Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to have wedding ponies

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Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's wedding guests will be greeted by "leaping" Shetland ponies.

The Hollywood couple - who raise six children, Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, Zahara, eight, Shiloh, six, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne, together - are expected to tie the knot at their French estate Chateau Miraval, which boasts its own chapel, at the end of May and their lavish plans for the big day also include topiary elephants cut into the grounds, with each one representing a member of the family.

Lucille Michele, the couple's wedding florist, said: "Guests will travel past water fountains and Shetland ponies leaping as they go up the two-mile long drive to the house.

"When the guests park, they'll see the family of elephants. Brad hopes it will make them smile. Apparently, the elephants were the children's idea.

"They want the wedding to take place just before sunset, so that as they say their vows the church will fill with fabulous red, orange and yellow light. The lawns have all got new sprinkler systems in, so they'll be green and lush for the big day. Brad wants the guests to say, 'Wow' the moment they sweep through the gates."

The 'Moneyball' actor is taking a very hands on approach to the planning, and is particularly keen that his big plans for the grounds of the estate provide a legacy that will last for generations to come.

Lucille explained to the new UK issue of Grazia magazine: "Brad flew in two weeks ago and has given a team of eight gardeners very specific clean-up plans, along with planting instructions that he drew up himself ... Brad wants what they plant to help local wildlife for generations to come.

"He's spending in the region of £30,000 on flowers and says they've decided no cut flowers, just planted wild ones, so that in the future, their great-grandchildren can see where they made a promise to each other."