Many couples tying the knot spend hours fine-tuning wedding venue details.  But, for Andrew Menocal and Grace Steele, they followed their heart.

 "The people that knew us thought it was a great idea, they knew how special this place was for us," says Menocal.

The Navy officer and teacher met at the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County three years ago. Their love story began while walking dogs.

Menocal explains, "I was volunteering here at the Humane Society for Saturday dog walking, that day I was coming in back fence, then she was at the top step."

"Went home and was like there was this cute guy walking dogs," recalls Steele.

The couple says their love of animals brought them together, and they wanted to return the favor. They invited 60 guests to meet the furry friends first hand.

 "A lot of people when they think of shelters it smells bad in there or sad doggy faces, not what it is here, they wouldn't bring their family and friends here... I think of the humane society as joy and fun," says Katie Pemberton with the Humane Society.

So, while this marks the first rehearsal dinner at the facility, these animal lovers hope this won't be the last.

"Maybe a few will get adopted tonight," says Steele.

The couple plans to get married Saturday at a downtown church. They are going to keep it simple with Gus' Fried Chicken will catering the reception and Gigi's for dessert.

In lieu of gifts, they asked guests to donate to the Humane Society.