Maple Grove, Minn. couple picks puppies over flowers on their wedding day

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. (KMSP) - A Maple Grove couple ditched a wedding day tradition for a good cause.

Kathryn and Brad Ziemer decided to use puppies instead of bouquets of flowers on their big day. The couple supports Secondhand Hounds, a nonprofit in Eden Prairie, Minnesota that rescues dogs from high kill shelters.

Kathryn says the decision to pick rescue puppies over flowers was an easy one.

“Well, first-off who doesn't love puppies? And second, I wanted puppies specifically from Secondhand Hounds. Having puppies at the wedding was so special to me and Brad, but it was more about Secondhand Hounds! This animal rescue is incredible!” Kathryn said.

Kathryn and Brad’s wedding party didn’t know about the puppies until they went outside for group photos and there were 13 pitbull puppies waiting for them.

And instead of party favors the couple chose to make donations to Secondhand Hounds and another nonprofit.

The Ziemer’s wedding photographer is also a supporter of Secondhand Hounds. Alycia Petrie does “Pup Pics” sessions where all of the proceeds go to the nonprofit. Alycia delivered all of the puppies to the wedding and took all of the photos.

“Rescue isn't cheap and Secondhand Hounds always goes the extra step to try to help any dog that comes to them! It is an honor and a privilege to be involved with such a respectable rescue!” Alycia Petrie said.

The Ziemer’s were married at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove, Minnesota on Saturday, October 15.

Kathryn says the puppies were too young to be adopted, but they'll be up for adoption soon at Secondhand Hounds.