Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Winter Weddings A Winter Wedding at a Villa in Austin By Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber has been writing, editing, and producing lifestyle and weddings content for over seven years. In that time, she has interviewed and worked with hundreds of leading experts to become an authority on all things homekeeping, flower arranging, home design, and wedding planning. Editorial Guidelines Updated on March 27, 2018 Trending Videos Close this video player Mallory and Diego Mustard Seed Photography Some couples focus on music, others on flowers, but for Mallory Moore and Diego Fernandez, their wedding day was all about the food. The gourmands met as Vanderbilt students at a frat party in 2009 and quickly fell in love with each other—and Nashville's dining scene. "We knew we wanted to serve dishes that represented our favorite restaurants," says Mallory. That meant fried green tomato sliders, fried chicken, Vermont white cheddar mac and cheese, and, says Mallory, "crispy brussels sprouts in lemon-chili oil that are just to die for." Postgraduation, the pair eventually moved to her hometown of Houston, where they now live and work, Mallory as a nurse practitioner and Diego for a private equity firm. There, they've developed a new roster of beloved restaurants, including the one where they celebrated the night they got engaged. After surprising Mallory with Champagne and roses, Diego took her out for wood-fired pizza at Tiny's No.5, where family and friends—some of whom had flown in just for the occasion—were waiting. Despite their devotion to the flavors of home, the pair decided to skip town for their winter wedding, picking Austin's Villa Del Lago, a private lakeside estate. "We love Austin," explains Mallory, "and having it there was like throwing a destination wedding, but it was close enough to still feel like home." On a mild early winter afternoon (December 13, 2014, to be exact), 190 guests gathered for the nondenominational ceremony, officiated by Mallory's dad after he walked her down the aisle to "Stuff We Did," a song from the movie Up. Postvows, guests enjoyed the carefully crafted menu, along with St-Germain mint margaritas, before dancing for hours, lighting up cigars, and hitting the late-night ice cream bar. As the newlyweds left the reception, Mallory was feeling wistful that the long-awaited day was over. "Then she found it—the box of leftovers our planner had so thoughtfully put in the car," remembers Diego. "Fried chicken and mac and cheese, with a drizzle of truffle oil. It was true bliss." And a delicious way to kick off happily-ever-after. 01 of 12 An Elegant Invitation Mustard Seed Photography The flat-printed invitation suite by Papellerie showcased the pair's custom crest. Envelopes were finished with vintage stamps. 02 of 12 The Style Mustard Seed Photography The groom chose a midnight-blue Ralph Lauren tux. His bride wore a lacy, long-sleeved Monique Lhuillier gown. 03 of 12 A White Wedding Party Mustard Seed Photography The Texas-size wedding party included Mallory's 14 bridesmaids, many of whom wore ivory silk dresses from LulaKate. 04 of 12 Serious Heel Power Mustard Seed Photography The bride paired Malone Souliers heels with her Monique Lhuillier gown, and later, her custom Amal Clooney-inspired reception mini dress. 05 of 12 A Pretty Fireplace Mustard Seed Photography A boxwood wreath encircling the couple's crest hung above a mantel lined with hydrangeas and dozens of candles. 06 of 12 The Ceremony Location Mustard Seed Photography Large clusters of hydrangeas and views of Lake Travis marked the "I do" spot. 07 of 12 An Internationally Inspired Location Mustard Seed Photography "We wanted a 'destination wedding,' feel without venturing too far from home," says Mallory. "The moment I laid eyes on the earthy grounds and gorgeous lake vistas at Villa del Lago in Austin, I was enchanted!" 08 of 12 The Seating Chart Mustard Seed Photography Guests found their seats for the buffet-style dinner on a sign framed with boxwood greenery. 09 of 12 A White and Gray Reception Mustard Seed Photography Long tables were dressed up with gray linens and clusters of lisianthus and roses. 10 of 12 Musically Minded Mustard Seed Photography Because the duo met on a dance floor, it's no surprise that acing their first dance was a top priority, which they did to the tune of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." "We're so glad we went with a DJ. We truly had the best time ever, and I attribute that, in large part, to ours. He knew how to feel the group and keep the energy up," Mallory says. 11 of 12 A Royally Inspired Cake Mustard Seed Photography The all-white cake, by Simon Lee Bakery, was modeled after Prince William and Kate Middleton's. 12 of 12 Sources Mustard Seed Photography Location, Villa Del LagoEvent planning, Emily Moise of Keely Thorne EventsCatering, Pink Avocado CateringFlowers, Verbena Floral DesignPhotography, Mustard Seed PhotographyStationery, Riley Conaway of PapellerieCalligraphy and illustrations, LovelettererCake, Simon Lee BakeryDessert, The Chocolate BarDJ, Michael Antonia of The Flashdance DJsLighting, Ilios Lighting DesignTent, rentals, and décor, Marquee Event GroupBride's ceremony gown, Monique LhuillierBride's reception gown, Jenny Kim CoutureBride's accessories: Malone Souliers shoes; Zadok Jewelers jewelry; Tia Mazza veil; Monique Lhuillier beltHair, Danann Patrick of Mint SalonMakeup, Donna BrunsBridesmaids' dresses, LulaKateGroom's tuxedo, Ralph LaurenGroom's accessories: Robert Talbott bow tie; Eton shirt; Gravati shoesMenswear, The Black TuxTransportation, Transportation ConsultantsAdditional restrooms, Lone Star LatrineRibbon, Froufrou Chic Was this page helpful? 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