Struggling to figure out how to make your dog or cat shine in your wedding photos? Fear not! We've tapped the brain of Nicole Ettenhofer of George Street Photo & Video—an award-winning, national wedding photo and video hub headquartered in Chicago.

With decades of experience in the wedding trend, event, and couples photography space, Nicole knows a thing or two about making every snapshot magazine-worthy. From snagging The Knot’s Best of Weddings title consecutively from 2020 through 2024, to securing a spot on WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice 2024, George Street sets the standard.

We asked Nicole for her greatest tips and tricks to pull off the ultimate pet-friendly wedding shoot, plus the green flags you should look for when scoping out a photographer or videographer for your special day.

Experience and insights

Nicole describes her extensive background: "With over two decades of experience in documenting weddings, George Street Photo & Video was established with a mission to elevate the accessibility and personalization of wedding and engagement photography. We believe that pets are cherished members of the family, and including them in wedding celebrations can add an extra layer of joy and emotional connection on the big day."

Prep and planning

Diving into the nitty-gritty (kitty), Nicole provides some nuggets of advice for capturing your pet's best angles at your wedding.

Know thy pet

It’s all about making sure they shine without getting overwhelmed, so Nicole emphasizes how critical it is to understand your pet’s temperament before making wedding day decisions. “If you'd like to include them in your photo sessions on the big day, be mindful of the most appropriate setting (in a crowd versus a more secluded atmosphere). Photographers can also capture candid moments from a distance if needed."

Assigning a handler

Think of a handler as your pet’s personal assistant for the day—to keep them pampered, comfortable, and ready for their close-up! “Even if your pet is comfortable with crowds, a dedicated handler can ensure their well-being and cooperation during the photoshoot and other parts of the day," Nicole notes. And for those who have a tighter budget, "the handler can also be a friend or family member... to ensure your pet is with someone they know consistently throughout the day."

The essentials aka props and treats

A familiar toy or a yummy treat works wonders in keeping your pet focused during photos. Nicole adds, “From our experience, we have noticed that pets do best during photo shoots when a toy or treat is used to capture their attention. This trick can keep them engaged and happy for photos!"

Stressed? Engagement sesh!

When in doubt, don't push a stressful day-of shoot if it's too much for your pup. "If your pet does not do well in crowds, consider incorporating them into your engagement photos instead. This allows your dog or cat to still be a part of the big day without the stress of an overwhelming setting."

Pet fits

If your dog or cat doesn't mind an accessory, consider dressing your pet in something comfortable that doesn't obstruct their movement or vision. Nicole suggests flower crowns or bowties to add a touch of personality to your pics and to incorporate them into your wedding theme.

Pet-friendly venues and vendors

If you're set on including your pet beside you as you walk down the aisle, triple-check that they're welcome with open arms. "Ensure that your chosen venue/venues allow pets so they can be part of the festivities and photoshoots without any issues."

Nicole also highlights that pets may have extra sensitivities that can be discussed beforehand with your photographer: "Talk to your photographer about using flash during the shoot, especially if your pet is sensitive to bright lights or sudden movements. Your photographer can adjust their equipment and shooting techniques to minimize any discomfort for your pet while still capturing beautiful images."

She also recommends considering pet-friendly photographers and videographers experienced in dealing with animals.

Capturing the perfect pet photo

Handling the unpredictability of animals is part of the challenge. George Street’s team prepares by understanding the pets’ behaviors beforehand, which helps them capture spontaneous and heartfelt moments. Nicole points out that both candid and traditional photography styles are suited for including pets, though candid shots tend to capture more genuine interactions.

Choosing your photographer

When choosing the right photographer to spotlight you and your soulful sidekick, Nicole advises picking someone who’s got a knack for working with animals. Pets can be wild cards, so you'll want a seasoned pro, not a rookie to four-legged chaos.

Don't hesitate to ask for their portfolio or snag some references—securing a photographer who can seamlessly capture the connection between you and your pet is a total game-changer for your big day and will make all the prep worth it.

Overcoming challenges

"Pets, especially in unfamiliar environments, can be difficult to manage and may not always cooperate for photos." To mitigate some of these factors, Nicole suggests it's best to "over-communicate with your photographer beforehand so they can better understand your pet’s behavior and any special considerations they might have."

Pets might steal the show unexpectedly, and Nicole sees this as an opportunity rather than a setback. “Pets may not fully understand or cooperate during the shoot, and that's okay! Embrace these moments! They often make for the most memorable and cherished images of the day."

Pet behavior management

Patience is everything when managing pets during shoots. If a dog or cat isn’t cooperating, Nicole suggests creating a calm environment and using familiar toys or treats to help soothe them. “If a pet is particularly stubborn or nervous, we suggest taking breaks as needed to allow them to relax before continuing with the shoot." Remember, your pet's comfort is key!

If your pet is typically wary of strangers or takes time to get their bearings, your photographer may be able to account for that before shooting. "We try to take the time to establish a connection with the pet before starting the shoot, allowing them to sniff around and get comfortable in new surroundings."

Finally, Nicole notes an outdoor venue or private elopement ceremony may be better suited for pet-inclusive wedding pics. Not only are these spots more likely to allow pets in the first place, but the extra space can be comforting to anxious animals. "If an indoor venue cannot be avoided, the couple can choose an alternative location to the ceremony or reception to take photos," Nicole adds.

Of course, if your pet of choice is a cat, an indoor space may be better. The bottom line is to keep your individual companion in mind.

Why include pets in your wedding shoot?

Nothing moves a crowd quite like the unadulterated joy of a pet. For couples who have had a dog or cat by their side as their love blossomed, including pets in their photos can be a sweet tribute to that bond.

“Pets bring a unique element of love and joy that enriches the celebration,” Nicole reflects. Sharing a personal anecdote, she recalls how including her "100-pound Rottweiler Estelle" in her own wedding was a non-negotiable. However, Estelle had a "unique aversion to cameras and despite her typically friendly and outgoing nature, she would run at the mere sight of a camera."

Nicole continues, "Knowing this, we arranged a few moments when Estelle could be with us while the cameras remained discreetly hidden. We managed to sneak in a shot of her with us after the ceremony, and she made a surprise appearance during dinner. While I was preparing for the ceremony with my bridesmaids, our videographer captured a brief five-second moment of her without her realizing it. Throughout the whole celebration, someone was dedicated to tending to Estelle so she could also enjoy the day."

She concludes her story with a reminder of why these visual mementos are so meaningful, "Estelle is no longer with us, but those fleeting glimpses I managed to capture will be cherished forever."

Future pet-friendly wedding trends

Looking ahead, Nicole is excited about the growing trend of incorporating pets in weddings more creatively, such as donations to animal charities instead of traditional registry gifts and including pets in themed elements like custom cocktails.

Final thoughts

Nicole’s parting advice to couples is straightforward: “Do what feels right for you and your pet(s)! There are numerous ways to include them in your celebration, even if they aren’t physically present. Make sure you are taking the proper steps to make them as comfortable as possible while also communicating with your vendors so things go smoothly.”

With Nicole's expert guidance tucked in your toolkit, you're all set to elevate your wedding day with some fur and flair. These snapshots are key to immortalizing the wild, pet-loving spirit of your celebration. Say cheese!

Article photos provided by George Street Photo & Video

Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.

About George Street Photo & Video:

Established in 2004, George Street Photo & Video was founded to make wedding and engagement photography more accessible and personal. With 20 years of experience documenting love stories, George Street is an award-winning company that pairs wedding planners and couples with best-in-class photographers and videographers nationwide. George Street prides itself on its personalized approach, providing photojournalistic wedding and engagement content and virtual customer service support so clients can feel confident going into their big day. The company has received many accolades such as The Knot’s Best of Weddings every year from 2020-2024, The Knot’s Best of Weddings Hall of Fame for the company’s commitment to quality and value and WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice 2024. To learn more, visit www.georgestreetphoto.com.

About Nicole Ettenhofer

Nicole Ettenhofer is the VP of Growth & Strategy for George Street Photo & Video, a national wedding photo and video company based in Chicago, IL with experience serving thousands of customers and offering best in quality wedding coverage at an affordable cost. With over a decade of experience in the wedding industry, Nicole is an expert in wedding trends and couples photography and has helped the company achieve accolades such as The Knot’s Best of Weddings every year from 2020-2024, The Knot’s Best of Weddings Hall of Fame for the company’s commitment to quality and value and WeddingWire’s Couples’ Choice 2024. Before joining George Street, Nicole served as a thought leader within the event and hospitality industry for over 20 years. As for her personal life, Nicole resides near Denver, CO with her husband and two dogs and is an avid hiking enthusiast.