Fairwinds Farm, a horse farm located in northern Cecil County, MD, is an ideal location for an intimate countryside wedding. Set on a partially-wooded 52-acre property, Fairwinds features a gorgeous, well-shaded ceremony site overlooking horse pastures, as well as a restored Victorian-era farmhouse that doubles as a bed & breakfast. The attractive landscape is punctuated with antique stables and barns, giving the lively farm a sensation of rich history. In addition to weddings, Fairwinds Farm offers hay rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, trail rides, and horse-riding lessons, as well as youth programs and private events including birthday parties, baby showers, and more.

Ted and JoAnn Dawson, owners of Fairwinds, are skilled in several fields: Ted holds a B.S. in business administration and finance and has decades of experience in livestock, dairy, crop, and fish farming; he also teaches equine classes at Cecil College. JoAnn has a B.S. in animal science and agricultural education, as well as a master’s in education, and teaches both equine science and theatre at Cecil College. As a member of SAG-AFTRA, she is also an experienced actress and animal wrangler for television and film, with credits on works such as The Sixth Sense and 12 Monkeys. The couple also host agribusiness seminars at the farm, including the entertaining and educational “Thinking Outside the Boxstall: Top Ten Ways to Avoid Getting a Real Job!”

Fairwinds Farm’s animal talent, including horses, dogs, and more, has been featured in shows including House of Cards and Duck Dynasty, as well as advertisements for the Democratic National Convention, NAACP, and other organizations; Fairwinds itself has also been used for on-location filming. Additionally, Cream of the Crop, a film written by JoAnn and directed by Douglas B. Maddox of DBM Films, was partially filmed at Fairwinds, and features the farm’s animal talent. The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and several other services.

Local entrepreneurs Brett and Presilah Davis came to Fairwinds for a mock wedding photoshoot to showcase the aesthetic opportunities the farm has to offer; Brett grew up on the Eastern Shore, but moved to New York City to begin his career in modelling and entertainment, through which he met Presilah. The two grew their acting careers in Los Angeles, appearing in shows including The Haves and the Have Nots, NCIS, and 9-1-1. During the pandemic, the couple moved back to the Shore, buying a property in Galena; after just a few months, they decided to make their stay permanent, and soon after welcomed their first child. Together, the Davis family founded Luxe Lavs, a company which provides premium lavatory trailer rentals with a focus on luxury and style. Three trailer models are available with varying quantities of restroom stations, and all options include climate control as well as curated artwork and décor. More information and bookings can be found at theluxelavs.com.

To begin the photoshoot, Presilah was brought out to the ceremony grounds in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. Fairwinds offers a selection of three carriages to suit the style of your wedding. The carriages also provide transport to the reception site after a ceremony is complete; receptions are located in a spacious carpeted tent including a dance floor, bar, and seating for up to 288 guests. The reception area can also double as an indoor ceremony site in case of inclement weather. After exiting the carriage, Presilah and Brett walked together to the ceremony grounds, flanked by a pristine forest on one side, and a charming horse pasture on the other. The couple’s background in modeling was clear to see as they perfectly complemented each other and the ceremony area. Lovely white chairs and benches provide seating for up to 160 on the ceremony grounds, with fabric-clad hay bales offering extra seating if needed.

The elegant dress worn by Presilah for the photoshoot was provided by Brooke and June Bridal, a premium bridal boutique located in Chester, MD. Founded by Kent Island native Kallie German, Brooke and June provides private appointments to ensure that brides can find their perfect look in a comfortable, welcoming environment. You and your party can relax and enjoy refreshments and charcuterie while browsing the carefully curated selection of bridal wares. Kallie’s keen eye for fashion can be clearly seen in the suite of dresses and accessories available in her cozy storefront. Appointments are available through their website at brookandjunebridal.com.

In addition to the carriage ride, Fairwinds Farm offers numerous special touches, included in the price of the wedding, to complete the pastoral atmosphere of the venue. These include the classic dove release as well as horse and pony rides, bonfires, and a complementary overnight stay in the Victorian B&B for two-day weddings. Luxe Lavs additionally provides a premium three-unit restroom trailer. Wedding bookings are available from May 1^st through October 15^th each year; fees are $5,000 for one day, $6,000 for two, and $6,500 for a full weekend. Free tours of the venue are available upon request, as well as rehearsal ceremonies and dinners. Couples may also schedule an engagement announcement photoshoot at any of Fairwinds’ picturesque locations. Contact information and a preferred vendor list are provided on the farm’s website at fairwindsstables.com, though couples are always welcome to select their own vendors. Choosing Fairwinds Farm for your special day ensures a picture-perfect experience that you and your loved ones will remember for the rest of your lives.