Meet Anna Beth and James: A Love Story

Some love stories begin with a grand gesture, but Anna Beth and James’ journey started in the warmth of their church community and blossomed on a freezing cold night. Their first date was a walk in the park, bundled up against the chill, followed by dinner at a cozy little dive restaurant—a perfect reflection of their down-to-earth personalities. Fast forward to a sun-drenched summer day at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, and their story came full circle in the most romantic way. With the stunning Texas Hill Country as their backdrop, their wedding was a celebration of joy, faith, and the deep connection they’ve shared since that first, chilly evening.

The Perfect Venue: The Preserve at Canyon Lake

The Preserve at Canyon Lake, nestled just a short drive from San Antonio, offers a breathtaking escape into the natural beauty of the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The wedding venue is located on a 10 acre wildlife preservation surrounded by sweeping views of rolling hills and lush greenery, the venue provided the perfect backdrop for Anna Beth and James’ romantic summer wedding. The tranquility of the landscape added a sense of intimacy to the day, making it feel as though the couple was in their own serene paradise. The natural beauty of The Preserve at Canyon Lake truly made their wedding day an experience of a lifetime.

The Getting Ready Spaces

One of the highlights of the venue is the beautiful bridal suite, where Anna Beth and her bridesmaids spent the morning preparing for the big day. Lola Beauty worked their bridal makeup magic on Anna Beth and her bridesmaids. Bathed in natural light, the suite offered an elegant, serene space for magical getting-ready moments and some bridal portraits, which translated into some truly stunning photographs. From candid laughter between friends to the tender moments of putting on the dress, the suite was the perfect setting to capture the anticipation and excitement of the day.

Located just outside the bridal suite is a loft overlooking the ceremony space. This was the perfect location for Anna Beth to have a special first look with her dad.

The groom’s suite has all the modern amenities for the guys to get ready, watch sports, and hang out on the patio away from the ladies. 

A Heartfelt Ceremony

Anna Beth and James exchanged vows in the stunning indoor chapel at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, a space that perfectly combined elegance and natural beauty. With its floor-to-ceiling windows, the chapel offered breathtaking views of the serene water, allowing the beauty of the outdoors to be an integral part of their ceremony. As sunlight poured in, the couple stood before their family and friends, bathed in the warm glow of a perfect summer afternoon.

A Ceremony Officiated by the Pastor Who Introduced Them

Adding a deeply personal touch to the ceremony, the pastor who originally introduced Anna Beth and James was the one to officiate their wedding. His heartfelt words reflected not only their love for each other but also the faith and community that brought them together. It was a beautiful, full-circle moment, as the same person who played a part in their meeting now stood with them as they made their vows.

The Photography – Point of View From an Austin Wedding Photographer

One of the highlights of the day was saving the couple’s portraits for golden hour. As the sun dipped low over the horizon, it cast a golden, ethereal light over the landscape, creating the perfect setting to capture their connection. The soft glow of the evening sun added a layer of romance and magic to their portraits.

Throughout the day, I was able to capture candid laughter, joyful tears, and those tender, fleeting moments that make a wedding day truly special. From the grand staircase entrance to the fun, light-hearted moments with their bridal party, every part of the day was documented with care, ensuring that Anna Beth and James will have a collection of wedding photos to relive their wedding day love story for years to come.

Cocktail Hour on the Patio: Signature Cocktails and Hand-Rolled Cigars

As the sun began to set, guests enjoyed a relaxed cocktail hour on the back patio, taking in the beautiful views of The Preserve at Canyon Lake. The ambiance was lively yet elegant, with signature cocktails flowing and conversations buzzing under the warm summer sky. One of the highlights of the hour was the presence of Ruiz Cigars, where guests could enjoy hand-rolled cigars, adding a touch of sophistication and a unique experience to the celebration.

Hand-Rolled Cigars from Ruiz Cigars: A Unique Touch

Elegant Reception Filled with Personal Details

Following the heartfelt ceremony, Anna Beth and James’ reception was held in the elegant main reception hall at The Preserve at Canyon Lake. The reception space was transformed into a timeless vision of romance, thanks to the talented team at Root and Wilde, who adorned the room with stunning floral arrangements in various shades of white. The soft, neutral tones created an air of sophistication and complemented the natural beauty of the venue perfectly.

One of the most personal touches of the evening was the bride’s hand-stitched table numbers, adding a unique and intimate detail to the reception. These little elements showcased the care and attention that Anna Beth and James put into making their day truly their own.

The couple made their grand entrance down the majestic grand staircase, greeted by the joyful applause of their family and friends. Afterward, guests enjoyed a lovely sit-down meal catered by Absolutely Delicious, with a menu that reflected the couple’s taste and style.

For dessert, Pennington Cakes crafted an heirloom-inspired wedding cake, a nod to family traditions, topped with a treasured family heirloom. The cake was as meaningful as it was beautiful, adding another layer of sentiment to the celebration.

The evening came to life as the Love and Happiness Band took the stage, filling the hall with music that kept guests on their feet. From the first dance to the final song, the energy on the dance floor was infectious, ensuring that Anna Beth and James’ wedding day ended on a high note filled with love, laughter, and joy.

Capturing Anna Beth and James’ wedding day was an absolute joy, filled with countless beautiful moments. From the quiet, intimate moments between the couple to the infectious energy of their wedding party, the day unfolded like a dream. With the largest bridal party I’ve ever photographed, the energy was high, and the excitement was palpable. Their friends and family were truly a reflection of the love and joy that surrounded Anna Beth and James.

And, none of this day would have been possible without the dedication and talent of wedding planner Dori Draa with Sweet Laurel Events. 

Thank you for joining me in reflecting on Anna Beth and James’ beautiful summer wedding at The Preserve at Canyon Lake. For more inspiration be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest. If you’re ready to start planning your own unforgettable wedding at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, contact me HERE for inquiries and consultations. I can’t wait to help you capture the magic of your special day.

Amy Odom Photography is an Austin, Texas based wedding photographer who makes timeless images for couples with classic style. Amy services anywhere in Texas your love story takes you.