Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Maulding.
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started back in the days when as a young girl, my Barbies had the most elaborate Barbie Dreamhouse parties, which led to planning events for friends and family! Then, as a young mom, I was commissioned as the wedding coordinator for a mega church here in Austin, which led to receiving my official wedding certification and I quickly fell in love with the industry and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful moments for couples. I then had my own event/planning company for many years. My attention to detail and love for all things multi-tasking was the perfect fit!
From there, I began my corporate career with Marriott as a group sales, corporate, entertainment and event manager. I then moved into a role as a catering sales manager for a private company that focused on events in and around the Austin area at private wedding venues, homes and corporate locations, which gave me a completely different perspective on events: the logistics, the planning, and what it really takes behind the scenes to create a seamless experience.
Eventually, after hosting several events as an event/catering manager at Villa Antonia, I was asked by the owners at the time, to help take the venue to next level as the sales and then General Manager. We grew from hosting 40 events to 150 within the first year. To be a part of the development of what is now one of the most desired wedding venues in the country has been a dream. And each of my experiences in my career has played a major role in that story.
Owning a wedding venue, was always my end goal, and I had the opportunity to purchase Villa Antonia in 2021, launching the most exciting and demanding part of my hospitality industry career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For those of us in the hospitality industry, we have servant hearts by nature, so balancing family, clients and long days always required a lot of focus.
Stepping into ownership added another layer, leading a team, carrying the weight of the brand, and continuing to grow while maintaining a high level of excellence. There is a certain level of high functioning anxiety knowing I carry the responsibility of a couples best day ever and the awareness of guest safety for thousands of guests and vendors that frequent my business each year. But with a seasoned event team, and high standards of excellence and training, the Villa Antonia experience is top notch
Fast growth and development of any business, requires a lot of oversight, long days, constant analytics, prayer and personal reflection. There is a constant awareness of maintaining a brand and team culture of warmth, kindness and an escalation of excellence at every interaction.
As you know, we’re big fans of Villa Antonia. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Villa Antonia is a luxury wedding and event venue known nationwide for its Italian-inspired architecture, sweeping Hill Country views, and highly personalized service. The property itself is a major part of the experience. Every detail, from the stonework to the terraces, was intentionally designed to transport guests to “Tuscany in Texas.”
What sets Villa Antonia apart is the combination of:
-A truly unique, destination-style setting in Texas
-A family-driven culture of hospitality
-An experienced team deeply invested in each client’s experience
The venue specializes in weddings but also hosts private events and fundraisers, offering a space that feels both luxurious and personal.
Villa Antonia has built a reputation for not only being beautiful, but for delivering a seamless and meaningful experience and giving back to the local community. That’s something Amy and her team are incredibly proud of. We support hundreds of vendor partner small businesses by referring our clients to them and bring a significant contribution to travel and tourism for the local hill country communities of Lago Vista, Jonestown and Point Venture. Thousands of guests each year utilize local Air BNB’s, restaurants and lake activities and we love being able to showcase this amazing part of the Austin area to guests from all over the country.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I don’t think I would describe my journey as luck as much as I would faith, hard work, and the people I’ve been surrounded by along the way. Especailly being able to work alongside my adult kids who play a role in helping run the venue.
My faith in God has been a huge part of how I’ve navigated both the opportunities and the challenges. There have been moments where I’ve had to trust His timing, especially when things felt uncertain or as an entreprenuer, had to do hard things and make hard decisions. Looking back, those seasons were often shaping something in me or preparing me for what was next.
At the same time, I really believe in showing up consistently and doing the work. Every step, from coordinating weddings to sales to ownership, built on the last one. When the opportunity to step into ownership came, I felt ready because of those years of experience. And it is all truly a gift from God and He deserves all the glory.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://villaantonia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevillaantonia/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaAntonia
