Wisconsin Bride & Groom Find Clever Way to Let Their Furry Friend Play a Big Role in Big Day

30 Sep 2026, 09:00 · Bright Side — Inspiration. Creativity. Wonder.

Swayze the dog came into Emily Cowles’ life when she needed a new friend the most. But he would see his new friend through happier times, too, including meeting her future fiancé, Josh Watson. Naturally, they wanted their furry friend to be part of the big moment when they tied the knot. In fact, the couple soon came up with a creative way to let him share in their special day.

Swayze first came into Emily’s life in 2021. Around this time, she had moved states and recently endured the loss of her father. Fortunately, when she needed kindness and compassion the most, Emily and Swayze quickly formed a strong bond. A few months later, she met Josh, who would soon become the love of her life.

Within a few years, Emily and Josh became engaged, with the couple getting married in Wisconsin. Emily couldn’t imagine her big day without her beloved pet. It helped that she knew that the guests would love to see him, too. Speaking with The Dodo, she shared, “He is goofy, comforting, so sweet, and some joke he’s just a person in a dog costume because he always seems to understand what you’re saying.”

650750

The couple’s first idea was to simply have their beloved pet walk down the aisle. They even featured his picture on a menu card. However, they still felt that wasn’t enough.

One day, Emily watched a video of a dog wearing a GoPro harness and she had her big idea. As she shared, “[W]hen we were wedding planning, I was like, ‘This HAS to happen.’”

What are some times you can think of when a furry friend made a special day all the more memorable for your family?

Dark08

Working out her idea with her wedding videographer, Sabastian, they attached a GoPro to Swayze’s harness and sent him into the crowd, just as the appetizers were being served. The footage soon brought tears to Emily’s eyes when she watched it the next day.

650750

Emily loved being able to not only share the big event with Swayze, but get to experience it from his perspective, too. As she shared, “It was so sweet to see his POV. He caught such funny moments, some cinematic, and some that I’ll cherish forever with my grandma, who recently turned 91!”

650750

The couple also felt that Swayze helped make sure every guest felt appreciated during the big day. Emily shared, “We knew we didn’t get to spend quality time with every guest, but Swayze made sure to say hello to everyone, and everyone made sure to say hello to Swayze.”

650750

Dogs and pets ultimately bring a lot of kindness, compassion, and family into our lives. With a little creativity, people can find all sorts of ways to include them in their special days. Do you have any similar stories to share of when a pet made a special day just a little more special? Please share with us in the comments.