The Chateau Nouvelle Team

Lauren & Shawn Sparks

CHATEAU NOUVELLE OWNERS

Lauren and Shawn Sparks founded Chateau Nouvelle in 2023 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.

Karoline Jones

VENUE DIRECTOR

Meet Karoline Jones, our dedicated Venue Director at Chateau Nouvelle. Known for her gracious spirit and true hospitality, Karoline goes above and beyond to make everyone feel welcomed and valued. Her dedication to exceptional service reflects her pure heart and genuine passion for her work, making each event a special experience. Karoline is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Dawson, a police officer who shares her commitment to helping others. In the office, she often surprises the team with homemade treats and fun desserts that brighten everyones day. She brings joy and care to every interaction, ensuring each guest feels at home and each event runs smoothly. When she's not at Chateau Nouvelle, Karoline loves spending time with her husband, family, and friends, often sharing her love of baking with them too. Her favorite part of any event? Meeting new clients, hearing their dreams, and watching everything come to life. With Karoline you'll experience a level of care and kindness that makes every visit to Chateau feel like coming home.

Kirby Heard

VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Kirby Heard, an integral part of the Venue Concierge team here at Chateau Nouvelle! Kirby’s attention to detail and authenticity allow her to create genuine, lasting relationships with everyone she meets. Texas State graduate with many years of experience in the event industry, Kirby has a natural talent when it comes to curating unforgettable experiences. Creating an atmosphere for genuine fun and celebration is a passion she’s had for years. Whether hosting an event at home for friends and family or providing exceptional services to a client, making lasting memories is her number one goal. When she’s not serving her community or working, Kirby enjoys creating Pinterest boards, binge-watching Netflix, and spending time with her family. Kirby is a devoted mother to an adventurous little boy named King. She truly thanks God for blessing her with the opportunity to nurture, guide, and love his pure, joyful spirit. Kirby understands the beauty of life and has learned to greet each day with extreme gratitude regardless of the highs and lows. Kirby will undoubtedly provide a fantastic experience that is stress-free, exciting, and fun overall when planning your special day here at Chateau Nouvelle.

Samantha Letbetter

VENUE CONCIERGE

Meet Sam, a dedicated and passionate member of the Venue Concierge team at Chateau Nouvelle. A proud Texas A&M graduate with years of experience in the event industry, Sam has a natural gift for connecting with people and creating memorable experiences. Whether it's through coordinating the perfect event or lending an ear to a bride's dream day, Sam brings a blend of professionalism, warmth, and authenticity to every occasion. When not making wedding dreams come true at Chateau Nouvelle, Sam enjoys volunteering with the Montgomery and Houston Rodeo organizations, as well as teaching Sunday School—a role she has dedicated over 8 years to. Sam has a true love for people, with an ability to relate to anyone and everyone. It’s this genuine love for connecting that makes working in the wedding industry so special. Being able to hear each couple’s unique love story and watch it come to life on their big day is an experience she cherishes. Outside of work, you'll often find Sam enjoying the great outdoors—whether it's a relaxing day at the lake, riding around in a pasture, or soaking in the sunshine at the beach. Above all, time with family and friends is a priority, especially the joy of spending time with nieces who are the light of her life. For Sam, each wedding is more than just an event; it’s the culmination of a love story, and creating an environment where those stories can flourish is what makes the work at Chateau Nouvelle so fulfilling.

Ashlee Shelton

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Meet Ashlee, the operations guru at Chateau Nouvelle, 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 Chateau, 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 Chateau Nouvelle is an adventure.

Meka Lewis

BEVERAGE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Meet Meka Lewis, the vibrant Bar Manager at Chateau Nouvelle, 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 Chateau Nouvelle, 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 Chateau Nouvelle guarantees a bar experience that adds that extra sparkle to your special occasion.