Where Love Runs Wild: Amber Marshall's Unforgettable Ranch Wedding Day

For years, we've watched Amber Marshall work her magic with horses as Amy Fleming on CBC's beloved series, Heartland. We've seen Amy navigate love, loss, and life on the ranch. But on a beautiful day in Alberta, life truly imitated art (or perhaps, surpassed it!) when Amber, just 25 at the time, celebrated her own real-life love story, marrying photographer Shawn Turner, her partner of three years. And yes, it happened long before Amy Fleming ever walked down the aisle on screen!

A Venue Straight from the Heart(land)

Forget fancy ballrooms or far-off destinations. When Amber and Shawn, 26, decided to tie the knot, there was only one place that felt right: home. Their own sprawling ranch near High River, Alberta – the very same stunning landscape that serves as the backdrop for Heartland – became the setting for their magical day.

"I'm a homebody and so is Shawn," Amber shared. "Right away we thought, 'We're having it at home.'"

It makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Especially considering these two animal lovers first crossed paths at a horse show. Their shared passion was woven into the fabric of their relationship, and it was only fitting it played a central role in their wedding.

And talk about personal touches! Amber revealed they skipped the professional planners, embracing the DIY spirit wholeheartedly. "We were our own wedding planners, and it wasn't stressful for me," she said. With friends and family pitching in, the day felt uniquely theirs. One of the most special elements? The altar itself, lovingly handcrafted by the groom, Shawn. "The altar was the most beautiful memento of our day," Amber reflected. It’s the kind of detail that transforms a wedding ceremony into a deeply personal memory.

An Entrance Fit for Amy Fleming (Only Real!)

Picture this: the Alberta sun shining, 150 loved ones gathered, and the bride making her entrance. Not in a limo, but riding sidesaddle on her cherished horse, Hawk. Amber looked absolutely radiant in a strapless Private Label by G gown, carrying a simple, beautiful lilac bouquet arranged by her grandmother. Her father, who’d apparently only learned how to handle Hawk moments before, proudly held the reins. It was a scene straight out of a fairytale, grounded in the rustic reality of their ranch life.

Even for someone used to cameras and audiences, exchanging vows brought a whole new wave of emotion.

"I was emotional. I thought, 'I can't believe this is real!'" Amber confessed. "I thought I'd be more nervous but it was a lot of fun."

After that all-important first kiss as husband and wife, did they hop into a vintage car? Nope! True to form, Amber and Shawn saddled up their horses and galloped off towards their reception. Amber laughingly recalled the slightly-too-enthusiastic exit: "The applause made the horses a little nervous, so they went off a little quicker than usual. It was quite an exit!" You can just imagine the smiles and laughter from the guests!

Boots, BBQ, and Big White Tents: The Reception

Under classic big white tents, the celebration continued. The vibe? Pure, relaxed joy. Forget stuffy dress codes – Amber wanted everyone comfortable. "Some people wore jeans and boots, full western attire," she said. "I wanted everyone to be casual and have fun." Stilettos definitely weren't required for hitting the dance floor later!

Guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by the very same folks who feed the Heartland cast and crew on set – another lovely touch blending Amber’s two worlds.

When On-Screen Family Becomes Real Family

Speaking of worlds colliding, Amber's Heartland family was there in full force, sharing in the joy. Having castmates like Michelle Morgan (who plays her sister, Lou) and Chris Potter (her TV dad, Tim) there meant the world to Amber.

"I don't have a sister, but having Michelle there, who plays my sister on the show, was so important to me," Amber shared warmly. "It was like having a sister there."

It’s a testament to the bond formed over six years (at that time) of filming together. They weren't just co-workers; they were family celebrating one of their own.

The evening included heartfelt speeches from both fathers, and then Chris Potter stepped up, offering a toast joined by the rest of the close-knit cast. Later, Amber and Shawn shared their first dance as husband and wife to Garrett Hedlund's "Timing is Everything" – a perfect song choice, perhaps?

The Next Chapter

With cameras already rolling for the next season of Heartland back then, a honeymoon had to wait. "He has a lot on the go, just like me," Amber explained simply.

While Amy Fleming's journey continued on screen, Amber Marshall's own beautiful, real-life story with Shawn Turner was just beginning its longest, most wonderful season yet. It was a day that perfectly captured their love: down-to-earth, rooted in their shared passions, surrounded by family (both given and chosen), and utterly, authentically them.

Photos: José Paulo MPA