The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm
The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm is an actual working horse farm. and Caitlin, today’s bride, grew up riding horses at The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm. She stressed how important it was for her to get photos with the horses while we took her and Billy’s romantic portraits. So important that she went and bought carrots to lure them over to the fence. A little side story for you. When I was in elementary school, all my friends were going to Camp Wesley Woods for a week in the summer. I waited too late to decide that I wanted to go, and the only emphasis left open was horse camp. I didn’t mind because at the time I thought it would be SUPER cool to learn how to ride horses. I had no experience with it, but it still sounded fun. Day 1 at camp you don’t do any horse training. Day 2, the first thing you learn is how to groom the horses. You go into the barn, get your horse, guide them outside, and use this big brush to brush their hair. If you’ve ever done this, you know how much dander starts flying in the air all around you. I mean, it’s everywhere. I brushed my horse for probably 10-15 minutes and handed my brush over to my partner who did it for another 10-15 minutes. Then, we got to actually ride the horses. Afterwards, it was quiet time in the cabin to take a nap, read a book, etc. I laid in my bed rubbing my eyes and scratching my cheeks and my neck until finally I got up to look at myself in the mirror. Woah. Like wooooooaaaah. My eyes were completely swollen and blood shot, and my cheeks were swelling. I walked outside to the counselor who took one look at me and rushed me to the camp nurse who pumped me full of Benadryl. The rest of the camp, I wasn’t allowed to go into the barn at all, I couldn’t brush the horses anymore, and I had to wear a mask while I road them. Since then, I’ve only had one other time that I had a severe reaction. I’ve mostly just avoided horse barns and petting. I’ve ridden horses, been in horse carriages, and shot in horse fields, which only led to a minor asthma attack.
So, back to the wedding day. We went to the field with the horses at The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm. There were three in the field that were all immediately coming over to Caitlin and Billy wanting the carrots. Two of the horses were pushing the third horse out, and it was coming up to me while I stood on the fence to shoot the interaction between the couple and the horses. The third horse was sniffing me, nudging me, and it was so pretty. I reached over and rubbed its head. I made a mental note to wash my hands as soon as we got to the reception. We shot for at least another 20 minutes, and when we got to the reception I was hurrying around to get my lighting set up, trying to get guests to sit down, and I just forgot to wash my hands. While I stood there waiting for the introductions, I rubbed my left eye with the same hand I touched the horse with. Immediately, I thought shoot! As soon as the introductions and first dance are open, I need to go wash my hands! Not even two minutes later, I felt my eye starting to swell. It got hot and itchy and sticky and I asked the DJ if it was red. He took one look and said oh yeah… real red. I explained to him what happened, and I thought it was an allergic reaction. While the couple danced their first dance, he found The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm coordinator and asked for some Benadryl. Thank JESUS that she had some because 15 minutes after I took it I was totally fine. No one knew anything. Until now because I’m spilling my guts lol. So yeah, fun story about one of the craziest things that’s happened to me on a wedding day thus far!
Despite my allergic reaction, I had SO much fun with this couple. They timed their ceremony PERFECTLY for the most amazing pictures during sunset. They also had the most gorgeous sunset at their engagement session, too. I think golden hour just follows them. This bride was absolutely stunning, the groom was so dapper in his all black, and the venue…no words. Just insert heart eyes. Just take a look and try not to drool all over yourself.
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Vendors used by Caitlin & Billy:
Venue: The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm
Florist: Lisa Foster Floral Design
DJ: Party Boys
Dress Shop: White Lace and Promises
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Caterer: Bradford Catered Events
Ceremony Music: Special Notes
If you loved this session, you’ll also love:
Caitlin & Billy Engagement Pictures
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