Just an hour outside Austin, Horseshoe Bay Resort is tucked into the Texas Hill Country along the shores of Lake LBJ. With its water views and sprawling lawns, it feels like a getaway, while still being close to the city. For Morgan and Carson, it was more than just a beautiful venue. It was the place where their relationship really began to grow. And as an Austin based wedding photographer, there is nothing more I love than a venue that has meaning.

Although the two attended the same high school, their paths didn’t truly cross until years later. Morgan went to the University of Texas in Austin, while Carson headed to Texas Tech. Their story picked up during a college football weekend in Norman, Oklahoma, where a chance run-in through mutual friends brought them together. They stayed in touch from there, and when the pandemic brought Morgan back to Lubbock, their relationship deepened. During that time, they spent many weekends out at Horseshoe Bay, making the Hill Country a place filled with memories. Choosing it as their wedding location felt natural and meaningful.

A Wedding Ceremony Overlooking Lake LBJ

Their ceremony took place on Falls Point Lawn, where Lake LBJ stretches out beyond the aisle. Guests gathered beneath the Hill Country sky, the lake shimmering just beyond the ceremony space. It was classic and relaxed at the same time, which was the exact feeling Morgan and Carson wanted for the day. Afterward, guests moved to Live Oak Lawn for cocktail hour, enjoying the view and the breeze coming off the water before heading into the reception.

Transforming the Palm Pavilion at Horseshoe Bay Resort

The reception took place in the Palm Pavilion, a tented space with an outdoor courtyard that offers endless possibilities for design. In its natural state, the pavilion is a blank canvas, which the teams at Pearl Events and Remi & Gold embraced.

Through layers of draping and café lights added across both the ceiling and walls, the expansive space was transformed into a space that was warm and intimate. Texture played a huge role in the design. A large family-style head table anchored the space, with rounds placed throughout the room, encouraging conversation and movement throughout the evening. Suspended above the head table, two greenery chandeliers added height and dimension, drawing the eye upward and softening the tented ceiling.

Dupioni white linens added subtle texture, paired with coordinating Hidden Garden Oxford Linens napkins featuring a delicate blue-and-white floral motif. Blue vintage goblets, gold Chiavari chairs, and gold flatware brought in a touch of classic elegance.

Each table was anchored by tall glass candleholders with dusty blue tapers, while long centerpieces layered greenery with soft white florals. At the center of it all was a glossy white dance floor featuring the couple’s custom monogram, a polished focal point for the evening’s celebration.

A Celebration That Felt Like Home

Morgan and Carson welcomed 240 guests to celebrate with them, filling the pavilion with energy, laughter, and the kind of warmth that only happens when everyone in the room truly knows the couple.

Their first dance to Coming Home by Leon Bridges felt like a perfect reflection of their story – returning to the place where everything began. Later in the evening, they shared a private last dance to Forever You and Me by The Teskey Brothers, a quiet moment together before the night came to a close.

Photographing weddings like Morgan and Carson’s is one of my favorite parts of this work. Thoughtful design, meaningful locations, and couples who prioritize their guest experience always create moments worth remembering. If you are getting married here in Texas, or anywhere in the world, I would love to document this weekend for you.

Vendors:

Venue: Horseshoe Bay Resort
Planner: Pearl Events
Florist: Remi & Gold
Cake: Michelle’s Patisserie
Band: Love and Happiness Band
Beauty: Adore Hair and Makeup
Music: Terra Vista Strings
Rentals: Premiere Rentals, BBJ La Tavola, Austin Event Lighting
Draping: Unique Designs and Events
Wedding Invitations: The Social Butterfly
Day of Stationery: The Essential Market
Officiant: Scott Payne
Wedding Gown: Sareh Nouri – Take My Hand Gown
Gown Boutique: Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon