Saddle up, friends. We’ve got something to show you. When it comes to this wonderfully wintery Western wedding photo shoot, wild horses couldn’t drag us away 🐴 ❤️
This dreamy equestrian editorial shoot comes to us from a team of mega-talented wedding creatives in Georgia who wanted to blur the lines between rustic + sophisticated, earthy + elegant.
“The vision was to create a wedding aesthetic that felt grounded yet luxurious,” photographer Crystal of Crystal Photography says. “Rich textures and intentional styling transformed the outdoor setting into an immersive experience.”
And for that immersive outdoor setting the team chose Lake Oconee Equestrian Center, a horseback riding club and event space in Eatonton, GA that Crystal says has a “quiet beauty.” Sprawling pastures. Breathtaking barns. Prairie grasses, oak trees, and – of course – some of the most majestic horses you’ve ever seen.
“The design embraced contrast in a way that felt intentional and elevated,” says Crystal of the unique high-low aesthetic that the planners + event designers of Chastity Burroughs Events envisioned for the shoot. “It balanced refinement with approachability, rustic elements with polished details, and winter tones with inviting warmth.”
The boots. The hats. The bride’s long sleeved wedding cape! We’re obsessed with every detail.
Also, we’re huge fans of a winter wedding at GWS and this one is no exception. The wintery sage green + deep red hues are stunningly seasonal, and there’s a particular romance to the coziness of colder weather. Plus planning a Big Day outside of “Wedding Season” can mean extra money in your budget!
We’ve really been champing at the bit to show you this one, so let’s into the gorgeous pics from Crystal and associate photographers Rachel Linder and Cassandra Huggard!
These custom invitation suites by Paper Daisies Stationary introduced the day’s muted jewel tone color world so perfectly. And those playful die cut horseshoes and hats!! Beyond cute.
Wedding Day Western Wear
Every excellent cowboy hat you’ll see in this shoot was from iconic western wear brand Ariat.
Any respectable cowgirl bride rocks wedding boots with her gown!
This glorious wedding gown came from Suite Bridal, and we can’t get enough of this long sleeved chocker-neck bridal cape!
Wither + Bloom Designs created muted, moody, wintery floral magic with these deep red, parchment yellow, and dusty rose blooms.
Completely fixated on this gown’s fabulous drop waist.
Brittany Fishman was behind the shoot’s hairstyling as well as this romantic, rosy-cheeked, matte lip wedding makeup look.
Groom attire included a classic tux and accessories from Town & Country as well as Axel’s of Vail.
If you’re thinking of a wintery wedding day or just like the look of this longer sleeved bridal silhouette, definitely check out our collection of the best long sleeve wedding dresses.
And our favorite puff sleeve wedding dresses, too!
Equestrian “I Do’s”
“The ceremony took place on the lawn beneath a grand, textured arch overflowing with winter whites, rust tones, layered greens, hydrangeas, and roses,” Crystal remembers.
“Off-white chairs with black wood accents added subtle contrast.”
“The overall look felt soft yet structured, which mirrored the surrounding landscape.”
LOVE that for the ceremony they switched out that gorgeous jacket/cape for this long, dramatic bridal scarf instead!
One of our favorite hobbies? Collection all of our fave bridal accessories like veils, capes, and scarves to help you shop!
You better believe that all of the shoot’s winter wedding guest attire had a chic Western twist.
Picking your wedding date and considering a chillier month? Dive into our 10 Reasons Why We Love a Winter Wedding!
If you’re into this editorial’s sophisticated twist on a Western aesthetic, you’re going to love this “Western Luxe” ranch wedding, this “Western Chic” Montana wedding, and this metallic Cowboy glam wedding, too!
A Refined Yet Rustic Reception
“Escort cards doubled as luggage tags finished with horse bits, giving guests a keepsake to take home,” Crystal says of these brilliant wedding favors.
“Cocktail hour took place beneath a sprawling oak tree.”
“A custom green bar with saddle barstools anchored the space and nodded to the equestrian setting.”
“Horse bit accents appeared on the cocktail hour seating pillows, and a sculptural horse statue styled the bar.”
“Lounge areas featured browns, winter whites, greens, and rust tones for a cozy but elevated feel,” Crystal recalls of the shoot’s snuggly outdoor seating spots made up of furniture from Party Bound.
“Signature beverages included smoked Old Fashioneds, custom bottled ranch waters, and a full bar.”
“Even the drink stirrers, shaped like miniature cowboy boots, added a playful and polished touch.”
OK, hold your horses! If you’re loving this look as much as we are, you need to be exploring our 25 Cute Cowgirl Outfit Ideas for a Dreamy Western Look.
“The reception took place just outside the barn,” Crystal says. “This area allowed the rustic architecture to frame the evening while maintaining an open-air atmosphere.”
“Tables were arranged in semi-circles, inspired by the shape of a horseshoe,” shares Crystal about what was behind this super creative reception table setup choice. “The layout felt both functional and on theme.”
“Floral arrangements varied in height and scale, adding movement and depth. Tapered candles layered in warmth.”
“Brown and white china featuring horse motifs reinforced the equestrian influence in a subtle way.”
We simply cannot get over the deep maroon majesty of these moody wintery florals.
I Do Linens outfitted each horseshoe table with its striking + elegant black linens.
“The culinary experience carried the theme forward,” Crystal says of the shoot’s delicious fare from Epting Events.
“Elevated food stations featured smoked trout with saffron rice, made-to-order bison sliders with branded buns, and freshly grilled seasonal vegetables.”
Yes. Branded buns. So fun!
“As the evening air cooled, a fire pit provided warmth and ambiance,” says Crystal.
“The vibrant yellow wedding cake adorned with live floral accents offered a striking pop of color against the earthy winter palette.”
“A celebratory sabering of Dom Pérignon was a highlight.”
Shop The Chic Western Vibe
Be the best dressed in the West 🤠
We love the charming, chilly romance of a winter wedding. We love the rustic earthiness of a Western wedding. Put it all together and you have something so truly special. Congrats from GWS to the entire team!
Featured in This Wedding
Epting Events
I Do Linens
Interested in becoming a GWS Preferred Artist? Apply Here.
Other Vendors in This Wedding
Photography: Crystal Photography Co. // Venue: Lake Oconee Equestrian Center // Event Design: Chasity Burroughs Events // Wedding Planner: Chasity Burroughs Events // Florals: Wither and Bloom Designs // Dress Boutique: Suite Bridal // Hair Stylist: Brittany Fishman // Makeup Artist: Brittany Fishman // Groom Attire: Town and Country // Groom Attire: Axel’s of Veil // Videography: Heartbrave Studios // Paper Goods: Paper Daisies Stationery // Furniture Rentals: Party Bound // Models: Daryn Minster // Models: Russell King // Associate Photographer: Rachel Linder // Associate Photographer: Cassandra Huggard // Content Creator: Dream Day Social // Cowboy Hats: Ariat
