As a wedding photographer, I’ve captured countless special moments between couples on their big day. But every so often, a wedding comes along that’s so uniquely personal, so wonderfully quirky, and so full of joy that it reminds me why I fell in love with this profession in the first place. Mary and Zach’s celebration was exactly that kind of wedding.

From the moment I arrived at the venue, it was clear this wasn’t going to be your typical wedding. The couple’s three beloved cats—while not physically present—were very much part of the celebration. After attempting to take engagement pictures with their cats, I expected nothing less! There was a cat Mount Rushmore on their Save the Date, the tables were labeled by their family cats and dogs (they don’t discriminate), and perhaps my favorite– there were adorable fat heads of their feline faces watching over the dance floor with those characteristic cat expressions of mild judgment mixed with affection. (You will see in the dancing photos!)

If there was an unofficial motto for this wedding, it was “you gotta catify to satisfy!”—a phrase that Mary yelled out during speeches and had me rolling. This catchphrase perfectly captured the spirit of Mary and Zach: playful, unafraid to embrace what they love, and determined to make their wedding a true reflection of themselves rather than following convention.

Fun fact: Zach is a glass blower! He is crazy creative, and you will see some of his creations on display. Check out the glasses for the groomsmen and the cake topper! His talent is seriously impressive, and gave a unique touch to their wedding details. He also designed his wedding ring!

What struck me most about photographing Mary and Zach wasn’t just their unique theme, but the genuine warmth they shared with everyone around them. During the speeches, it became clear how deeply loved this couple is by their friends and family. Stories of their thoughtfulness, their adventurous spirits, and their devotion to each other (and yes, to their cats) had everyone alternating between laughter and happy tears.

In a world where weddings can sometimes become formulaic, these two created a celebration that was unmistakably, unapologetically “them.” It was a JOY to be with Zach and Mary on their wedding day, and I think you’ll see why when you scroll through the pictures. 🙂

Mary and Zach, thank you for allowing me to capture your purr-fectly wonderful wedding day! Your love for each other, your cats, and your community is truly inspiring. I hope these photos bring back all the joy, laughter, and love of your celebration for many years to come! Also, Mary, you should know that your love for the Jonas Brothers has rubbed off on my family. I had “Year 3000” stuck in my head while editing (thanks, DJ AK) so I played it for my boys… and now they always want to play it in the car. :). We will also hang up a pickle on our Christmas tree this year since I snagged one of the guest gifts… I look forward to remembering your wedding when I put up my tree! Again, thanks for letting me be a part of your special day.