Photography by Trinity Walker Keefer
Here in the Susquehanna Valley, there’s no shortage of gorgeous settings for your big day. Rolling hills, grassy fields and picturesque farmland grace nearly every view, providing nature’s own beautiful backdrop. Popular for the past several years, farm and barn weddings have found a perfect home in Central Pennsylvania—understandably so, considering the region’s history. But how can you freshen the trend for your celebration?
Local photographer Trinity Walker Keefer and wedding planner Janelle Hake, along with a team of talented wedding vendors, styled this inspirational photo shoot with a unique concept: the equestrian glam wedding. Characterized by romantic details and classic patterns, this theme provides a sophisticated way to play up the many agrarian venues available nearby. Read on to find thirteen tips from this fantastic photo session.
1. Many farm estates have lots of land, so take advantage of the open space and opt to throw your party outside of the barn. To help guests feel at home in their natural surroundings, Keefer and Hake created cozy seating areas with furniture from Fiffer Raush at Treasured Events.
2. A lush bouquet of wildflowers feels appropriate for a romantic field setting. Marcy Almoney from Foster’s Flower Shop created this colorful bunch of blooms using preppy poppies and peonies, juxtaposed with thistle and long-flowing greenery.
3. A little tartan goes a long way with the equestrian glam theme. In her paper goods, Jessica Meadowcroft of Love, Jessica Handmade Invitations incorporated a tartan bellyband and knotted leather to give a horse-and-saddle feel.
4. Farming is often passed down for generations. Honor your heritage with a creation from JoAnn Breslin of j.Marie, combining vintage jewelry to create a personalized piece, “something you can hand down, and your daughter could have it reworked, too,” says Keefer.
5. There’s no need to be stuffy when out in the open air. Let your guy go casual in a vest and skinny tie rather than a tux.
6. Here’s a creative way to incorporate a trendy wildflower crown. Pair it with a billowing cathedral-length veil to up the drama.
7. “I always recommend pens as a unique gift for dads and grooms,” says Keefer. Practical for writing vows and signing marriage licenses, this gift can come from a local business, too. Keefer recommends Tom Anderson of Artistry in Titanium, who hand-forges his titanium pens.
8. For your portrait session after you say “I do,” put on a plaid accessory to carry on the theme and add a casual vibe. Here, the bride layered a punchy button-down over her elegant organza gown designed by Janell Berte of Posh Bridal.
9. Gold and flowers provide pops of color for this sweetheart table, which also features an easy and inexpensive DIY piece that nods to the farm setting. To create the paper heart art, Keefer and Hake covered a frame with chicken wire, then pulled white tissue paper through the openings to form a heart shape. Total cost: $5.
10. Jasmine Clouser of The Couture Cakery made sure to carry the Ralph Lauren-inspired theme through to the cake, too. Royal blues and gold filigree, along with custom tartan rosettes, created a simple, elegant dessert for the equestrian event.
11. This theme requires a careful balance of casual and sophisticated elements. Gilded, ornate frames, like the one used to hold the seating chart, are an easy way to incorporate glamour.
12. A key prop to include on the big day's bridle theme is a genuine saddle used as décor at the reception.
13. For a perfect take-away from an equine event, try Keefer and Hake’s wedding favor. A gold spray-painted horseshoe, wrapped with tartan fabric and tied with a thank-you note, to remind guests of the romantic day.
Vendors:
Photography and Styling: Trinity Photography, York, www.summerhousephoto.com
Styling: Janelle Hake
Florals: Foster’s Flower Shop, York, www.fostersflowershop.com
Vintage Rentals: Treasured Events, Lancaster, www.treasuredrentals.com
Gown: Posh Bridal, Lancaster, www.poshbridal.com
Cake: The Couture Cakery, Lemoyne, www.couturecakery.net
Paper Suite: Love, Jessica Handmade Invitations, Jacobus, www.lovejessica.com
Hair and Makeup: Andrea Buser and James Kibler, Salon Blu, York , www.salonblustudio.com
Farm and Horse: Tessa Sverduk
Jewelry: j.Marie Jewelry, Newport, www.facebook.com/j.MarieDesigns
Titanium Pen: Artistry in Titanium Manchester, www.artistryintitanium.com
Models: Charlie Heller and Emily Blevins
Text by Hannah Wigton, Styling by Trinity Walker Keefer and Janelle Hake
