How to Include your Pet in your Wedding

Kiawah Island Engagement Portrait

Pets are an essential part of our families so it is understandable that you’d want them to play a part in your wedding. Couples should check with their wedding venues if pets are allowed.

Next, you should consider your pet’s personality. If your dog is shy and is going to get scared easily, having your pet walk down the aisle may not be the best idea. Once you’ve locked in a pet-friendly location and assessed your pet’s personality, you’re good to go. Here are 5 ways to include your fur-baby in your nuptials.

1. Walking down the aisle with a bridesmaid or groomsman. It is very important to hire a dedicated sitter for your pet to make sure they are well taken care of prior to when it is time for your pet to walk down the aisle. On the wedding day, everyone will be busy getting ready so asking a family member or friend to watch your pet is not the best idea.

2. Include them in your wedding photos. Let your wedding planner know that you’d like your pet to be part of the photos so this can be included in your day of timeline.

3. Include them in the engagement photos. A fun way to integrate your pets without having them come to the actual wedding the day of is taking your engagement photos with them. The memories will be the same without the stress of big crowds for your pet.

4. Use their picture in the invitations or save the dates.

5. Incorporate them into your events on a custom cocktail napkin or signature drinks named after your pets!

This text is based on a post from: https://sjsevents.com/

Kiawah Island Vacation Guide

Kiawah has always held a special place in my heart, and not just because I lived on neighboring Johns Island for 8 years. My husband, Chris, and I were married at the Kiawah Island River Course 15 years ago this April! Kiawah truly is a magic place, steeped in natural beauty. From the Spanish Moss shaded trails to the endless white beaches, it is a photographer’s dream backdrop! 

Kiawah Island Family Portrait

Kiawah Island Restaurants

Breakfast

The Hemingway 

Venture off island to The Hemingway for gourmet coffee, southern chicken biscuits and tasty ricotta toast. The elevated cafe offers a quality breakfast menu, full coffee bar and exquisite wine and beer menu. 

Lunch

Tattooed Moose

The Tattooed Moose is the perfect halfway stop between Kiawah and Downton Charleston. It has burgers and beer and a great kids’ menu. It’s shaded by enormous oak trees, and there is plenty of space to let the kids run around and play. 

Jasmine Porch

For upscale southern fare, Jasmine Porch hits all the right notes. Located in The Sanctuary, it is the perfect place for a delicious post-spa lunch or exquisite dining dinner. For a savory southern classic, be sure to order the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese! 

Dinner

The Ocean Room

Indulge in fine dining at The Sanctuary's renowned steakhouse, The Ocean Room. With an outstanding menu and even better view over the ocean, it’s the perfect way to complete a day at the beach or on the golf course. 

Wild Olive

Wild Olive is worth the short 20 minute drive from the island! The authentic Italian eatery leans on local, seasonal and homemade ingredients to ensure their dishes are the absolute best- try the house-made pastas and salami! The vibe is as unpretentious as the food, and the staff is friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the menu. 

Kiawah Island Shops

Rosebank Farms

The Rosebank Farms produce stand is an icon to residents and visitors of Kiawah Island. It’s the perfect place to stop for locally grown produce,  fresh seafood, packaged goods, and fresh flowers. Be sure to buy one of the key lime pies! The stand is owned by Sidi Limehouse, a Johns Island legend. If you see a farmer that looks like Jerry Garcia driving a tractor down Betsy Kerrison Parkway, that’s SIDI!

Kiawah Island Activities

Kiawah Island Resort offers a variety of award-winning activities, from their unparalleled spa and shopping to the world-class golf courses and tennis center. The beach is wide and beautiful, with sea turtles and dolphins and waves that are just right for young kids. Here are a few other activities you may enjoy:

Bike Trails

Explore miles of marshland by bike! There are well-marked bike paths all over the island, connecting the various communities and weaving through the woods. You can even bike on the beach at low tide. There are several bike rental companies on the island, including Kiawah Island Bike Rentals, Seaside Cycles,and Alligator Bike. 

Tidal Trails

Tidal Trails is an outdoor company devoted to providing memorable experiences on the water. You can book a nature tour via kayak, power boat, stand up paddle board or take surf and kayak lessons. 

Visit the Angel Oak

The Angel Oak is the largest living oak, estimated to be nearly 400 years old! It is a gorgeous sight and worth the short drive to John’s Island.

Kids on Kiawah Island

Night Heron Park

Located within the Kiawah resort, this expansive 21 acre park is a nature-lover’s dream come true! There is the fascinating Nature Center, playground, hiking trails, pool, splash pad and more. Check the activities calendar for special events too, like movies in the park or alligator tours.

Kiawah River Goatery

For a truly memorable experience, stop by The Goatery, located in the Kiawah River community. Tour the farm, socialize with the friendly goats, pick eggs from the chicken coop or schedule a private yoga class (with goats!). It’s hands-on education at its finest!

Aqua Park

Located on Trophy Lakes on John’s Island, Aqua Park is a ridiculously fun floating playground. Climb, jump, slide and swim during the warmer months.

Discover Isle of Palms

Isle of Palms is one of South Carolina’s hidden gems. Only 7 miles long, it flies somewhat under the radar compared to Sullivan’s Island or Kiawah, which attracts far more attention (and visitors!), making it more lowkey and less crowded  Wild Dunes Resort is a huge draw for families and vacationers year-round, and tons of beach house rentals line the coast. Isle of Palms has a nostalgic beach town vibe, is super bikeable, and boasts an absolutely stunning beach. The best things to do on the island involve a beach chair and a good book. 

Restaurants

Breakfast: Sea Biscuit Cafe

The Sea Biscuit Cafe is everything you want from a beach town diner: friendly staff, cute cottage location, mouth-watering southern breakfast. It’s open for lunch too and both are delicious.   

Lunch: Long Island Cafe

For an upscale lunch, stop by the Long Island Cafe for some tasty french-southern fusion dishes. From the outside, it is small and unassuming, tucked away in a stripmall, but locals know what a treasure it is. The seafood-heavy menu gives many southern classics a modern twist. 

Dinner: The Obstinate Daughter

While there are plenty of casual dinner options on the island, it is absolutely worth the short drive to Sullivan’s Island for a truly spectacular dinner at The Obstinate Daughter at least once during any Isle of Palms stay. The seasonal menu features homemade pastas, pizzas and fresh raw seafood. 

To Do

County Park

The Isle of Palms County Park is right in the heart of Isle of Palms, with easy parking, showers and picnic tables if you want to make this your home base at the beach. There is a sweet little playground and summer snack bar, plus it’s walking (or biking/scooting/skating) distance to the “downtown” area. 

Isle of Palms Marina

The Isle of Palms Marina is a welcoming marina with boat rentals and charters, family-friendly activities, a restaurant and marina store. When you need a break from the beach, it’s the perfect place to rent a boat or take a fishing charter and explore the intercoastal waterway.

Ben & Jerry’s

It may not be local, but the IOP Ben & Jerry’s feels about as small town, beachy ice cream shop as they come. Walk up from the beach in your swimsuit or bike over barefoot, order from a window and find a park bench to eat. Summer perfection!

The Windjammer

The Windjammer is an institution: a live music venue right on the sand with beach volleyball outside and unbeatable views of the ocean. It’s an awesome place to end a beach day with a cold beer, good company and great music. 

Remember to book your family portrait before your trip! Call 843 442-0802 or fill out my contact form to schedule. My summer 2022 dates are filling up fast!!