✨ Vows That Wow: Each month, our editors review dozens of San Antonio weddings and select the best of the best to feature as our Vows that Wow. ✨
When television producer and writer Erika envisioned her wedding day, she dreamed of hosting a gala worthy of Bridgerton’s Queen Charlotte herself and her wedding day with Derrick at The Preserve at Canyon Lake delivered pure baroque magic. ✨
Verve Event Planning brought Erika’s fairytale vision to life from start to finish, orchestrating every opulent detail with precision and care. “I’ve always been a fan of the Baroque era (gold leafing, scrolls, and opulence all around), and our wedding day matched that vision.” Erika shared. Set around a stunning Wedgwood blue color palette inspired by the iconic British dishware, every detail transported guests to their own version of the ton. Whim Event Rentals’ luxurious velvet linens created the perfect foundation, while tableware and furniture they provided transformed the space into a true baroque ballroom. Crystal champagne glasses and glittering candelabras created the perfect tablescape, and Divisi Strings’ live string quartet provided the enchanting soundtrack that made their romantic ceremony feel straight out of a Bridgerton episode.
The celebration’s personal touches extended to a statement seating chart by The Inviting Pear, which beautifully showcased the couple’s long-distance love story with custom illustrations.
Austin Event Lighting ensured every moment was not only perfectly illuminated but heard clearly with their seamless ceremony audio setup. Wireless handheld and discreet lavalier mics virtually disappeared while allowing every heartfelt vow to be heard clearly throughout the venue. Their lighting design elevated the celebration with strategically positioned pinspots and uplighting along columns.
The culinary experience was equally elaborate, with Rosemary’s Catering creating four interactive stations that had guests coming back for more all night. The build-your-own mac-and-cheese bar was a crowd favorite, alongside the elevated New Orleans cajun station, artful small plates station, and prime rib carving station. They even served late-night pizza to ensure no guest went home hungry.
Let’s have a moment for their stunning wedding cake by The Chocolate Llama! Inspired by the detailed Wedgwood blue china, it became a showstopping focal point of the design.
But the most touching moment came after the newlyweds’ first dance. With Erika’s parents celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary just days later, and having never shared a first dance of their own, the couple passed the “first dance baton” to her parents. Soon, all the couples in their immediate family joined in, creating a multigenerational celebration of love. Then DJ R-Tistic, who flew in from Los Angeles, kept the party going all night!
Esther Makau Photography masterfully captured every detail and heartfelt moment with her signature editorial style, creating beautiful photographs that we know will be cherished for decades to come. You’ll want to scroll through the full gallery below!
Fashion Details: Bride’s Dress – Martina Liana from Brickhouse Bridal | Groom’s Custom Tux – Nicky’s Collections (Maryland) | Bridesmaid Dresses – Jenny Yoo
Other Local Vendors:
The Preserve At Canyon Lake, Verve Event Planning, Cloud Craft Studios, Stems Floral Design, The Chocolate Llama, Unique Design & Events, Whim Event Rentals, Center Stage Floors, Big Night Vintage Jazz & Blues Band, DJ R-Tistic, DIVISI Strings, Teziti Photo Booth, Big Dog Pyro, Boulevard Chauffeur, Brickhouse Bridal, Hair What I'm Saying | Kinetra, Adore Makeup Salon, K.Laine Design, The Inviting Pear
