“Max is a special cat,” says Katie Barnes of the orange tabby she adopted from Pet Helpers. “He is large (big-boned, not fat) and in charge and makes his presence known. He brings so much joy to our lives just by being his goofy self. Also, he fetches better than most dogs. We dote on him like the crazy cat parents we are, and it shows.” Need proof? On their wedding day last summer, facsimilies of Max made cameos right and left at Katie and her now-husband Scott’s otherwise elegant wedding at The William Aiken House. Knowing that cats are not amenable to crowds or flower collars, and that, as such, a feline ring bearer was not meant to be, Katie came up with the idea of incorporating a pillow of his face instead, along with a life-sized cardboard cutout version of him. “Max is an integral part of our little family and we couldn’t imagine him not being present on our Big Day.” Got a critter you need to include, too?
Creature Comforts
Do: Be practical. While dogs and even small pet pigs (we’ve seen ’em) can be at home at a wedding, other pets—cats and ferrets (seen those, too), for instance—don’t do well with crowds and parties. If your animal isn’t up to it, don’t force inclusion.
Do: Find a stand-in. Max the cat showed up via cutouts and pillows. Other options? Work your fur-baby into a crest, the invitations, or other papergoods; include them in a custom cake topper; or display their photo with other family snapshots.
Do: Get a handler on things. Pet nannies like Dog Tired pet sit your four-legged friend on your Big Day, on-site or remotely, or both. Another option? Assign a family member, someone from the wedding party, or other guests to do the honors. (Keep all pets super-hydrated—and consequently well-walked—during the dog days of summer.)
Do: Have them smile for the camera. Invite Fido or Felix to join you for your couple’s portraits, before or after the ceremony.
Written By Melissa Reardon
Photographs By Lucy Cuneo
A transplant from Virginia, Weston “Wes” McAfee vividly remembers the first time he saw his future bride-to-be. Charleston native Dana Elaine...
An Elegant Affair Proves New Year’s Eve Might Just Be The Perfect Time To Start A New Life Together
By Joanne O’Sullivan | Images by Brandon Lata Photography
Few people anywhere in the...
A Match Made in Heaven
Classic white blooms, greenery, and wooden elements set off this stunning Charleston wedding under the oaks
When it comes to love and marriage, couples who pair well...
A Charleston Winter Wedding Embraces the Season with Sophistication and Glamour
Just a few hours before sunset in mid-winter, Charleston takes on a certain golden glow, unparalleled at any other...
Take Cues from this Intimate Dreamy Blue “I Do”
Amy Bronston and Trevor Pittman’s love story reads like a romantic movie. It was during the 2019 holiday season in Washington DC, where...
This Halloween matrimony perfectly plays up the holiday—with a dash of fun and plenty of class in a scenic coastal Charleston setting
By Joanne O’Sullivan | Images by Anne Rhett Photography...
By Melissa Reardon | Images by Kelsey Halm Photo
Expert Advice for a Beautiful Fall Bouquet
With seasonal change comes an exciting rich color palette and tons of texture with which to design....
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Photos by Dana Cubbage Weddings | Written by Melissa Reardon
They say the greatest marriages are built on teamwork. And indeed, it’s one of the marital building blocks...
With a ceremony in her childhood church, a reception (for 350!) at the beach club where she grew up, a groom who’s her best friend, this winter wedding was all this bride could hope for
