Venue: Glenworth Valley, Central Coast NSW
Photos: Baker Boys Creative
Florist: Debbie Bent
Make Up: April Harvey

If there’s one thing these two love almost as much as each other, it’s their dogs. These chief bridesmaids aren’t just four legged, furry friends; they were there on the day because they’re family. They represent loyalty, companionship and love, and sometimes a chewed up slipper…

Interestingly, in Hindu mythology, there's a deity known as Lord Dattatreya who is often depicted with dogs by his side. Datta represents the unity of the three aspects of divinity - Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. His companionship with dogs symbolises the idea that divine wisdom can be found in all living beings.

Just like Datta, Ketki and Shane have found love, wisdom, and companionship in their furry friends. On their wedding day, their gorgeous dogs stood there with them as a testament to the couple's bond, offering their unconditional love, support and fierce loyalty… and those adorably big, brown, puppy-dog eyes.

Ketki and Shane had a fusion Indian-Australian wedding ceremony. They knew they didn’t want a long or soppy ceremony, but they did know they wanted to respect and honour the people they’d chosen to be there to celebrate their union, including many friends and family who had come from India. They also wanted to include their gorgeous two German Shephard dogs, who meant the absolute world to them.

It was a real pleasure to learn more about Ketki’s Hindu roots, and when I researched dogs in Hindu traditions I was overjoyed to learn about Lord Datta and to include this mention in the ceremony. There was also a mandap for the couple to stand under; we included the antarpat ritual and had fun exchanging jaimala garlands. I loved the learning experience, honouring culture and delivering this ceremony for this beautiful couple!