This Couple’s Commodore Perry Wedding Was Full of Fall Florals and Foliage

By Haley Arnold

Peter Gandal & Miguel Hernandez
September 17, 2022

Miguel Hernandez initially planned to pop the question to Peter Gandal on New Year’s Eve. But while on a Hawaiian vacation with Peter’s family in September 2021, the beauty of Oahu and presence of Peter’s loved ones inspired Miguel to make an impromptu change. With the help of the Four Seasons manager, he recruited a photographer, a ukulele player, and some leis, and dropped to his knee. For Peter, the moment was extra sentimental, as it fell on the anniversary of his father’s passing. “That moment was able to bring us joy on a day that is normally a bit sad for us,” he says. One year later, the couple toasted to their matrimony in their family-centered, residential-inspired nuptials at a private Austin estate—and then returned to the Hawaii Islands for their honeymoon.

Peter Gandal and Miguel Hernandez's Wedding, Fountain Chapel

Go with the Flow

The couple emphasized an organic flow in the planning process. “We worked through the estate so that guests could experience each part of the beautiful architecture,” says planner and designer Molly Rasmussen of Pop Parties. After the ceremony, which was held on the estate’s back steps, the party moved into the garden for cocktails and dinner, and then to the chapel to dance the night away.

Peter Gandal and Miguel Hernandez's Wedding, Couple Portati

Suit Yourself

The grooms donned contrasting black and white tuxedos. “I’ve always had this image of what my wedding would be like,” Miguel says. “I saw the women wearing beautiful white gowns, and little kid me wanted to wear white.”

Guest Count: 160

Cake Flavors: Strawberry lemon with basil; chocolate with chocolate ganache

Menu: Casual cocktail appetizers, including shrimp, salad, mini-quiches, fried chicken, and mini–corn dogs

Signature Cocktails: Espresso martinis; ranch waters with Tajín; spicy margaritas

Honeymoon Destination: Maui and Oahu, Hawaii