Weddings are magical, but let us tell you—when you add a Texas Hill Country sunset, a dreamy venue like Willow Ridge Weddings & Events, and a crowd of people who really know how to celebrate love, even a wedding shower can feel like a highlight of the whole engagement journey. That’s exactly what happened at Tanis and Johnnie's wedding shower, and we were honored to be part of it.

As San Antonio wedding photographers who’ve captured love stories all over the map, we can honestly say this shower was something special. The kind of event where everything just clicks—from the music and food to the golden light spilling over the fields.

From a Wedding Show Win to a Perfect Evening

Here’s the coolest part: Tanis and Johnnie actually won this wedding shower! At a wedding show hosted by @thehillsweddingguide, they entered a giveaway and walked away with an all-inclusive, curated wedding shower experience at one of our favorite venues in the Hill Country. Honestly, they couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect setting if they tried.

This wasn’t just a lucky win—it was a love letter from a community of vendors who came together to create an unforgettable event.

Willow Ridge Weddings & Events: The Dreamy Hill Country Backdrop

@willowridgetx is exactly what you want in a wedding venue: versatile, picturesque, and full of warm Texas charm. Tucked away just far enough to feel like a retreat but still easily accessible, it features rolling fields, a clean and elegant indoor space, and all the golden hour vibes your heart could want.

We’ve photographed weddings and showers all over the state, and Willow Ridge never misses. The light here is chef's kiss, and the natural textures of the space give every photo a soft, timeless feel. Whether it’s a full wedding or an intimate celebration like this one, Willow Ridge delivers.

Vendors That Brought the Magic

Let’s talk about the dream team. It’s one thing to have a beautiful venue. It’s another when every single vendor shows up ready to make magic happen.

Planning That Flows Like Champagne

@momentsbymaddie.we orchestrated everything with such grace and ease. As photographers, we can always tell when there’s a skilled planner behind the curtain. The timeline was smooth, every detail had a home, and Maddie made sure Tanis and Johnnie got to actually enjoy their shower—not just host it.

Grazing Tables, Balloons, and Beautiful Treats

When guests walked in, they were greeted by an eye-catching spread from @dasgrazecart that basically doubled as art. Cheese, fruit, meats, and all the good stuff arranged so beautifully we had to stop ourselves from photographing it for an hour straight.

@radiantballoondesignstx transformed the space with a custom balloon and backdrop setup that became a hotspot for selfies and toasts. And then there was the dessert table—@babybakecake brought out stunning treats that looked almosttoo pretty to eat. (Don’t worry, we made the sacrifice. Worth it.)

@abetterfete provided the fresh florals that elevated every table, every photo, and every moment. Their arrangements were soft, whimsical, and just the right mix of elegant and fun.

Details That Make It Personal

The table linens from @fiestahaus_tx added a lovely texture and color palette to the entire space—and made our job as photographers way easier because everything just popped.

Guests got to strike a pose at the @snapstoremembertx photo booth, which added a fun, interactive element that kept people laughing all evening.

And finally, @jasonwilliambrown (aka the acoustic soundtrack of our dreams) played live music that made the whole night feel like a private concert. From laid-back covers during mingling to heartfelt acoustic tunes during the toast, he created a vibe that was impossible to fake.

A Celebration That Felt Like Family

Tanis and Johnnie are the kind of couple who make everyone feel welcome. And that warmth trickled through the whole evening. There were tears during speeches, bursts of laughter during party games, and more hugs than we could count. One of our favorite moments was when Tanis glanced over at Johnnie mid-toast and gave him this little grin—the kind that says, “I can’t believe this is real, but I’m so glad it is.”

Even though this wasn’t their wedding day, it felt like one. It reminded us that the journey to the aisle is filled with little milestones worth celebrating. And when you gather your people in a space this beautiful, with a team this talented, you get magic.

Planning Your Own Wedding Shower? Here’s What We Learned

If you're recently engaged and wondering whether to go all-out for your shower, our vote is YES. This event reminded us just how special it can be to hit pause and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime season.

Here are a few takeaways:

1. Let Your Venue Do the Heavy Lifting

Choose a venue like Willow Ridge where you don’t have to add much to make it shine. Natural light, open space, and a versatile layout make a huge difference.

2. Curate Vendors You Trust

When your vendors work together like this team did, the whole event feels seamless. Lean on their expertise and let them do what they do best.

3. Make It Yours

Personal touches like live music, custom desserts, or a meaningful toast go a long way. This is your time to set the tone for your big day.

4. Hire a Photographer

Yes, we’re biased. But truly—you’ll want these moments forever. We loved capturing this shower because it was packed with the kind of candid, emotional storytelling that makes a photo collection feel alive.

Final Thoughts

Tanis and Johnnie, thank you for letting us be a part of something so beautiful. Your love, your joy, and your community of people made this event unforgettable.

And to future couples: Whether it’s a wedding shower, a rehearsal dinner, or just a backyard celebration with your people, these moments matter. They tell the full story. And we’d be honored to help you tell yours.

Vendor Team
Organizer: @thehillsweddingguide
Planner: @momentsbymaddie.we
Venue: @willowridgetx
Charcuterie: @dasgrazecart
Balloon/Backdrop: @radiantballoondesignstx
Cake/Treats: @babybakecake
Flowers: @abetterfete
Table Linens: @fiestahaus_tx
Photo Booth: @snapstoremembertx
Live Music: @jasonwilliambrown

Tanis and Johnnie's Wedding Shower at Willow Ridge Weddings & Events