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.”

Macey Khripunov

VENUE DIRECTOR

Meet Macey Khripunov our outgoing and personable Venue director 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 McDowell

VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Katherine McDowell! Katherine loves connecting with people and celebrating life's biggest milestones. Outgoing, relationship-driven, and passionate about creating meaningful experiences, she enjoys helping couples navigate one of the most exciting seasons of their lives. After getting married this past summer and watching many of her closest friends experience the same chapter, Katherine has an even greater appreciation for the special moments that make the wedding journey so memorable. She understands firsthand the excitement and emotions of planning a wedding and loves being a trusted resource for couples every step of the way, ensuring each celebration feels personal and uniquely theirs.
Outside of work, Katherine enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and her dog, Bentley. You'll often find her at Texas A&M football games, in a Pilates class, planning a wine night, or making memories with the people she loves. She values building meaningful connections both in and out of the workplace.

Sydney Diaz

VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Sydney, having walked down the aisle at Sandlewood Manor herself, she understands the excitement that comes with planning such a meaningful day. Sydney considers it a privilege to walk alongside couples during this special season, helping them celebrate not only their wedding day, but the beautiful journey that brings them there. She believes the most memorable celebrations are rooted in love and the people who matter most. Outside of work, Sydney loves spending time with her family, friends, and her beloved dog, Boone. Whether she’s exploring a new destination, enjoying a girls’ night out, or creating lasting memories with loved ones, she embraces every opportunity to celebrate life’s special moments, both big and small!

Lindsey Liggett

REGIONAL  DIRECTOR 

​Meet Lindsey Liggett, our Regional 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.

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.

Chloe Sumrall

MARKETING COORDINATOR

Meet Chloe, the marketing coordinator at Sandlewood Manor, where she's always looking for creative ways to share the venue's story and connect with couples. From planning marketing campaigns and managing social media to coordinating events and bringing new ideas to life, Chloe loves helping showcase everything that makes Sandlewood Manor a special place to celebrate life's biggest moments. When she's not at work, you'll find her spending time with her husband, Hayden, and their Old English Bulldog, CJ, decorating their home, baking something sweet, serving at church, or making memories with family and friends. Chloe enjoys finding joy in the little things and believes the best moments are the ones shared with the people you love.

Chris Gere

BAR MANAGER

Chris Gere is the Beverage Director for Chateau Nouvelle and Sandlewood Manor, bringing over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry. He got his start at just 16 years old delivering pizzas and has been in the industry ever since, building a career rooted in service, consistency, and a genuine passion for hospitality. Over the years, Chris has worked in restaurants across the country, including Houston, Seattle, San Diego, and Memphis, giving him a broad perspective on guest experience and beverage trends.

His experience ranges from high-volume operations to elevated dining, including time spent with the Michelin three-star restaurant M by Alinea during its residency in Big Sky, Montana. Along the way, Chris has developed extensive knowledge of beer, wine, and spirits, allowing him to thoughtfully craft beverage programs that enhance every event.

At both Chateau Nouvelle and Sandlewood Manor, Chris works closely with couples to navigate the three tiers of beverage packages, helping them find the best fit for their vision and budget. Whether it’s selecting wines, customizing cocktails, or answering questions about package details, he is happy to assist in every facet of the process. His goal is to make beverage planning easy, approachable, and tailored to each couple’s unique celebration.

Crystal Hearren

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Executive Assistant to Ownership & Event Manager Working alongside ownership allows me to build meaningful connections across every level of our organization. My professional background spans hospitality, customer service, and business finance, alongside ongoing studies in Accounting and Criminal Justice with an emphasis on fraud prevention. I truly enjoy meeting new people and serving others, which is precisely why I continue to manage events alongside my executive support role. For me, the best part of the job is building genuine relationships and ensuring that colleagues and partners alike feel appreciated and supported. In my personal life, I prioritize family, community, and living out my faith daily