When it comes to creating a wedding ceremony that's relaxed, engaging and full of genuine emotion, Jamie and Cara from With Love Celebrants know exactly how to make it happen.
With more than 15 years of experience each, this award-winning Brisbane celebrant duo are known for delivering modern, personalised ceremonies that couples and guests truly enjoy.
We caught up with Jamie and Cara to chat about including dogs in wedding ceremonies, their favourite moments as celebrants, and their advice for couples planning a dog-friendly wedding.
1. What inspired you to become a dog-friendly wedding celebrant?
For us, it has always been about creating wedding ceremonies that genuinely reflect each couple, their personalities and what matters most to them. We know for our couples their dog isn’t just a pet – they’re family, and more often than not they’ve become a very special part of the couple’s journey together.
Often being part of their relationship story from the very beginning and being their first ‘child’ together, greeting them home every day with maximum enthusiasm and a rapidly wagging tail. Their pup’s been there through many important life moments, some of our couples even included their pup as a part of their proposal!
So it feels right that they are acknowledged in the couple’s wedding ceremony.
As passionate dog (and cat!) lovers ourselves, with our own pets becoming part of our brand, being dog-friendly wedding celebrants, is truly authentic to our celebrant style.
We love that weddings are becoming more personal and less about following traditions that are there, simply because they’ve always been done that way.
If a couple’s dog is an important part of their family, we believe there should be a place for them in the celebration, whether that means walking down the aisle as the ring bearer, being included in the ceremony story, joining for photos, or choosing a creative way to have them represented.
2. What role can dogs realistically play during a wedding ceremony?
Dogs can play so many different roles, depending on their personality and comfort level.
Some dogs absolutely love being involved and happily walk down the aisle, obediently standing beside their humans during the ceremony, taking on the important role of ring bearer, or joining the couple at their ‘first look’ for beautiful family photos.
Other dogs are happier and better suited to making a shorter appearance or being included in a different way.
The most important thing is remembering that a wedding day can be a big experience for a dog, with new surroundings, lots of people, unfamiliar smells and plenty of excitement. The goal isn’t to have the “perfect wedding dog”; it’s to make sure the experience is enjoyable for everyone, including the four-legged family member.
3. What are your favourite ways to include dogs in a ceremony?
We love seeing couples include their dogs in ways that suit their individual personalities.
Some of our favourites include:
- Walking down the aisle with one of the couple or a family member.
- Being the surprise ring bearer.
- Joining the couple during the signing of the marriage certificates and maybe adding a paw print!
- Wearing a beautiful floral collar, bow tie or personalised ring box around their collar.
- Having their story included in the ceremony itself.
And for those pups that are too excitable, overwhelmed, nervous or a bit too slobbery, vocal or needing the toilet a bit too much to be at the ceremony, or perhaps it’s a destination wedding that they’re unable to travel to – we’ve seen couples include their dogs through framed photos, personalised details, and even a life-sized cardboard cut-out of their pup — a fun way to have them part of the celebration without putting them in a situation that might be overwhelming.
We also love when couples think creatively. Not every dog enjoys crowds or busy environments, and that’s okay.
4. Have you had any particularly funny, emotional or unforgettable experiences involving a wedding dog?
We’ve had so many memorable moments involving dogs over the years, which is one of the reasons we love dog-friendly weddings so much.
One of the most heartwarming was a wedding where the brides parents organised a surprise dog adoption as part of their celebration. The couple had cared for the parents’ dogs when they went on holiday, and they all bonded so much, the dog barely ever left.
At the end of the ceremony before they walked down the aisle, the couple were presented with a framed official certificate of adoption, a beautiful surprise that the very special dog they loved so dearly would officially become part of their family.
Another favourite involved a surprise ring bearer. The groom had secretly arranged for their dog to bring the rings down the aisle. Everyone gasped with excitement as he entered the venue, expecting this excited little dog to race straight towards the couple, but he had other plans!
Instead, he slowly wandered up the aisle, zig-zagging from side to side, stopping to greet and sniff every single guest along the way. He took his time, enjoyed all the attention, pats and laughter and eventually arrived with the rings after making sure he had personally welcomed everyone along the aisle.
It was hilarious, completely unexpected, and one of those moments where everyone was laughing and smiling. It perfectly captured why we love having dogs involved, they bring authenticity. They don’t perform; they just bring their own beautiful personalities.
5. What advice would you give couples who want to include their dog on the day but are feeling nervous about it?
Consider a professional experienced doggie concierge service to take care of your pup so your guests can be guests and enjoy every moment. We always recommend having someone dedicated to their care throughout the day. A professional wedding dog chaperone can look after things like water, toilet breaks, pickups and drop offs, treats, quiet time and keeping them comfortable.
That way, the couple can relax knowing their dog is happy and cared for, rather than worrying about what they’re doing during the ceremony.
Also think about what will make your dog happiest, rather than what will simply look cute in photos.
Some dogs absolutely thrive in a wedding environment. They love meeting people, enjoy attention and happily soak up the excitement.
Others may find it overwhelming – especially dogs who are nervous, highly energetic, have separation anxiety, are easily distracted, or still working on their toilet training!
The good news is there are so many beautiful ways to include your dog without them necessarily attending the ceremony in person.
We’ve seen couples include their beloved pup through creative ideas like dedicating a spot for them at the ceremony with a framed photo, or including them in the first look photoshoot (at a safe venue they are comfortable with), which allowed their dog to be part of the photos and celebration without the stress of a busy wedding environment.
"Your wedding will be remembered because it felt authentic, reflected you (and your love for your pup) and was full of your personalities. "
Jamie and Cara
WITH LOVE CELEBRANTS
6. How do you help keep ceremonies relaxed and stress-free when dogs are involved?
Preparation and flexibility go a long way. If a dog sits somewhere unexpected or takes their time walking down the aisle, we simply embrace it.
Prior to the wedding during our ceremony planning meeting, we’ll discuss how (and if) the couple would like their dog to be involved, what their role is, and have a backup plan if needed.
A wedding ceremony should feel real and personal. Dogs have a wonderful way of bringing people together and reminding everyone to slow down and enjoy the moment.
7. Are there certain dog personalities or temperaments that work best at weddings?
It’s much more about the individual dog than the breed.
Dogs who are comfortable meeting new people, cope well in unfamiliar environments and enjoy attention often adapt beautifully to weddings.
However, quieter dogs, older dogs or dogs who prefer a calmer environment can also be wonderful to include – they may simply need a shorter appearance or a quieter role.
We always encourage couples to be realistic about their dog’s personality. A dog doesn’t have to walk down the aisle to be part of the story.
8. What should couples organise ahead of time to make sure their dog is comfortable and happy on the wedding day?
A little planning makes a huge difference.
We recommend couples think about:
- Who will be responsible for their dog throughout the day (eg. a professional dog chaperone).
- Book them in their bath and groom a day or two before the wedding so they’re looking and smelling fresh!
- Bringing familiar items such as treats, toys or a blanket.
- Having fresh water and water bowls available.
- Allowing time for a good walk (and a pee or two) before the ceremony.
- Keeping their normal feeding routine where possible.
- If having a floral wreath, boutonniere, or bow tie, ensure the flowers aren’t toxic to dogs.
- Considering the location and the weather, especially for outdoor Queensland weddings. Watch out for muddy paw prints on that beautiful wedding gown.
9. How do you work alongside wedding dog chaperones, photographers and venues during dog-friendly weddings?
Communication is everything.
We love working alongside professional dog chaperones because they understand how to keep dogs comfortable while allowing the couple to stay focused on enjoying their wedding day.
Before the ceremony, we’ll usually chat with the photographer, venue and anyone involved with the dog so everyone understands (and is ‘in on’) the plan if it’s a surprise appearance. From when and how the dog is arriving, where they’ll be positioned, and some expected moments that can be captured.
Photographers especially love knowing the plan beforehand because some of the most beautiful dog moments happen naturally and unexpectedly.
As with everything weddings, it really becomes a team effort from all your amazing wedding vendors to create a relaxed experience for everyone.
10. What’s one thing couples often overlook when planning a dog-friendly wedding ceremony?
Safety first! Be mindful that many of the beautiful flowers we see at weddings are highly toxic to dogs.
Have a trusted person responsible for caring for your pup on the day, so you can be completely in the moment throughout the entire day.
Your wedding will be remembered because it felt authentic, reflected you (and your love for your pup) and was full of your personalities.
You can view a variety of blog posts featuring dogs at weddings with Celebrants Jamie and Cara of Brisbane City Celebrants on their blog here: Weddings with dogs.
A huge thank you to Jamie and Cara from With Love Celebrants for sharing their insights and experience with the Pawfect Weddings community.
Their thoughtful approach to creating meaningful ceremonies – and their enthusiasm for helping couples include every important member of the family, including their dogs – makes them a wonderful choice for couples planning a heartfelt, pet-friendly wedding.
If you're looking for Brisbane celebrants who will make your ceremony feel relaxed, personal and unforgettable, With Love Celebrants are well worth considering.
Jamie + Cara - With Love Celebrants are experienced, compassionate dog-loving wedding celebrants, specialising in happy, relaxed super enjoyable ceremonies.
Their warm, relaxed approach, combined with years of experience and a genuine passion for celebrating love, has earned them hundreds of five-star reviews.
Whether you're planning an intimate elopement or a large celebration, they work closely with couples to ensure every ceremony is personal, seamless and memorable.
