Kristy and Eric have their dog, Cece, sign their marriage license with a paw print.Photo:Felicia Renae Photography
Felicia Renae Photography
When it came time to plan their wedding day, bride and groom Kristy Biro and Eric Gaidis knew they wanted their dog, Cece, to play a big role.
Because the couple tied the knot in Colorado — one of the few states that allows couples to self-solemnize, or self-unite, their marriage — they were able to not only have Cece be present, but be the one who made their marriage official.
Kristy and Eric with Cece.Felicia Renae Photography
Though each state’s specific guidelines can vary,Bridesnotes,several states includingPennsylvania,WisconsinandColoradoallow couples a version of a self-solemnizing wedding.
TeKolste tells PEOPLE that about “45 percent” of the couples she photographs opt to marry themselves.
“When you don’t need a witness this allows you to get creative and utilize the spot for your pets paw prints,” she explains.
The couple’s August 2022 nuptials was a destination wedding with “45 of our closest friends and family,” Biro tells PEOPLE. While there was no officiant present, the couple didn’t want to lead the whole wedding themselves so tasked various loved ones with helping them during the ceremony.
Kristy and Eric’s wedding ceremony at Maroon Bells.Felicia Renae Photography
“Our ceremony combined our three favorite things: our closest friends and family, Cece and the mountains,” explains Biro, who works as a travel nurse.
An especially meaningful moment for the bride was when Biro’s father stepped up to speak after months of health struggles.
“Eric and I had not asked my dad to speak during the ceremony because my dad was very sick the three months leading up to the wedding battling cancer, and it was a miracle he was able to attend our wedding,” Biro remembers. “My dad said he felt the best the week of our wedding than he felt all summer.”
Kristy and Eric with their signed wedding license.Felicia Renae Photography
“We always knew we wanted Cece to be a part of our wedding,” Biro says of the 5-year-old dog. “And now we have our marriage certificate with her paw print to treasure forever.”
source: people.com
