Francophile Friday : Behind the Scenes with A Yorkie Called Sherlock in Paris

Francophile Friday : Behind the Scenes with A Yorkie Called Sherlock in Paris

21.9.17

Come behind the scenes of another custom pet portrait illustration with today's interview post.  We're chatting with adorable young Sherlock of popular Instagram account @a_yorkie_called_sherlock. 

He and his human live in Sydney, Australia, and I was so delighted when they asked me to create something special for his human's mother's birthday.  It was a rather momentous one and they were seeking a beautiful 'one of a kind' gift.  Thankfully, they chose me to help them with that!  And now, let's get chatting.

So tell me, Sherlock, you’ve been sniffing out crime for some time now.  What’s the strangest case you’ve come across to date?
That’s a tough one… there have been so many amazing cases, like the time someone toilet papered the bathroom!  But I guess I’d say the strangest is an ongoing and unsolved case known as The Case of the Self-Relocating Sock.  It’s apparently part of a bigger crime spree happening across the globe in which socks that were in the wash basket inexplicably appear in the lounge room… the bathroom… the kitchen… and even in my and fellow detective’s beds! For a long time my human thought I was involved, but I’ve stuck by the most important rule in detectiving – deny, deny, deny - and with nothing but circumstantial evidence she has agreed we need to keep investigating.

Your trusty sidekick Mr Giraffe came along for your illustrated adventure but I heard he recently had a hospital stay due to overzealous interrogation.  How’s his recuperation going?
I have to be honest, it’s not looking promising.  He’s going to need some major reconstructive surgery and my human said my insurance doesn’t cover him.  Personally I have my suspicions that he’s faking it to avoid another interrogation.

A question for your human.  Lilly Mary, when we were chatting about your custom illustration, one of your ‘must-haves’ was to have you attired in your gorgeous favourite dress.   What’s your most memorable occasion with it – or is that yet to come?
I bought that dress over 15 years ago at a small boutique in Newcastle, with mum tagging along as my style advisor.  I think it was for a friend’s wedding, but I’ve hauled it out a couple times now – most recently for Sherlock’s first New Year’s Eve.  Even now that dress never fails to make me feel chic – especially when I’m also holding a glass of champagne. ;)

This custom artwork was a gift for your mother, which tickles me no end.  I love making something memorable for people’s loved ones.  Whereabouts does your mum display it at home?  
It’s displayed on a table in her lounge alongside prized memorabilia from her travels and photos of other loved ones.

Lilly Mary, you’re a champagne lover and I’m guessing a bit of a connoisseur.  Can you give us a tip on your favourite champagne for value plus your dream champagne if Sherlock scored a million dollar reward for his exemplary crime-solving activities? My favourite champagne is Billecart-Salmon.  It’s full of soft nutty undertones with a splash of citrus.  But I’m no snob – if it’s French and bubbly, I’ll drink it… and even if Sherlock’s crime-solving ways finally paid off I could probably still be found checking out the Aldi Champagne specials. ;)

Speaking of being a connoisseur … Sherlock, which wins paws down as your favourite snack: doughnuts or croissants and why?
You had me at doughnuts… but now I think I also need to do some investigation into this thing called a ‘croissant’…

Lilly Mary, how long has Sherlock been lighting up your life now?  
He’s been my pawsome bestie now for just over a year.  I have vague recollections of life before him, dull and hazy, and not quite in focus.  It’s corny I know, but there are moments now when we are out detectiving together, or he brings me sheepie for a quick tussle, or sits on my lap and graciously lets me rub his belly, and I see us as though from a mile away and think ‘This. Now. The Everything. Blessed.’

If you could sum up his character in three words, what would they be?  
He’s all Personality, Fluff and Joy.

Sherlock, how about your human?  Share with us three things you love most about her?  You can use more than three words to do that!
Off the bat, she’s very ‘trainable’.  Not all humans are, you know.  But so far I have been able to teach her 34 commands and also how to make the perfect chicken with potatoes.  She is also an expert belly rubber, walker and treat dispenser.  Plus she’s always happy to see me – even when she says I’m a bit stinky ;)

And what does your pawfect day look like with your human, sweetie?
Every day starts the same - with snuggles under the doona and a slow wake up from belly rubs.  Then we’re off and detectiving for an hour – a lot happens overnight so there’s usually a fair bit of crime to sniff out and peemails to be answered.  Then it’s chicken and potatoes for breakfast – and while that’s cooking I train my human.  At the moment she’s learning to hold her arm just right so I can rest against it with my paws and pray.  She’s almost nailed it.  After that, on an absolutely pawfect day, instead of me going to my teepee and my human going off to earn money for doughnuts, we hang out and live a loop of lounging around, belly rubs, sunshine walks and naps.  My human and I are working on how we can make that our 7 day reality. 

Follow Sherlock's detectivating adventures here for a dose of cuteness overload to brighten your day.  You can chat with me (obligation-free) about your very own custom portrait illustration via contact or check out the various options including Pet Portrait Photobombs and Petal Pie Portraits here. Have a gorgeous day!!

Pet and custom fashion illustration in Paris: Sherlock, Mr Giraffe and Mum with the Eiffel Tower © Shell Sherree

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Fluffy Francophile Friday : Jack the PomPom in Paris

Fluffy Francophile Friday : Jack the PomPom in Paris

30.9.16

Custom pet illustration Audrey and Jack the Pomeranian in Paris © Shell-Sherree

It's a curious and wonderful thing, having clients who become friends all over the world without ever meeting them!

Today our interview series with Instapawrents heads to Paris, home of @jackthepompom and his mum Audrey. Individually, they are rays of sunshine. Together? Hold onto your sunglasses!

@jackthepompom and mum Audrey

Jack is a very cute name and unexpected for a French puppy dog.  How did you choose his name?

Jack’s full name is in fact 'Jackpot' ! First I wanted to call him 'Jack-Pote' which sounds like 'Jackpot' but means 'Jack-buddy' in french. But I thought it was not visually beautiful as a name so I chose Jackpot. I have to say, I almost never use his full name, as 'Jack' is shorter, and also very cute!  And he had a dark pattern around his mouth when he was a puppy that reminded me of the Joker in Batman, and the real name of the Joker is 'Jack' and played by Jack Nicholson:  two more reasons to call him this daily.

Until recently, Jack had a beautiful little brother, Gizmo, who is surely having amazing adventures in guinea pig heaven just as you imagine.  I'm very sad for your loss.  It looks like they loved each other very much.

Jack and Gizmo were so cute together ! As a puppy, Jack was very impressed by Gizmo. Then, he began trying to play with him and lick his face all the time. So cute ! I think Gizmo was worried at first, but he loved having some Jack kisses, and he was sometimes hiding in Jack's fur when they were outside.  As Gizmo began to go blind, he certainly felt protected by Jack. We miss him a lot !

@jackthepompom and Gizmo

  

It's so tough when they are gone.  Onto happier things before we cry ... 

When we chatted about your illustration brief, you were keen on you and Jack cuddling on the sofa, or taking a stroll at your favourite lake in Paris.  You didn’t have to choose in the end ~ thanks to the magic of illustration, you did both! What are your favourite things to do at the lake?

We love to meet other dogs and dogs owners.  We also learn a ton of tricks and try them at the lake ! Jack loves running and being crazy during our walks ... it’s a real 'freedom time' for him !

There are plenty of ducks and swans there … has Jack ever gone for a swim to try and chase after them? 

Ah ! Yes he did ! Once, when he was a puppy. He tried to chase a duck which was on the lake, and he fell in ! I totally panicked and grabbed him by the harness and hauled him out of the lake.  He wasn't traumatized at all, but I was ! Now, he hates water I think...

Paris is known for being dog-friendly.  Amongst the places you go to regularly, which storekeepers are Jack’s favourites, and do any of them try to slip him treats? 

Mmh, I don’t thing Paris is dog-friendly to be honest, it’s more the contrary … everything is forbidden for dogs. But we have a lot of shops like Moustaches and My Cutie Dog, which just changed and doesn’t sell dogs' stuff now.  It's so sad because it was my favorite shop. We have a ton of tiny shops for dogs, but they are very expensive, so I prefer to order by internet. He doesn’t seem to be disappointed, as I love to take his stuff out of the box when we receive orders for him !

Jack’s coat is spectacular !  How long do you spend grooming him each day, and do you tend to buy clothes that match him so you don’t have to constantly de-fluff yourself?

I spend maybe one hour per week on his coat, which is not a lot of time. The Spitz coat is easy to brush so that’s really cool ! {Spitz is a group of northern dog breeds including Pomeranians, Chow Chows and Samoyeds.}  During the spring and autumn it takes a little more time, though, and they lose a ton of hair ! Really impressive !

I have to say, I stopped thinking about beautiful black wool coats and I try to buy ones that match his fluff colour. 

If I could send my magic carpet to whisk you and Jack anywhere in the world for a day, where would you go and why?

Mmmh ...  we would choose a peaceful place by the ocean or the sea, with no-one but dogs and dogs owners for company.  Do you know any place like this ?  

Hmm, being a cat mum, I'm not well versed in all the great puppy places !  But my magic carpet is pretty smart ~  or if one of our readers knows such a spot, they can let us know in the comments!  You love reading and watching films.  What’s Jack’s favourite bedtime story and cuddle toy?

He just likes hearing me talk about my day, and asking him about his as if he could answer me ! He has a ton of toys he likes to play with, like the amazing kid's toy hedgehog that you perfectly drew !

Thank you !  I love Jack's hedgehog.  I'm envious of his entire toy collection, including his gold star cushion !  If Jack was to star in a movie, which actor would you pick to do his voiceover work?

Good question … I’d like a funny voice like Eddie Murphy’s ! Would be so funny ! I think he has that voice in his head.

Can you describe Jack’s personality in three words?

Crazy,  gourmand, of course (which means he really loves food) ~ and maybe you can find an english word for me that means he loves to learn stuff all the time !

How about 'inquisitive'?  Or if we want to sound brainy, we could call him a philomath: one who enjoys learning new facts and acquiring new knowledge. Jack the Pom Pom Philomath.  Heh!

Thanks so very much for sharing your adventures with us, Audrey.  Merci beaucoup.  One day I hope to stroll around the lake with you and Jack.  That would be a highlight in Paris for me!

You can follow Jack and Audrey's heartwarming escapades at @jackthepompom.  And you can go behind the scenes with more interviews here.  And on that note ...

Happy Fluffy Francophile Friday to you!

Custom pet illustration Audrey and Jack the Pomeranian in Paris © Shell-Sherree

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Fairytale Friday : La Petite Ballerina and her TuTu Cute Frenchies

Fairytale Friday : La Petite Ballerina and her TuTu Cute Frenchies

29.7.16

{Petite Ballerinas: Theresa, Odelia & Alice custom illustration © Shell-Sherree}

Until recently, I had only once illustrated a ballerina, inspired by the ever-glorious window displays in Repetto, Paris.  Then, I met budding ballet dancer Theresa Szafranski @lapetiteballerina and her mum Dixie via their beautiful French bulldogs @odelia_and_alice on Instagram.  My Repetto illustration struck a chord {more Tchaikovsky than Stravinsky} and lo and behold, a custom illustration was soon in the making for this beautiful family.  Come with us behind the scenes.

{Theresa with Alice (left) and Odelia (right) Photos © Luis Pons}

Dixie, thank you so very much for engaging me to create something special to capture the essence of Theresa’s love of ballet and her gorgeous French bulldogs, Odelia and Alice!  One of my previous illustrations - the Repetto window in Paris - helped spark your brief to me.  Have you and Theresa ever been there?

We have been to Repetto in New York City.  It's a charming boutique where Theresa purchased two beautiful leotards for her summer intensive and a lovely fragrance. {Theresa also adores wearing her Gaynor Minden pointe shoes.}  We would love to visit Repetto in Paris one day.

{Having fun with Odelia & Alice for their illustrated ballet performance with mum Theresa}

You and Theresa are currently living in NYC for Theresa’s ballet studies – and how lucky that her sister lives nearby in Brooklyn!  What does your typical day look like ?

Currently Theresa is attending a summer intensive which is 9am to 5pm, but a typical day would start with Theresa feeding the dogs breakfast and leaving for school.  Then I take Odelia and Alice out for a walk in a nice park near home. We go for a few more walks during school hours before Theresa’s home for a quick change before ballet.  The dogs and I usually accompany her to ballet class and I push the dogs in their stroller.  Then we go home and I feed the dogs their dinner. After Theresa's ballet class is over, we walk and pick her up, and on occasion we’ll go out for dinner and take the dogs with us in their stroller. Once home, Theresa starts her homework then we take the dogs out together for one last walk.

That’s a lot of walking!  I imagine the pups are happy to rest their paws during their stroller rides.  So adorable.  Theresa looks every inch the ballerina.  When did you start to get an inkling that her talents and heart lay in that direction?

We first noticed that Theresa had a passion and a talent for ballet when she was around the age of 8. She never missed a ballet class, and always got to ballet early to stretch. Theresa was also chosen for many special parts in ballets her dance school held.  When she performed, we could see her gracefulness and her love of dancing.

{Theresa swan-like by the lake © Luis Pons}

Theresa, you must have an extremely gruelling schedule.  I’m guessing Alice and Odelia help you immensely with unwinding and managing that?

Yes they do! They are always there to cuddle and give me kisses when I come home from school and dance. They love me very much and they are always curious about what I am up to. They are the funniest, entertaining and most lovable dogs in the world.

You seem to spend a bit of time by the ocean, which must help everyone relax now and again from the rigorous routines.  Theresa, how are Odelia and Alice’s sea legs when they are out on the water ?

I love the ocean and we are lucky to live near so many beach locations. The beach is one of my favourite places to go because it’s so relaxing and beautiful. As for Odelia and Alice, they aren't such big fans! Odelia always tries to eat the sand, Alice doesn't like the seagulls, and they both dislike the water.

{ Enough walking, mum.  Push faster, please --- Keeping sand and seagulls at a safe distance Photos @odelia_and_alice}

Heh!  They must keep your hands full while you’re there.  Theresa, let's say you could turn any movie into a ballet. Which one would you love to dance in the most and who would be your leading man?  

One of my favourite movies is Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn. I would dance Audrey’s part and my dream partner would be the principal dancer named Roberto Bolle, who happens to be Italian.

If Odelia and Alice were principal ballerinas, which ballet and character would suit each of them best, Theresa?

The best ballet for them would be Swan Lake. Either of them could play both swans, because they both have a sweet side and a naughty side, but Alice would most likely be cast as the white swan (Odette) and Odelia as the black swan (Odile).  Fun fact: Odelia is actually named after the black swan!

They would make beautiful swans, as would you!  I look forward to seeing where your love of ballet leads you, and the ongoing adventures of your beautiful pups.  Thanks so much, Dixie and Theresa.   

And on that note …

Happy Fairytale Friday to you!

Glorious photography © Luis Pons @ponsphoto   Used with permission and my deepest thanks

{Theresa © Luis Pons}

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Francophile Friday : A Tale of Frenchies Cosette, Rue and mum Alexandra

Francophile Friday : A Tale of Frenchies Cosette, Rue and mum Alexandra

8.7.16

{Rue & Cosette's Tea-Time in Paris custom illustration © Shell-Sherree}

Today's post continues our interview series where I chat with the mums behind the lens of gorgeous pups on Instagram.  Last week's Paris illustration included sweet French bulldogs Cosette and Rue of @cocoandkanga so let's meet their beautiful mom Alexandra!

{Alexandra, Cosette & Rue of @cocoandkanga}

Cosette and Rue are such little ladies, often photographed in their flowers, pearls and hats, taking tea and looking as if they are about to head off to church in their Sunday best!  So cute.  Do they have a larger wardrobe than yours and are you ever tempted to borrow from it?

Oh, absolutely! I hate shopping for me.  But shopping for Rue and Cosette is so much fun! Since it’s hard to find pet clothes that fit Rue, I’ve started having fun in the baby section at Target. I could spend hours going through onesies and dresses and hats! Every closet in the house now has a section for the dogs’ clothes!

If you could invite any three people {alive or past} to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party along with your pups, who would they be and why?

Oh, my! I’ll have to think hard on this one. Well, I’m definitely inviting Frederic Chopin. Hopefully, he’ll talk all about his glorious music and perhaps even play if a piano is nearby! Fingers crossed! Next, I’ll invite William Shakespeare. It would be such an experience to discuss Romeo and Juliet over a cup of tea. And lastly… we’ll have to invite you, Shell! You’re such a fun, imaginative person. Who better to invite! Then we’ll have our favourite musician, our favourite writer, and our favourite artist. What an amazing 'Tea Time with Cosette' that would be!

{Cosette and Rue @cocoandkanga being the little ladies they are}

Aww, aren't you gorgeous!  I’d be there with bells on and a piano in tow if needs be!  Our first custom project together was whisking Cosette and Rue away for an illustrated daydream in Paris.  Why is Paris so special to you? 

Oh, what can I say? Paris is … Paris. I think it’s the most beautiful city in the world. I’ve never been one of those people with a big desire to travel, but Paris, I want to visit one day. My mother and I  have been infatuated with her for as long as I can remember, and Rue and Cosette have grown that love. Rue was our first French bulldog. Then, when we got our second Frenchie puppy, my mother and I had no idea what to name her. We threw names around for days. Olive… Minnie… Nothing seemed right. Then, we watched Les Miserables when it premiered on HBO. By the end, we had a name for our puppy: Cosette.  It was so beautiful. And it was French. It was perfect.    

It's very pretty!  I was touched when you also asked me to create a memento of the love between Cosette and your grandma.  When did you first notice their special bond?

Right away! Before we got Cosette, my grandmother got very ill and was in the ICU for a long time.  We still thank God every day that she’s with us now, recovered. But when she was sick, it was a very difficult time. We got Cosette to bring some much needed happiness into our lives. By then, my grandma had been home from the hospital for some time, but she was still having some issues. Every Monday night my mother, grandmother, and I would run weekly errands together. The first Monday with Cosette, we didn’t want to leave her home with the rest of the dogs. So we put her in the back seat with my grandma. And that was the beginning of it. Cosette never stays home on Monday nights with the rest of the dogs! She comes along and rides in the backseat with Grandma, who stays in the car and cuddles with Cosette while we do the shopping. We have dinner at my grandmother’s house often, and Cosette will scratch my legs until I put her on my grandma’s lap. It’s her favourite place to be. She just gazes up at her with this look of sheer adoration. She’s never looked at anyone else like that. To tell you the truth, I’m a bit jealous! They love each other SO much! It’s really a very sweet thing to be able to witness.

{Cosette Loves Grammy Loves Cosette custom illustration © Shell-Sherree}

You have a beautiful gift for storytelling in your Instagram captions.  I was misty-eyed reading your post about how Rue came to live with you.  Could you share that here?

I would love to! My neighbour introduced me to a woman who needed somebody to tend to her Frenchie puppy in her house a few days a week while she was at work. I happily volunteered. When I first opened the door to her house. I was greeted by this crazy energetic puppy who had a really tiny body and really humongous ears!! She was the cutest thing I had ever seen! Her name was Babe. I remember thinking that that wasn’t the name I would have given her. After I fed her and let her out, I would always play with Babe. My mother came with me and she sat on the couch, holding her in her arms like a baby. It was so precious, and so hard to put her back in her kennel and walk away. She would watch us go with such sad eyes and we always looked forward to seeing her again. One day, we walked in to find a note from Babe’s owner, saying her young son and Babe weren’t getting along well and that adopting Babe hadn’t been what she’d expected. She was going to sell Babe. I looked up at my mother and said, “The only person she’s selling her to is us.” When we went over to take Babe home, I remember thinking it would be the last time she would ever have to sit in that kennel all day and stare at the door, waiting for someone to open it. Instead, we would shower her with love. With her huge ears and the way she jumped up and down excitedly, she reminded us of a kangaroo! But we wanted to rename her something more feminine than Roo. So we took a hint from The Hunger Games and spelled it R-U-E. We love our Kanga-Rue so much! She has the best personality ever! My mother and I both love our “Kanga cuddles” so much! And since I don’t know any people who are more loving or more loyal than her … well, she’s pretty special.

While Cosette and Rue are your pups with their own Instagram account, they have two more sisters, Daisy and Emme.  That's a handful !  Did they all settle in together quickly or were there 'teething' times? 

When we brought Rue home, we had Emme, Daisy, and our late Boston Terrier, Bella. After Bella passed away, we got Cosette. Rue drove Emme and Daisy crazy before we got Cosette. They were like, “we’re too mature for your puppy antics.” When we brought home Cosette, Rue finally had a friend she could wrestle with and play with all day long. They are best friends. I wish I could say all four dogs get along perfectly. But if you have more than two dogs, it becomes a pack, and sometimes there’s tension over who is alpha. Like real sisters, though, they’ll snap at each other and then a minute later they’ll be playing together and cuddling. Every dog we’ve ever had has been involved in a pack scuffle at least once except Cosette. She’s so sweet! Our little Coco is like “screw instincts,” and she runs out of the room until everyone’s calmed down. Sometimes, they make me want to rip my hair out. But it’s such a joy to be able to take care of them all. They each have such unique and wonderful personalities. Every day my dogs amaze me.

Rue, Cosette, Daisy and Emme @cocoandkanga 

Along with your pups, what are your other big loves in life?

Well after the pups have been fed and played with and are taking their first of twenty naps, I like to play the piano. I’ve been playing for 11 years now, mainly classical, hence my earlier tea invitation to Frederic Chopin. But I also dabble in a little pop. Chopin is undoubtedly my favorite composer. I recently played his Polonaise in A flat at a recital. I almost had a nervous breakdown over playing it because I think it may be the most difficult piece ever—or at least the most difficult piece that I can actually play. Haha…

It's a mammoth of a work ~ you're very courageous!  If you could open your cupboard and put on an Abilities Suit and be whatever you wanted to be in the whole wide world, what’s the first thing you’d try on and why?

Oh my… This is definitely the hardest question of them all… I feel if I truly had such a suit it would be expected of me to become something amazing or magical so I could help the world. And I'm afraid I don't really imagine becoming something amazing or magical.  That doesn’t really appeal to me very much. The only thing I ever dream about {and have for as long as I remember} is being a writer. It’s funny because after school work, piano practice and taking care of the dogs, it’s hard to find time for writing which is my favourite thing to do in life. Nevertheless, I think about things I want to write every day. So if I had an Abilities Suit right now, I would want to be a writer with the ability and time to write down every story that’s ever been inside my head. And I would want these stories to greatly influence people and change their lives for the better! I think writers are the best teachers in the world. And they can keep on teaching even after they die because their words live on after they’re gone. That’s why I want to be a writer so badly. And it would definitely be nice to have an Abilities Suit to help me along!

Your Instagram for Cosette and Rue is already something that changes lives for the better with its humble warmth and delight!  You have a great start with your writing there.  Can I give you a challenge and ask you to sum up Cosette and Rue in three words each?

Oh, this is a tricky one. I hope I can do them justice. Here goes.

Rue: loving, fun, loyal….
Cosette: sweet, shy, caring…

And both adorable!  Thank you so much, dear Alexandra.  You and your pups are a joy.

You can follow the ongoing adventures of @cocoandkanga here.  And on that note ....

Happy Frenchie Friday to you!

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Fairytale Friday: Angela, Mia Pomeranian & a Love Story

Fairytale Friday: Angela, Mia Pomeranian & a Love Story

10.6.16

{@MiaPomeranian and Angela's Fairytale Fashion & Fluffballs custom illustration © Shell-Sherree}

Hands up if you're one of the gazillions following adorable animals on Instagram. {Me, too!}  Hours vanish in minutes and even mentions of puppy poo take on certain quirky charm.  {And poo and I are not friends, trust me!}  But behind every gorgeous Instadog and cat, there is a smitten pawrent, and today, I thought it would be fun to chat with one of the lovely mamarazzi behind the lens: mum Angela of @miapomeranian.

Angela engaged me to create a custom illustration ~ a memento that celebrated her special day and included her gorgeous pom Mia, who couldn't be there in real life because their wedding was in Disneyland {Orlando}! I only learned afterwards that their fairytale nuptials were part of the Good Morning America 'Wide World of Weddings' so it's a bonus that we can score an inside look behind that, too.

I had a beautiful time coming up with this illustration for you, thank you!  You gave me a lovely clear brief and free rein as well.  One of your 'must haves' was a reference to the Sleeping Beauty castle.  It conveys love and romance in a single glance, so it was a perfect fit!  Was the castle the reason you fell in love with Disney World in the first place? 

Disney is MAGICAL! Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted a Disney wedding, and never thought it would actually happen! My hubby and I have been together for almost 11 years, since High School, and coincidentally, we talked about getting married at Disneyworld when we were about 17! Who would have thought that dream would actually come to fruition?! The whole experience with Disney was wonderful.  Easy to plan ~ it felt like a true fairytale! I even got stopped by a few little girls whilst wearing my wedding gown who actually thought I was a Disney princess!

No wonder!  You're a beautiful couple, and your gown was very pretty ~ so lovely to draw.  Since the wedding, I’ve had visions of you on a roller coaster and whirling around in teacups!  Did you take your wedding gown for a spin on any rides?

YES! I am so glad you asked! We chose to do a Magic Kingdom photo shoot, where we got to get on the carousel and take a spin on the teacups! It was so much fun!

Angela and Andrew take the carousel for a spin.  Photo credit © Disney Fine Art Photography & Video 

Angela and Andrew with the best cup of tea they've ever had.  Photo credit © Disney Fine Art Photography & Video 

How did it come about that your wedding was part of the Good Morning America ‘Wide World of Weddings’?

It was such a random occurrence! My wedding planner at Disney called me the week before to ask my hubby and me if we would be okay with our wedding being broadcast on GMA, and of course we said “YES!” It worked out so wonderfully, as there were guests who could not make it to Florida and got to watch the wedding as it was streamed live! We did not know that Joey Fatone, former NSYNC band member and GMA correspondent, would attend the wedding until minutes before! It was all such a whirlwind!!

Did it change anything about the way you planned the day?

Not at all! I will say, it may have made my hubby and I a bit more nervous knowing we were being filmed, and that Joey Fatone was attending our wedding!

I love your gorgeous Mia !  It must have been so hard not having her with you for the wedding ceremony  ….  was it ever a possibility? 

Unfortunately, they did not allow dogs in the wedding venue, and while we could have taken her for our outdoor photos, my hubby and I felt it was unfair to fly her across the country for her to not be able to attend the wedding, much less all of the time she would spend in doggy daycare while we were traipsing around the theme parks! However, when we got back to Texas, we had a huge wedding reception for everyone who could not travel to Disney World, which Mia attended. I even bought a fancy white lace dress for her to wear! She was the hit of the party!

Angela, Andrew and Mia celebrate at their special reception.  Photo courtesy of @MiaPomeranian

I'll bet she was! If you could single out one moment in the day when you missed her most, when would that be?

It is so hard to single out just one, but I would say - at the end of the ceremony when we were announced as husband and wife, I wish we could have each given her a quick kiss on the cheek as we were exiting the chapel!

Did you bring Mia a ‘kiss and make up gift’ from your travels?

Yes! Disney actually has a line for dogs, and she loves squeaky toys, so we brought her a squeaky yellow Mickey shoe toy, which she loves!

What essentials do you carry around in Mia’s tote bag when you’re out and about with her?

I definitely have to carry her treats (while she is wonderful, sometimes she can get whiney and treats focus her, hehe), her portable water bowl (especially in this southern heat), potty bags, and her favourite squeaky toy!

If Mia was ever stranded on a desert island (perish the thought!) and you could parachute-drop three foods plus a favourite singer to amuse her until her rescue, what and who would they be?

Her favorite three foods would be carrots, chicken, and cookies, and I would love to think she would want to listen to me sing – I sing children’s songs to her all of the time. Hehe.

How would you sum up Mia in three words?

Fabulous, Feisty, and Loving

I'd say those describe you perfectly, too!  Thanks so much, Angela.  It's been a pleasure from start to happy ever after! 

You can follow Mia the Pomeranian's adventures here.  Instant smile on your dial, promise!  And on that note ...

Happy Fairytale Friday to you!

Angela and Andrew, happy ever after. Photo credit © Disney Fine Art Photography & Video 

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