Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital, Alexandria’s newest, state-of-the art veterinary hospital, located at 133 South Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, is hosting an “A Day in the Park”, an open house on Saturday July 18, 2009 from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The  event is free and open to the public., and will feature:

- 2pm Dog Show with Prizes for: Smallest Dog, Largest Dog, Best Outfit, Dog-Owner Look-alike, and Best Pet Trick

- 4pm Fashion Show Showcasing Doggie Couture by Barkley Square Bakery & Boutique

- Door Prizes Announced Each Hour

- Dog & Cat Adoption with the Washington Humane Society’s Adoption-Mobile

- Complimentary Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream for the first 50 guests

- Complimenary Popcorn and Beverages

- Animal-themed Arts & Crafts Station for Children

- Balloons for the Kids

- Face Painting

- Hospital Tours

- Complimentary Dog Treats provided by Barkley Square Dog Bakery

- Pet-friendly Vendors

“We are bringing those whose businesses serve animals in our community together to celebrate our opening and to raise funds for the Washington Humane Society”, said owner Dr. Elton Vyfhuis. I have supported the WHS for years by volunteering performing surgeries for them at their National Capital Area Spay & Neuter Center, and am excited that the first event at our new hospital will support the great work that the Washington Humane Society does in our community.”

“We want the event to be family-friendly, as we want to establish a long-term relationship with our clients, their families and their pets. We will host an open house to showcase our new clinic and look forward to serving the Alexandria community, as well as surrounding area.  ” Dr. Nia Perkins said. Paws, Purrs & Exotics Animal Hospital will offer high-quality, affordable veterinary care for dogs, cats, small mammals and exotics. Their services include general medicine, surgery, digital radiography, grooming, day boarding and daycare services, and professional training. For details, call the hospital at 703-549-PAWS (7297)

A few months later Emily sent me a note asking if I’d shoot a destination wedding in Philadelphia. Turns out her Andrew was now engaged to Laurie and they loved Stella’s photos so much they wanted to know if I’d shoot their wedding. I do happen to be a wedding photographer for Love Life Images, Inc., so it’s not as crazy as it sounds, but it was the first time my dog photography has led to a wedding gig. So I consider this a FidoJournalism wedding!

Not only was it great to finally meet Andrew and Laurie, but I was so excited to shoot at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology, a beautiful venue for a wedding. It was certainly a unique atmosphere, dining and dancing amidst the relics and artifacts. It was also the perfect setting for Laurie and Andrew, who both happen to be classics scholars. It was a wonderful day and one I won’t soon forget. Perhaps the best part was when Stella and Phoebe joined the party during cocktail hour!

On to the images. Congratulations Laurie, Andrew and Stella!

Laurie gets the finishing touches…

This jewelry was handmade by Laurie’s friend…
 

Laurie sneaks a glance at Andrew as she prepares to walk down the aisle…     

Stella made an appearance at cocktail hour!
  

Of course Phoebe was there too (with Emily)…

The museum provided ample opportunities for portraits, perfect for these two classics scholars…
 

Dinner was in the amazing Chinese Rotunda (unfortunately pictures don’t do this massive room justice!). 

Dancing was in the Upper Egypt gallery…

Paris kept the dance floor packed all night.
 

Some of the amazing details…

    

Wedding Photography by Stephen Bobb for Love Life Images, Inc.

Need a unique gift for Father’s Day? Why not take advantage of the FidoJournalism Father’s Day special? Book your session by June 21 and receive a free 8×10 print for Dad’s desk or wall.

Don’t forget that you can follow us on Facebook now!

If you’re in the DC-area, be sure to stop by Barkley Square Bakery (map) tonight from 6-9pm, where they will be holding an adoption event featuring the “Diamonds in the Ruff” participants. Molly, Angela and Leo will be there along with some other animals looking for loving homes. FidoJournalism will be there too, with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, Karing by Kristina, Barkley Square Dog Bakery & Boutique, Chios Pet Grooming, and AskMissA.com.

This event is being held in conjunction with Del Ray, Alexandria’s First Thursday. First Thursday is a monthly event where all of the businesses along Mt Vernon Ave participate in one central theme and keep their doors open until 9pm. The theme for June is Dog Days of Del Ray.

Barkley Square will also be hosting their weekly Happy Yappy Hour at this time complete with a Bark Bar full of yummy dog treats.

How can you resist this face?