Lauren & Shawn Sparks

SANDLEWOOD MANOR OWNERS

Lauren and Shawn Sparks founded Sandlewood Manor in 2016 with a shared vision for a ministry based wedding venue. Shawn and Lauren’s individual success in marketing and business management makes them a powerful team. Their hardworking personalities, strong passion for marriage, and a desire to help others have merged to create one of Houston’s premier wedding venues. 

Tina & Darryl Kennedy

SANDLEWOOD MANOR VENUE OWNERS

Darryl and Tina Kennedy have had the opportunity to share in the vision of Sandlewood Manor, that was given to Lauren and Shawn Sparks years ago, by playing a strongly supportive role in the venue. After 35 years of marriage, Darryl and Tina have learned that sharing life together is a beautiful gift from God. “Learning to weather the difficulties of life together and having a partner to share in the joys is one of life’s greatest adventures and well worth the learning curve.” We feel blessed to have a small part in encouraging and supporting marriages in Houston through Sandlewood Manor’s Love for a Lifetime program. As co-owners and coworkers here at Sandlewood Manor, it is our desire to see excellence in every area of this business and we pray that God will use this magnificent property for his glory.”

Lindsey Liggett

VENUE DIRECTOR 

Meet Lindsey Liggett, our Venue Director at Sandlewood Manor! With her warm smile and passion for the logistics of the perfect wedding day, Lindsey ensures that every couple's special day is nothing short of magical. She's a self-proclaimed professional in the art of napping, and a true believer in soulmates and everlasting love. When not managing gorgeous weddings, you'll find her practicing yoga, maybe with a glass of cabernet in her hand, or enjoying quality time with her husband and adorable golden retrievers. Lindsey's favorite moment? Seeing the bride's excitement right before walking down the aisle – a moment that gives her chills every time. Get ready for a memorable experience with Lindsey as your guide to an unforgettable celebration!

Macey Khripunov

SENIOR VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Macey Khripunov, the spirited Event Coordinator at Sandlewood Manor! With a vibrant personality and a meticulous eye for detail, Macey ensures every wedding is a flawless celebration of love. Hailing from the charming town of Boyd, Texas, she brings a small-town warmth to our bustling venue. In her free time, you’ll find Macey diving into a good book, hitting the gym or volleyball court, or whipping up delicious baked treats. She has seven tattoos, with her favorite being a beautiful bouquet of flowers, a nod to her love for all things floral. Macey's favorite snack is trail mix, which she enjoys with no shame, and her favorite color is purple, a hue that perfectly matches her lively spirit. Her best friend and sister is her favorite human, and she cherishes their bond deeply. With Macey by your side, you’re guaranteed a day filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments!

Raquel Hernandez

VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Raquel Hernandez, our dynamic wedding venue coordinator and concierge with a passion for creating unforgettable celebrations of love! From a young age Raquel has been captivated by the magic of weddings, and today, she brings that enthusiasm to life by helping couples create unforgettable celebrations. With a deep appreciation for all things weddings and marriage, Raquel believes that every couple deserves a magical day that reflects their unique love story. Her keen eye for detail and knack for organization ensure that each event at Sandlewood Manor runs smoothly, allowing couples to focus on what truly matters—their love for one another. As a devoted wife and mother of three you’ll find Raquel spending time with her family or enjoying a good dancing session in her free time! 

Meka Lewis

BAR MANAGER

Meet Meka Lewis, the vibrant Bar Manager at Sandlewood Manor, originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her love for her hometown’s spicy flavors shines through in every cocktail, infusing each drink with a touch of zest that transforms events into memorable experiences. With over 2 decades of experience in the Houston event scene, Meka has perfected the art of mixology, creating exceptional drinks that elevate any occasion. This journey into event bar management is fueled by a deep passion for cocktails and a commitment to enhancing events with thoughtfully curated beverages. Beyond being a skilled bartender, she’s also an educator, having shared her expertise through engaging cocktail classes around Houston. At Sandlewood, crafting the perfect bar experience to complement the venue’s unique ambiance is her specialty. Outside of work, Meka is a devoted wife and mother of two. In her spare time, she’s a foodie and cocktail connoisseur, always exploring new cocktail bars and flavor experiences in the area. With extensive industry connections and a keen eye for detail, Meka ensures every event shines with the perfect drink selection. Collaborating with Meka at Sandlewood guarantees a bar experience that adds that extra sparkle to your special occasion.

Joseph Kravchenko

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Meet Joseph Kravchenko, our creative Marketing Director at Sandlewood Manor. Joseph is passionate about blending creativity with strategic insight to showcase the elegance and charm of our venues. Joseph's journey in marketing started with a fascination for how businesses connect with their audiences. As a cigital media creator, he has honed his skills in photo and video, using these talents to craft compelling narratives and elevate brand visibility. His diverse experience includes freelance videography and leading marketing initiatives, making him adept at developing engaging content that resonates. His dedication to creating memorable experiences, both professionally and personally, ensures that every event at Sandlewood Manor is nothing short of spectacular. With Joseph's innovative ideas and infectious enthusiasm, he brings a fresh perspective to our team, making him an invaluable asset in creating unforgettable celebrations.

Ashlee Shelton

OFFICE MANAGER

Meet Ashlee, the operations guru at Sandlewood Manor, where she’s the behind-the-scenes powerhouse ensuring the office and facility runs smoothly and effortlessly. A proud Katy native, Ashlee brings a unique mix of creativity, attention to detail, and a calm presence to her role, handling all things logistics with precision and ease. Whether it's assisting her team solving last-minute hiccups, or  helping everyone stay motivated and on track, Ashlee is the glue that holds it all together. When she’s not perfecting the details at Sandlewood Manor, Ashlee is busy living life to the fullest. She’s an active member of Southstone Church, where she’s involved in the Young Adults movement, and loves spending time with her friends. At home, she’s usually in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and diving into the art of sourdough bread-making (it’s a work in progress, but the results are delicious!). Ashlee’s also a fan of game nights, where she’s always ready for some friendly competition. With a knack for fostering a fun, creative, and productive environment, Ashlee thrives on making sure every day at Sandlewood Manor is an adventure.

Samantha Buschardt

VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Samantha Buschardt, the resident Comedian and Venue Concierge extraordinaire at Sandlewood Manor! With a heart full of love and laughter and a knack for details, Sam brings an irresistible charm to every celebration. Beyond weddings, Sam is a devoted bookworm and adores being the cool aunt to identical twin nephews, Mason and Levi, and hopes to one day visit all of the US National Parks. Her best wedding advice is to BE SELFISH! Prioritize your happiness because this day is all about you! Sam brings her humor and hilarious stories that have an uncanny knack for calming pre-ceremony nerves. She is a master at surprises, like the time she helped her bride announce her pregnancy during the reception, which left the Ballroom gleaming with love. Sam is truly a great companion to have alongside you on your big day!