Pawfect Witness™ Story of Kam Kam｜A Tiny Tortoise, A Big Love at The Vancouver Club｜Real Wedding Series | Vancity Officiant Wedding Guide
- Vancity Officiant Team
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 10
Before Pawfect Witness™ ever had a name, this intimate wedding at The Vancouver Club reminded us why the project matters so deeply.
When Chris and Jady first contacted us about officiating their small wedding ceremony in Vancouver, we didn’t expect one of the guests to arrive with a shell. But once we learned about their tortoise, our hearts lit up.
“You’re bringing a tortoise? That’s amazing!”
A LOVE STORY THAT STARTED WITH A TORTOISE
You see, Kam Kam isn’t just a pet. He’s their family.
In 2022, the couple moved from Hong Kong to Vancouver, beginning a new chapter together. A year later, on May 10, 2023, they met Kam Kam at a PetSmart location. Just 3–5 months old and small enough to fit in their palms, he was a tiny Hermann’s tortoise, also known as a Mediterranean land tortoise. From that day on, they were no longer just a couple. They were a family of three.
Kam Kam has since joined them on road trips across British Columbia and Alberta, from Tofino and Kelowna to Calgary, sharing every step of their life together. Naturally, when it came to their Vancouver wedding, they hoped Kam Kam could be part of it too.
At first, they weren’t sure it was possible. Could a tortoise really be included in a wedding?
That’s when we introduced the idea of a Unity Certificate Pawprint Ceremony: a signature Pawfect Witness™ ritual where a beloved pet adds their pawprint to a keepsake certificate. To our surprise, Chris and Jady not only agreed, they practiced it at home! After a few trials (and discovering that Kam Kam’s wrist made the best imprint), they were ready.
A WEDDING DAY AT THE VANCOUVER CLUB
Their wedding ceremony at The Vancouver Club began like many others: the couple signed their legal marriage documents, joined by their two mothers as witnesses. But then came the moment that made this celebration truly one of a kind.
As Kam Kam was gently brought forward, we shared with guests:
“This moment isn’t only about a legal union. It’s about the creation of a family. A family that includes the love, peace, and quiet joy this little tortoise brings into their lives.”
With a soft press of his foot, Kam Kam officially stamped his pawprint on their Unity Certificate. It was adorable. But it was also sacred.
“With every slow but certain step, may your love be as steady and enduring as Kam Kam.”
Kam Kam has been part of their everyday life, witnessing their laughter, their resilience, their love. Now, with his pawprint, he becomes an eternal part of their wedding day memory.
CAPTURING EVERY MOMENT WITH MEANING
We were also incredibly lucky to have Somethink Studio beautifully capture every moment. Their attention to detail brought Kam Kam’s quiet presence, and the couple’s radiant joy, to life in photos that feel as timeless as the bond being celebrated.
GIVING BACK THROUGH LOVE
And there was one more beautiful gesture that touched us deeply: Chris and Jady chose to make a donation to Critter Care Wildlife Society, a local rescue that helps rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife in BC. It was their way of paying the love forward and letting their wedding day become a source of hope for animals in need.
FINAL BLESSING - GROW OLD WITH TORTOISE
And we’ll admit, we were deeply moved. As pet-inclusive wedding officiants, we’ve seen many couples honor their dogs and cats. But most of us only get 10 to 20 years with our furry friends. Tortoises, however, live long lives. Chris and Jady will likely grow old together, with Kam Kam still by their side.
This was the kind of wedding that reminded us why Pawfect Witness™ exists: Not just for dogs. Not just for animals with paws. But for every life that’s loved.
So here’s to Kam Kam, our first-ever tortoise witness.
And here’s to the future: We hope to one day welcome alpacas, frogs, parrots, Komodo dragons, snakes, and other extraordinary companions into our pet-friendly ceremonies in Vancouver and beyond.
Because love takes many forms, and every form deserves to be remembered.
Vendors:
Officiant: Vancity Officiant
Photographer: Somethink Studio
Makeup & Hair: Roberta S Makeup
Venue: The Vancouver Club
✨ Thinking of including your beloved pet, whether furry, feathered, or scaled, in your wedding?
Let’s co-create a ceremony that honours your whole family. Learn more about Pawfect Witness™ → www.pawfectwitness.com
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