Why Christina El Moussa Chose a Steakhouse Theme for Her Surprise Wedding

Flip or Flop star Christina El Moussa married Ant Anstead in a surprise wedding on Saturday — and even their guests were in the dark about the secret, until a charter bus from the couple's home took the 70 assembled loved ones to the nuptials, instead of to the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade as they were expecting, according to People.

Costa Mesa-based 24 Carrots Catering handled the event's catering. In addition to its "winter wonderland" concept, the Orange County event also borrowed a theme from a particular style of restaurant dining: El Moussa, who will change her name to Anstead, wanted the wedding to have a sophisticated, rich, and elevated ambiance of a steakhouse — something hearty and just right for the season, versus a summer bash filled with salads and other appropriately seasonal lighter fare options. Specifically, she had in mind the restaurant Mastro's, which has locations around the country including many posh outposts in Southern California — including Malibu, Beverly Hills, and yes, Costa Mesa.

El Moussa’s publicist and friend Cassie Zebisch for keeping the secret — and for helping to execute the theme. “We literally owe this wedding to her," El Moussa told People. "She pulled it off. She met with the vendors, she set up the catering. I wanted a Mastro's theme, like a nice steakhouse. She did it all!”

The pal also pulled together a gorgeous Christmas eve spread for the newly blended family; El Moussa called it her "favorite" holiday dish.

So it turned out there was really something to those engagement rumors El Moussa and Anstead sparked with a recent photo of a celebratory meal in honor of "something special!