The Preserve at Canyon Lake | Caroline & Tim

Caroline and Tim's wedding day was full of the kind of joy that makes you believe in good timing. Rain was in the forecast right up until the morning of, and then, not a cloud in the sky! Just clear blue and warm sunshine for the two of them, from the first quiet minutes of the morning all the way to a Hill Country send-off under glow sticks. It was one of my very favorite kinds of days to capture, and I'm so honored they let me be part of it.

Caroline had the best wedding party by her side that morning, the kind of friends who help fluff a dress and wipe away happy tears without even being asked. Her gown was already waiting in a sunlit window, her shoes tucked in nearby, while Tim and his groomsmen were down the hall getting into their tuxes and cracking each other up, the way groomsmen always do.

Some of my favorite frames from the whole day happened before either of them even saw each other. Caroline had such a tender moment with her mom while getting ready, the two of them just holding onto each other for a second before the whirlwind of the day really started.

And then there was her dad's first look. Caroline's dad is an emotional man, and she knows it, which is exactly why she had a special handkerchief made just for him, embroidered with a little note for the day. His face when he saw her? Pure joy, and more than a few happy tears.

Caroline and Tim made one big choice for their wedding day: no first look with each other. Instead, they stood on either side of a doorway and read their vows to one another privately, holding hands through the gap while they said the words meant just for the two of them. It was quiet and intimate and honestly one of the most emotional things I've ever photographed. That kind of privacy, right before the whole world watches you get married, is so special.

The ceremony itself took place inside The Preserve at Canyon Lake's light-filled chapel, all floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Hill Country views outside. The property sits on 170 acres between Austin and San Antonio, with century-old oak trees and two spring-fed lakes on the grounds, so there was no shortage of gorgeous backdrops all day long.

Tim and his groomsmen led the processional, and then it was Caroline's turn, walking down the aisle with her dad by her side toward the man waiting for her.

They exchanged their vows in front of everyone who loves them most, slid rings onto each other's fingers, and sealed it with a kiss that had their whole crowd cheering.

Outside, the property's grand oaks made for the most beautiful welcome as guests made their way to cocktail hour, and inside, a simple, elegant cake was waiting for later in the night.

Caroline and Tim filled the day with details that felt like them: playing cards set out for guests to write notes on instead of a traditional guest book, soft blush and blue florals throughout, and a reception that was simple without losing an ounce of elegance. And Tim's groomsmen kept the energy high all day, they are truly a fun crew.

Between the ceremony and reception we snuck away for portraits, and Caroline could not stop laughing, showing off her ring, stealing kisses under her veil beneath the cypress trees lining the property.

The reception room was ready and waiting for everyone: soft white linens, gold chairs, and the sweetest little details at every single place setting, the kind of details Caroline and Tim planned for months and barely got to slow down and see themselves on the actual day.

Once the reception got going, the celebrating really began: their first dance as a married couple, and then Caroline's dance with her dad, both of them soaking up every second.

As the light turned golden, we walked down to one of the property's spring-fed lakes for a few more portraits, just the two of them, the water glowing green behind them. It's one of my favorite spots on the whole property.

And once the dancing really got going, Caroline and Tim were right out there on the floor with everyone, glow sticks and all.

The night wrapped up with photobooth silliness and a glow-stick send-off that had the whole dance floor lit up. Caroline and Tim, this day was absolutely perfect for you both, and it was such an honor to capture it.

The Dream Team

• Venue: The Preserve at Canyon Lake
• Planning: Stars Over Texas Events & Rentals
• Florals: Poppy Flowers Co.
• Catering: River City Catering
• DJ Entertainment: DJ Lance Blue
• Rentals: The Preserve at Canyon Lake
• Photobooth: Ready Snap Go Booth
• Hair and Makeup: Hill Country Bridal Stylists
• Stationery: To Have and To Fold KC
• Photography: De Joy Photography