Couple use adorable dachshund to help pay for their £50,000 Peak District wedding

Shannon Edmondson, 31, from Stalybridge, has turned her miniature long-haired dachshund, Wilson, into a social media star, bringing in thousands through user-generated content (UGC), brand deals and freebies.

In the past month alone, Shannon has made £4,640 from social media before tax - already rivalling her previous full-time wage in the media industry.

Since first setting up Wilson’s Instagram in October 2023, the couple estimate they’ve received around £10,000 worth of gifted items - from a £400 projector to home essentials, matching pyjamas and even a car seat for their pampered pup.

But Shannon began making money off the page in February 2026.

The couple, who got engaged in Dubai, have already saved £4,000 towards their big day and are aiming for a £50,000 wedding in the Peak District in August 2028 with Wilson set to be their ring bearer.

And Shannon says it’s all thanks to their "fur baby".

Shannon, who has recently gone part-time to focus on content creation, said: "Wilson is basically the breadwinner of the house now, we just live in his world.

"In the last four weeks, I’ve made £2,400 from social media, and it’s only growing. It’s amazing to think something that started as me posting my dog has turned into this."

Shannon and her fiancé, Jordon Rollins, 33, who runs a creative direction company, now plan their weekends around Wilson’s filming schedule.

Early mornings are key, when their pup is happiest. Shannon said: "We get up early, plan everything, and film between 7am and midday because that’s when he’s in his best mood.

"We’ve done four videos in a day before, then by the evening he’s ready to curl up and relax."

Despite his growing "career", Wilson’s comfort always comes first. Shannon said: "We treat him like a baby - everything we do is around what he enjoys.

"He loves the beach because he knows he’ll get a toy, and that makes it special for him too."

Wilson’s cheeky personality has also helped win over audiences online. Shannon said: "He’s so sassy, he definitely knows he is famous because the side-eyes he gives are unreal.

"He sleeps most of the day, but at about 5:30pm he’s ready to perform, especially if there’s ham involved. He’s honestly like a toddler - he doesn’t play fetch, he plays hide and seek."

His charm has not only built a loyal following but also opened doors for exciting opportunities.

Shannon said: "We’ve been invited to London to film with brands and even stayed overnight in hotels. The opportunities have been amazing, we just say yes and enjoy it all together as a family."

Their home is now filled with items gifted through collaborations.

Shannon said: "I look around and think, I didn’t pay for that, or that, or that! My partner jokes about getting rid of things, and I say we just need a bigger house!"

But while the perks are fun, Shannon admits most of the earnings are going straight into their wedding fund.

She said: "It all goes into the wedding pot, even though I’d love to spend it. We want to make a whole weekend of it in the Peak District, and having Wilson there as our ring bearer will make it perfect."