How to Include Your Pet in Wedding Photos with Nicole Ettenhofer

We get tips about how you can get cute wedding ceremony photographs together with your pet from Nicole Ettenhofer, VP of Development and Technique and George Avenue Picture–along with concepts for these pets who simply will not need to be concerned.

By Zazie Todd PhD

Watch the newest episode of The Pawsitive Put up in Dialog beneath or on Youtube, hear beneath or through your favorite podcast app, or learn a transcript of the highlights beneath.

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Learn how to embody your pet in your wedding ceremony photographs

Zazie and
Kristi communicate to Nicole Ettenhofer, VP of Development and Technique at George Avenue
Picture & Video, about pet-friendly methods to get cute wedding ceremony photographs together with your
pet.

As individuals
more and more contemplate pets to be a part of the household, they need to contain them
of their wedding ceremony. So what you’ll be able to you do to ensure you get some nice photographs
that embody the pet, with out overwhelming them? We start with a private story
from Nicole that may have you ever tearing up in a great way, and which reveals you
can belief her tricks to be pet-friendly.

A marriage is
an enormous occasion and most pets usually are not used to huge gatherings, so we get Nicole’s
tips about the preparation that individuals ought to do upfront of the celebration. A
pet handler may help to verify issues go easily, and we discuss in regards to the
form of issues they need to do.

Pets can
play a variety of roles in a marriage, from being the ring-bearer to easily
making a short look. We contemplate the very best methods to contain them and how you can
take the pet’s persona into consideration. Nicole has concepts for getting your pet
to cooperate with having their photograph taken, however she additionally reminds us to make the
most of these cute moments when the pet does one thing surprising—typically these
unplanned moments could make the very best photographs.

And though
you may assume that we’re speaking solely about canines, cats and larger animals
like horses and llamas additionally get a point out.

Lastly, we
discuss in regards to the books we’re studying.

Present Notes

About Nicole Ettenhofer

Nicole Ettenhofer is the VP of Development & Technique for George Avenue Picture & Video, a nationwide wedding ceremony photograph and video firm primarily based in Chicago, IL with expertise serving 1000’s of shoppers and providing greatest in high quality wedding ceremony protection at an reasonably priced price. With over a decade of expertise within the wedding ceremony business, Nicole is an skilled in wedding ceremony developments and {couples} pictures and has helped the corporate obtain accolades resembling The Knot’s Better of Weddings yearly from 2020-2024, The Knot’s Better of Weddings Corridor of Fame for the corporate’s dedication to high quality and worth and WeddingWire’s {Couples}’ Selection 2024. Earlier than becoming a member of George Avenue, Nicole served as a thought chief inside the occasion and hospitality business for over 20 years. As for her private life, Nicole resides close to Denver, CO along with her husband and two canines and is an avid mountaineering fanatic.

About George Avenue Picture & Video

Established in 2004, George Avenue Picture & Video was based to make wedding ceremony and engagement pictures extra accessible and private. With 20 years of expertise documenting love tales, George Avenue is an award-winning firm that pairs wedding ceremony planners and {couples} with best-in-class photographers and videographers nationwide. George Avenue prides itself on its personalised strategy, offering photojournalistic wedding ceremony and engagement content material and digital customer support help so shoppers can really feel assured going into their huge day. The corporate has acquired many accolades resembling The Knot’s Better of Weddings yearly from 2020-2024, The Knot’s Better of Weddings Corridor of Fame for the corporate’s dedication to high quality and worth and WeddingWire’s {Couples}’ Selection 2024. To be taught extra, go to www.georgestreetphoto.com. 

The books on this episode

This web page incorporates affiliate hyperlinks which suggests I could earn a fee on qualifying purchases for gratis to you.

These are the books we advocate on this episode:

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Knowledge, Scientific Information and the Teachings of Vegetation by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Within a Canine: What Canines See, Odor, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz.

The Emotional Lives of Animals (revised): A Main Scientist Explores Animal Pleasure, Sorrow, and Empathy–and Why They Matter by Marc Bekoff.

Days on the Morisaki Bookshop: A Novel by Satoshi Yagisawa, trans. Eric Ozawa.

The books can be found from all good bookstores. 

Be aware that you would be able to hear Marc Bekoff speaking about The Emotional Lives of Animals at Bark! Fest, the web e book pageant for animal lovers, in September. And you can even hear him on a panel with fellow authors Cat Warren and Zazie Todd on the pageant. 

Getting wedding ceremony photographs together with your pet: The highlights

Zazie: We have got a really thrilling visitor at the moment as a result of we’re speaking to Nicole Ettenhofer about involving pets in your wedding ceremony photographs. So this can be a actually incredible subject. And Nicole Ettenhoefer is the VP of Development and Technique for George Avenue Picture and Video, which is a nationwide US wedding ceremony photograph and video firm primarily based in Chicago, Illinois. And she or he has expertise serving 1000’s of shoppers and providing greatest in high quality wedding ceremony protection at an reasonably priced price. And George Avenue believes that pets are cherished family members and together with them in wedding ceremony celebrations provides an additional layer of pleasure and emotional connection on the large day. And naturally, we agree very a lot with that. 

Nicole additionally has over a decade of expertise within the wedding ceremony business and he or she’s an skilled in wedding ceremony developments. So at the moment she’s going to share her suggestions for together with pets in wedding ceremony photographs and I am unable to wait to listen to them. However Nicole, I imagine you’ve got a private story about your personal pet as properly that explains how you bought concerned on this.

Nicole: Sure, I do. So I used to be married fairly a number of years in the past and it was essential to me. My 100 pound Rottweiler, Estelle was her identify. I had her as I used to be single and he or she was an enormous a part of my life. And she or he was additionally frightened of cameras. And so it was a should have to have her as of the marriage. However I needed to be actually strategic on what I used to be going to do, which is why I really like sharing the tales and the tricks to actually assist individuals as a result of there are such a lot of methods to incorporate your pet with out having to have them be there or they may very well be a part of it ultimately for you. 

And so with Estelle, she was frightened of the digicam. So I needed to decide once I was going to have her be on the wedding ceremony. In the course of the preparing, we made certain that the cameras have been utterly down throughout the instances when she was round me, so we’d continually have her out and in. We have been capable of catch a glimpse of her from the video from afar. And it is one in all my most cherished movies as a result of it is the one one which I’ve along with her in all of my time being along with her, and I had her for over seven years, so that’s such a cherished second. 

After which additionally throughout the time for dinner, we made certain that Estelle made a visitor look. I requested our photographers and videographer and all of our friends, please put down your telephones. Please put down any cameras. And we had her come and perform a little tour and go to. After which we introduced when she was off the property so that everybody may then pull up their cameras as soon as once more. 

However it’s actually being strategic, being artistic. What makes probably the most sense for you and your pet is absolutely necessary whenever you’re bringing them into your huge day.

Zazie: Yeah, that is such a stunning story, and that is so considerate to consider what she would wish and the way, you already know, what can be one of the best ways to include her within the wedding ceremony in order that she may nonetheless be there and nonetheless really feel secure. I feel that is lovely. Do you assume there’s an rising development for individuals to incorporate pets of their weddings?

Nicole: Completely. And, you already know, increasingly, everybody desires them to be a part of it. They’re a part of the household, as I do know all of us agree, and they also’re a part of the household, and they also undoubtedly need them to be a part of their big day.

Kristi: Earlier than I soar in with my first query, I simply wished to say about your story, that I adore it that you just advocated to your canine together with your friends as properly. I feel that is as, like, a canine coach, that simply warms my coronary heart that you’re simply very clear. I used to be like, you already know, I would like everyone to place their telephones down as a result of this scares my canine. In order that was lovely.

Nicole: Thanks, Kristi.

Kristi: So whenever you’re speaking with individuals who need their pets to be concerned with their wedding ceremony, and I perceive you would be doing this type of dialog beforehand, what sort of preparation are you recommending individuals do with their pets?

Nicole: Nicely, to start with, asking the questions of, you already know, what’s greatest to your pet. So, you already know, in the beginning, if they’re very social beings and they’re good with many people and crowds, they usually’ve been a part of crowds. However that is additionally the important thing, too. Generally a pet could have been part of a smaller group but when you are going to have 100 individuals at your wedding ceremony, has your canine skilled that bigger group? So actually fascinated about how does your canine work together with people? How does your canine work together throughout hectic instances? How does your canine work together in these moments? So actually understanding their persona. 

After which additionally with the bride and groom or couple, bride and bride, groom and groom, ensuring that everybody actually thinks about what’s greatest for them. So if you’re a person the place it is actually necessary to you that you’ve got a whole management of every part, chances are you’ll not need to embody your canine as a result of your canine could not comply with these good directions that you want to them to comply with on that day, as a result of it is such a nuanced day for them. It isn’t the norm, it is out of their consolation zone. So additionally being aware of that. In order that’s in the beginning simply what is smart for all concerned.

Zazie: Yeah, I like that. And that is level, that the pet does not actually know what’s taking place. Everyone else is making ready for it a very long time upfront, however the pet has no thought what is going on on and it’s extremely completely different from their norm. So do you assume it is a good suggestion to have a handler for the pet on the day? And what sorts of issues would a handler do?

Nicole: I’d say that it is extraordinarily necessary to have a handler. With the handler, you’ll be able to have a pal, a member of the family, however you can even rent somebody as properly. And hiring somebody could be the very best alternative for you, as a result of that means you do not have to fret about your pal or your loved ones not with the ability to be a part of a particular time. 

And that handler ought to be absolutely devoted to your pet. That is what their function is for the day. In order that means you’ll be able to be sure that the consolation of your pet is being thought of each single second. If the canine is feeling snug, if it’s time for a meal, time for a snack, perhaps they simply want a bit of break. The handler might be there to assist help them throughout the day. As a result of as you already know, as a pair, you don’t essentially need to have that be a part of your day. So having somebody devoted is necessary. For those who do, if you cannot afford to have somebody skilled or a pal of a pal of a member of the family, anyone who perhaps would not be on the wedding ceremony that day, that is one other various as properly. However ensuring that your pet is tended to 100% of the time.

Kristi:  I’ve truly seen in a few of our canine coach teams, a few of our colleagues, Zazie and I, colleagues saying, oh, you already know, I’ve a cherished consumer who I actually adore, they usually’re getting married, they usually need me to deal with for his or her canine. And I simply assume, oh, it is such a beautiful factor, you already know, for our colleagues who actually, as a result of typically we actually like our, our shoppers, we hear loads about their lives with their canines, and, you already know, you get connected. So to have the ability to be there as a part of that celebration, they’re like, ought to I cost? Ought to I do that as a volunteer? ? So I feel it is, it’s extremely cool. And likewise, as, such as you talked about {that a} canine coach can be choice. Canine trainers are excellent at dealing with canines, holding a cool head, you already know, so I am like, this ought to be a service that we readily supply.

Nicole: That is a terrific thought, Kristi, you already know, to have that as an everyday service.

Kristi: Yeah, it is tremendous enjoyable for us. And canine coaching will be form of a tough subject. , you are coping with plenty of stress and stuff. So I adore it once I see my colleagues getting the chance to do one thing so joyful and straightforward, most likely. So what sort of roles can pets take within the wedding ceremony? Like what do you advocate? What have you ever seen?

Nicole: We have seen so many alternative choices, and all are beautiful. , that. We have seen them be ring bearers. We have seen seen them be the maid of honor or the canine of honor. We have seen them be the very best canine or the very best man. We’ve seen them simply as a part of the processional of the marriage. 

We have additionally seen some options, too, when the canine cannot be there, and people embody engagement periods. That is an effective way to check your pet in entrance of a digicam, as a result of having a digicam telephone versus cameras, plural, may be very completely different for the canine. It is a very completely different second. So having that be a part of whether or not you could have them on the wedding ceremony or not, having them a part of that engagement session helps. 

And it is all the time enjoyable for the save the date once they have, you already know, completely different indicators that may say, my people are getting married, save the date; or, you already know, dad requested, mother stated sure. I imply, they’ve all these great, cute indicators that you would be able to both have in entrance of the pet or on the pet as a part of it, and it is actually, actually beautiful. 

So engagement periods after which you already know, like, with Estelle was actually fascinated about, is that this proper, how can I make this proper? If you cannot discover it applicable, then additionally an alternative choice to that’s, you already know, we have seen plenty of specialty drinks which can be named after the canine. So that they’ll have, like, photographs of the cats and the canine, they usually’re, you already know, and form of they’re all on show, they usually’ll have one thing named, Fido’s Martini or one thing enjoyable. So actually with the ability to combine your pet that means. 

After which one other enjoyable factor that we have seen is in lieu of any form of get together favors, they’re going to make a donation on behalf to a pet group on behalf of the pet. And so there are plenty of actually enjoyable methods that you would be able to convey your pet in, whether or not it is in actual life or an alternate choice as properly that is extra appropriate.

Zazie: There are some nice concepts there. I really like these. And truly, we have been despatched some superb photographs earlier than this interview, so I’ve seen some completely attractive photographs of pets at weddings, and it included some engagement photographs, too. So at George Avenue Picture, you are used to doing this a number of instances, so you have bought plenty of expertise. What are your suggestions for getting pets to cooperate with the images?

Nicole: Nicely, I feel the very first thing to recollect is that your pet could not behave in entrance of the digicam. So, you already know, being okay with these candid photographs that come organically, such as you simply spending time together with your pet could be a few of your absolute favourite photographs of the day. So remembering that your pet won’t sit superbly with the group of people. So form of remembering that. I will go into some suggestions in only a second, however simply being okay as a result of, seeing your interactions with the pet and simply the enjoyment in your face in your pet, you already know, your pet’s face, simply seeing the entire people across the pet, a few of these actually do create probably the most. So simply being okay with no matter occurs, I feel, is primary. 

After which secondly, although, excessive worth treats. While you’re doing coaching together with your canine, what’s that prime worth deal with that they completely love? My canines love these beef livers, and so that is what I give them. It is hydrated beef liver. And so anytime I’ve a second, so form of be fascinated about that forward of time, chances are you’ll need to have one thing that perhaps you solely give your canine each occasionally. Additionally, take a look at the treats forward when you’re giving them one thing new, since you do not additionally don’t need your pet to really feel ailing if there’s one thing does not agree with them. So excessive worth treats primary. 

After which toys quantity two. What are their favourite toys? , in the event that they just like the squeaks, in the event that they just like the crinkles or one thing else, no matter that could be. And that is the place you’ll have your handler assist. They’d stand behind the photographer with that to attempt to get them to focus towards the digicam, however that does not all the time work. And keep in mind, that is nonetheless going to be a terrific shot. Proper. As a result of everyone laughing on the pet. 

After which it’s a must to be prepared for something whenever you contain your pets. We’ve seen some actually splendidly humorous and lovable, and once I say humorous, I imply in probably the most beautiful means, the place the canine is so excited to see dad on the finish of the aisle or mother on the finish of the aisle. And they also go working towards them versus truly doing the stroll that they follow again and again the day earlier than, the day of. However they simply get so excited they usually simply begin going as quick as they will towards their favourite human. And so holding that thoughts as properly.

Kristi: I really like that. I really like the, like, purpose for the products, however be prepared to simply love what occurs it doesn’t matter what. Yeah.

Nicole: It makes a number of the best photographs and the best recollections.

Kristi: Yeah, for certain. So working with canines as you’re conscious, and the truth that you talked about excessive worth treats, I feel Zazie and I each wished to perform a little dance, like, that is one thing that as canine trainers, these are messages that we would like all canine guardians in all conditions to be fascinated about. So everybody is aware of that working with animals could be a problem generally. And so what ought to individuals do about these instances when the pet is being unpredictable or is stealing the limelight? I feel you have already form of bought into this. Like, perhaps simply settle for it and get some nice footage that you’re going to love later. However do you’ve got some other recommendation if there’s a problem?

Nicole: Yeah, if there’s a problem it could be that, you already know, your, your pet may want a bit of break, too. So perhaps, you already know, choose an alternate second that day the place you are going to get a gaggle shot or when you actually need to shot with the couple and the canines, canine, you already know, even cat, simply ensuring that, you already know, perhaps you do this shot not the place you supposed, however perhaps there’s an alternate place. So if you’re you already know, close to your house? Might you do this? Your yard? Might you discover a house that’s away from individuals in order that means they’ve a bit of bit extra consolation versus once more, these giant teams, they’re probably not not used to each day. So ensuring you’ll find an alternate spot, or an alternate time, like perhaps the canine merely wants a break for hour or two, take the nap, is calmed down. 

, I like to make use of licky pads. We all the time advocate these the place you’ve got the pad and you’ll put some meals on it, a bit of deal with, after which, that generally will assist to calm them down. So that you may need to do this for a minute after which come again to attempt to take these photographs. However actually, Kristi, I extremely advocate simply going with the circulate as a result of I see 1000’s of wedding ceremony photographs a yr, and so many individuals embody pets. And probably the most joyful moments of the day generally are when your pets not superb. , it is actually beautiful.

Zazie: I really like that. I feel a number of the unpredictability of pets is simply what we love about them. So making that part of the big day when it simply occurs, I feel that is a extremely good thought. And likewise I really like the way you’re fascinated about the consolation of the pet and what the pet goes to be snug and proud of, and I feel that is so necessary. 

And naturally, generally it is probably not appropriate for a pet to really participate within the wedding ceremony. And you’ve got already stated a bit of bit about a number of the different ways in which pets will be concerned. However I questioned when you may discuss a bit extra about that as a result of some pets won’t be snug. But additionally you’ve got some animals, and in a number of the photographs that we have been despatched, I noticed some huge animals. I noticed some llamas, I imagine. So some animals like that are not essentially going to have the ability to truly come to the marriage. So additionally fascinated about methods of involving pets who perhaps cannot truly be on the wedding ceremony, what recommendations do you’ve got there?

Nicole: That is a terrific query. What you are able to do is you are able to do the photographs forward of really going to any of the ceremonies of the reception or in between these instances. So perhaps there is a time the place you make a cease at house. Most photographers and videographers are prepared to journey to some areas all through the day. That is normally a part of a pure wedding ceremony bundle. And so that enables so that you can do perhaps preparing photographs. Perhaps there is a second forward of the entire actions the place you meet together with your pets, discovering an alternate location when you’re not capable of be house, when you’re touring someplace, are you staying at an airbnb the place you’ll be able to go go to the Airbnb? Is there a park that they are snug with the place you’ll be able to convey them to the park? Outside photographs with pets is absolutely beautiful. 

Once more, you continue to need to have your handler. You continue to need to have somebody who’s there that can assist you. However having a neighborhood park the place you’ll be able to convey the pet to that, perhaps that is the place they exit of their day by day stroll, their day by day journey. They know the smells there. And so bringing them to that consolation degree. In case your pet is a horse, for instance, we have now lots of these. Then additionally, too, simply going to wherever your pet lives and having photographs that could be in entrance of that. 

I do need to warn, it’s a must to form of be aware of your apparel. So, you already know, you are all dressed up, and so chances are you’ll must be okay with a paw print, a footprint, some mud, like, simply form of being aware of all of these issues and planning accordingly. Perhaps, if you’ll be in a muddy space, ensuring that you would be able to put down some fabric and even towels or a sheet round to form of assist defend the apparel, your footwear and so forth. After which additionally, you may need to wipe the paws forward as a result of they typically get excited and need to soar on mother or dad. And so simply form of be remembering that your pet’s going to be your pet though it is your wedding ceremony day.

Kristi: They will not essentially perceive the human gravity of a stupendous white gown or whatnot. Yeah.

Nicole: Yeah. And likewise, if I could add to it, like with {couples}, it is pure to really feel a bit of anxious and excited on that day, too. And in case your pet is delicate, they are going to really feel that as properly. So simply form of remembering that, too. Like, to form of take a second to form of be calm as a result of, I keep in mind how excited and nervous I used to be on my wedding ceremony day. It is like remembering to attempt to be as calm as you probably can whenever you’re approaching your pet as a result of they could sense you as properly. So simply, once more, going with that circulate.

Zazie: Nice. And do you discover many individuals working with the coach? So, considering of the canines, do you discover that many consumers work with the canine coach within the run as much as the marriage? Do they do a lot prep in any respect or simply go along with it on the day?

Nicole: Lots of them do rehearsal, and normally with the rehearsal, the coach is there. So it is normally simply the day earlier than a majority of individuals do, however I do truly advocate that they perhaps have like a small get together, like convey the canine, convey the pet to the rehearsal. Deliver the pet to the rehearsal dinner. How does the pet behave? Have the handler go away together with your pet if that is the necessity. Having the canine coach work with you, perhaps having your engagement get together, is your pet there, what are they like? Even for part of it. 

In order that means they’re round these bigger teams. Even when you’ve got household events and pals over,  they’re probably not giant events, like a marriage is, or the rehearsals. So giving them a few alternatives to see how do they do, as a result of actually, is the day going to be okay with them is absolutely necessary. So I like to recommend various kinds of rehearsals. , many individuals get engaged, 18 months, a yr forward, six months forward. So use that point when you’re contemplating to convey your canine, like, what can I do? Ought to I be bringing them out extra to see how they’re with individuals? Ought to I be bringing them to bigger teams and simply actually attempting to see what works for them once more? , there is no must put them in a hectic state of affairs.

Kristi: I really like that.

Zazie: I really like that.

Kristi: Yeah, I feel I used to be considering the identical, my thoughts was taking place the identical path that Zazie’s was. And I used to be considering, I would really like our listeners to know, in the event that they’re new to canine coaching, that plenty of the issues that we will be asking for canines to do in a marriage state of affairs, like sit for some time whereas we again up and take an image, aren’t pure behaviors, they usually’re not naturally taught in a canine coaching class. And we do not normally do them in our lives. 

Usually once we ask our canine to take a seat, we keep actually near them. It is truly not an enormous coaching activity to show a canine to take a seat and keep whereas we again up and take an image of them, but it surely’s a coaching activity. So that you want a plan. You want some good treats. It is advisable set a while apart to do this. I just lately skilled one in all my canines, I’ve this actually cool tree in my yard that form of grew to the facet after which up, and I have been coaching my canine to leap up and pose fairly majestically. And simply the quantity of coaching repetition it takes to get her first up there after which up there with me taking one step again after which two steps again after which I can do 5 step again and take an image. 

So if there’s issues in your thoughts, when you’re planning what you need your canine to be doing for these wedding ceremony footage, simply as a heads up, you’ll be able to prepare your canine to do it, but it surely won’t be on the day of. On the day of, it will likely be all of those incredible administration methods, Nicole, that you’ve got been telling us about, like giving your canine a break, utilizing a licky mat to calm them down, catching them within the second, doing one thing cute, you already know, like all of this. Or having, you already know, most canines will readily sit beside somebody that that they know. Not all the time, generally they need to face you. However you’ll be able to readily prepare these things and it is not exhausting and it’s extremely enjoyable. However simply one thing to contemplate, not that you’ve got a thousand different issues to do earlier than your wedding ceremony, however this might be a enjoyable one.

Zazie: Yeah, I feel so. Thanks very a lot for sharing all these incredible suggestions for us. Is there the rest that you just wished to say about involving pets in wedding ceremony photographs, Nicole, earlier than we transfer on?

Nicole: There’s one different necessary half, and that’s together with your venue or areas the place you are going to be doing any sort of pictures or any of the actions all through the day. Ensuring that you just actually perceive what their pet insurance policies are. Do they permit pets? Perhaps they do not permit them indoors, however they permit them open air. So ensuring that’s a part of your whole planning, if you’re even contemplating your pet being a part of something, ensuring you actually perceive that. And that you just adjust to that, as a result of once more, you do not need the stress of that day the place swiftly you’re unaware that your canine is unable to return in and also you had a complete recreation plan with that being a part of the exercise. So ensuring that you just perceive that, asking these questions.

And likewise together with your photographers and videographers, many are snug with pets, however some usually are not. So ensuring you ask that query as properly if you already know, even earlier than you already know for sure if you’re bringing your pet or not. So asking these questions forward with your whole venues and areas and expertise members which can be going to be a part of the day.

Zazie: Good level. So necessary to verify. Nicely, thanks for sharing all of those great suggestions with us. I feel they have been so helpful to assist individuals get great photographs of their pet as a part of their wedding ceremony or their engagement photographs and so forth. 

This transcript has been frivolously edited for content material and magnificence.

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