EP.04 | SIMPLYSOCIALS: THE Wedding Content Creator TALKS Funny Wedding Fails & The Magic Cheese 🧀

In this episode, we sit down with Simply Socials also know as Kat, to talk about all things weddings, content creation and the magic that happens behind the scenes on someone’s big day.

We dive into what it’s really like having a wedding content creator capturing those candid, behind the scenes moments alongside your photographer and videographer. We talk about the pros and cons of having multiple creators on your wedding day, how it all works and why it’s becoming such a big trend for modern weddings.

Our Socials:
⠂Emma - Founder of Cheshire Dog Lady

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/cheshire_dog_lady?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cheshiredoglady_podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==  

TikTok: 
https://www.tiktok.com/@cheshiredoglady?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Podcast Tiktok: 
https://www.tiktok.com/@thecdlpodcast?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

➡️ Participants ⬅️

⠂Kat - Simply Socials

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/simplysocials_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@simplysocials_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

⠂Alissa - AMW.Visuals (Our Social Media Manager + Producer)
YouTube: @amw.visuals  
Instagram: @amw.visuals

If you'd like to work with us email us on: Emma@cheshiredoglady.co.uk

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Welcome back to the Cheshire Dog Lady Podcast episode four. Today we are gonna dive into the world of weddings, and our special guest today is Kat from Simply Socials. She's a wedding content creator. We've worked together before. Obviously, if you don't know, I'm a dog chaperone for their dogs to come along to the weddings, so we're gonna dive into all of those things and talk about the modern day wedding. Tune in, sit back, have a cuddle with your dog, and enjoy the podcast. Today's guests on my knee are Chili and Bo. Going back. That'll be me.

SPEAKER_02 0:36

I've just been sat talking to you, and I'm like, I don't know what to say.

SPEAKER_00 0:41

So welcome, Kat. Bo's made herself at home on your knee. She has. So weddings. Obviously, weddings are big for me, and weddings is is your is your bag, your speciality. Yeah. For me, the thing that really screams out is it's the most or one of the most special days of somebody's life. And when I'm going, as I'm sure you'll agree, it's like everything's got to run perfect. There is no room for sort of any mishaps. I know there is little you know, always, but you must think the same as me. Oh my god, all this has got to go to plan.

SPEAKER_02 1:20

Yeah, and I think when couples naturally get their timelines, everyone I always say like you actually don't know what time it is during the day, like a bride and a groom, etc. They don't they don't actually know what time it is. No, and you have this conception of like it's gotta be perfect, everything's gotta run to the time. They've got no clue, they don't actually know if we're running five minutes behind or not. But I think that on the lead up to it, you do have this idea in your head, don't you, that it's it's gotta be perfect, yeah. Everything that you've planned. Well, they're relying on you, aren't they?

SPEAKER_00 1:57

Yeah, and you want to do the best. I know what I'm like with the dogs, you want to do your best possible job and you want to give them the best possible content, don't you?

SPEAKER_02 2:05

Yeah, definitely. I think that there is naturally a pressure with being part of somebody's wedding, whether it's like yourself or content photographer, there's that pressure that you want to make sure that you deliver their memories the best that you can, or like you say, like include their dog the best way that you can. And there's naturally that pressure of you know, this is one of the biggest days of their life. But then there's also when you look at it a different way, how incredible that we can be oh yeah, part of that.

SPEAKER_00 2:38

So just tell us exactly you're a wedding content creator. Yeah. So what exactly does that mean?

SPEAKER_02 2:45

So, wedding content creation, I describe it as storytelling through the lens of an iPhone. So, wedding content creators primarily will use iPhones, essentially film all of the behind the scenes authentic, raw, candid moments of the day. I always like to say that I capture the day as it unfolds. So nothing from me would ever really be prompted, posed, you know, anything like that. It would be capturing it as it happens. So, you know, those hugs that you have with the family members, they're just happening, aren't they? Yeah, of course. And I'm sort of there. When you say behind the scenes, I think there is a bit of a misconception with that because people are like, oh well, where are you gonna be? But you just sort of blend into it really seamlessly that they know that you're there, yeah, but you also you are sort of in the background quietly capturing those memories, and then with Wedding Content Creator, you would receive the content back usually the next day. You would get the full gallery of all of the raw content, and then we would produce highlight videos as well. With myself, for example, you would get a two-minute highlight video of your day, and then depending on a package, you may get a couple of extras as well. But the beauty of it is that you can relive all of those moments you know, days later. It's not edited footage that what you receive that I've taken. So if there's a conversation happening on there with a parent or a bridesmaid, you can listen back to that. Whereas, you know, sometimes videographers, for example, you may not always receive raw footage from them because it's crafted differently, yeah. And obviously, a photographer, it's a still image, you can't listen back to people talking. I've gone off on a tangent there, haven't I? Alright.

SPEAKER_00 4:41

A lot of people want the natural, yeah, natural images, the natural footage, don't they? They don't want that posed, yeah, staged look, do they? Yeah, yeah. Because you know, the the the modern day wedding now is is quite different. Yeah. You didn't have your dogs involved. Yeah. And that's massive now. Yeah. Exactly. So why why wouldn't you? If they can be there. I mean, I can tell what I think why I'm so passionate about it as well, and I say this to couples when I have like my meet and greet call with them. And I don't know if the right word is passionate, but so when I got married 21 years ago, would it have been? Something like that. Roundabout that. Yeah. It was unheard of. You you know, you didn't have a dog at a wedding, it's only something that's happened recently.

SPEAKER_02 5:28

Yeah, definitely.

SPEAKER_00 5:29

We had a boxer dog called Bruno, and he was our baby, yeah, and we had him brought to the church for photos, which would have been unheard of if everybody was like, Oh my god, Bruno's here. Yeah. And you know, that was 20 years ago. And so when people say, or if and are, I'm like, You have to do it.

SPEAKER_02 5:49

I always say that, like, if a venue allows them to be there, yeah, then I just think, why not? Like, they are your family too. Yeah, you know. And for most couples, it's their first baby. Yeah, I was gonna say that as well, like so. No way, so a lot of the time. Don't have children either, so like that is their baby. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 6:09

So I just think if they can be there, and we do treat dogs differently now, don't we? You know, like years ago, you know, you just went to work, left them at home, and that was it. Now they come to doggy daycare. Or they have a dog walker in, yeah, or you know, and the same with the weddings, you know, they're much more part of the family, aren't they? Yeah. Keeping me very warm. How would you say con your wedding content creation for for couples maybe listening? What would you say is different? Like, why why have you, if they're having a videographer, do you do you find that all three of you can be there or they have one or the other?

SPEAKER_02 6:47

No, so I think that there's definitely a mixture of what couples do. And when I some sometimes like have consultation calls before they book in, and a question people ask a lot is obviously I'm gonna lose basically sometimes people will say, like, well, what would you recommend? And I always say that if you've got you'll always have you know your photographer, and if you're torn between content and videography, I always say content isn't a replacement for videography, it's a totally different service and different outcome.

SPEAKER_00 7:21

Which I don't think people always realise.

SPEAKER_02 7:23

No, I don't think I think people are slowly catching on to it more now it's so popular, but I think when it first started like three years ago, people just really didn't understand the difference. But I always say it's personal preference, you know. If you know as a couple that you like sitting and looking through all the little clips, then you would probably enjoy having a content creator. Equally, if you know that you would like to sit down on your anniversary and watch your full film, yeah, then you would you would also pick a videographer. And I always say, like, if you can have all three, it's three different versions of your story at the end of the day. You've got three different perspectives of how it all unfolded. There might be something that I capture that the photographer doesn't, but there might be something that they capture that the videographer does, you know, like it's it if you can, it's lovely to have all of us because, like I say, it's three different perspectives that you can pull together, but you know, with content, it is that more instant, you'll get it back the next day, highlights back a couple of days after that. Whereas your videographer, you would get a full cinematic film, they would film your speeches in full, the ceremony, so they are totally different, but they all complement each other.

SPEAKER_00 8:44

Yeah, and I think if you've got the budget 100% all three.

SPEAKER_02 8:48

All of us. I know that when it's my turn, you have it all too. I would have them all. Are you having me? Depends what dog I've got, whether they're gonna behave. I know, I know.

SPEAKER_00 8:59

I think if if we've got a very well behaved pooch. Do you know what though? Like everybody says to me, Oh, I just don't know if they're gonna behave. They behave, they do. No, I know. I always say that I have my magic cheese. Yeah, the cheese. They will do anything for me. Often they don't want to go down the aisle because they don't want to leave the cheese.

SPEAKER_02 9:19

Leave the cheese, yeah.

SPEAKER_00 9:20

I know.

SPEAKER_02 9:21

I think that we say this about kids sometimes as well. Like, people are like, Oh, I don't know what they're gonna be like, and they're actually always fine. Yeah, and you expect like these monsters, and and they're not at all like nine times out of ten, I would say, I don't think I've seen a like a bad dog reaction at a wedding.

SPEAKER_00 9:44

I think I did over 40 weddings last year, and there wasn't one dog that didn't behave. I feel like I've seen a mishap. You haven't seen me being dragged around the bag going where's ever Sean the field. No, I don't think I have. No, you'd be surprised on the day how they do perform.

SPEAKER_02 10:04

Oh yeah, it's like they know it's like they think, oh my god, if we don't perform, our parents will not like us.

SPEAKER_00 10:13

And everybody likes a magic cheese, don't they? Everyone always goes, What's that in your hand? Like magic cheese. Or sometimes I have the squirty cheese, or I have the squirty pate stuff. Yeah, literally, they're like hanging on for every little tiny, like, when are you gonna give me again, Emma? I sat nicely, please. I don't want any more pictures, I just want the cheese. Got the kickles. So, thinking about your job and obviously crossing over with my role as a dog chaperone, do you find it like changes the energy having a dog there? Absolutely. I do, but then I'm never there when the dogs are not there.

SPEAKER_02 10:52

I think that I'm normally like, oh my god, who is it? Like, I feel like sometimes on their pre-wedding calls, and I'm like, right, what have we got going on? Yeah, as soon as they're like the dogs are coming, I'm like, the dogs are coming, who are they, what are they, you know. Yeah, and I feel like, especially because obviously there's a lot of family members and friends at the wedding, as soon as they then see the dog there, everyone's just like flopping over, and it it does bring like just this really good energy because everyone's like, Oh my god, because their dog is here. Every single person at that wedding knows. Knows the dog, exactly. And I think it's lovely. I think it was one that we did in May last year. Their dog was, you know, when we were doing the they didn't do confetti, they did bubbles coming out at Owen House Barn. Yeah, and they were doing bubbles coming out instead of the confetti, and you were at the like the back of the line with their dog, and then afterwards they finished sort of this line, and then the dog was like waiting at the end, and I just remember how excited the dog was, you know, like oh my god, mum and dad are here, and I just think it does, it just brings such a positive, really uplifting out because everyone's like, Yeah, oh my god, look who's I know, look who's here, and I know was there trying to keep the dog calm, and everyone's coming over petting the dog, and the dog coming, yeah. I know.

SPEAKER_00 12:12

So, how did it start with the wedding chaperone and so it was just by accident that that the service began with me because I just had um an email or a phone call, can't remember because it was a couple of years ago now, and it was from a lady in Congleton, and she'd got two mini dash hounds, and she was getting married at um Rookery Hall, and she was like, I just wondered, we want home boarding for the two nights, the night the night before the wedding and the night of the wedding. And she said, Do you think you could bring them along to the wedding? Right. And I was like, Oh my goodness, yes, yeah, of course I will. Yeah, absolutely. Was dead excited. Went and did it, absolutely loved it, like loved it. Posted a couple of things on my socials about it, and then that just generated a couple of other people saying, Oh, we would like our dog at the wedding. And obviously, that there were some companies already offering dog wedding chaperone service, but it's not something that I'd thought of doing. But then, because of the things that I posted from that wedding, they started to like just trickle in, just asking, could I do theirs? So I was like, Yeah, absolutely. I just started to build this service up, never advertise. Obviously, all I've done is post on my socials, added it to the website. I think that first year after that initial wedding, maybe did six weddings that year, which I was like dead jumped. I was like, wow, I've not advertised. And you've already got there. Yeah. And then the following year I had, I think about it was over 20, between 20 and 25, and I was like, oh my goodness, like wow.

SPEAKER_02 13:43

Started here.

SPEAKER_00 13:44

And last year I had 44.

SPEAKER_02 13:46

No, it's amazing.

SPEAKER_00 13:47

And I I can't believe it. Like, I'm nearly at 40 this year, but they'll still keep trickling in for me. Absolutely. Because for most people, it can be not a last-minute thing, but they don't always think about the dogs way, way ahead. Yeah, when they're first booked. Whereas when people are booking photographers and and videographers in yourself, they book way, way in advance, don't they? So I do think they'll still trickle in for this year, but 2027 are flying in now, now, which I'm sure. Yeah, and I have got two for 2028. Oh my god, you've ever friended already. Yeah, well, yeah, I don't, yeah, I just don't don't hang about with it.

SPEAKER_02 14:23

I think it's crazy when people are so ready to book in that like that far in advance. And that must be so lovely for you because like you say originally you started it and it was just something that somebody had just requested what it has become now. Yeah. I think that's so good.

SPEAKER_00 14:42

And then I've really just evolved with it, really. Yeah. And like now, obviously, three summers on, I've I've developed this service, and I think what's popular is is what I offer, which a lot of people didn't offer, but I think they're starting to offer now, which was behind-the-scenes footage from your dog's point of view. And I then do a reel for the couples. So I love that.

SPEAKER_02 15:05

So they've not only got like whatever from the day, they can see what the dog is. Like I am a content creator. You could literally call yourself the behind-the-scenes dog content creator. Oh my god, that's amazing!

SPEAKER_00 15:16

I love that idea, but I just did it because I love doing it. I've always been, my mum will tell you, I've always been a massive fan of taking photos and videos. I love memories and keeping them. So I just did it as a natural thing for the couples.

SPEAKER_02 15:31

Yeah, because they're not going to see what the dog is up to. No. And what better perspective to have it from you when you're already with them? I just I love that.

SPEAKER_00 15:39

Yeah, and then when I started doing the reels for the couples, I think that's when the numbers started jumping up. Yeah. Because people were looking at my socials and were like, oh wow, like we want one of those videos from our dog's point of view.

SPEAKER_02 15:54

Yeah. So how long would you, how does it work then with the service? How long would you sort of be around on the wedding day?

SPEAKER_00 16:01

I normally at the wedding, probably maximum three hours. So I say to people, I'll be there. People want it, it is tailored to everybody. Yeah. So if the dog is going to be involved in the ceremony, I'm normally there roughly two and a half, three hours. So we'll always get there an hour before the ceremony time so that they can get used to the venue. We go and check out the ceremony room, they can mingle with the guests and say hello to everybody.

SPEAKER_02 16:26

When they're getting there.

SPEAKER_00 16:27

Yeah, and sort of get the dog into a calm position, really. Then obviously, they'll be involved in the ceremony. Yeah. And then we do always advise that they get the photos done with the dog as soon as possible afterwards, because by that time we're in three-hour slot, then, and they're exhausted, they're so overstimulated. Like they get in the car and they don't move all the way home. Yeah. But then some people will say, I just want them there for the photos, and that's absolutely fine. They don't want them or trust them to be part of the ceremony. I do try to persuade people, but some people are like, no, no, just photos. So we just know your dog sometimes, don't you? And that's fine. So we'll we'll arrive for when the when the ceremony's probably gone in and get them just to have a give them a walk round and then photos and then back here. And and I think the beauty of what we can offer is we're licensed for home boarding, so they can book everything with us. They can book the dog chaperonian and they can book the dog to stay.

SPEAKER_02 17:22

Yeah, I think that's nice because they've got that element of trust in you that you're already bringing them to the wedding, but they also know that they're being taken care of as well. I think that's just such a good all-round package, though, because I know that there are a few that don't offer that.

SPEAKER_00 17:38

No, if they don't do home boarding, then they've got to go and take pick them up and drop them off to wherever Kennels or whoever they're staying with. I don't, you know, I would say family and friends, but most people would be at the wedding. That's the thing. Yeah. Most people will say normally family have them, but they're bidding, yeah. Yeah. I love it.

SPEAKER_02 17:57

I mean, I've always loved dogs, so the like I say, the moment someone tells me the dogs are coming, I'm like, tell me more. I've even got pictures, you know, like off um because the we do like face-to-face meetings. So I've even got pictures where like the dogs like up on the camera, and I'm like, because I just I think like you say, they're part of the family. I would always encourage people to have them there, like if you know the venue allows it, and most do and a lot of them do now, otherwise they're gonna lose out on booking. Like you say, and I think for some people it's a bit of like a non-negotiable that they can have the dogs there because, like you say, if all family and friends are at the wedding and can't look after them, and they want to know that they can bring them and be a part of it because they are family too. Yeah, but I I just love it, I think it's such a lovely part of the day. It just makes everyone so happy, yeah, doesn't it?

SPEAKER_00 18:55

And you might get this, you might get, well, actually, somebody there will capture the moments, and I'll get the odd person say, Oh, we don't know whether to book a dog wedding chaperone, or um, just one of the one of the family or friends are gonna have the dog during the ceremony. And can you just come and pick it up? And I'm like, that's fine, you do what you want to do, but my advice is you do need a professional dog chaperone because that person just wants to enjoy the day, they don't want to be worrying about if the dog's gonna have a wee or a poo, or how to keep them calm.

SPEAKER_02 19:30

And I think that it's it's it's probably similar, really, with content as well. Sometimes people will say, Oh, my bridesmaid will just take pictures, videos, whatever. And again, that's fine if that's what you want to do, but then you are putting that pressure onto someone who's trying to enjoy the day, you know. You've asked them to be part of the wedding, so you wouldn't want to put the stress of either you know, trying to look after and coordinate with the dog, the same way that you wouldn't want to then give the job to one of your friends to take the content because you want the best out of each service for your definitely.

SPEAKER_00 20:08

Everybody just needs to have a stress-free day. Yeah, yeah, we just want a good day. Let somebody else do that. I say to people, because they'll be worried on the phone about certain things with the dog, and I say, You don't need to worry, let me do all the worrying about the dog. Yeah, I said you just enjoy your day, don't worry about where the dog is, what it's doing, whether it's behaving, I will sort the dog out.

SPEAKER_02 20:29

Yeah, because I think back to some of the weddings that we've done and how brilliant you are, because you you you know, you've done that many weddings now, you know where you need to be, yeah, you know, in position alongside us, the you know, photographer, etc. So that the dog's looking at you and you cheese. Yeah, I'm dangling and I'm making lots of different noises. As like a content creator or photographer, videographer, there's we're trying to get that shot that the couple have asked for. You know, if it's like the shot of them and a couple of family members and the dog sat, yeah. I'm I don't know the dog. I can shout its name, yeah, you know, but it's not necessarily gonna respond to me. So I think, like you say, having a professional there to do that, someone that knows how to speak with the dog and calm the dog as well, because that's huge, isn't it? Yeah. Some breeds I imagine are a lot more excitable than others, and I think you need that person there that they recognise and like the dog trusts as well.

SPEAKER_00 21:36

Never mind, yeah. That's the almost think that their their wedding is is an is an endless list, but it's really important to get the right people.

SPEAKER_02 21:46

So, considering you've been to probably a fair few venues now, have you got a dream wedding venue on your list?

SPEAKER_00 21:56

Okay, that's a tricky one because I do feel like I've done a Full tour of a lot most of the Cheshire venues now and a few Shropshire ones, and and they are all gorgeous and got different, you know, pros and cons. Yeah, quality. But I would have to say my dreamiest one is Hawkestone Hall. It is gorgeous though. Just because of the separate chapel. Yes. So you feel like you're still getting like a proper church type. Drive up to it as well.

SPEAKER_02 22:23

Just everything about it.

SPEAKER_00 22:25

Yeah, Hawkestone Hall for me.

SPEAKER_02 22:26

That's beautiful.

SPEAKER_00 22:27

That is a good venue. There is a lot of beautiful venues, don't get me wrong, guys. There is a lot of stunning. But it just depends. Everybody's got different tastes.

SPEAKER_02 22:35

Yeah, and no wedding is the same either, is it? No, no two weddings are the same at all.

SPEAKER_00 22:40

I mean, I love the wedding barns, I love Owen House. Yeah. But then I love Petferton Castle. That's a bit old and I know.

SPEAKER_02 22:46

I like I love some of the halls that I've been to, but then I'm like you, like, I love Owen House. I think that there's loads of pros about being there. But then I could go to a like, you know, where have I been recently that I've really loved? Oh like Arley Hall. Um have you ever watched Peaky Blinders? Yeah. It's where um Thomas Shelby lives.

unknown 23:11

Oh.

SPEAKER_02 23:11

You know when you know the big drive and he drives up to this humongous yeah, that's a hall, not a house. Yeah. It's his house. It's his house. Yeah, wow. So I did a wedding there last year, and it's just it's just gorgeous. Obviously, it's a very old building. So I could go from like that to then, like you say, a wedding barn and be like, oh, this is really cool. So it does depend on the couple, doesn't it? And like their kind of vibe. Yeah.

SPEAKER_00 23:37

What their vibe is, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 23:38

It was his house. But Hawkestone hall. No, I I have to agree with you on that. It is beautiful there.

SPEAKER_00 23:44

Stunning. What's the most diva dog breed that you've tried to capture? Oh gosh.

SPEAKER_02 23:50

That is hard. Um I've seen quite a few different breeds actually. I think that I would probably say the most excitable that I have seen, it's got to be spaniels. I've seen a couple of spaniels last year.

SPEAKER_00 24:04

I might have to agree.

SPEAKER_02 24:06

Um they were just very excited. Live wires. Yes. Yeah. Whereas I think like saw a couple dash hounds last year and they were like super chill. Yeah. Like really chilled, chilled little beans.

SPEAKER_00 24:17

And then the spaniel is a high energy dog.

SPEAKER_02 24:19

Well, exactly.

SPEAKER_00 24:20

So I feel like sometimes if I'm bringing a spaniel, I can't really get it well exercised before it comes because if it gets dirty, then it's dirty. Yeah, and then you don't want it like jumping up at the bride's dress. So it's not like I can take it on a big hike and tire it out because then it would be filthy dirty. So it's so hard.

SPEAKER_02 24:37

Do you have any sort of tricks that you do with any any breeds like that where they are more high energy?

SPEAKER_00 24:44

Well, they're normally more food-driven, so you've got to have something extra special in your pocket chicken or the spready cheese. Yeah, the extra cheese. No use just having normal kibble. And then hopefully because they are a very clever breed. Yeah. You know, they're very easy to train, so they do normally respond, but they can be hard, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 25:03

Have you got a favourite? Oh gosh.

SPEAKER_00 25:06

I know. I've got a favourite breed to take.

SPEAKER_02 25:11

Oh. Or have you got like a wedding that you did where I don't know? And he was recording gorgeous.

SPEAKER_00 25:17

They're all right. I love all the ones that will just photograph like to be perfect. And I say to people, like, my job is to work with the photographer to try and get you the best possible images. Like, that's what I want to do. I'll do everything in my power.

SPEAKER_02 25:32

That's why they want them there, isn't it? To have a lovely image of their magic.

SPEAKER_00 25:36

I will do everything in my power to get you that shot.

SPEAKER_02 25:39

We worked when I think that was might have been July, they had a shih tzu and he was the ring bearer. The one that I brought. Yeah. Yeah. And he was really good. He ran straight to them in the server. Like he was really good. And I remember I've got this gorgeous shot of him. He's got like a little lake behind him, and he and he just he was such a good dog. Yeah. Yeah. He was really cute. I remember him.

SPEAKER_00 26:03

It's funny because when they come for their meet and greet here, I do say to him, like, does your dog because I shouldn't, you can't assume that a dog knows commands. Yeah, of course. You'd hope so. Yeah. But there has been a few occasions where people have said, Well, and I'm like, Well, your homework is to go home and practice sit. Because if your dog doesn't know sit, it's not gonna sit for anywhere. No matter what I do, I need your dog to sit and stay there. So that's your homework.

SPEAKER_02 26:34

Blooper. I actually, I don't know about you, but I haven't really had any mishaps yet that I've seen with dogs at weddings. But what would you do if a dog on a bride's dress?

SPEAKER_00 26:48

Or do you know do you know what worst case scenario by the dog? Yeah, I suppose that is worst case scenario, and those things do cross my mind. I don't genuinely have a fear of them on the dress. I do have fear of the male dogs going and cocking their leg up the dress. Of course. Because that would it that's more likely to happen.

SPEAKER_02 27:08

Yeah, probably than a poo.

SPEAKER_00 27:09

Yeah. Yeah. Touch wood, none of those ever happened. And the dog hasn't stopped mid-aisle either, like midway down to go, oh my gosh, I've caught his leg. They could easily go and cut their leg up the flowers.

SPEAKER_02 27:22

Because I think like I'm capturing stuff as it's unfolding. So say that happens and we're in the ceremony, like, would they want me to stop recording that? Or would people find it funny, you know?

SPEAKER_00 27:34

Because I don't know if the staff would find it funny at the venue. I think there might be a mixture, but certainly for the bride, I don't think she'd be very if that happens. But I'm armed with everything. I say to people, I'm armed with everything. Baby wipes. Baby wipes, a towel for their paws, treats, poo bags, like yeah, what can't you be armed? I'm trying to, I am prepared for the worst case scenario. And I suppose you probably walk them round so much beforehand.

SPEAKER_02 27:59

I make everything out the system, hopefully. Oh god, imagine.

SPEAKER_00 28:04

I know, yeah, that is worst case scenario. But I say to people, once now you once you've got the rings, I'll be straight down to retrieve your dog. Clearly, take them back. Yeah. And I have had people say you will make sure that they don't. I have had people say they you will make sure that they don't like wee up my dress and stuff. And I so I say, well, obviously I've got no control because the dog's coming down on its own, so I can't physically stop that. But my advice to you is as the dog's coming down, the groom needs to need to grab that dog because you're not gonna really be able to bend down much. Yeah. So the the groom has got to have full control. Fair enough. I'm gonna pass it over to the groom for the responsibility of that. As soon as you've got the rings, don't worry, I'll come and click your dog on. Touch wood. And we've never seen that yet. I don't know how you feel, I'm sure you feel the same. It doesn't matter how many weddings you've done, maybe every single one just feels really special. Magical, yeah. Like I get so emotional at every single wedding. Yeah. I'm searching. I need a pack of tissues on my chair. I know.

SPEAKER_02 29:07

I get so I am very like emotionally invested person in a lot. I'm an empath, like I feel everything. Yeah, I think. And I think that you know, like from the moment that they book you and you know that you're gonna be part of the day. I love to see, like, if they're on social media, I love to see what you're up to. I want to know what you're doing for the hen, what you're doing for the stag do. Like, I love being on that journey beforehand, yeah. Obviously, drawing and afterwards as well. Like, I have an an emotional attachment to all of my couples, yeah. And I don't forget, and you're probably the same, you don't forget anyone or any of them or where you've been, and I just think that, like you say, it doesn't matter how many you do, they're all different, so you know, every day is gonna be different no matter where you are, and I just love them.

SPEAKER_00 29:56

Yeah, I just I feel so privileged to be there and be able to be able to do that. That's me, yeah. And I drive home buzzing every time.

SPEAKER_02 30:03

Yeah, to be fair, sometimes I might drive home in silence if it's if it's the end of the day. I'm normally like radio on full blast on the way there, get hyped or you know, gotta be there cheering everyone on, and then sometimes by the end of the day, I might have to drive home in silence because I've spoken all day. You're overstimulated, yeah, like the dogs, but you're on a high, aren't you? And then like I leave and I think, oh my god, I can't wait to go through everything, probably the same way that you're like, I can't wait to put stuff together for their reel of their dog for them. Yeah, and it's just it is it's such a privilege to be a part of it is it totally.

SPEAKER_00 30:46

I mean, I've got a second person now on the team because we've we now have requests for the same date, so we were turning people away. Um, so sometimes we have double weddings on the same day, and so we've got Lindsay trained up to do it, and she'll text me and she'll go, I'm crying already. Crying at the back of the ceremony.

SPEAKER_02 31:04

I know, and you see so many, like so many beautiful moments.

SPEAKER_00 31:08

It's just the best day of your life, it really is. I'd say to people, it's the same, isn't it? Like you say, please try and enjoy every moment, it is it you will want to relive that day, and you forget so much that happens, don't you?

SPEAKER_02 31:24

I mean, I've not obviously personally done it, but I know from being around couples that they'll say, like, oh, I totally forgot that happened, or you know, sometimes they won't see certain things, or you know, if the dog's in the ceremony, they I know that they're present, they're there, but then the day is so busy, it goes by so quickly. So to be able to, like, say, relive that days afterwards and be like, Oh my god, that happened, and I just think it's such an amazing thing that has been both services that have been brought into weddings because you know, uh there's that instant want to relive the moment. You can now do that if you have a content creator, but like you say years ago, people wouldn't have maybe brought their dogs, no, but now that they can do that as well, and I love that people are doing their own thing with weddings as well, everyone's just doing it how they want to do it and celebrate.

SPEAKER_00 32:25

Yeah, before we end today's podcast, then what is your top tip for any couples watching?

SPEAKER_02 32:33

Okay, so I think do your research because as part of your creative media team, we are there for the whole day. You want to know that it's somebody that you get on with, you vibe with. You also want to make sure that their skills and what they produce for their couples aligns with you as a couple, if it's your kind of vibe, your style. And I think that doing your research, and it can be so overwhelming with social media, there's so many different ways, like where's to look, where's to look, places to look.

SPEAKER_00 33:13

Have you got a lot of competition then?

SPEAKER_02 33:15

Yeah, I would say so. I think that it's now so when I started in 2023, it was there was probably a handful of us, especially in the Cheshire area as well. There wasn't many of us at all. It's probably like me and maybe one other girl. Now, because it is such a popular service and it's so in demand, we're everywhere. Yeah, so I think that it's really overwhelming choosing who you want to capture your day. Yeah, but I think doing your research, making sure that you love the work and that you think it actually aligns with you as a couple and would reflect your wedding day the way that you want it to. I would say that that's my biggest tip.

SPEAKER_00 33:59

Yeah, and I agree on that. That would be my top tip is to do your research because look at people's reviews, that's powerful. Yeah, really powerful. Absolutely. Um, what experience have they got? There's lots of people jumping on the bandwagon when they see something successful, wedding concrete, dog chaperone at wedding. That's one thing everybody jumps on.

SPEAKER_02 34:19

Pick up an iPhone or pick up the dog leaf.

SPEAKER_00 34:21

Yeah, yeah. Have they got good experience of it? You know, if you're looking for home boarding, are they licensed? What star rating have they got? So thank you so much for coming on. Thank you for having me. Oh no, it's been lovely. We've had a right. And hopefully we'll be at weddings together this year. Super amazing. Thank you. Cut