Montesino Ranch Barn Dance Flood Benefit: Music, Community, and Big Hill Country Heart
If you’ve ever wondered what makes Wimberley so special, let us tell you about the night the Hill Country came alive under the stars for a good cause. On Sunday, July 27, 2025, Montesino Ranch played host to an unforgettable event: the Barn Dance Flood Benefit. And y’all—it was magic. Live music, local food, boots on the dance floor, and a whole lot of love. As wedding photographers lucky enough to document life in Wimberley, we were there to capture the joy, and we left with full hearts (and sore feet from dancing).
A Venue That Feels Like Home
Nestled on Little Arkansas Road, Montesino Ranch is one of our favorite spots to shoot weddings. The landscape alone is enough to make any couple say yes to forever—rolling green, rustic barns, wildflowers in bloom. But that Sunday, it transformed into something even more special: a gathering place for generosity and celebration.
We’ve seen couples exchange vows beneath the oak trees here, but this night was different. No ceremony. Just community, connection, and a whole lot of good-hearted two-stepping.
Dancing for a Cause That Hits Close to Home
The Hill Country has always been resilient, but this summer, floodwaters swept through towns like Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort—leaving families devastated. The Barn Dance Flood Benefit was organized to help, with every dollar raised going to Mercy Chefs and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming—in the best way. From ticket sales to drink donations and a silent auction, the event exceeded fundraising expectations. There’s something really powerful about watching people show up not just for fun, but for each other.
We heard someone say, “Wimberley doesn’t wait around for help—we are the help.” And that pretty much sums it up.
Boots, Beats, and a Texas-Sized Lineup
Let’s talk music. The lineup was stacked with talent:
- The Lonestar Souvenirs brought classic Texas vibes.
- Hill Country Honeys harmonized like they’d been singing together since birth.
- West Texas Exiles delivered soulful, rootsy goodness.
- The Pearl Snaps closed the night with a foot-stomping finale that had everyone on their feet.
From the moment the music started at 6 PM, the barnyard turned into a dance floor. Kids twirled in circles, couples slow danced beneath string lights, and at one point, we swear we saw everyone tapping their feet in the VIP section.
As photographers, these were the kinds of unscripted moments we live for—pure, unfiltered joy.
Food, Y’all. So Much Good Food.
No Hill Country party is complete without some serious grub, and this event delivered.
Wimberley Shave Ice kept everyone cool with fruity, icy goodness.
Rex’s Creole Kitchen served up po’ boys, fried okra, and smash burgers that were flying out faster than we could photograph them.
Oh My Pizza Pie was tossing dough and slinging pies like a Hill Country Napoli.
And for those lucky enough to snag one of only 48 VIP spots—you were treated to next-level catering from Wes Manning of Manning the Kitchen and CE Provisions, with drinks served by The Thirsty Cowboy Bar. It was rustic chic meets Southern hospitality.
We may or may not have traded a few dance photos for a slice of pizza and a cold beer. No regrets.
Silent Auction, Loud Impact
From handcrafted artwork to Hill Country experiences, the silent auction was stacked with amazing donations from local artists, small businesses, and generous community members.
Some of the standout donors included (complete list at bottom):
Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce
Spygoat Productions
Duchman Family Winery
Vista Brewing
Twisted X Brewing Company
Art on 12
Ceremony Botanical Studio
Creekhaven Inn & Spa
Junk Gypsy Company
And yes—even WalstonPhoto (that’s us!)
The bidding was friendly, fierce, and heartfelt. One family told us they weren’t planning to buy anything, but when they saw a signed Danny Jones artwork up for auction, they jumped in “because it felt like a way to give something back.”
Through Our Lens: What We Saw
As wedding photographers, we’ve seen a lot of love—vows exchanged, first dances, teary-eyed toasts. But on this night, we saw love in a different form.
We saw it in:
Large bills being dropped in the donation bucket at the bar
Kids drawing hearts in the dust while their parents danced
Volunteers high-fiving each other on the dance floor
A couple dancing all night, because their boots just couldn’t stop
And when the sun dipped behind the hills and the stars came out, there was a stillness. Just for a second. A shared breath. And in that quiet, you could feel it—the strength of this community.
Want More Nights Like This? Us Too.
If you missed the Barn Dance, don’t worry—this won’t be the last time Wimberley shows up big. Follow Montesino Ranch and local organizers for future events. And if you’re a couple looking for a wedding venue that feels like it has a heartbeat—Montesino is it.
This place doesn’t just host events. It holds people.
Final Thoughts from the Dance Floor
July 27 was more than just a barn dance. It was a reminder that love isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s about showing up. For your neighbors. For your town. For strangers who need a little help.
We came to photograph a fundraiser. We left believing even more deeply in what makes this community, and this work we do, so meaningful.
To everyone who danced, donated, and drank shave ice under the stars—thank you. You made it a night worth remembering.
See y’all on the next dance floor.
With gratitude and dusty feet, Royce & Michelle
WalstonPhoto
#wimberleyweddings #hillcountrystrong #barndancebenefit #montesinoranch
A HUGE THANK YOU to our sponsors and donors:
Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce
Papa Hoo's Hill Country Popcorn
Wuuf Dog Natural Treats & Chews
The Double Lucky Co.
Vicki's Kitchen Wimberley, Texas
@adelanteboutiquesa
