Llamas carry my gear and I don't even pack anything as heavy as cast iron, but I hear you, it would be a nice heirloom wedding gift. As for the original topic, I suggest renting as much equipment as possible and REI is a good choice for the purchases given their easy return policy. If you are like the majority of us were in our early backpacking days you will take things you don't need or things that are just not quite right and need to be returned/exchanged. Don't know the REI policy for returning wedding gifts, but it's probably fine.
Congrats on your wedding and have a grand time.