Dog weddings — how new industry laps up puppy love

Exchanging collars

Bai Yu and his wife Ju Jie run a small pet boarding business in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

The idea of turning a birthday celebration into an elaborate professional pet wedding began almost by accident, they said.

Their two dogs, Elio and Mira, both 1-year-old Coton de Tulear, are more than pets to them. "We have five dogs and a cat, and the oldest is 13. Each carries a piece of our family's story," said Bai.

In August, just before the Qixi Festival, China's Valentine's Day, the couple decided to hold a wedding for the dogs.

They drew on their professional backgrounds. Bai previously worked as a wedding host, and Ju is a fashion designer.

"After the COVID-19 pandemic, I left the wedding industry and opened a pet boarding house with my wife. We have a small villa that naturally creates the right atmosphere. The photography was done at a bridal studio I invested in, and my wife designed the veil and outfits," said Bai.

They spent about a month preparing for the big day — planning, buying decorations, and inviting former colleagues.