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    Real Weddings

    After surprise-party proposal, couple hosts romantic wedding at Frisco villa

    Nicole Jordan
    Oct 19, 2018 | 10:45 am

    Nearly three years ago, Jade and Rene Chavez met at Katy Trail House for a first date they’d never forget. As the pair shared bits and pieces about their lives, they learned they had more in common than they anticipated. Namely, their penchant for playfully likening their families to the rom-com My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

    “We learned we both had similar families,” recalls Jade. “And then Rene told me he had a family farm outside El Paso and intended to return. I knew he was looking for a relationship that could one day lead to marriage.”

    Fast-forward two years and Rene got an offer he couldn’t resist: a job with John Deere in his hometown of Tornillo, Texas. To say congrats, Jade flew in family and friends for a surprise John Deere-themed party — complete with mini hay bales for centerpieces. Little did she know, the surprise was on her.

    A few weeks before the party, Rene had shared with Jade’s father his plans to propose and asked for his blessing. And her dad not only gave his blessing but spilled the beans on the big party that was in the works; he suggested Rene propose then.

    And so, surrounded by John Deere decor, Rene presented Jade with a Bachendorf’s box. She said yes, of course, and the future Mr. and Mrs. spent the night celebrating with family and friends.

    “It was the best day followed by the best evening,” says Jade.

    In stark contest with the farm-inspired fête the night of their engagement, the couple’s June 30, 2018 wedding was a glittering, glamorous, and chic affair.

    Jade and Rene opted for Verona Villa, a luxe event space in Frisco, for their venue.

    “It has the most beautiful wood and stone accents that made for an elegant evening,” says Jade. “And the staff was so helpful during the planning process. Makenzie, the event planner, was with us every step of the way.”

    A color palette of pale pink and cream with touches of gold created a romantic aesthetic, but it was the personal touches incorporated throughout that made the day uniquely Jade-and-Rene.

    Decor included handmade items, such as a mirror created by the father of the bride, and family heirlooms. The ring bearer carried Jade’s grandmother’s Bible, and the flower girl carried the same basket Jade had carried as a flower girl in 1992.

    Jade's brother-in-law officiated the ceremony. And under her chic, sheath dress the bride wore her grandmother’s garter.

    “The little, meaningful details contributed to making our event special,” says Jade. “I’ve always said the most meaningful gifts are those I can pass down.”

    Venue: Verona Villa

    Catering: Creative Cuisines Catering

    DJ: Spin DJ Entertainment

    Bar: HD Liquid Catering

    Floral: Fleurs de France

    Photography: Cameron Lane Photography

    Hair and makeup: Regan Crisci with RC Beauty

    Bridesmaid hair: Hair by Jordan Scheibner

    Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

    Wedding gown: Mockingbird Bridal

    Rings: Bachendorf’s

    Cake: Butterfly Cakery

    ---

    Know of a Dallas-area wedding to consider for publication? Email stephanie@culturemap.com. Weddings must have taken place since July 1, 2017.

    The bride opens a gift from her groom before the ceremony.

    Chavez Wedding
    Photo by Cameron Lane Photography
    The bride opens a gift from her groom before the ceremony.
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    Spreading the love

    Dallas hearts open wide to raise $1M at St. Valentine's Day Luncheon

    Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Feb 20, 2026 | 3:51 pm
    ​2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon
    Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass
    2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon honorary chairs Clayton and Ellen Kershaw with co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon

    What: 2026 St. Valentine’s Day Luncheon & Fashion Show

    Where: Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

    The 411: On Wednesday, February 4, 850 guests descended on the Meyerson for the 42nd annual luncheon benefiting Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Themed "The Heart of the Fight," this year's event was co-chaired by Megan and Keith Conlon, with honorary chairs Ellen and Clayton Kershaw.

    Guests were dressed in their Valentine's-inspired reds, pinks, and florals, and did more than just wear their hearts on their sleeve. They opened their hearts (and pocketbooks) wide to raise more than $1 million to fight blood cancers.

    The event started with a champagne reception and silent auction for sports memorabilia, jewelry, trips, and more. The program was emceed by Clarice Tinsley of Fox4 in the concert hall and included remarks by Blood Cancer United chief medical officer Dr. Gwen Nichols, who underscored the life-saving mission of the organization.

    \u200b2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Spirit of Tom Landry Award recipient Vivian Haddad, Lara Haddad and emcee Clarice Tinsley.Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

    The inaugural Linda Somerville Memorial Hero award - named for co-chair Megan Conlon's mother, who died of a blood cancer - was given to Gene Palma and accepted by his wife Susan and sons Alex and Charlie.

    Additional awards included:

    • The 2026 ICON Award to Lisa Cooley
    • The Lynda Adleta Heart of Gold Award to Kathi Shuford
    • The Spirit of Tom Landry Award to Vivian Haddad

    The event's fashion show, produced by the Robyn Chauvin, showcased spring looks from Highland Park Village retailers and included committee members’ children modeling Valentine’s-inspired looks from LoveShackFancy.

    A luncheon of chicken on field greens and red velvet cake or lavender panna cotta followed in the lobby, and a coffee bar was offered as the day concluded.

    \u200b2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon

    Photo by Tamytha Cameron and Celeste Cass

    2026 St. Valentine's Day Luncheon honorary chairs Clayton and Ellen Kershaw with co-chairs Megan and Keith Conlon

    Who: St. Valentine's Day Luncheon co-founders Rusty Duvall and Janet Evans, Blood Cancer United executive director Leah Swanson, Peggy Sewell, Aaron and Brittain Ewert, Alison Malone, Kristin Hallam, Courtney Petit, Kate Cutshall, Marty Petet, Destin Shore, Meredith Ferrell, Megan Filgo, Bessie Doffermyer, Katie Walton, Jennifer Dix, Mary Martha Pickens, Elizabeth Conroy, Lacy Lange, Emily Isom, Sarah Oliver, Ellie Skidmore, Julia Jenevein, Kate Leyendecker, Victoria Snee, Caroline Chandler, Kristi Harbord, Suhani Patel, Abbey Jennings, Tatianna Brannen, Emily Bowlin, Lindsey Emanuelson, Dwight Emanuelson, Claire Emanuelson, Sterling Evans, Peyton Dowd, Sarah Malloy, Pam Dyer, Erica Armijo, Diane Scovell, Allie Beth Allman, Venise Stuart, Patti Flowers, Phillip and Samantha Wortley, and hundreds more patrons and guests.

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