Heartland's Horse Whisperer Amber Marshall Gets Married in a Rustic Ranch Wedding

Familiar to fans of the beloved CBC drama Heartland as the talented horse whisperer Amy Fleming, 25-year-old actress Amber Marshall has walked down the aisle, exchanging vows with her long-time partner, 26-year-old photographer Shawn Turner, before her character does on the show.

The Dream Venue: Their Cherished Ranch in High River, Alberta

In a picturesque setting that mirrored the couple's love for animals and equestrian life, family, friends, and numerous members of the Heartland cast and crew congregated at the couple's idyllic ranch near High River, Alberta. The day was not only romantic but also deeply personal, with the couple's beloved horses taking center stage, a fitting tribute to how Amber and Shawn's relationship began at a horse show.

In an interview with Hello!, Amber expressed that High River held a special place in her heart, not only because it's where the Heartland show is filmed but also because their cherished ranch served as the perfect backdrop for their nuptials.

Planning a Personalized Affair

Reflecting on their decision, Amber shared, 'I'm a homebody, and so is Shawn. From the very beginning, we knew that getting married at our home was the way to go.

Amber, a native of London, Ontario, took delight in planning every detail of their relaxed and intimate wedding. 'We took on the role of our own wedding planners, and to my surprise, it wasn't stressful at all,' she recalls.

Thanks to the support and involvement of their loved ones, the wedding day was adorned with countless personal touches. One such touching detail was the altar, thoughtfully handcrafted by Shawn himself. 'The altar was the most beautiful memento of our day,' Amber reminisces.

The Ceremony: A Horse-Back Entrance and Emotional Vows

This beautifully crafted altar served as the centerpiece for Amber's favorite moment of the day: her grand entrance on horseback to meet her groom. Dressed in a stunning strapless gown by Private Label by G and carrying a delicate lilac bouquet arranged by her beloved grandmother, Amber made a breathtaking appearance riding her horse, Hawk, sidesaddle. Adding an extra layer of sentiment, her father, who had only just learned to handle the horse moments before the ceremony, gracefully held the reins.

Although accustomed to being in the limelight from her acting career, Amber found that exchanging vows with Shawn in front of 150 cherished loved ones brought an entirely new and profound sense of excitement.

Reflecting on the moment, Amber recalls, 'I was emotional. I kept thinking, "I can't believe this is real!" I had expected to be more nervous, but in reality, it was a lot of fun.

The Reception: Family, Friends, and Fun Under the Tents

After sharing their first kiss as husband and wife, Amber and Shawn elegantly mounted their horses and galloped off towards the reception, creating a memorable exit that, while not exactly into the sunset, was nothing short of spectacular. Amber playfully recalls, 'The applause made the horses a bit nervous, so they took off a little quicker than planned. It was quite an exit!'

As the evening unfolded under expansive white tents, guests raised their glasses to toast the newlyweds, savoring a meal prepared by the same talented caterers who work on Heartland. Amber's off-screen and on-screen families mingled seamlessly, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Special Guests: Heartland Cast and Crew Add to the Celebration

The presence of her co-workers, such as Michelle Morgan and Chris Potter, held special meaning for Amber. Over the six years that Heartland has been airing, these co-stars have become like family to her. She shared, 'I don't have a sister in real life, but having Michelle there, who plays my sister on the show, was incredibly important to me. It felt like having a sister present on my special day.'

True to their laid-back personalities, Amber and Shawn desired for their guests to feel completely at ease. They encouraged a casual dress code, with some guests opting for jeans and boots or full western attire. Amber elaborates, 'I wanted everyone to be comfortable and have a great time. No stiff formal wear or high heels were required; just pure enjoyment.'

To keep the party going, Amber curated a playlist that had guests dancing the night away in their comfortable attire. Before the dancing began, she and Shawn shared their first dance to Garrett Hedlund's "Timing is Everything," setting the tone for a night filled with joy and celebration.

During the speech portion of the evening, both of the groomsmen's fathers shared heartfelt words, offering blessings and well wishes to the newlyweds. Following that, Amber's on-screen father, Chris Potter, stepped up to toast the couple, with the close-knit cast members joining in to offer their warmest congratulations.

Looking Ahead: Post-Wedding Plans and Honeymoon Delays

With the latest season of Heartland already in production, Amber and Shawn have temporarily postponed their honeymoon plans due to their busy schedules. Amber notes, 'He has a lot on his plate, just like me, so we're making adjustments accordingly.'

Regardless of what the future holds for her character on Heartland, Amber's real-life love story is only just beginning, filled with promise and excitement.

Photos: José Paulo MPA