At Hardy Farm, we believe that every love story deserves to be honored in a meaningful way. When we first started hosting weddings at our historic barn, we wanted to create a custom that would celebrate both the rich history of the space and the incredible couples who say “I do” here. That’s how our Lucky in Love tradition was born—each couple signs a horseshoe and hangs it in the barn, leaving behind a piece of their wedding day that becomes part of Hardy Farm’s story forever.  The original Hardy Farm horseshoe (which hangs prominently above the exterior sliding barn doors) was hung by a member of the Hardy family probably 100 years ago, likely as a protective symbol.  The Hardy family owned the property for 10 generations, and we are proud to be the next generation of caretakers of this special place, and lucky enough to have a delightful member of the Hardy Family as our next door neighbor, in what was once the one-room schoolhouse for West Fryeburg.  

This collection of signed horseshoes has turned into something truly magical. Each one represents a unique love story, a day filled with joy, and a lifetime of memories waiting to unfold. Seeing the barn adorned with these symbols of love and good fortune is a powerful reminder of the many incredible weddings that have taken place here. And thanks to #HardyFarm, we get a glimpse into each celebration through the eyes of the couples’ loved ones and our talented vendors—it’s like a behind-the-scenes scrapbook of every special moment!

But the idea of being lucky in love isn’t just a Hardy Farm tradition—many cultures have superstitions, rituals and folklore for bringing good luck that have been woven into weddings for centuries.  The horseshoe, itself, is widely recognized as a powerful good luck charm, and a symbol of protection and good fortune.  Stemming from ancient Greece, where the horseshoe’s shape was linked to the crescent moon (which symbolized fertility), many cultures have incorporated horseshoes for luck.  Notably, in Irish wedding traditions, a horseshoe is considered a strong symbol of good luck, so many brides incorporate horseshoe-shaped jewelry or even sew a small horseshoe into their wedding dress, or tuck one into their bouquet to ensure a fortunate marriage.  This traditional custom stems from the ancient Celtic belief that horseshoes, particularly made of iron, possess protective powers against evil spirits and bring luck to the wearer.  Often, page boy or flower girl typically presented a horseshoe to the bride with the U-shaped opening facing upwards to “catch” good luck, but presenting the horseshoe upside down was also thought to share that good luck with other people.  Adding in some well-known traditions, like our lucky horseshoes, or even creating your own tradition, is a light-hearted and fun way to add a sentimental and creative touch to your wedding.

We all know the old fashioned adage of brides wearing “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue” on their wedding day, but where do these ideas originate, and how can you revamp them to be a reflection of you and your partner?  This lucky wedding rhyme originated in 19th century England, and also included a fifth line “and a sixpence in your shoe”…(comfy).  It was intended as a checklist for bringing brides good luck on their wedding day.  Something old represents a connection to the past. We love a piece of fabric from an old wedding dress worn by a beloved family member stitched inside the bride’s dress as an especially sweet and sentimental nod to this notion. Or what about another special family heirloom or something that connects you to your roots?  Or maybe create your own vintage bridal look to check this box.  Incorporating vintage crockery to your tableware adds a creative and quirky vibe.  Something new is a symbol of hope and optimism for the couple’s future.  The wedding dress can often tick this box, but consider something else like a brand new signature scent to start wearing on your wedding day, or try out a new lip color you don’t normally wear, or custom jewelry.  Something borrowed is said to bring with it luck from the bearer (often a happily married friend or family member), so it’s all about passing along good vibes!  Maybe jewelry or a veil from a close friend or relative, or the same first dance song as someone you cherish.  Something blue was meant as protection from bad vibes and blue is also a symbol of love, purity and fidelity.   The possibilities are endless on this one!  And a sixpence for your shoe refers to the old tradition of the father of the bride giving his daughter a sixpence to place in her shoe, which was supposed to bring prosperity for her future.  This verse is usually left out these days…phew!

Another nod to English folklore is the luck associated with rain on your wedding day.  In Victorian England, rain on your wedding day was generally considered a sign of good luck— symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and a strong, lasting marriage, much like the modern interpretation of this superstition.  The idea behind is that a “wet knot” (referring to the marriage vows) is harder to untie, signifying a strong union. But it isn’t just English tradition that has associated rain with good luck.  Hindu traditions also have a strong belief that rain on your wedding day brings luck. Because rain creates fertile soil for crops to grow, Hindu communities strongly associate rainy nuptials with blessing on the couple, especially with children after they get married. And like in Victorian England, rain on your wedding day is also said to make a partnership stronger and longer-lasting because a “wet knot” is difficult to untie.  Luckily Hardy Farm has a large sailcloth tent and charming barn to keep guests dry and happily mingling on a rainy day!  Also, an overcast forecast provides excellent lighting for pictures, and posing with your partner underneath an umbrella is certain to provide a romantic moment and memory you’ll cherish forever.

There are numerous superstitions associated with keeping evil spirits away.  Carrying the bride over the threshold began in Medieval Europe for this very reason.  In that time many believed that a bride was extra vulnerable to evil spirits through the soles of her feet. To avoid bringing in any evil spirits, the groom carried the bride into their new home.  According to western tradition, another way to ward off evil spirits has been by ringing bells, particularly in Irish culture, where brides sometimes even incorporated small bells into their bouquets to symbolize protection and a harmonious marriage.  Ringing bells stems from the idea that the sound of bells would scare away negative energies, so they are thought to bring good luck and blessings to the newlyweds.  And, even a wedding veil was traditionally worn to hide the bride from evil spirits who were believed to be envious of her happiness. The veil was thought to protect the bride from evil spirits, curses, and hexes.  This tradition originated in ancient Rome.  Today, of course, the veil is still a common addition to ceremonies but usually as a stylish and feminine accessory, and often no longer even covers your face.  But it’s a fun history lesson and a beloved custom!  

We love that our horseshoes and Lucky in Love tradition brings couples together in a shared history at Hardy Farm. It’s more than just a signature on a horseshoe—it’s a symbol of a joyful past, a lucky present, and a future filled with love. So, whether you’re planning your wedding or reminiscing about your special day with us, know that your love story will always have a place here. 💕 Are you ready to add your horseshoe to our rafters? Contact us today to start planning your own lucky love story at Hardy Farm!