For Casey and Kelly, family means everything—and that includes their dog, Farah. When it came time to plan their wedding at Crystal Mountain, there was no question about it: Farah had to be there. From the beginning, they knew they wanted to make her a meaningful part of their big day, and they invested time and thought into ensuring Farah had a balanced and enjoyable experience with Wags Down the Aisle.
Inspiration
“Farah is our family,” Casey and Kelly shared, “and there was no question we’d try to have her involved in our wedding.” To make this vision come to life, they made Farah’s role and care an early priority. From managing her energy to practicing for special photos, they were dedicated to including her in a way that would keep everyone—Farah included—happy and comfortable.
Prep and Planning
Farah is known for her boundless excitement, especially when greeting people, so managing her enthusiasm was a top priority. Casey and Kelly spent months before the wedding focusing on training, helping Farah refine her greeting manners and resist her urge to jump up on guests. The couple also took time to get Farah familiar with her wedding day harness and perfected their “paws-in” pose for a special photo op. Every detail was planned, from how she’d walk down the aisle in the ceremony to hand-off points if she grew restless. They even made sure Farah had a designated spot with her pet handler, Adrienne, during the ceremony.
Handling the Unique Challenges
Crystal Mountain’s breathtaking ceremony spot is accessible only by gondola, which presented a unique challenge for Farah. While she was a bit nervous about the new experience, she handled it like a champ. Casey and Kelly were mindful of the length of the day and wanted Farah to enjoy herself without feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed. Having Adrienne there allowed Farah to alternate between socializing, relaxing, and taking quiet breaks. This balance made all the difference in ensuring Farah had an enjoyable day.
Favorite Moments
For Kelly, one of the most treasured moments was being with Farah right after the first look. “It was so special to share a few quiet minutes together before everything began,” she reflected. And seeing Farah interacting with their guests was heartwarming, especially for friends and family who hadn’t met her yet.
For Casey, walking down the aisle with Farah by his side was particularly memorable. “I’ve had Farah since she was two months old,” he said. “It was incredibly meaningful to have her with me, symbolizing the next step we were taking together.”
Guest Reactions
Farah made quite an impression on Casey and Kelly’s guests, who all fell in love with her sweet demeanor. Many even thought she was with a family friend because Adrienne, the pet handler, seamlessly integrated Farah into the day, creating genuine opportunities for her to interact with their loved ones.
Advice for Couples
Casey and Kelly recommend hiring a pet handler and communicating specific moments that matter most. “Talk about your concerns and their needs ahead of time so you can be worry-free on your wedding day,” they advised. This preparation allowed Casey and Kelly to relax and enjoy the day with Farah by their side, knowing she was in the best hands.
Including Farah was a beautiful addition to Casey and Kelly’s day, and it’s clear that she brought as much joy to their guests as she did to them. By planning thoughtfully and hiring the right support through Wags Down the Aisle, they created memories while having a successful and fun dog-friendly wedding!
Vendor Team:
Coordination: Jubilee Weddings and Events
Venue, Catering, Bar: Crystal Mountain Resort
Photo + Video: Lloyd Photo and Films
Florals: Flora D'Amore Floral
Pet Coordination + Care: Wags Down the Aisle
Beauty: Salon Maison Inc