Whether large breed or toy, friendly or shy, spotted or wrinkly, man’s best friend always steals our hearts. On your wedding day—or, really, any day—why not let your dogs crash the party? Just make sure they’re dressed to impress. Here, floral designer Holly Carlisle creates wedding dog collars (with fresh flowers) for a pack of standout canines who are more than just supermodels—they’re role models too.
Photo by Liz Young
Sparkles
BREED: Dalmatian SPECIAL TALENTS: Mastering every trick in the book, obeying commands like a champ, and strutting her stuff in dog shows. When put on the “spot” in front of the judges (or the camera), Sparkles most certainly shines. WHAT SHE’S CARRYING: A wicker basket of dahlias, ‘Lemon Pompon’ garden roses, ranunculus, diablo ninebark, and chamomile—the perfect riot of color against her black-and-white fur.
Photo by Liz Young
Scottie
BREED: Golden Retriever SPECIAL TALENTS: Keeping a perfectly coiffed coat and gentle demeanor for special-needs children around town, as well as for his friends at a local hospital, where this therapy dog has logged more than 500 volunteer hours—always, no doubt, with a smile and the patience of a saint. WHAT HE’S WEARING: A peachy keen collar of David Austin ‘Juliet’ roses, ranunculus, sweet autumn clematis, blushing bride protea, Italian pittosporum, and tree ivy.
Photo by Liz Young
Dinah
BREED: Schnauzer mix SPECIAL TALENTS: Assuming her role as the star cuddle bug at assisted-living communities, the memory-care unit at a hospital, and a day care for seniors with memory disorders. Dinah may be petite, but the impression she leaves behind is anything but. WHAT SHE’S WEARING: A look-at-me getup that’s feminine and fun, with ranunculus, ‘Pink Majolica’ spray roses, ‘Blushing Bride’ protea, crabapples, raspberry branch, scabies pods, hops vine, diablo nine bark, cotinus, agonies, and celosia.
Photo by Liz Young
Bradford
BREED: Labrador Retriever SPECIAL TALENTS: Charming every person and pup in sight. This guy knows how to work a room, and was even nicknamed “the mayor” as a puppy. If he hears a baby crying or a dog whining, it’s Superman Bradford to the rescue! WHAT HE’S WEARING: It’s easy being green in a collar of seeded eucalyptus, bay laurel, Italian pittosporum, hanging pepper berry, ‘White Majolica’ spray roses, nigella, wax flowers, and white scabiosas.
Photo by Liz Young
Simon
BREED: Labradoodle SPECIAL TALENTS: Working with an elementary school counselor to cheer up students in need of a friend. And as the perfect height to stand beside a wheelchair or bed, Simon is a favorite companion at nursing homes and a rehabilitation facility in his area. WHAT HE’S WEARING: A winning combination for a friend to many: ‘Lemon Pompon’ garden roses, ranunculus, amaranthus, scabiosa pods, hops vine, agonis, cotinus, jasmine, ‘White Majolica’ and ‘Pink Majolica’ spray roses, thistle, ‘Blushing Bride’ protea, raspberry branch, explosion grass, bunny tails grass, and tree ivy.
Photo by Liz Young
Pink
BREED: Great Dane SPECIAL TALENTS: Responding to sign language (Pink was born deaf) and lighting up faces during her visits to a hospital’s cancer center. Having been a foster sister to over 30 Great Danes, she can even teach dogs special tricks such as ringing a bell to use the “little girls room.” WHAT SHE’S WEARING: A flirty pink collar of ‘White Majolica’ and ‘Pink Majolica’ spray roses, tulips, ranunculus, and ‘Blushing Bride’ protea that lives up to her name—even a Wonder Woman wants to feel like a princess.
Photo by Liz Young
McGee and Tessa
BREED: Basset Hounds SPECIAL TALENTS: Showing off during therapy sessions at hospitals, retirement communities, and children’s charities by sitting straight up on their little back legs, and eliciting smiles for miles. With wrinkles for days, these friends and roommates both enjoy their days as retired champion show dogs. WHAT HE’S WEARING: A decidedly dapper boutonnière of green hanging amaranthus, tweedia, and ‘Blushing Bride’ protea. WHAT SHE’S WEARING: Complementing McGee’s attire, a fancy necklace of green hanging amaranthus, green millet, tweedia, thistle, ‘Blushing Bride’ protea, and gooseneck loosestrife.
By Abby Braswell | Flowers by Holly Carlisle
