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Whether you grew up around horses or are simply a bride looking to bring some classic, tailored style to your celebration, an equestrian-style wedding is a natural fit in the South. (And a favorite at Southern Weddings – see here, here, here, and here, for starters!) With the help of our friends at Keeneland, one of the South’s most famous racetracks, today we’re sharing ten ways to incorporate equestrian style in your wedding.

Rebecca Shehorn Photography

1. Choose an equestrian setting. One of the easiest ways to tie in an equestrian theme is to host your wedding at an equestrian facility! A beautiful backdrop like Keeneland can include a racetrack, the starting gate, barns, and rows of pretty fencing as far as the eye can see.

2. Set the tone. Clue your guests into your celebration’s style right from the start by adding an equestrian flair to your invitations. A whimsical watercolor crest incorporating a horseshoe or a pen and ink sketch of your venue are two options we love.

Chris Cornwell Photography

3. Add some witty wording. In addition to graphic details, the verbiage you choose for everything from your invitation to your signage, escort cards, and cake flavors can point to your setting and theme. Try plays on betting (“we’re betting on a good time,” “the odds are favorable”) and race terminology (“and we’re off!” for the welcome dinner, “a photo finish” for the Sunday brunch).

4. Choose a fitting gift for the wedding morning. Many couples choose to exchange gifts on the morning of the wedding. Horseshoe cuff links or a horsehead tie bar will always remind your groom of your big day in an understated way!

Chris Cornwell Photography

5. Invite guests to get in on the action. Whether you’re marrying on Derby weekend or not, inviting your lady guests to don their best oversize hats is a fun way to invite them to be a part of the theme. In our experience, guests are usually eager to get on board as long as they have time to prepare, so be sure to note your suggestion on your wedding website and/or invitation!

6. Make an entrance. If you’re an equestrian yourself and/or want to involve your beloved horse in your celebration, consider an entrance or exit on horseback. A simpler but no less magical option is a classic white horse and carriage, like Lauren and Luke chose.

Chris Cornwell Photography

7. Involve the kids. Are you the lucky aunt and uncle to tons of nieces and nephews? Consider offering pony rides during cocktail hour – it will be a guaranteed hit not only with the littlest ones, but as a spectator sport for the rest of your guests! Horse-themed coloring books, crayons, and small horse figurines can extend the fun to the kids’ table once dinner is underway.

8. Kick back and relax. If you have the space, setting up two stakes for horse shoes is another great way to keep guests entertained during cocktail hour.

Chris Cornwell Photography

9. Decorate with equestrian motifs. From horseshoes to prize ribbons, there are several iconic symbols that offer endless opportunities to riff on equestrian style. Try them mixed into your centerpieces, at the escort card display, made into food signage, or as guest favors!

10. Toast the newlyweds. With a mint julep, of course – the unofficial drink of the Kentucky Derby, and the most appropriate choice for an equestrian-style wedding!

Rebecca Shehorn Photography

Looking for the perfect location for your equestrian wedding? Consider Keeneland, an iconic race track and event venue in Lexington, Kentucky that offers a timeless, unique setting perfect for your biggest day. With rolling hills of Bluegrass, panoramic views of the racetrack, and the historic charm of the grounds, Keeneland weddings are unlike any other.

This post is brought to you by Keeneland. Thank you for your support of the brands who make Southern Weddings possible!

emily Written with love by Emily
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Fun fact: the Equestrian Elegance shoot in Southern Weddings V8 has actually been many years in the making! We love working with KT Merry (see past editorials she has shot for us here, here, and here), and have always known that she has a huge passion for all things equestrian. Last year, while driving through the Virginia countryside for a V7 shoot, Emily and I couldn’t stop talking about the beauty of the landscape and that we’d love to highlight it in an upcoming issue. Finally, when we connected with the talented team at Easton Events about creating something magical for V8, all the pieces fell into place for the creation of a truly incredible Virginia horse country shoot. We couldn’t be more thrilled with how it came together!

Biggest thanks to KT Merry, Easton Events, Beehive Events, the team at Pippin Hill, and so many more wonderful folks (see below for the full list!) who brought this gorgeous spring day to life!

As Emily mentioned yesterday, each of our editorials in this issue revolved around the story of a couple we dreamed up. Our Equestrian Elegance bride is an avid horseback rider, and after meeting her groom at the University of Virginia, they decided to tie the knot in Charlottesville at a celebration that highlighted the magic of this corner of the South. This stunning invitation suite by Amber Moon Design perfectly set the tone!

If many of your guests will be traveling to celebrate with you, greeting them with local treats (or simply your favorites) is a thoughtful idea. For this Virginia basket, local wine, apples, and peanuts were musts!

Y’all, how breathtaking is our bride? Beehive Events used plenty of spring blooms (including dogwoods, Virginia’s state flower) in her bouquet, and we love the way they looked against this subtly printed Romona Keveza gown. The pastel shades make a statement, but are still lovely and classic.

We were so excited to finally work at Pippin Hill Farm! The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains make a stunning ceremony backdrop–we used beautiful wicker chairs and two simple floral arrangements that set the space, but didn’t distract from the natural beauty of the venue.

Some of our favorite details from this editorial came out during cocktail hour–from treats for the horses (plus a sign illustrating proper feeding technique, of course!), to local cheeses and meats, to Virginia peanuts, to an ombré display of local wines. As a favor, guests were sent home with “horse feed”–a custom blend of granola served in classic Weck jars.

With the help of natural elements and tons of texture, our neutral color scheme had a big impact. Casa de Perrin kindly sent the most exquisite china, flatware, and glassware for us to use, which were the perfect complement to Beehive Events‘ furnishings and florals.

East West Production also made a gorgeous film to accompany this editorial–take a look below!

For more from this feature, be sure to pick up a copy of V8 online here or on news stands across the Southeast!

Photographer: KT Merry Photography | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Videographer: East West Production | Planner and Stylist: Easton Events | Florals, Linens, Rentals, and Props: Beehive Events | Venue and Caterer: Pippin Hill Farm | China, Flatware, and Glassware: Casa de Perrin | Hair Stylist: Yolonda Jones | Makeup Artist: Lora Kelley | Cake: Buttercream Bakeshop | Paper Goods: Amber Moon Design | Calligraphy: Anne Robin | Illustrations: Karina Puentes | Bride’s Gown: RK6408 by Romona Keveza | Vintage Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Groom’s Suit: J.Crew | Bow Tie: Gold Coast Goods | Children’s Clothes: Petite Bebe | Vintage Helmet: Bluebird Creek Vintage

lisa Written with love by Lisa
10 Comments
  1. avatar Marion Blount reply

    This is breathtaking. Easton Events always sets the bar high! Beautiful!

  2. avatar Rhiannon reply

    This is by far one of my fave shoots in V8. It’s beautiful! Kudos to everyone involved!

  3. avatar Erin | Elizabeth Anne Designs reply

    this is absolutely breathtaking—every perfectly planned and styled detail… and captured by the lovely KT Merry!

  4. avatar Katie B reply

    Reasons why this is one of my ALL TIME favorite shoots:

    1) As a horse crazy girl who never quite grew out of it, this really speaks to my heart!
    2) The landscape, wow, I can see why you guys were inspired after driving through this countryside!
    3) Understated Elegance. The beauty of the scenery really took center stage!
    All the hearts for this one :)

  5. avatar Jessica reply

    The couple, the food, the setting is absolutely gorgeous. I love how they included the children in the wedding.

  6. avatar Bethany H. reply

    I can’t get over how gorgeous the bride is! That dress was made for her!

  7. avatar Dana reply

    this is the most perfect virginia wedding shoot in the world!

  8. avatar Southern Peach Summer Wedding Palette | Hey Wedding Lady reply

    […] Photo by KT Merry Photography, Event Design by Easton Events, Wedding Cake by Buttercream Bakeshop via Southern Weddings […]

  9. avatar cœur de rocker – Foudamour reply

    […] Rock n Roll Bride I Southern Weddings […]

  10. avatar Happy 10th Anniversary Southern Weddings! My 10 Favorite Editorials – Kyla Mary reply

    […] The equestrian inspiration for this editorial reminds me of my sweet, horse-loving mama. The ribbon escort tags are the cutest! View the original post here. […]

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

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