Our Team
Nicole & Bryan Donohue
Husband and wife team Nicole and Bryan are the owners and operators of Smile ‘N’ Wag.
Nicole has been working with animals for about 12 years. Starting as a summer job, she worked at a boarding and grooming facility and her college job as a doggie daycare attendant. After graduating college, she furthered her career with animals and became a full-time veterinarian technician. Along with animals, her passion has always been event planning and anything in the wedding industry. Smile ‘N’ Wag was the perfect marriage of the two aspects of her life that were incredibly important.
Bryan has also always had a love for animals. From the endless amounts of pets growing up, including rabbits, hamsters, and geckos, along with his three family dogs, he is 100% an animal lover. Bryan is the muscle of the operation; when it comes to worrying about your crazy puppies or giant breed dogs, we got you covered!
Liza Sakowski
Liza is a delightful combination of wedding industry prowess and heartfelt love for animals. As a former wedding planner, she's well-versed in crafting unforgettable celebrations. Currently pursuing her academic dreams at Rowan University, Liza is studying Psychology with aspirations to earn an M.Ed. and Psy.D.
Her adoration for animals inspired her to create a thriving pet care company specializing in pet sitting and dog walking services. Liza has been nurturing her innate talent for handling dogs since childhood and joyfully caring for furry clients professionally since 2018.
When the chance to work with Bryan and Nicole presented itself, Liza couldn't resist the opportunity to merge her wedding expertise with her passion for pets. Excited to rekindle her connection with the wedding world, Liza brings a playful yet professional touch to every event. Combining the magic of weddings with the charm of our four-legged friends, Liza ensures your special day will be a paws-itively memorable experience for everyone involved.
Emily Santizo
Meet Emily, a passionate animal lover dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our furry friends. Currently pursuing her Bachelor's in Pre-Vet Animal Science at Rutgers University's School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Emily has gained invaluable experience in and out of the classroom.
Her academic journey has led her to work with various farm animals, hone her skills as a grooming technician for dogs and cats, and excel as a veterinary assistant. In addition, she is currently providing loving care for various pets – both furry and non-furry – through her pet-sitting services. At home, Emily is the proud pet parent of three adorable Chihuahuas and a charming Terrier mix.
As a Smile 'N' Wag team member, Emily is thrilled to help couples make their dreams of including their beloved pets in their special day come true. Her unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm ensures that your four-legged companions will be in the best possible hands, making your big day even more extraordinary. 🐾💕