Happy couple says ‘I woof you’

VANCOUVER, Wash. – All eyes turned toward the aisle as “Here Comes the Bride” played from a portable stereo. The bride, resplendent in a white gown and lacy, pink-trimmed veil, walked to meet her groom, clad in a tuxedo and top hat.

He promised to always share his toys. She vowed to stop biting his legs so hard when they’re playing. And just like that, Carole and John Bigwood’s Yorkshire terriers Skylar and Rainbow were joined as dog and wife.

“I thought my daughter was nuts, but this is cute,” said Diane Rapier, of Vancouver, Carole Bigwood’s mother.

The Bigwoods might have raised a few eyebrows with their elaborate doggie wedding, but they’re not alone. Such celebrations are in keeping with the general trend of people treating their pets like family, said Lisa Peterson, American Kennel Club spokeswoman.

“Things that we would normally do for ourselves we’re now starting to do for our pets,” Peterson said. “Having a doggie wedding is a fun thing to do … as a social event for other dogs and their owners.”

Carole Bigwood started planning the ceremony about nine months ago, delaying it to breed Skylar, 2, and Rainbow, who turns 2 this month. So rather than get married in June, that’s when Rainbow gave birth to Ernie.

“The wedding was supposed to come first,” Bigwood said with a laugh.

But this way Ernie was able to see his mother and father pledge their eternal love to each other in front of family and friends in the Bigwoods’ Salmon Creek garden in late August. Ernie was one of several groomsmen dressed in purple suits Bigwood made to match her bejeweled, reversible bridesmaid dresses.

After the vows, which Carole and John Bigwood read on behalf of Rainbow and Skylar, the party really got started. “Who Let the Dogs Out?” played as the newlyweds and their canine guests ran around the yard sniffing and playing while their human friends looked on happily.

Carole Bigwood and friend Alicia Bell made a cake out of wet and dry dog food and dog bones.