Weddings

A Pretty-in-Pink Wedding That Will Make You Want to Get Married in Horse Country

This one’s for you, horse-lovers. While the equestrian center at Virginia’s Salamander Resort & Spa makes for fun activities for guest—carriage and trail rides through the countryside—it also makes it possible for couples to include the graceful animals in their wedding portraits, something Lauren Swint and Travis Hall took advantage of during their nuptials, captured by April Renee Photography.

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Lauren had been working with Travis’ father for seven years before she met his son. When Lauren was finally introduced to Travis, she was struck by how polite he was. He, on the other hand, was incredibly nervous to meet the beautiful blonde. They went for a first date at Little Italy in Centreville, and were soon inseparable. 

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A year later, at the Barrel Oak Winery, Travis proposed, kicking off their nine-month engagement. They’d return to the beautiful Virginia countryside for their wedding, which they planned for Salamander Resort & Spa.

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In keeping with the equestrian theme of the property, the bride and bridesmaids wore cowboy boots under their gowns. After the ceremony, the new Mr. and Mrs. posed for portraits with the horses–the groom’s favorite moment of the night. At the outdoor reception, Travis and Laure swayed to “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

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To end the night on a sweet note, strawberries and cream cake and Nutella and apple pie was served a la mode. Guests were sent home with M&Ms printed with Travis and Lauren’s portraits, while the happy couple departed in a horse-drawn carriage.

VENDORS

Venue: Salamander Resort & Spa | Photographer: April Renee Photography | Event Coordinator: Lindsay Forseth of Salamander Resort & Spa | Bride’s Gown: Angel Rivera, Soliloquy Bridal Couture | Groom’s Attire: Calvin Klein, Men’s Wearhouse | Hair Dresser: Kimi Moore | Makeup Artist: Wendy Strouth | Caterers & Cake: Salamander Resort & Spa | Florist: Rick’s Flowers | Videographer: HD Bros | Music/Entertainment: DJ Rizzo | Invitations: Emdotzee Designs 

Looking for a venue to host your nuptials? Find the best reception spaces in the DMV right here.

Associate Editor

Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.