In an unusual twist to traditional wedding customs, a couple from North Carolina has made headlines by incorporating their beloved pet into their ceremony in a rather unique manner. Paige Sechrist Burgess, 25, and Andrew Burgess, also 25, invited their nearly ten-year-old Sphynx cat, Remy, to serve as the ring bearer on their wedding day.
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The ceremony took place on Saturday, April 4, in Downtown Concord with a total of 100 guests in attendance. Remy, the hairless feline, captured the audience’s attention in a vintage-inspired remote-controlled car, from which she delivered the wedding rings. As the couple exchanged vows, the groom commandeered the vehicle to allow Remy to glide down the aisle, much to the surprise and delight of the invited audience.
Paige expressed her excitement over the moment, stating, “Everyone loved it. I wanted to see her come down the aisle, so we had her come down during the exchanging of rings.” In a clever twist, the officiant prompted the best man to hand over the remote control at precisely the right moment, resulting in a dramatic entrance for Remy.

The unexpected arrival of the cat provided a much-needed dose of humour amidst the serious proceedings of the ceremony. “It was the perfect comedic relief,” Paige commented, adding that her godmother had a particularly heartwarming reaction, laughing and crying simultaneously at the sight of Remy zooming into the venue.
Dressed to impress in a miniature tuxedo, Remy was considered the “star of the show.” The couple ensured that her day started off stress-free by having her accompany Paige in a black stroller adorned with white ruffles in the bridal suite before the ceremony. “Remy received plenty of treats and love throughout the day,” Paige noted, indicating that the feline was well looked after.
Following the ceremony, Remy’s duties concluded as Paige’s personal attendant escorted her back home, allowing Remy to relax after capturing the spotlight. Reflecting on the overall tone of their wedding, Paige remarked, “I feel like wedding ceremonies are usually more serious, so I loved having that surprise in ours.”
The cat reportedly relished the attention during the festivities, dispelling any concerns the couple may have had regarding her temperament. “We were a bit anxious she would be shy, but she thrived in the spotlight,” Paige shared. “She stayed in the car the entire way down the aisle. We had a backup plan in the form of the stroller, but she did brilliantly at the rehearsal dinner, and we were proud of her.”
Remy has been a steadfast companion to Paige since she adopted her at the age of 18. The couple had envisioned incorporating Remy into their wedding ever since their engagement, a testament to the strong bond they share with their feline friend. “She’s travelled with us throughout our relationship, so we knew she had the temperament for it,” Paige explained.
The couple also owns another Sphynx cat, named Vivienne, who, according to Paige, has a much livelier personality. “Vivienne would have been meowing and running around, which would have only stressed her out,” she explained, illustrating the differences between her two pets. To honour Vivienne’s spirit, the couple created a signature cocktail named the “Viv & Tonic,” ensuring that she too was represented in their celebrations.
In a world where wedding traditions are often revered, the inclusion of a pet as a member of the bridal party offers a refreshing perspective on personalising one’s big day. The Burgesses’ choice not only brought joy to the couple but also created a memorable experience for their guests, who reportedly cannot stop talking about the delightfully unexpected moment when Remy made her entrance. As the couple begins their new life together, they hope to weave more such charming moments into their future adventures, with Remy and Vivienne by their side.
