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Bride’s Dog Can’t Come To Destination Wedding, But Her Dad Has A Solution

Written by: Adri Sandoval
Adri Sandoval is the Special Projects Manager for iHeartDogs and iHeartCats. Her work has deepened her love for animals, fostering a strong passion for rescue and animal advocacy.Read more
| Published on July 21, 2017

There are few things more magical for a couple in love than their wedding day… but what happens when Bride’s Best Friend can’t come along? If you’re the World’s Best Dad you find a way to make it happen – kind of.

When Hillary Bontempo became Mrs. Logan Bowles earlier this month, it looked like her beloved pup, Leo, wouldn’t be able to join the festivities. Aside from the usual wedding chaos, the couple was having a destination wedding in South Carolina, miles away from her home in New York. Although she really wanted Leo to be with her for her big day, she chose to have him boarded with familiar faces – her family’s other dogs – rather than tote him around and put unnecessary stress on him.

Hillary’s father, Wayne, took on additional father-of-the-bride duties. He dropped Leo off at a doggy resort, but he still found a way to have Leo come along to the wedding – in spirit, anyway.

When Mr. Bontempo arrived in Charleston, he presented the couple with this cardboard cutout of a happy, smiling life-sized Leo

Although it’s not your typical wedding gift, Hillary says this isn’t totally unusual for her dad. She told The Knot News, “He is the goofiest, most creative person I know. My dad would do just about anything to make sure I’m happy, so him doing this wasn’t too far out of the ordinary. We are very close.”

Image Source: Lydia Ruth Photography

 

He turned out to be quite the party animal, if the pictures are any indication.

Image Source: Lydia Ruth Photography

 

The bride and groom had a wonderful wedding, and thanks to Dad, their darling doggy was represented!

Image Source: Lydia Ruth Photography

 

Congratulations to the happy couple! And congratulations to Leo for making it to the party – looks like everyone had a great time.

Special thanks to Hillary Bowles and Lydia Ruth for letting us share these beautiful images!

H/T: The Knot News

 

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