Amber Marshall's Rustic Ranch Wedding: A Heartland Romance Comes to Life
Heartland fans know Amber Marshall as the talented horse whisperer Amy Fleming, but the 25-year-old actress had her own real-life love story to celebrate. On a beautiful day, Amber tied the knot with her boyfriend of three years, photographer Shawn Turner, 26, in a heartfelt and rustic wedding at their ranch near High River, Alberta.
A Ranch Wedding Filled with Love and Horses
Family and friends, including many members of the Heartland cast and crew, gathered to witness the romantic ceremony and reception. It was only fitting that the animal lovers, who first met at a horse show, had their loyal steeds play a starring role in their special day.
Amber, a native of London, Ontario, told Hello! that she couldn't have imagined marrying anywhere else but High River, where the show is also filmed. "I'm a homebody and so is Shawn. Right away we thought, 'We're having it at home,'" she said.
And who can blame 'em? When you've got a spread as pretty as a picture, why go anywhere else?
Personal Touches and a DIY Approach
The bride and groom took a hands-on approach to planning their laid-back affair. "We were our own wedding planners, and it wasn't stressful for me," Amber shared. With the support of their loved ones, the day was filled with personal touches, such as the altar hand-crafted by Shawn.
"The altar was the most beautiful memento of our day," Amber said.
A Memorable Arrival on Horseback
One of the highlights of the ceremony was Amber's stunning entrance on her horse, Hawk. She wore a strapless gown by Private Label by G and carried a lilac bouquet arranged by her grandmother. Her father, who learned to work with the horse just moments before the ceremony, held the reins as she rode sidesaddle to meet her groom.
The television actress, used to being in the spotlight, found the moment of exchanging vows with her groom in front of 150 loved ones to be an entirely new thrill.
"I was emotional. I thought, 'I can't believe this is real!'" she said. "I thought I'd be more nervous but it was a lot of fun."
A Joyful Reception Under the Stars
Following their first kiss as husband and wife, the couple rode away on horseback, creating a memorable exit. "The applause made the horses a little nervous, so they went off a little quicker than usual. It was quite an exit!" Amber recalled.
Under big white tents, guests enjoyed a meal prepared by the same caterers who work on Heartland. The evening was filled with laughter and toasts, with Amber's off- and on-set families mingling together. Having co-workers like Michelle Morgan and Chris Potter there was especially meaningful to Amber.
"I don't have a sister, but having Michelle there, who plays my sister on the show, was so important to me. It was like having a sister there," she said.
Casual and Comfortable Vibes
The low-key bride wanted her guests to feel completely at ease, so she encouraged a casual dress code. "Some people wore jeans and boots, full western attire," she said. "I wanted everyone to be casual and have fun."
Amber and Shawn shared their first dance to Garrett Hedlund's "Timing is Everything," and the evening continued with a playlist that kept guests dancing. When it came time for speeches, each of their fathers spoke, followed by a heartfelt toast from Amber's TV father, Chris Potter.
Future Plans and Heartland Continues
With cameras already rolling on the latest season of Heartland, Amber and Shawn have put honeymoon plans on hold. "He has a lot on the go, just like me," Amber said. Despite their busy schedules, the couple is looking forward to their future together.
No matter what lies ahead for her character on the small screen, Amber's own long-running love story has just begun.
Related Links:
Leave a Reply
Congratulations I love you on the show. Hope we see more of you.