Jill MedingerMeet these couples, each choosing to incorporate horses into their ceremony or reception in a range of creative and tasteful ways.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN RANCH
KARRIE AND JESSE
TABERNASH, COLORADO
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Set on the rolling hills of a Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Colorado, Karie and Jesse’s wedding style was “rustic chic” meets “whimsical romance”. A peach and cream color palette with soft floral choices fit beautifully among the Palomino ranch horses and rough pine fences. The designers at Love this Day Events explained, “We created a soft and romantic floral design using dahlias, ivy, garden roses, lavender and the last of the season’s peonies in shades of cream, peach and pale pink. The gorgeous print work was the perfect accent to a lovely day.” The ceremony was held just outside of the log cabin in which the reception took place. Said the bride, “A thunderstorm rolled in just minutes before our ceremony. Most brides dread the thought of rain, but it brought such a stillness and sense of intimacy to our day.”
Photography: Laura Murray Photography
SOUTHERN COMFORT
KELLEY & SEAN
FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE
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This relaxed and charming wedding began with a beautiful ceremony at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Nashville, followed by a laid back and intimate reception at the bucolic Duke it Out Farm in Franklin,Tennessee. The reception location was very personal for them, as the farm is home to Kelley’s precious horse, Hattie. With light color choices, the wedding party pops from the wide green fields in festive style. Between white picket fences, the couple entered the reception, as guests enjoyed rocking chairs on a porch near the pool. Under the tent, the party was lit by classic white string lights, and a DJ played to a dancing crowd. Photographer Kristyn Hogan remarked “I love that these two wrote their own vows, served true Southern food from Miller’s Grocery for dinner, treated their guests to such a wonderful day of celebration and, of course, got a few photos with Hattie and her friends.”
Photography: Kristyn Hogan
CASUAL WESTERN ELEGANCE
LINDSAY & STEVE
GREENOUGH, MONTANA
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After a lively BBQ welcome dinner the night before, complete with lasso games and western decor, the couple held their ceremony under a birch arch and dusty rose colored curtains on the plains of Montana. The Resort at Paws Up allowed them to have all wedding festivities on site and for their guests to stay on property — exactly what they wanted for a fun-filled weekend where guests could mingle, party, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery at their leisure. The wedding party, dressed in rustic pinks and tans, was carted to the ceremony site in buckboard wagons, pulled by a pair of big bay draft horses. Guests grabbed programs from vintage fishing creels that belonged to the bride’s grandfather. The reception took place in the recently restored old working barn which made for a gorgeous reception space. Guests took home huckleberry jam, a favorite in the Northwest region, and, particularly, Montana.
Photography: Michelle M. Waite
FORMAL URBAN AFFAIR
LAURA & GLENN
WASHINGTON DC
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Following a formal ceremony at the famous Washington National Cathedral, Laura and Glenn’s sophisticated hotel reception was a formal affair with chic equestrian accents. Laura, a lifelong horsewoman and “A-Circuit” rider, runs a show-jumping farm in California. Tables were named for horse shows, and the bride’s saddle collection was on display. In true equestrian style, tasteful show ribbon escort cards were created to fit the chocolate brown and rose gold color palette, by famous show ribbon-maker, Hodges Badges. “Hodges Badges & Meant to Be Calligraphy helped bring our vision to life. Guests loved this personalized equestrian touch,” said wedding planner Amber Karson with Karson Butler Events. Favors from Apple Tree Market surrounded by vases filled with apples incorporated a subtle hint of barn life, while an elaborate equestrian ice sculpture brought a touch of formal elegance.
Photography: Amy Deputy
CANINE COMPANIONSHIP
JOHANNA & ROBB
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Johanna and Robb celebrated their wedding at Brooklawn Farm outside of Lexington, Kentucky. Jo’s horse Diamond joins her for several photos, but the real star of the show is her dog, who seems thrilled to be included in such a beautiful and warm celebration. Honey Heart Photography says, “I’m so happy she chose to include her pets, because the results are fabulous and I had so much fun getting them.”
MYSTICAL WHIMSY
HILLARY & TRAVIS
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The wedding took place at Seven Springs Plantation in Santuc, Union County, SC. The home was built in 1810 as one of the oldest in the area. The current owners are Charles E. “Buddy” Smith and his wife Norma Gene Smith. Buddy and Gene lease their pasture and stables to local horse owners to roam the sprawling 50 acre property. The beautiful white horse named “Mojo” belongs to Pastor Mitch Trammel of Riding for Jesus Cowboy Church in Pacolet, SC. Pastor Trammel was the wedding officiate. His horse, Mojo, is a 9 year old half quarter horse, half Arabian used for rodeos, barrel racing, and pole bending. He most recently won 4th place overall for pole bending at the Foothills Youth Rodeo Association.
Hillary said, “There’s something truly magical about Seven Springs. . . from the old carriage house to the 200 year old oak trees adorned with spanish moss to the cobblestone walkways, it was our idea of a dream wedding in a dream setting. We are forever grateful to Buddy and Gene Smith, TJ and Michelle Getz of GetzCreative Photography, Pastor Mitch Trammel, and of course, the star “Mojo.”
Photography: GetzCreative Photography
BARN AISLE GALA
FRANZISKA & MATTIAS
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Photography: Nadia Meli
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