Real Weddings

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

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: H air 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.

Jade and Rene Chavez were married on June 30, 2018.

Photo by Cameron Lane Photography

Jade and Rene Chavez were married on June 30, 2018.

weddings

Park news

Dallas civic leader Calvert Collins-Bratton named Klyde Warren Park CEO

Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the new executive director of Klyde Warren Park.

A respected figure in Dallas philanthropy and parks is stepping into a new leadership role: Calvert Collins-Bratton has been named the next president and CEO of Klyde Warren Park, beginning September 1.

Collins-Bratton succeeds Kit Sawers, who led the park for eight years; her final day in the role was July 20.

The transition comes as Klyde Warren enters its next phase, including a recently announced expansion that will add 1.7 acres over Woodall Rodgers Freeway.

Collins-Bratton most recently served as chief relationships officer at Communities Foundation of Texas, where she oversaw fundraising, donor engagement, corporate philanthropy, and community partnerships, a press release notes. Her ties to Klyde Warren Park stretch back more than a decade through her service as chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, where she advocated for investments in public spaces. She's also been a longtime donor and supporter of the park.

"Few people understand the significance and potential of Klyde Warren Park as deeply as Calvert does," foundation board chairman Jody Grant says in the release. "She has been an advocate for public spaces throughout Dallas, a trusted philanthropic leader, and a longtime supporter of the Park. Her experience and expertise make her exceptionally qualified to lead Klyde Warren Park into the future."

Klyde Warren Park has recently announced an ambitious expansion project. Photo courtesy of Klyde Warren Park

Before joining Communities Foundation of Texas, Collins-Bratton was vice president of communications and strategic events for Methodist Health System Foundation. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade as a television reporter and anchor in Omaha, Las Vegas, and Dallas-Fort Worth.

She was selected following a national search led by former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, a member of the Klyde Warren Park Foundation board.

As president and CEO, Collins-Bratton will oversee the park's operations, programming, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and long-term vision as the 5.4-acre deck park continues to grow.

"Klyde Warren Park is one of Dallas' great success stories and one of the most beloved gathering places in our city," Collins-Bratton says. "I look forward to working with the Foundation's board, staff, donors, partners, and community supporters to build on its incredible momentum and ensure its impact continues to grow for generations to come."

In a separate, farewell note, Sawers announced she'll become CEO of the newly created SMU Dallas Office on August 3. She called leading Klyde Warren Park one of the greatest privileges of her career.

"I leave knowing the Park is exceptionally well positioned for the future. It has a talented and dedicated team, an engaged Board, strong community support and exciting opportunities ahead, including a 1.7-acre expansion," Sawers wrote. "The overwhelming response to this summer’s World Cup watch parties once again demonstrated the Park’s unique ability to bring our community together."

Since opening in 2012, Klyde Warren Park has become one of Dallas' signature public spaces, drawing more than 2 million visitors annually with free concerts, fitness classes, festivals, food trucks, and other community programming, they say. The park recently unveiled plans for a $175 million expansion that will nearly double its event lawn and add new green space, play areas, and pedestrian connections.

Collins-Bratton's appointment comes on the heels of another key Dallas leadership announcement: That of Ahava Silkey-Jones as executive director of the Dallas Arts District.

executives parks klyde warren park