Hi, I’m Christine! I’m an elopement photographer in Greenville, South Carolina. I’m also a mom to a sweet beagle—here’s one of our first family pictures together!
Here are the things to consider if you want to have your dogs with you on your wedding day:
Follow the rules for the location you’ve chosen. Some places don’t even allow dogs, and some will have rules for leashing, noise, and where dogs can go. If you’re using an Airbnb or Vrbo, be clear with the owners that you’re planning to get married there, and be honest about what they can expect from your dogs. Even if your dog is friendly and can behave without a leash, keep a leash with you in case they encounter someone who doesn’t want to be approached by a dog.
Have realistic expectations. Most of the pictures will either have your dog sitting, standing, or walking. The pictures you saw on Pinterest where the dog is posing with your or holding a sign might not be feasible for a puppy or for an easily excited dog.
Have a plan for the photos that don’t include your dog. You can bring a guest to keep your dog on a leash (or even a dog handling service). If you and your dog are staying close to your house or your elopement location, you can bring the dog back there when you’re done taking photos with them. There aren’t always places in sight where you can tie your dog’s leash.
Choose a time and place where you would be unlikely to encounter other people or animals. For example, a weekday morning in a state park will be less crowded than a weekend. This also helps reduce distractions for your dog so they can cooperate better for pictures.
Bring doggy bags. Nothing ruins the moment like realizing what you just stepped in. Or if your dog is anything like Athena, not realizing what your dog just tried to eat until it’s on your hands. Keep the ground clean for us and for whoever comes through afterward, and keep diseases from spreading. We love Earth Rated bags—you can easily attach it to your leash, the bags don’t have rips like grocery bags might, and they do a pretty good job of blocking the smell.
Bring water. When we go places with Athena, we bring a small water bottle for her and a collapsible water bowl, like this one.
Check yourselves and your dog for ticks afterwards. A tip I learned from working at a kennel is to keep a Dixie cup of rubbing alcohol next to you and drop the ticks into it as you pull them off. Otherwise, they could run away and you risk having them come back to you.
Ready for the best day ever?
My name is Christine (Scott) Gow and I’m an elopement photographer based out of Greenville, South Carolina. I’m a wife and a beagle mom. The three of us have visited beautiful places in every corner of South Carolina, to include all 48 of our state parks. We love finding new outdoor places to visit, but we also love hanging out on the couch and watching Pixar.
One thing I love about South Carolina is that it’s not just the beaches and colorful houses that you imagine when you picture it. Whether you’re looking for mountains, beaches, or anything in between; I can help you find the perfect place for the two of you and make it as smooth of a day as possible. No matter how you two choose to spend your day, I’m happy you’re doing it the way that you want.
I can’t wait to meet you!
