Logan Ryan and wife ask wedding guests to donate to animal shelter instead of bringing gifts

Bernd Rac | Jade Mountain

Former New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan and his new wife, Ashley Bragg Ryan, want to spread love - not only to each other but to the animals of St. Lucia.

The college sweethearts recently wed on April 7 inside St. Lucia’s Jade Mountain Resort, and instead of receiving gifts from their guests, they requested that wedding attendees donate to a local animal shelter.

The idea came to them when they arrived in the country, having noticed all the stray dogs and cats on the streets. The situation hit home with Ashley who is a certified professional dog trainer.

After their wedding, Logan and Ashley embarked on a photoshoot around Soufriere, St. Lucia.

“We were just having fun, having just gotten married,” Logan said, “We’re walking the streets, doing this photo shoot and this dog kind of chose us.”

“The dog was following us and I was just worried about Ashley’s dress, because it was so expensive. It was Ashley who welcomed it, petting this dog – that’s just the type of person she is. When I saw she was okay with it, I was okay with it.”

When the photographer of their shoot saw how much the dog meant to them, he put them in touch with the local animal rescue organization, Help Animal Welfare.

From there, the Ryans got in touch with the group and asked how they could help. That’s where they got the idea to swap wedding gifts in exchange for animal rescue donations.

“Running a rescue anywhere in the world is financially, physically and mentally draining, and it is impossible to do it without help from people like the Ryans,” Help Animal Welfare said in a statement, “Their actions showed us how big their hearts truly are.”

"Without people like them who go above and beyond to help, we would not be able to continue saving lives in Saint Lucia," their statement continued. "The animals we rescue almost always have pre-existing conditions, which become expensive to treat and their wedding donations really helped us in a time of need. They haven't only have they helped us financially though, they've also helped bring awareness to our organization which is invaluable."

“Dog rescue is with us wherever we go,” Logan said, “It’s just something we’re passionate about and want to make a difference in any way we can.”

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