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THE SANDLEWOOD TEAM
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! Having personally walked down the aisle at Sandlewood Manor, she understands firsthand the emotion, anticipation, and meaning behind each moment, and she brings that perspective when supporting each of her couples through their own unforgettable day. A true believer in soulmates and everlasting love, Lindsey is passionate about creating an experience that feels intentional and unique to you! She has a passion for the logistics of the perfect wedding day and makes sure every detail is thoughtfully planned and accounted for.
When not working with our clients, you'll find her enjoying a yoga class, with a glass of wine in her hand, or enjoying quality time with her husband and two golden retrievers. Favorite wedding day moment? Seeing the bride's excitement right before she walks down the aisle –when everything is set, the doors are about to open, and you can feel how special the day really is.
Macey Khripunov
SENIOR VENUE CONCIERGE
Meet Macey Khripunov our outgoing and personable senior venue coordinator who loves connecting with couples and helping bring their wedding visions to life. As a wife and mom to a beautiful little boy, she understands the importance of creating meaningful, memorable moments for families and friends.
With a passion for weddings and a meticulous eye for detail, Macey ensures every celebration runs smoothly while keeping the experience fun, personal, and stress-free for her couples. She thrives on building genuine relationships and making each couple feel supported throughout their planning journey.
When she’s not at the venue, Macey enjoys reading, staying active, and spending time with her family — always finding joy in the little things that make life special!
Katherine Terry
VENUE CONCIERGE
Meet Katherine Terry - someone who truly loves people and the joy that comes with celebrating life’s biggest moments. She’s naturally outgoing and relationship-driven; nothing makes her happier than watching couples light up as they prepare to marry the love of their life. Currently planning her own wedding with her fiancé, Katherine brings a real, personal perspective to the experience. She understands firsthand how special and sometimes overwhelming the planning process can be, and she loves being someone couples can trust and feel excited to work with. Outside of work, Katherine loves spending time with her fiancé, family, friends, and her dog, Bentley. Whether it’s a girls’ night with wine, or a fun workout class, she enjoys making the most of time spent with the people she loves!
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Ashlee Shelton
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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.
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