Classic Elegance at The Preserve at Canyon Lake Wedding Venue

Wedding

August 1, 2025

Morgan and Drew’s wedding day was pure happiness from beginning to end. Full of emotion, intentional details, and so much love, their celebration at The Preserve at Canyon Lake was a perfect fit for their story. And while it wasn’t their original plan, this venue ended up being one of the dreamiest Canyon Lake wedding venues they could’ve asked for.

From the emotional first looks to the surprise beer burros, this day was packed with sweet moments and timeless style—tied together with soft blues, meaningful touches, and the kind of love that’s been growing since high school.

Elegant indoor ceremony setup at The Preserve at Canyon Lake with wooden chairs and soft blue and white florals lining the aisle.
Flat lay of wedding details including invitation suite, florals, and ring box styled in blue and white at The Preserve at Canyon Lake.
Aisle view of the light-filled chapel ceremony space at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, featuring rows of wooden chairs and lush floral arrangements.
Reception tables at The Preserve at Canyon Lake set with gold chargers, light blue napkins, and classic white florals beneath a stone fireplace.
Morgan & Drew on the floral-lined staircase inside The Preserve at Canyon Lake, sharing a quiet moment after their ceremony.
Just married couple standing under the oak trees near the water at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, with sweeping hill country views.
Angled view of the couple kissing with Morgan's veil floating dreamily towards the clear blue sky
Romantic champagne tower pour during the wedding reception at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, with the couple sharing a celebratory kiss.
Intimate wedding day details at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, featuring Polaroids, heirloom vases, cake slices, and personalized sunglasses.

The Venue Details: The Preserve at Canyon Lake

(A Venue Change Plot Twist with the Happiest Ending)

Morgan and Drew had originally booked a venue that was still under construction—but when delays made it clear it wouldn’t be ready, they had to pivot. Enter: The Preserve at Canyon Lake, a bright and airy venue tucked into the heart of the Texas Hill Country.

The venue features a 170-acre wildlife reserve with rolling hills and two spring-fed lakes, which offers a truly breathtaking backdrop for weddings. Whether it was the kids running across the lawn, guests taking in the lakeside breeze, or golden hour portraits among the trees, this space gave everyone room to breathe and be fully present.

Inside the chapel, white walls, vaulted ceilings, and a wall of windows overlooking the water set the tone for Morgan and Drew’s romantic and elegant aesthetic—classic style with soft blue accents for a ‘lil touch of Bridgerton vibes.

It was immediately easy to see why this property stands out among Canyon Lake wedding venues. It’s spacious, scenic, and steeped in that relaxed Hill Country aesthetic that makes this area iconic for Texas weddings.

Elegant indoor ceremony setup at The Preserve at Canyon Lake with wooden chairs and soft blue and white florals lining the aisle.
Angled view of indoor ceremony setup at The Preserve at Canyon Lake with wooden chairs and soft blue and white florals lining the aisle.
Elegant floral seating chart framed in gold and displayed outside The Preserve at Canyon Lake with chinoiserie vases and hydrangeas.
Elegant gold mirror welcome sign with white calligraphy reading “You look incredible—now go grab a drink,” surrounded by soft florals and blue ceramic vases.
Reception tables at The Preserve at Canyon Lake styled with soft blue napkins, gold flatware, and romantic candles beneath a stone fireplace.
Close-up of a gold charger plate and modern place setting at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, accented with dusty blue linens and white florals.

Getting Ready at The Preserve at Canyon Lake

Morgan spent the morning surrounded by her bridesmaids, sharing laughs, taking in the moment, and soaking up all the love. The Preserve has such a spacious layout—plenty of room for the quiet, intentional moments and the joyful chaos, too. Kids ran giggling through the upstairs getting-ready rooms while others played outside near the lake, and at one point, Morgan’s grandma was downstairs adding final touches to the wedding cake.

Grandmother adds finishing touches to the wedding cake at The Preserve at Canyon Lake.
A child runs through the bright, spacious getting-ready suite while guests laugh and soak up the moment.
Sweet moment between a guest and ring bearer bathed in natural light, just before the ceremony begins at The Preserve at Canyon Lake.
Sweet moment between a bridesmaid and ring bearer laughing and playing together, just before the ceremony begins at The Preserve at Canyon Lake.
Morgan gets ready in a sunlit suite at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, helped by her mother and surrounded by joyful energy.
Morgan sprays perfume in a quiet moment before the ceremony.
Black and white portrait of Morgan looking down, veil cascading over her shoulder.

One of the most emotional moments came during her first look with her dad. She gave him a framed portrait from her bridal session (which you can peek at here), along with a sign that read “Forever Your Little Girl.” Her dad teared up right away, and it was such a meaningful way to include her bridal portraits in the wedding day itself.

Emotional first look with bride and her father at The Preserve at Canyon Lake, including a special gift: a framed bridal portrait.
Close-up of the bridal portrait with the embroidered veil reading “Forever your little girl,” gifted to her father before the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Drew got ready with his groomsmen in another part of the venue, totally focused on making the day perfect for Morgan. He kept asking what he could do to help. They chose not to do a first look, so the first time he saw her was as she walked down the aisle—and it was such an incredibly emotional moment.

A Gorgeous Light-Filled Indoor Ceremony

The indoor ceremony took place in front of the chapel’s grand wall of windows, framed with soft white and blue florals. The natural light pouring in made everything feel warm and almost ethereal.

From the overhead ceremony shots to the quiet hand squeezes and teary-eyed vows, every moment was sooooo stunning and heartfelt.

Morgan walking down the aisle with her parents as guests watch from either side.
Overhead view of wedding ceremony at The Preserve at Canyon Lake with floor-to-ceiling windows and guests seated in rows lined with white floral arrangements.
Drew tearing up while waiting for Morgan during the ceremony.
Couple holding hands during wedding ceremony, standing in front of large windows and floral altar.
Black and white image of couple sharing a dramatic dip kiss at the end of the ceremony aisle.
Couple walking back down the aisle smiling, just after being pronounced married.
Candid of Morgan & Drew holding hands, beaming as they exit the ceremony.
Couple walking through a hallway hand-in-hand after the ceremony.
Sweet moment of Morgan touching the Drew’s face lovingly, smiling at him in soft natural light.

Lakeside Wedding Portraits | The Preserve at Canyon Lake

After the ceremony, we explored the grounds for some golden hour portraits—capturing Morgan and Drew in that just-married bliss. The soft light, oak trees, and lakeside views made for the dreamiest backdrop.

We also got the full wedding party together on the chapel stage, with those toile blue bridesmaid dresses popping perfectly against those fresh white walls.

Couple kissing under the bride’s flowing veil, close-up shot.
Another romantic veil shot of the couple holding each other and sharing a kiss.
Intimate moment captured beneath the veil as the newlyweds kiss.
Couple walking away from the camera, smiling back as they stroll past The Preserve’s curved glass windows surrounded by trees.

The Reception

The crème de la crème of Canyon Lake wedding venues

During cocktail hour, Drew got the surprise of the day—beer burros! Morgan had planned them as a gift, and the look on his face when he saw them was priceless. Guests got a kick out of it, and it made for some of the most fun candid photos of the day.

Morgan & Drew crouching down to pet a flower-adorned donkey during cocktail hour.
Couple kissing while holding drinks, standing beside two donkeys with flower crowns and beer baskets.
Full view of the couple smiling with their donkey drink service during golden hour.
Morgan sipping a beer with Drew laughing beside her, The Preserve’s white exterior and large windows in the background.

One of my favorite details of their day was the handwritten little love notes on each of the tables. They were little snippets of Morgan & Drew’s love letters over the years (and it was such a sweet way to tie in their history as high school sweethearts).

Acrylic wedding table number with handwritten love note on a white table decorated with votive candles and blue-and-white ceramic vases.

After the cocktail hour, the celebration flowed into the reception space with a lively grand entrance and first dances that brought a few more happy tears. The energy in the room was that perfect mix of tender and joyous (THE BEST).

Morgan changed into a sparkly mini dress and white sneakers for the second half of the evening, and they poured champagne over their champagne tower with the biggest grins on their faces to kick off the party. We wrapped the night with flash photos of the cake and their PACKED dance floor, then topped it all off with a final private dance before their sparkler send-off.

Couple sharing a kiss while toasting with coupe glasses during their wedding reception at The Preserve at Canyon Lake.
Close-up of newlyweds drinking champagne with arms linked during their wedding celebration.
Wedding detail flatlay featuring cake slice with rings, heart sunglasses, invitation with The Preserve at Canyon Lake address, Polaroids, and blue floral plate.
Newlyweds running through a sparkler exit line, both wearing sunglasses and smiling and cheering under the night sky.
Morgan blowing a kiss and Drew cheering during their grand sparkler exit.
Drew dipping Morgan in a celebratory kiss during their sparkler exit, surrounded by cheering guests at The Preserve at Canyon Lake.

Favorite Moments on 35mm Film

A few of their portraits and detail shots were captured on 35mm film to give their gallery a timeless, nostalgic feel. For a couple who’s been together since they were sixteen, it felt like the perfect way to honor how far they’ve come.

Close-up of bridal heels and rings on a windowsill, softly lit by natural light.
Flat lay of wedding invitation suite with bridal accessories, blue florals, and perfume bottle.
35mm film photo of a bright ceremony space with a large arched window and floral altar arrangements.
Reception room set with wooden chairs, white tablecloths, and glowing candlelit centerpieces.
Drew hugging Morgan, both smiling near a riverside with greenery in the background.
Newlyweds embracing and smiling softly at sunset outside their modern venue.
Morgan & Drew sharing a laugh and a kiss in front of large windows and lush trees.
Romantic close-up of the couple kissing during golden hour with soft natural light.

From Morgan:

I wish I could give Leah more than 5 stars. She is INCREDIBLE. 

Truly the sweetest, most genuine person and not to mention so insanely talented as well. She was my go- to girl, helped me with more than just photography- she gave tons of recommendations for vendors, communicated efficiently with the vendors and always checked in with me to make sure I was doing okay… I could go on and on really, do yourself a favor and book with Leah you won’t regret it!!!! Lastly… (sorry she’s just too good) she also gave us some Polaroids at the end of the night and it was so special looking through those moments the night of our wedding. Ok love u Leah bye

Searching for Canyon Lake Wedding Venues?

If you’re planning your own wedding and looking for Canyon Lake wedding venues that offer natural beauty, warm light, and space to make it your own—The Preserve at Canyon Lake is such a gem. And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture the full story with intention, heart, and ease—I’d love to be part of making you feel seen & celebrated, friend.

Wedding Vendors:

Edgy and fun San Antonio studio photo of Leah smiling with her camera holster and cameras

Hey there, I’m Leah!

My job is to support your vision and live in the moment with you, ensuring your photos reflect the heart and soul of every second.

I love discovering that thing that is uniquely you and capturing it in a photo. Not just how the day looked, but how it felt to be there with your people.

So let’s grab a coffee or hop on a call—I wanna know everything, from how you met to what kind of cake you’re serving (or not serving, we do what you wanna do, friend!)

So let’s grab a coffee or hop on a call, I wanna know every detail!

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