Palm Springs just hosted the “wedding of the year”—and no, it wasn’t for people. It was a royal wedding for dogs, complete with formal wear, a carriage ride, live singers, and a sit-down dinner.
The unforgettable event was the brainchild of Barbara Hanke, who co-chaired the charity affair and brought her long-held dream to life. “For three years I wanted to do something outrageous, something the desert had never seen,” Hanke said. “So I thought, why not a double dog wedding?”
The stars of the ceremony were Hanke’s two beloved dachshunds, joined by a chihuahua and a German shepherd. While the pups might’ve snarled at each other at first, their love reportedly bloomed over time—leading to a fairytale wedding complete with a “first dance” and a joyful send-off in a golf cart decorated with a “Just Married” sign.
Held as a fundraiser for Loving All Animals, the event drew a crowd of 225 guests—an intentionally limited number to keep things intimate and enjoyable. Rather than setting up a wedding registry, guests were invited to donate directly to the cause through a raise-the-paddle initiative, which proved successful in raising funds for animals in need.
“I wanted to raise the bar,” Hanke said. “Dogs are often on the lowest rung of the ladder, and they deserve so much better.”
From the custom outfits and musical procession to the romantic carriage arrival, every detail was designed to celebrate love—and to remind attendees why supporting animal welfare matters.
The newlyweds, Sushi and Tinkerbell, are now enjoying their happily ever after.
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By: Fred Roggin
April 19, 2025
