For Chris and Kat, their wedding at Bell Harbor in Seattle was more than just a celebration of the two of them. It was a special, beautifully curated day that cherished their friends, family, and their 10-year-old pup, Sumo. From the moment he joined Chris as an 8-week-old pup, Sumo has been a constant companion through every chapter of his life. “He’s my son,” Chris says whenever he references Sumo. “Much like your groomsmen are the best men in your life that lift you up, your dog positively impacts your life in the same way. There was no way he could stay home on the biggest day of my life—he had to be part of it.”
Sumo’s role in the wedding was far from a casual cameo. When Chris reached out to me with his inquiry, I immediately knew that Sumo would be integrated into every detail of the day. With careful planning, Chris and Kat ensured their furry friend had a starring moment during the ceremony, delivering the rings with grace and charm. “We didn’t just hand his leash to a friend and say, ‘Wait for the music queue,’” Chris explained. “We put a lot of thought into making his role special and memorable.” The result? A truly heroic entrance from Sumo that earned cheers and “awws” from every guest in attendance. (The video of this is pinned on my Instagram page, I highly recommend you take a look - it's truly pawfect!)
But the fun didn’t stop there. Sumo was also the star of the reception, thanks to his very own “kissing booth.” Guests lined up to meet him, pose for photos, and steal a smooch or two. “Everyone loved it,” Chris shared. “Especially those who hadn’t met Sumo before—they got to experience his personality up close.” If you're looking for a unique way to have your dog including in your wedding, look no further!
As much as Chris and Kat loved having Sumo at their wedding, they also knew it required extra preparation. “Aside from the pep talk I gave him before the rehearsal,” Chris joked, “we trusted Wags, our professional pet handler, to make sure he was comfortable, hydrated, and happy. Letting someone experienced handle your pet allows you and your guests to truly enjoy the day.”
For couples considering including their pet in their wedding, Chris offers this advice: “If your pet is anywhere near as special as Sumo is to me, it’s a no-brainer. Let them be part of the celebration! Dress them up, name a drink after them, or make cute signs like we did with ‘Put it on my tab – Sumo.’ But most importantly, hire a handler. It’s worth every penny to ensure your pet is in good hands.”
Chris, Kat, and Sumo’s wedding at Bell Harbor was a heartfelt reminder that love comes in many forms—and sometimes, it has four paws and a wagging tail.
So, ready to have a dog-friendly wedding in Seattle, with a pro pet handler to take care of all the details and care? Let's chat!
The amazing vendor team behind this wedding:
Venue: Bell Harbor
Photography: Britt Jezak Photo
Videography: Captivate Films
Wedding Day Pet Coordination and Care: Wags Down the Aisle
Day-Of Coordinator: Jennifer Waters
Entertainment: PJ Parsons Presents
Photobooth: Xpress Visuals
Dessert: Sub Zero Ice Cream
Beauty: K. Marina Beauty
Barber: Wild Horse Cuts
