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Meet Ryan (the Lion)

You may have caught glimpses of him on my Instagram. Maybe you’ve heard me mention Ryan before. But now I think it’s time to formally introduce you all to Ryan.

No, Ryan is not a boyfriend. He’s not a brother. But he is a friend, a roommate, and a great snuggler. Ryan is my cat!

I know, I know. What an unusually “human” name for a cat! What in the world? Well, that’s his name. He actually was named Ryan by the people who loved him back when he was still at the shelter. And when our family adopted him, my mom gave me the option of changing his name. But I just thought it was so funny and unique, much like he was, that we just HAD to keep it the same.

We adopted Ryan when I was around 9 years old. I grew up with cats my whole life. When I was really little, our family had an old, charcoal grey, girl cat named Missy. Missy was mellow and I don’t remember much of her before she passed, other than she could almost always be found sleeping on top or underneath my mom and dad’s bed.

When Missy passed on, I begged my parents for a cat. I remember asking over and over if we could get one just for me. I was still really young, but I remember one conversation when my mom asked me, “If you had a cat, what color would you want him to be?” I remember thinking of all the possibilities, wondering if “they made” pink cats… but even as a child I figured out I’d never seen one. So I randomly said, “ORANGE!”

So my parents soon after surprised me with a brand new “orange” kitten. I know what you’re thinking… is this how Ryan came into our family? No, actually… this is how Sassy came into our family. In order to help you fully understand Ryan and our bond, I have to tell you the story of Sassy… a sleek, orange tabby kitten. I named him Sassy after a cat my grandma had that had got loose from the house and never was found again. I felt it was an appropriate tribute.

Sassy was sweet. He would greet me at the door every time I came home from school (I think I was still in Kindergarten when we got him). He slept at the foot of my bed every night. But he also had an adventurous spirit.

Sassy loved watching what was happening outside, through windows or the glass kitchen slider. He sat on our stone windowsills in our living room all the time, watching birds. But anytime the door was cracked open, he would escape and we would chase him to get him back inside.

One day, Sassy escaped again. And this time mom couldn’t find him. This wasn’t uncommon. We would often try for a while to find and catch him, but if we couldn’t, we knew he’d return home in time for dinner. But this time when he returned, he was very sick. He wasn’t eating, and slept much of the day.

Mom took him to the vet. I don’t remember what the diagnosis was, because I was too young to fully understand. But Sassy didn’t come home from the vet. I remember my mom picking me up from school and saying in the car, “Emily, I need to talk to you when we get home.” I thought I was in trouble for something. So immediately when we got home, I hoped to find Sassy greeting me like he always did so I could hug him like a security blanket while my mom gave me whatever bad news I knew was coming.

But I called for him and he didn’t come. I asked my mom where he was, frantic to find him before the bad news came. That’s when mom pulled me aside to her bedroom to tell me he got sick and had to be put down. I still remember that day so vividly. I think mom and I cried together on her bed for hours.

Fast forward a couple years, and I began to want another cat around. I still wanted an orange cat, even though I knew it’d remind me of Sassy for a while. Eventually, just like Sassy came along, Ryan entered our lives as a surprise from mom and dad. I was instantly in love.

Ryan was a little frisky when we first got him. He wasn’t quite so cuddly, and he was definitely very timid in the beginning. The lady at the shelter we got him from even warned my mom, “Mrs. Schneider, you don’t want this one for your daughter. He will never be the snuggly cat she is looking for. We have so many other cats that would be better suited!” But none of the other cats were orange. Mom knew… I had to have an orange cat.

I struggled a lot, because I missed the bond I instantly had with Sassy. I hoped so much that Ryan would warm up to us, and especially to me, so I could experience that again. But as we know, some cats just aren’t snuggly. They often prefer to love you from a distance with squinted eyes and stiff attitudes.

We worked hard to introduce Ryan to more touch, and my mom spent so many days locked in the bathroom with him until he became comfortable around humans. She incurred plenty of claw marks and warning bites from those days. For a long time, we thought the shelter lady must be right.

But after tirelessly showing him gentleness and attention, he warmed up to us. He even began responding to his name. Before we knew it, he was looking for more ways to be petted and held.

And quickly… that cat began wanting to be held so much that it became pathetic! He became legitimately worse than a clingy toddler! As the years passed, he became absolutely attached to my hip. I carried him around from the moment I’d get home from school until I went to bed. When I went to bed, he wouldn’t sleep at the foot of my bed like Sassy did… oh no. He slept ON MY PILLOW! Often times he slept with his head on the pillow and tucked under the covers like a baby, right next to me.

Ryan is now 15 years old, and he is the most affectionate, puppy-like cat we have ever seen. He has turned many cat-haters who enter our home into cat-lovers after meeting him. He doesn’t know any strangers, always greeting guests at the door expecting that more sets of hands in the house means more opportunities to be held and petted.

He has no concept of personal space or alone time. If I even close the bathroom door, he will sit and meow until I open it again. When I cook dinner, he stands up on his hind legs and pulls at me. If I’m on my computer, he sits in front of or on top of it so I pay attention to him instead.

Ryan has been there through it all… the awful nights of homework, the nights I cried after a breakup, all of our family road trips and vacations, every day I came home from work, days when I was bed-ridden with awful colds or fevers, and he even moved to D.C. with me just months after I moved into my own apartment.

Anytime I return home for a holiday weekend, Ryan is in my passenger seat to visit Mom and Dad too. When friends come over, he is a very social member of the party.

He makes my job cleaning my apartment very difficult with all of his shedding, and my clothes will never be the same again. But he is so worth it. The amount of love and comfort I get from him is unbeatable. Even early into our life with him, somehow he started learning how to hug me.

No, really… Whenever I pick him up, he rests his chin on my left shoulder, his head pressed against my neck, and his paw wrapped around my arm, and he purrs and hugs me while I stroke his ear or his cheek. It’s his favorite thing. He doesn’t hug everyone; he mostly does this for me and my mom. But he is definitely a hugger.

I have so many stories about Ryan to share, which is why there’s an entire category dedicated to him on this blog. There will be more to come, trust me. But first you had to “meet” him. Because none of the stories, or my [some call] obsession with him will make sense without this introductory context.

I hope you all come to love him like I do, because you’ll see a lot of him on my feed, and you’ll hear lots about him when we chat. Besides, how can I forget to mention him? He’s always RIGHT near by whenever I try to get any work done, keeping me accountable to regular snuggle breaks.

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Planning your wedding in Savannah, Georgia, provides you with so many options in a city full of Southern charm, historic elegance, and breathtaking low-country beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic garden ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something in between, Savannah seems to have wedding venues for every taste. As a Georgia wedding photographer, I’ve done the research so you don’t have to.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side images of Spanish moss at a Savannah wedding venue

Why You Should Consider Savannah Wedding Venues

Savannah is a city unlike any other. With its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and timeless coastal views, it’s no surprise that couples flock here to tie the knot. Savannah wedding venues offer something for everyone—from intimate settings surrounded by nature to grand estates steeped in history. Plus, its mild climate makes it a perfect choice for weddings year-round.

Top Savannah Wedding Venues to Consider

Hotel Bardo (formerly, The Mansion on Forsyth Park)

For couples seeking a venue that provides a fun vintage aesthetic amidst classic Savannah landmarks, Hotel Bardo is one of Savannah’s crown jewels. This venue combines historic charm with mid-century modern sophistication, offering everything from intimate indoor spaces to a picturesque garden courtyard.

Wormsloe Historic Site

For those who want to embrace Savannah’s natural beauty, Wormsloe Historic Site provides one of the most iconic backdrops in the city. The long driveway lined with towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss is a bride’s dream. It’s a serene, ethereal setting perfect for a romantic outdoor ceremony.

The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa

If waterfront views are your vibe, The Westin Savannah Harbor offers a stunning riverside backdrop. With expansive lawns overlooking the Savannah River, this venue blends elegance and nature seamlessly. Plus, the convenience of on-site accommodations makes it ideal for your out-of-town guests.

The Savannah Yacht Club

Couples who envision a sophisticated coastal wedding will fall in love with The Savannah Yacht Club. This venue offers sweeping views of the water, nautical charm, and an air of exclusivity. It’s perfect for smaller, more intimate weddings or grand celebrations with a coastal flair.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

For history buffs and lovers of unique spaces, the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is a standout option. This venue features a lush garden courtyard and historic exhibits that add personality and charm to your wedding. The combination of indoor and outdoor spaces offers flexibility for your big day.

Bethesda Academy

Bethesda Academy boasts one of Savannah’s most stunning natural landscapes, featuring majestic oak trees draped in Spanish moss and rolling green fields. Its historic chapel and beautiful outdoor spaces create a dreamy, intimate setting perfect for a romantic Low-Country-inspired wedding.

The Mackey House

Tucked away in a private estate surrounded by nature, The Mackey House is a venue straight out of a fairytale. With a grand Southern-style mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect place for an outdoor wedding full of whimsy and charm.

The Ford Field & River Club

Located just outside Savannah in Richmond Hill, this venue exudes refined Southern elegance. The sprawling estate features scenic views of the Ogeechee River, romantic oak groves, and luxurious accommodations, making it a perfect choice for an intimate yet grand wedding experience.

The Harper Fowlkes House

The Harper Fowlkes House is a historic and elegant mansion nestled in the heart of Savannah’s historic district. With its Greek Revival architecture, sweeping staircase, and lush gardens, this venue exudes timeless sophistication and charm. The courtyard garden is ideal for an intimate outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour, while the mansion’s interior offers a beautifully preserved space for receptions with intricate details like antique furnishings and grand windows.

The Kehoe House

The Kehoe House is a stunning, historic mansion located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District. Built in 1892, this stately home is an exquisite example of Renaissance Revival architecture. Known for its ornate ironwork, grand interiors, and warm Southern hospitality, the Kehoe House is ideal for couples seeking a venue with timeless elegance and charm.

Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | side by side photos, left side image shows a long rectangle table set for a wedding reception amidst live oak trees draped with Spanish moss; right side photo shows a set of gold wedding rings next to a strand of Spanish moss

Tips for Choosing Between These Savannah Wedding Venues

  1. Consider Your Guest List Size
    Savannah wedding venues come in all shapes and sizes. From intimate gardens to sprawling estates, ensure the venue you choose comfortably accommodates your guest list.
  2. Think About Your Wedding Style
    Your venue should reflect your wedding vision. Are you dreaming of timeless elegance, coastal charm, or a whimsical outdoor affair? Savannah has venues that can bring any aesthetic to life, but the wrong venue can make your details and decor appear out of place. Make the most of that investment (and wedding photos) by choosing a venue that harmonizes with your style!
  3. Factor in Logistics
    From transportation to accommodations, Savannah is known for its hospitality, but it’s wise to consider the proximity of your venue to hotels and local attractions for your guests’ convenience. Consider traffic, city events on or around your wedding day that may cause disruption, and other logistics your guests may face. A wedding planner will help you navigate all the unexpected challenges with ease!
  4. Book Early
    Savannah is a popular wedding destination, especially in spring and fall. To secure your dream venue, book your Savannah wedding venue as early as possible! Then secure primary vendors on your list such as photographer, videographer, planner (if you don’t yet have one) and more.
Savannah wedding venues, list of the best venues from a SAV wedding photographer who shoots light and airy style wedding photos | photo shows a wedding couple kissing under the Spanish moss, wearing a light grey linen suit (groom) and an off-the-shoulder satin wedding gown (bride)

Making the Most of Savannah Wedding Venues

Choosing one of Savannah’s stunning wedding venues is just the beginning. Personalize your celebration with touches that reflect your interests and love story. Whether it’s incorporating local cuisine like shrimp and grits, offering your guests trolley rides through the historic district, or having your photos taken under the iconic Spanish moss, Savannah is full of ways to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience for all.

Planning a wedding is no small task, but having a photographer who knows and loves the charm of Savannah can make all the difference.

I specialize in creating artful images out of your favorite memories. Booking me ensures you’ll have a wedding gallery that represents the essence of your love and legacy in every image. Learn more about my services and approach here.

If you’re considering a wedding in Savannah, I’d love to capture every moment for you. Let’s connect and discuss how I can create timeless art from your most cherished memories.

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