Even stormy skies couldn’t dampen the high-spirits at the engagement party for Elaine Turner executive vice president Heather McLeskey and her hunky fiancé, Shawn Conerly.
Breaking in Elaine and Jim Turner’s new Tanglewood-area home, the event was hosted by the husband-wife duo behind the Elaine Turner lifestyle brand, along with Jenna Jackson Gilbert of P + R Productions, and husband, Brendan Gilbert.
Giving hope to online daters everywhere, McLeskey met her true love via Match.com. She tells CultureMap, “Shawn was my first date on Match. When he wrote me the first email, I was in Galveston with Elaine for a photo shoot. She thought he sounded awfully sweet, and told me to write him back. It took a little more encouragement from my dad, but three weeks later I responded.”
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Family and friends recently gathered to celebrate McLeskey and Conerly's upcoming August nuptials in Healdsburg (located just outside of Napa, Calif.), and although heavy Houston rain threatened to wreak havoc on the backyard soiree, a tent was erected and the party, complete with a wine country theme, went on without a hitch thanks to the help of party planner extraordinaire, Lauryn Sanford of Confetti In Her Hair Events.
Guests were asked to dress "Napa chic" and special touches included a photobooth and parting gifts of mini champagne bottles tagged with the message “Love is like fine wine, it gets better with time."
Giving hope to online daters everywhere, McLeskey met her true love via Match.com.
As well, all of the vino served was brought in from Stryker Sonoma Winery, the site of the couple's future wedding.
From passed light bites to salad and pizzas, Dolce Vita prepared all the fare. “It’s our favorite restaurant, and the inspiration for the fun, family-style comfort food for our wedding,” says McLeskey.
All had a good time, especially when the dance floor heated up. “Jim took over as DJ and Elaine was dancing and showing her Spanx! People were wondering if this is what it’s like at the office. Almost. Elaine is quite fun. I lucked out with a boss like her,” McLeskey says.
Among the attendees were: Michelle and David Peck (he created both McLeskey's engagement party dress and custom wedding gown), David Bamford, Luis Perez, Carly and Paul Burns, Monica and Brandon Garza, Amanda Reynolds and Heather and Jeremy Staible.
Elaine Turner, Heather McLeskey, Shawn Conerly and Jenna Jackson Gilbert
