Bridal Shower in Georgia

Chapel at Palacios by Walters Wedding Estates

Wedding Day

Ceremony

We’re counting down the days with full hearts and so much excitement. We are incredibly thankful for each of you and for the love, encouragement, and support you’ve shown us along the way. Thank you for choosing to celebrate this special day with us — we’re working hard to make it joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable, and we cannot wait to share it with you 🤍✨

Our Wedding

After Darren’s divorce, he dipped back into the dating scene only to discover it had changed a lot in 20+ years. Frustrated after months of dead ends, he finally deleted the apps and took a break. But when he downloaded Right Stuff, fate had other plans — that’s when he found Chelsea. Chelsea, meanwhile, wasn’t so sure. With a 17-year age gap and her own doubts from past dating experiences, she didn’t quite believe Darren when he said he was ready for marriage and kids again. Their first date felt more like an interrogation than a romance, but Darren’s kindness quickly started to shine through. On the second date, he showed up with a single white rose — a small gesture that spoke volumes. By the third date, he’d planned a Christmas ice sculpture outing (because he knew Chelsea loved Christmas), followed by a surprise dance lesson that ended with a kiss and Darren saying he was ready to be exclusive. Chelsea, ever prayerful, asked him to slow down — to pray about their relationship and seek counsel from his spiritual leaders. It was a big decision with their age gap and goals, but through prayer, wise guidance, and many late-night conversations, God confirmed that their paths were meant to intertwine. From there, everything accelerated. Darren officially asked Chelsea to be his girlfriend on December 6, invited her to Virginia just weeks later to meet his entire family for Christmas (20 hours in a car will teach you a lot about someone!), and by January 11, they were saying “I love you.” They made their relationship public on January 30, and after many adventures together, Darren asked Chelsea to be his wife on July 2. Now, with grateful hearts, they look back and see God’s hand guiding every step. What started with hesitation grew into laughter, love, and answered prayers — and they cannot wait to celebrate the rest of their story together.

Worth the Wait

Our Story

Photos

Samantha and I are the most unexpected best friends — complete opposites on the surface, but inseparable once life brought us together. Over the years, she has been my sounding board, my partner-in-crime, and the safe place I could turn to through every heartbreak, every terrible date, and every questionable decision I made while searching for love. She’s heard it all, and somehow she still answers the phone every single day.

We’ve truly seen each other at our best and our worst. When we were roommates, I got to practice “married life” by making her my tortellini soup and fussing over her when she needed care — and honestly, I loved every minute of it. Our “biggest fight” was once about Trump (yes, really), and now look at us — I even made it to Mar-a-Lago to meet the big guy in person! Somewhere along the way, her daughter became my niece, and Samantha became the sister I never knew I needed.

Samantha is woven into every part of my life, not just as a friend but as family. I can’t imagine this wedding day — or any chapter of my life — without her by my side. She is the kind of friend who shows up every single day, who knows me in ways no one else does, and who makes me braver, stronger, and more myself just by being there. Now, all that’s left is figuring out how to get her moved down to Texas so we can be true neighbors — but in my heart, she’s already right next door.


Samantha Wren

Sophie and I have been friends since our early 20s, and our friendship has been one of the great joys of my life. We’ve been roommates, partners in crime, and co-conspirators in all kinds of adventures — the kind that make us both thankful that social media wasn’t what it is today! Living together not only deepened our friendship but also gave me the chance to become part of her family, who embraced me as another sister. Her parents and brothers have always made me feel loved, and that bond has lasted through the years.

I’ve had the privilege of watching us both grow and mature — sometimes gracefully, sometimes not so much — from wild kids into women who truly love and live life. I’ve celebrated her as she found her husband and started her beautiful family, and I’ve been blessed to be “Auntie” to her babies. She, in turn, has always prayed faithfully for me to find the right husband, and I will forever be grateful for that love and support.

Sophie is the kind of friend who sticks by you through every season, who makes you laugh until your sides hurt, and who points you toward faith when you need it most. I’m so grateful to have her as a lifelong sister-friend, and I couldn’t imagine this day without her standing by my side. From shenanigans to prayers to countless memories, Sophie has been part of every chapter — and I can’t wait for her to be part of this one too.

Sophie Coty

I met Stefanie through a Cuteservative Facebook group run by Turning Point USA’s Alex Clark, and from the start, I knew she was someone special. We first connected during Heart Month — which anyone who knows me knows is one of my favorite times of year — when she was organizing a blanket drive for the NICU. As a NICU nurse, Stefanie’s heart for the smallest among us shines through in everything she does and in how deeply she loves people.

Over the years, she has amazed me with her creativity, generosity, and gift for bringing people together. She has a true talent for making every celebration meaningful — including planning our engagement party completely on her own and absolutely knocking it out of the park!

Having her in Dallas has been such a blessing. She’s someone who loves the Lord, loves our country, and radiates joy wherever she goes. I couldn’t imagine this season without her and am so grateful to have her by my side on our wedding day. ❤️🤍💙

Stefanie McGovern

Arabella may not be my niece by blood, but she has always felt like family to me. Born at just 26 weeks, she came into this world fighting with a spirit all her own — full of sass, determination, and an undeniable zest for life that continues to inspire everyone around her. Watching her grow up has been such a gift, and I am so proud of the smart, funny, kind, and courageous young woman she is becoming.

She has a great love for cats, a quick wit, and a heart that shines through in the way she cares for others. And while she may not always admit it out loud, I know she gets excited to see her Aunt Chelsea — and I certainly get just as excited to see her. Having her as part of our special day means the world to me, and I can’t wait to celebrate together.

Arabella

Kylie is Sophie’s daughter, but to me she is like the daughter I hope to have someday. She is full of confidence, joy, and sparkle — with a love for photos, fashion, and selfies that keeps everyone smiling. Kylie has been excited for this wedding from the very beginning, ever since she first met Darren (who she absolutely adores).

Her enthusiasm for this moment and her sweet anticipation of coming to Texas to see “Aunt Chelsea and Uncle Darren” have touched my heart more than she knows. I admire her confidence and the way she lights up every room she walks into, and I’m so grateful to have her be part of this day. If I’m ever blessed with a daughter, I can only hope she is just like Kylie — full of life, love, and excitement for all the adventures ahead.


Kylie

Lillian is my youngest niece and pure sparkle in human form. She loves glittery shoes, accessories, the color pink, and anything that lets her express her big personality — which makes her exactly the kind of joy every wedding needs. She is mischievous, sassy, and wonderfully confident, with a mind of her own (which, if we’re being honest, feels a little familiar). When she received her flower girl dress, she very clearly and emphatically requested pink — and while it didn’t quite make the color palette this time, I absolutely love where her head is at. Lillian is convinced she should live in my closet surrounded by shoes and clothes, and frankly, I don’t blame her. We’re both secretly hoping she’ll be my size someday so I can pass everything down to her. Having her sprinkle joy down the aisle is one of the sweetest parts of this day.

Lillian

Dave is Darren’s big brother, and it’s clear how much he adores his kid brother. He’s built a beautiful life with his amazing wife, kids, and grandkids — all of whom he’s so proud of. Dave also has a wealth of stories from his time in the Army Corps of Engineers. If you get the chance to chat with him, be sure to ask about the countries he’s traveled to — he has some incredible experiences to share! He also has a gorgeous farm in Virginia with goats, pigs, and a horse!

We’re honored to have Dave standing beside Darren as a groomsman. His love for family, his life of service, and his steady presence make him an important part of this celebration, and we’re so grateful he’s part of our day.

Dave Clarke

Keith has been Darren’s best friend since they were just 11 years old, and their friendship has truly stood the test of time. They’ve done nearly all of life together, which has been such a gift not only for Darren but for me as well. Keith is a devoted husband to his incredible wife — a nurse and truly the heartbeat of their family — and a proud dad to two beautiful daughters. Recently, they’ve added a grandbaby to the mix, bringing even more joy into their lives.

If you get the chance to chat with Keith, ask him about his new grandbaby, his love of flying, or what Darren was like growing up — you’re bound to get a great story. He’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet (maybe it’s a Virginia thing!), and I’m so grateful to have him stand by Darren’s side on our special day.

Keith Lavin

Chandler is a retired Sergeant Major with an incredible 40 years of service in the Army. During the years he and Darren served together, Chandler was Darren’s right hand and trusted sounding board — someone Darren could always count on for his honesty, wisdom, and steady presence. That bond has lasted well beyond their time in uniform.

Chandler also has a beautiful love story: he married the love of his life just four and a half months after they started dating, and she has kept him young and adventurous ever since. Together they run a gorgeous farm, and if you talk with Chandler, be sure to ask about his cows, Hamburger and Steak, or his surprisingly impressive love of flashlights.

He’s the guy you want in your corner — resourceful, dependable, and always prepared. If there’s anything we need at the wedding, chances are Chandler will already have it. We’re so honored to have him standing by Darren’s side on this special day.

Chandler Cox

Eli is Darren’s great-nephew and will be walking Trooper down the aisle on our wedding day. As the oldest of his siblings, he has a big heart and a quiet sense of responsibility that we admire. He loves spending time hunting and fishing in Darren’s hometown in Virginia, and we’re so grateful to have him be part of such a meaningful moment. We love that Trooper gets to make his entrance with someone our family loves so much

Eli Hayes

Trooper is Darren’s service dog, mama’s baby, and quite simply the best dog ever. He loves people, lives for playtime, and happily accepts car rides whenever they’re offered — ideally without having to work, if he has any say in it. From the very beginning, while Darren and I were moving carefully and intentionally, Trooper made his choice immediately. He welcomed me in without hesitation and has been by our side ever since. Trooper has a special talent for sneaking gentle kisses to little kids when he thinks no one is watching, and his sweetness has a way of winning over every room he enters. He brings joy, comfort, and so much love into our lives, and he truly makes our family whole. Having Trooper carry our rings feels just right — he’s been part of this love story from the start. 

Trooper Clarke

Wedding Party

Ultimate Formal Attire Shopping Guide

25 Hand-Picked Formal Guest Dresses

Tux vs. Suit: What's the Difference?

✨ Texas Formal at the White HouseWe invite our guests to dress in formal attire with a bold Texas twist. Floor-length gowns, elevated cocktail dresses, and formal suits are strongly encouraged — think polished, celebratory, and ready for a night of sparkle.Red, white, and blue–inspired looks are welcomed and encouraged, woven in boldly or subtly. Sequins, metallics, statement jewelry, and refined Western accents are all part of the fun.Cowboy hats, boots, and bolo ties are not only welcome — they’re encouraged — when styled in a polished, formal way. Whether that means a floor-length sequin gown with boots, a tailored suit with a bolo tie, or a standout sport coat topped with a hat, we’d love to see you shine.🤍 Kindly reserve all-white attire for the bride.The goal is Texas elegance with personality — confident, festive, sparkly, and ready to celebrate in style.Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel incredible and ready to dance the night away.

Dress Code

For booking flights, we recommend flying into Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) or Dallas Love Field (DAL). Love Field is Southwest’s main hub, which typically makes it cheaper and easier to navigate, and they often run flight sales as you get closer to the date. With the wedding in March, you may want to keep an eye out for those deals!

When booking a car, we recommend reserving early to get the best rates. Both DFW and Love Field have plenty of rental options on-site, and you’ll find that having a car will make it much easier to get around the Dallas–Fort Worth area. If you prefer not to rent, ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, though costs can add up depending on how much you’ll be exploring during the wedding weekend.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Trophy Club Southlake

Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Westlake

Aloft Trophy Club Westlake

Travel

Magnolia Market at The Silos (Waco, TX)Description: The flagship attraction by Chip &amp; Joanna Gaines. It features the Silos (iconic steel silos), the Magnolia Market store, seasonal decor, shops, a garden, lawn games, a bakery (Silos Baking Co.), food trucks, and the Old Church. Great place to wander, shop, and take photos.&nbsp;Website: magnolia.com/pages/visit&nbsp;

Dr Pepper Museum &amp; Free Enterprise InstituteDescription: Just a short walk from downtown, this museum covers the history of Dr Pepper (invented in Waco). It’s fun and quirky. &nbsp;Website: drpeppermuseum.com

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic DistrictDescription: Dive into the old West — historic brick streets, saloons, western shops, live music, boutiques, and more. &nbsp;Website: fortworthstockyards.org &nbsp;Phone: (817) 625-9715 (Stockyards Heritage / Visitor Center) &nbsp;

Billy Bob’s TexasDescription: The world’s largest honky-tonk, with live music, dancing, bars, and big events. Excellent for evening entertainment. &nbsp;Website / Phone: Check Billy Bob’s official site via the Stockyards directory.

Texas Cowboy Hall of FameDescription: Honoring legends of rodeo, western lifestyle, ranching — exhibits and memorabilia. &nbsp;Website / Phone: Check Fort Worth Stockyards / Hall of Fame site.	John Wayne: An American ExperienceDescription: A museum-style exhibit about John Wayne, the actor, with memorabilia and life stories. &nbsp;Website / Phone: Local listings via Stockyards attractions page.

SEA LIFE Grapevine AquariumDescription: A 45,000 sq ft aquarium with interactive exhibits, sea turtles, sharks, touch tanks, and behind-the-scenes tours. Perfect for families and mixed groups. &nbsp;Address: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy, Grapevine, TX 76051 &nbsp;Phone: (469) 444-3004 &nbsp;

Texas Star Dinner Theater (Grapevine)Description: Dine while watching a Wild West–style murder mystery comedy with actors in period costume. Fun evening activity. &nbsp;Address: 816 S. Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051 &nbsp;Phone: (817) 310-5588 &nbsp;

Dallas Arboretum &amp; Botanical GardenDescription: One of the premier botanical gardens in Texas, with beautifully landscaped gardens, seasonal displays, lake views, and event spaces. &nbsp;Website: dallasarboretum.org &nbsp;

Fort Worth Zoo Description: One of the top zoological attractions in Texas, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to hundreds of species across immersive habitats and conservation-driven exhibits. It aims to connect guests with animals through education, up-close experiences, and interactive programming.Website: fortworthzoo.org &nbsp;Phone: (817) 759-7555 (Fort Worth Zoo main line, verify via website)

Things to Do

Registry

We’ve had a few questions about where to stay during your trip, so we wanted to share a little extra guidance! Our home zip code is 76244, and the wedding venue is about 15 minutes north of us. The Fort Worth Stockyards are about 20 minutes south—and they’re such a fun place to stay if you want to soak up some Texas charm while you’re here. If you’re part of the wedding party, we recommend staying nearby in Keller, North Fort Worth, Grapevine, or Southlake for convenience.If you’re not in the wedding party, staying in the Stockyards is a great option—it’s lively, walkable, and full of great food, music, and Texas flair. We’ve listed hotel options below, but if you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to the bride—we’re so happy to help and can’t wait to celebrate with you!

🏨 Where to Stay We are so excited to celebrate with you in beautiful Westlake, Texas!Below are some nearby hotels we recommend, as well as Airbnb/VRBO areas that are safe and convenient.Guests will book their own lodging for the weekend — whatever feels most comfortable for you! This <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?mid=1pq-Djp-fQrjNirAeLEJxrwqVTqnm1NU&amp;usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">map</a> includes our ceremony venue, favorite places to stay, and local spots we love around Fort Worth and Westlake. Use it to plan your trip, explore, and join us for a weekend full of love and Texas charm. 💛✨ 🌟 Hotels We Recommend Each of these offers free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, and most include free parking.All are convenient to the venue and not too far from all the Fort Worth fun! Homewood Suites – Southlake / Trophy Club • Free Breakfast • Free Parking • Free Wi-Fi~2 miles from the venue | ~24 miles to the Fort Worth StockyardsA calm, comfortable stay very close to the chapel — great for families and groups. Hampton Inn &amp; Suites – Trophy Club • Free Breakfast • Free Parking • Free Wi-Fi~2 miles from the venue | ~21 miles to the StockyardsClean, familiar, and easy — a simple and reliable choice. Staybridge Suites – Fort Worth Fossil Creek • Free Breakfast • Free Parking • Free Wi-Fi~17 miles from the venue | ~7 miles to the StockyardsSuite-style rooms with kitchenettes — perfect for longer stays or shared rooms. Holiday Inn Express &amp; Suites – Fort Worth Fossil Creek • Free Breakfast • Free Parking • Free Wi-Fi~19 miles from the venue | ~5–6 miles to the StockyardsConvenient for anyone planning to spend time exploring Fort Worth. 🏡 Airbnb / VRBO Neighborhoods If you prefer a home-style stay, here are safe, convenient areas we recommend searching: Southlake – Beautiful, walkable, amazing restaurants.~10 minutes from the venue Roanoke – Charming small-town vibe with great local dining.~15 minutes from the venue Keller – Family-friendly and close to where we live (💛).~15 minutes from the venue Fort Worth Stockyards – A full Texas weekend experience — music, shopping, nightlife, longhorns + dancing.~25 minutes from the venue Arlington Heights / Westcliff (Fort Worth) – Safe, central neighborhoods with cute coffee shops and easy city access.~25 minutes from the venue No matter where you stay, we are just so grateful you’ll be here to celebrate with us.We truly cannot wait to share the place we love — and this day we love — with all of you. 🤍✨

Where to Stay

Hello friends &amp; family 🤍, We are so excited to celebrate with you and wanted to share a few optional plans happening over the wedding weekend for anyone who would like to join. Please know that nothing beyond the wedding itself is required — we simply wanted to share details for those who are around and would like to pop in. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” — Ecclesiastes 4:12 This verse has meant so much to us as we prepare for marriage, and it beautifully reflects the foundation we’re building together — faith, commitment, and love.

FRIDAY | Lone Star Welcome (Optional) 🍷 Open House | 2:00–6:00 PMCome and go as you please for a casual hello, a drink, and some catching up. 📍 Chelsea &amp; Darren’s Home2609 Frisco Wood Dr.Fort Worth, TX 76244 🩷 Attire: Totally casual — comfy and relaxed.

SATURDAY | Stockyards Day (Optional)🤠 Join us starting around 12:00 PMWe’ll be spending the afternoon wandering the Fort Worth Stockyards — popping into shops, grabbing bites and drinks as we go, and soaking in the sights. Friends and family are very welcome to meet us there and come and go as you please. 📍 Fort Worth Stockyards2501 Rodeo PlazaFort Worth, TX 76164 🤠 Attire: Stockyards style encouraged! Cowboy boots, hats, denim, bolo ties — if you’ve got ’em, wear ’em. And if not, no worries — there are plenty of places nearby to shop if you feel so inclined. We’ll be wandering the Stockyards on Saturday! Use this <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/WvJdGJqNVcDR2owi7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">link</a> to find the general area. We’ll also share a live location link in real time that day so you can easily find us wherever we land.

We recommend parking at the Fort Worth Stockyards Station. While there may be an hourly fee, it’s an easy and safe option that puts you right at the heart of the Stockyards. Saturdays are lively and bustling — grab your boots and enjoy the Texas energy!

SUNDAY | Wedding Day 🤍 💍 Ceremony begins promptly at 6:00 PM We kindly ask guests to arrive no later than 5:30 PM to allow time for parking and seating. The ceremony will begin on time, and we would love for everyone to be settled and present as Chelsea walks down the aisle at 6:00 PM. 📍 The Chapel at Palacios3900 McDermott RdWestlake, TX 76262 ✨ Attire We invite our guests to join us in formal attire with a bold Texas twist. Floor-length gowns, elevated cocktail dresses, and formal suits are strongly encouraged. Think polished, elegant, and ready for an evening celebration. We would love to see red, white, and blue woven into your look — bold or subtle — along with sparkles, sequins, metallics, and refined Western accents. Cowboy boots, bolo ties, and hats are welcome when styled in a formal, elevated way. Whether that means a sequin gown with boots or a tailored suit with Western flair, we encourage you to shine. 🤍 We kindly ask that all-white attire be reserved for the bride. The overall vibe: Texas elegance with sparkle — confident, celebratory, and beautifully dressed.

🤍 Wedding Day Setup Help (Optional &amp; Appreciated)If you happen to be around on Sunday afternoon and would like to lend a hand with light setup, we would be so grateful. This is completely optional — please don’t feel any pressure at all — but we wanted to extend the invitation for anyone who enjoys helping and wants to be part of those behind-the-scenes moments. If you’re interested, just let us know!

🚗 Parking &amp; Shuttle InformationFor guest convenience, we kindly ask that parking be done in the designated parking deck shown below.A 10-passenger shuttle van will be available before and after the ceremony to transport guests to and from the venue. This helps keep traffic light and arrivals smooth for everyone.Thank you for your help — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

📖 Family Bible MomentDuring the reception, we’ll have a family Bible available. If you’d like to participate, we invite you to: Highlight or mark a favorite verse, and leave a short note or message for us. This will become a treasured keepsake for our marriage, and we wanted to give you a heads-up so you’re prepared if this feels meaningful to you. Participation is, of course, completely optional.

✨ Sunday = Weekend Energy ✨Just a friendly heads-up that even though it’s a Sunday… this one absolutely counts as a weekend night. Our celebration goes late (the send-off isn’t until 11:00 PM!), and you will not want to miss the ending. So sleep in, hydrate, grab that extra cup of coffee ☕, and come ready to party, dance, celebrate, and close out the weekend in style. Trust us — this is a “stay till the end” kind of night 💃🎉🤍

🏨 Accommodations &amp; Where to StayWe’ve had a few questions about where to stay during your trip, so we wanted to share a little extra guidance!Our home zip code is 76244:-The wedding venue is about 15 minutes north of us-The Fort Worth Stockyards are about 20 minutes south — and they’re a fun, lively place to stay if you want to soak up some Texas charm while you’re here If you’re part of the wedding party:We recommend staying nearby in Keller, North Fort Worth, Grapevine, or Southlake for convenience. If you’re not in the wedding party:Staying in the Fort Worth Stockyards is a great option — it’s walkable, full of great food and live music, and has plenty of Texas flair.

MONDAY | Grab &amp; Go Breakfast (Optional)☕🥐 Morning Grab &amp; Go | 8:30–11:00 AMBefore everyone heads out, we’ll have coffee and light breakfast items available for anyone who wants to swing by, say goodbye, and grab a bite for the road. 📍 Chelsea &amp; Darren’s Home2609 Frisco Wood Dr.Fort Worth, TX 76244 🩷 Attire: Casual and comfy.

📵 Phone-Free Weekend NoteChelsea will be doing a mostly phone-free weekend to stay present and soak in every moment. If anything urgent comes up, please feel free to reach out to one of her wonderful bridesmaids: Stefanie McGovern — 574-242-1049Sophie Coty — 678-591-7197Samantha Wren — 404-323-5662 Thank you so much for traveling, celebrating, and being part of

Darren & Chelsea

Darren & Chelsea

D&C

Wedding Day