by Amanda T

Photography by Jessica Morrisy (jessicamorrisy.com) at Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, NJ

Wedding season is slowly trotting in and will be in a full canter in the next few months. And as every fairy tale romance comes complete with a beautiful horse, it's no surprise that couples are routinely incorporating the majestic animals into their big day.  From classic fairytale to rustic country themes, horses are finding their way into 2016 wedding plans. Here are some trends we are seeing rearing their head in modern day ceremonies:

Ride Down (or Up) the Aisle in Style

You spend hours with him. Talking to him, going on long walks, even brushing his hair… we're talking about your horse! For brides and grooms that have a horse as their day-to-day life, they can’t think of anyone else they would rather have on the wedding aisle with them.

However, this can get tricky as there are a lot of unexpected moments that can happen when you involve a live animal in a wedding. Brides and grooms that have done this in the past offer great advice including introducing your horse to your guests first, training for the event and releasing some of the horse’s physical energy before the ceremony.

Picture Perfect with A Hurd of Horses

Equestrian photo shoots are very trendy in 2016 weddings. Just this last May, international photographers Jelger & Tanja captured an amazing image with bride and groom kissing in the mist of galloping horses in their wedding ceremony on a Canadian ranch. This picture has gained a lot of media attention and is bound to be adapted by couples this wedding season.

Photography by Jessica Morrisy (jessicamorrisy.com) at Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, NJ

Horse Drawn Carriage

For centuries, horse drawn carriages have been toting couples to and from their wedding location. This traditional means of transportation has stood the test of time and shows no signs of going out of style in 2016 or the years to come. TheKnot.com features an entire section on ‘Wedding Horse and Carriages’ with couples who have currently incorporated this tradition in there wedding.

It is likely that you don’t keep one of these rigs in your driveway – but not to fear! Your fairytale dreams can still become a reality as your venue coordinator or wedding planner will know just who (i.e. local farmers, stable owners or specialty companies) to contact to find the horse drawn carriage of your dreams. You can also find a driver, carriage and even a horse for rent by simply conducting a Google search in your area.

Accessorize Away

Even if your special friend can’t join you on your big day – that doesn’t mean they have to be fully absent. Weddings with horses can include the many products and decorations are available that can help you celebrate your special day while being surrounded by items that remind you of your horse.

For example, the popular handmade products website, Etsy, is full of horse cake toppers ranging in price from $8 – $150. If you would like to go the more rustic rout, why not bring one some horse shoes along with you to the venue? These can be used in pictures, as center pieces or even give them as party favors.

Remember that no matter what role your horse will play in your wedding; you can make sure he/she is looking lovely for their debut. Special saddles, jeweled bridles, or braided, fringed saddle pads will make sure your horse is looking it’s very best.

Photography by Jessica Morrisy (jessicamorrisy.com) at Ryland Inn in Whitehouse Station, NJ

This article is presented by Landmark Hospitality, the restaurant group behind several of the region's premiere wedding venues including the Ryland Inn. From a 225 guest seated affair to 300 guest cocktail reception, the Ryland Inn envelopes you and your guests in our elegant estate setting. Surrounded by a rich history of equestrian tradition and farm fresh ingredients.   The Ryland Grand Ballroom, with breathtaking 30 foot floor to ceiling windows, and matching floor to ceiling stone fireplace play perfectly in concert with the glimmer and glow of our six chandeliers against our beautiful hardwood floors, you simply cannot find a more refined and appealing space to host your wedding or event.  Come let us make our rich history and tradition a part of your greatest memory

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