Real Wedding: Miranda & Drew at The Veranda
There’s something timeless about weddings in San Antonio—the blend of rich history, warm hospitality, and romantic charm that makes this city such a special place to say “I do.” As San Antonio wedding photographers, we’ve had the joy of capturing countless celebrations across the city, but Miranda and Drew’s wedding at The Veranda was one that truly highlighted everything couples love about this venue: historic elegance, lush gardens, and the feeling of being tucked away in a secret estate even though you’re right in the heart of San Antonio.
We’re excited to share their story, not just because it was a beautiful day, but because it’s the kind of wedding that shows why The Veranda continues to be one of our favorite venues for couples looking for romance with a touch of San Antonio history.
The Charm of The Veranda
If you’ve never been to The Veranda, imagine stepping into a Mediterranean-style estate with sprawling oak trees, ivy-covered stone walls, and a cozy courtyard that feels straight out of a European villa. The venue dates back to the 1930s and has been lovingly preserved, creating a backdrop that’s as rich in character as it is in beauty.
From a photography standpoint, The Veranda is a dream. The natural light filtering through oak branches creates a soft, flattering glow, perfect for both candid moments and timeless portraits. Whether couples choose an outdoor ceremony under the trees or an indoor celebration inside the main house, every corner of this estate tells a story. We love that couples get the best of both worlds: a venue with deep San Antonio roots and an atmosphere that feels intimate and private.
Miranda & Drew’s Love Story
Miranda and Drew are one of those couples whose connection is impossible to miss. Like many couples they met online, bonded over their shared love of good food and travel, and quickly realized they had found something special. When we first sat down with them, their vision for their wedding was clear: a relaxed yet elegant celebration surrounded by family and friends, filled with personal touches that reflected their story.
They weren’t aiming for a Pinterest-perfect wedding; they wanted authenticity, laughter, and moments they’d remember for a lifetime. That kind of vision is exactly why we love documenting weddings—it’s less about the poses and more about the people.
The Wedding Day at The Veranda
Getting Ready
The morning of the wedding was filled with excitement and a touch of calm anticipation. Miranda got ready in one of The Veranda’s private bridal suites, surrounded by her bridesmaids. There was a steady hum of laughter, the pop of champagne corks, and the quiet moments in between where you could see the reality of the day sinking in.
Meanwhile, Drew and his groomsmen were in another suite trading jokes, tying ties, and nervously double-checking vows. These in-between moments are where the magic of storytelling lives, and The Veranda’s cozy spaces gave us the perfect backdrop to capture it all.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place outdoors under a canopy of ancient oak trees. String lights were woven through the arch, setting a romantic mood even before the sun began to set. Guests were welcomed into the courtyard with soft acoustic music, and as Miranda walked down the aisle, you could feel the hush fall over the space.
What stood out most was how personal the ceremony felt. They wrote their own vows, weaving in little inside jokes and heartfelt promises. There were tears, laughter, and the kind of joy that you can’t manufacture. From a photography perspective, we loved how the natural light filtered through the branches, spotlighting the couple in the most beautiful way—no extra staging required.
The Reception
After the ceremony, guests transitioned seamlessly into the cocktail-hour, held in The Veranda’s courtyard. Dinner tables were set in the reception area, with flickering candles and lush floral arrangements in soft, romantic tones. The Veranda’s catering team delivered a meal that had guests raving—it wasn’t just dinner, it was an experience.
Toasts were filled with stories that had everyone laughing and crying, often at the same time. Miranda’s dad spoke about her adventurous spirit, while Drew’s best man shared memories that reminded everyone of the depth of their friendship. Then came the dancing—kicked off with a sweet first dance that turned into a high-energy party with the dance floor packed the rest of the night.
The evening ended with a sparkler exit, the newlyweds glowing (literally and figuratively) as guests cheered them on.
Style & Details That Stood Out
Miranda and Drew’s wedding style perfectly complemented The Veranda’s historic charm. The bride’s gown had a timeless lace flow paired with a mid-length veil that caught the light beautifully in portraits. Drew opted for a classic black tuxedo, a perfect choice against the romantic backdrop of the estate.
The floral arrangements, designed in soft blush and ivory tones with pops of greenery, tied everything together. We especially loved the way florals were woven into the ceremony arch under the oak trees—it looked like nature itself had decorated for the day.
Their reception details leaned into intimacy and romance, with long tables, glowing candles, and soft textures. One fun personal touch? Each guest received a small keepsake tied to the couple’s love of travel—a reminder that details don’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful.
Favorite Photography Moments
When we think back to Miranda and Drew’s day, a few moments stand out:
Early Evening Ceremony: Just before sunset, the ceremony started in the garden. The way the light wrapped around them as they shared quiet words was pure magic.
Candid Ceremony Shots: The look on Drew’s face as Miranda walked down the aisle is one of those images that says everything without a single word.
Reception Joy: From grandparents clapping along during the first dance to kids twirling under the string lights, the reception was filled with spontaneous joy.
The Sparkler Exit: Nothing beats the glow of sparklers against the historic stone walls of The Veranda—it’s the perfect “grand finale” photo.
As photographers, these are the images we live for—the ones that bring back not just how the day looked, but how it felt.
Why Couples Love The Veranda
It’s no surprise that so many couples choose The Veranda for their San Antonio wedding. Here’s why it stands out:
Location with Seclusion: It’s just minutes from downtown, yet feels worlds away thanks to its private estate feel.
Historic Charm: The Spanish-style architecture and lush gardens provide timeless character.
Versatility: Whether you want an intimate micro-wedding or a lively reception with hundreds of guests, the venue adapts beautifully.
Perfect for Photography: From golden hour in the gardens to romantic candlelit receptions, every setting photographs like a dream.
For couples wanting a wedding that feels both classic and uniquely “San Antonio,” The Veranda is a gem.
Final Thoughts
Miranda and Drew’s wedding at The Veranda reminded us why we love what we do—capturing authentic love stories in a city that offers so many beautiful backdrops. Their day was filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and the kind of love that makes our job as San Antonio wedding photographers such a privilege.
If you’re planning your wedding in San Antonio and searching for a venue that offers intimacy, history, and breathtaking scenery, The Veranda should definitely be on your list. And if you’re looking for photography that captures not just how your wedding looks, but how it feels, we’d love to be part of your story.
👉 View more of our San Antonio wedding photography portfolio here.
