor a Dalmatian. “The photos just looked amazing to me.” she enthuses.
Inspired, Toepfer spent the following six months finding couples around the world who had involved their dogs in their nuptials. The result is her new book, “Wedding Dogs.” It features photos of and stories from a number of dog-loving brides and grooms, including these four New Yorkers.
(Wayne and Angela Photographers)
(Corbin Gurkin)
(Simply Bloom Photography, LLC)
Sara and Eric Pooler, with Brac, Sept. 17, 2011
With no little boys in their family to serve as a traditional ring bearer, the Poolers’ Brittany spaniel-beagle mix, Brac, was a natural choice. “He’s our furry baby,” Sara coos. “We love him and couldn’t have imagined it without him.”
The Poolers tied the knot at the Lodge at Echo Lake upstate in Warrensburg, NY, near where they were living at the time. On the big day, Brac divided his time. “The morning of our wedding day, Eric and all the groomsmen took a hike, and Brac went with them,” says Sara, 31, who works in sales. “After they got back, [Brac] came to the bridal suite where we were getting ready. We were doing our hair and makeup and drinking champagne, and he just hung out with us.”
Jennifer Wu and Andy Woo, with Pepper, April 21, 2012
When Jennifer and Andy wed at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Pocantico Hills, NY, they were surrounded by farm animals, so it seemed only right that the West Village couple include their miniature schnauzer, Pepper.
The pup was so ecstatically happy on the big day that she peed when she saw her owners in their finery just before the ceremony.
“She has this thing where when she first sees you she will howl and squeal,” says Jen, 34. “This time she got extra excited.”
Lucy Swift Weber Youdovin and David Youdovin, with Chauncey, April 3, 2011
Lucy and David live in Gramercy and got married in Paris, but that didn’t stop them from including their 16-pound Yorkshire terrier, Chauncey, in the wedding. “He’s both of our best friend,” says Lucy, 31, who works for a nonprofit. “We couldn’t have gotten married without him.”
To make it happen, the couple first had to convince their rabbi and their venue, a fancy French social club, that Chauncey was essential to their ceremony. Then they had to schlep to JFK prior to their flight to get clearance from a USDA vet for Chauncey to fly to the European Union. The dog also needed an additional microchip for France and medication for the flight. “Getting him to Paris was an adventure,” Lucy says.
After the ceremony, the couple flew to St. Barts, while Chauncey stayed with a boarder in Paris. “He did not go with us on our honeymoon,” explains Lucy. “That is where you have to draw the line.”
Geri Williams and Zachary Hinkle, with Bud, May 7, 2011
Geri Williams Hinkle’s Tibetan spaniel, Bud, had been with her through every milestone of the past 15 years, so having him at her wedding was a no-brainer. “He was next to me when I was all dressed up to go to the prom. He was in the car with me on my way to college,” says Geri, 32. “Of course, on my wedding day, I would want him [there].”
Sadly, Bud died six months after their wedding, but the Williamsburg couple cherishes that he was there for their special day. And they’ve adopted another Tibetan spaniel, Trig, to provide their 10-month-old daughter, Tilly, with the same companionship that Bud gave them. “We wanted a similar breed to Bud because he was so perfect and very tolerant of children,” Geri says. “Trig is so sweet and gentle with Tilly. They are pals and have a great time together.”