Sheraton McKinney Hotel

Welcome Reception

Before You Go Brunch

Avalon Legacy Ranch

The Big Day

The Vows

Cocktails

Dinner and Dancing

Please <a href="https://forms.gle/UvaG8K98co9D7AEL7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">RSVP</a> no later than October 20, 2023. Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE:  Unable to Live Stream

We had planned to Livestream the ceremony for family and friends. However, we discovered there is insufficient internet connectivity out here at the Ranch. For loved ones unable to join us on the wedding day, we will post a video recording of the ceremony and e-mail a YouTube link upon request. Please get in touch with our awesome sound engineer and videographer: Dallas Event AudioSubject: Harrington/Wilkins<a href="mailto:steve@dallaseventaudio.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">steve@dallaseventaudio.com</a>

Our Wedding

Chris's story: Like most modern love stories, ours started on the internet. I saw her profile on one of the copious dating apps available for millions of perpetually single people looking for their own partner in life. The first thing I noticed was that her stunning blue eyes completely captivated me. To be honest, it would probably have been reason enough to start chatting with her, but the profile really gave me the motivation to hit 'send.' It revealed that she loves Jesus, education, and children. She said yes (obviously). From the moment she walked up the front steps of 'The Wild Detectives' (a local coffee shop and art space in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas) for our first date, I knew she was unique. The way she carried herself, by that I mean her attitude, motivations, aspirations, and passions, were things I needed in my life. I never knew how lonely my soul was until that missing piece is revealed to you. She was literally an answered prayer. However, I was scared, and it took six months into the relationship for me to be honest with myself and finally admit that I fell in love with her on the spot. I was knackered, lovestruck, swept away... (pick your metaphor) More than two years later, I still fall in love with her. I am going to be very cheesy (hold on tight) right now, but there is a quote I read a while ago that sums up how I knew I wanted to propose to Shea. "Falling in love is easy. Falling in love with the same person repeatedly is extraordinary." Once I internalized that, I knew I was ready to go. Since I fell in love with her at 'The Wild Detectives,' I knew I wanted to propose to her there, surrounded by all our loved ones back in February (there are numerous pictures on this website and on all the social media channels). My family and her family sharing this moment together was so precious and a memory we both will cherish forever. Speaking of all this talk of love for Shea, I think it's also important to say that I have fallen in love with her family as well - her very large and robust family. They have taken me in and made me feel immediately like one of their own. That acceptance is golden and the bedrock for us to build our relationship upon. To cap off my portion of this story, I wanted to share what my father told me when he first met Shea - "Son, you'll be a damn fool to let her go." Agreed Dad, agreed. Shea's story: Have you ever had the feeling you wanted to give up on dating…especially dating apps. That was 100% me before giving Hinge (dating app) another try. My cousin introduced this dating app to me. She met her now husband on the app. So, I thought, why not give this one more try? One of my first matches on the app was with this handsome teacher. From his profile, I saw we had so much in common and would have a lot to talk about on a date. We set up a date to meet at a coffee house/bar/bookstore in the Bishop Arts area. Little did I know that this is where this handsome, wonderful man would propose to me just shy of 2 years later. Chris was sitting on the porch. I very rarely get butterflies, but when I saw him, I did. We sat and talked on the porch for what felt like hours. Then, he had a thoughtful idea to get to know each other better. He suggested we go pick out three books that we think would best match the other's personality by what little we knew about each other…and man, was he listening. His picks for me were spot on! I loved that he came up with that idea. When we said goodbye for the evening, and I was heading home, I thought about how that was one of the best dates I have ever been on. To my surprise and definitely his surprise, I called Chris and talked to him the whole drive home that evening. I have never done that after a first date. As you can all imagine, we never stopped talking and seeing each other after that magical night. The night Chris proposed to me was the most memorable, thoughtful, and perfect night of my life. He had been talking about wanting to have a special date night and casually mentioned going back to the place we had our first date. I was a little suspicious but told myself we are having this date on Tuesday nothing is going to happen. Man, I was wrong. I told my parents I think he is going to propose tonight, and they said just go have a wonderful date and don’t worry about it. I arrive in the parking lot a few blocks away from The Wild Detectives, and Chris meets me so we can walk together. I thought that was sweet, but I still had a slight feeling something might be up. We get closer to the place, and I see a bunch of people sitting at the tables out front. A few people look kind of familiar, but I just thought no way they would be here too. Then, I see my best friend Christina (now one of my Maids of Honor) stand up to greet me. I say in a very high-pitched voice (that people still make fun of me for to this day), “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”. Then, I see more of my friends and family at those tables. Now I am nearly shouting over and over again, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?”. Finally, I turn around, and Chris is on one knee. He proposes, and my response is a quick yes followed by, “I can’t feel my legs!”. Also, another response I am still made fun of today. He had my Uncle Greg take photos of the whole evening, and my wonderful friends took videos. I am so glad all of that night was captured on film. It means the world to Chris and I. Chris had been planning this proposal for weeks with all our family and friends. He is so incredibly thoughtful and romantic. Thank you, Chris, for being the man of my dreams and giving me the proposal of my dreams. Having our family and friends there to share in such a precious, perfect moment means everything to me. Babe, you have set the bar high for our wedding and marriage. Chris is the most thoughtful and genuine person I have ever been with. He loves God and his family with all his heart, and it is evident in his actions. I know he loves me with all his heart too. These are the qualities I have been praying for in my future husband, and I feel so blessed that God has brought us together.&nbsp; I love our silly inside jokes and random dance parties. I am so grateful Chris is a fantastic cook. If you know me at all…you know I cannot cook. I love how you are the best dog and cat dad to our fur babies. I love how we push each other to be the people we want to be, not only for ourselves but for each other. I love being in worship with you and seeing your heart for the Lord. I love, love, love your family! My favorite family memories were meeting his parents and sister, and going to the Dallas Arboretum, then, of course, when Chris’ Aunt Joyce introduced me as his fiance (we were only dating for maybe 6 months at that time).&nbsp;I am beyond thankful for them and how they have raised you to be my perfect husband. I feel equally loved and welcomed by the Wilkins family. I am over the moon, excited, and ready to be a Wilkins. I hope you know how much my family loves you. My Great Aunt Lee was immediately Chris’ biggest fan. She told everyone at her birthday party how wonderful he was and went on and on about him. My parents are excited to have you as their son-in-law, and my siblings are looking forward to having you as their brother-in-law. Chris has traveled far and wide to meet both sides of my family, and they all love him. They are ready to make him an official part of the family. Chris, I love you now and forever. Thank you for all you do to make me feel loved and supported. I cannot wait to marry you!

It all started with a message (a love story from two perspectives)

Our Story

Photos

McLane Harrington

Larkin Harrington

Best friend of the bride for over 20 years.  They met in their church's youth group and became roommates at college.   The bride was also maid of honor in her wedding.

Christina Gibson

Angela Champion

Charlee Champion

Met through close friends in college, they have been friends for over ten years. 

Alison Thornton

Ricky Wilkins

Douglas Champion

Deakin Lane Champion

Keegan Stotsenberg

Shawn was my best friend growing up in Carthage. He is also one of the few hometown friends I remain in close contact with. 

Shawn Fulsom

The bestest boy and the life of the party

Samwise 

Wedding Party

Will the ceremony be live streamed?

Yes! We invite anyone unable to join us in personto join the live-streamed event.A link will be posted on our home page on the evening of the ceremony.It is scheduled to go live at 6:05 p.m. CST.

Q + A

If you missed the October 9th deadline,I've provided a link below that will still save you 8% OFFthe regular room rate on your stay.

Directions to the Sheraton McKinney --&gt; [<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/GfXo9x4Sdu2Upfo27" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Map</a>] Kelsey Parker(972) 549-4000, Ext. 4924Convention Services Manager

If you are driving, please use the physical address below to route you to the proper place. Google has two different addresses for this location. This is the correct address: 2022 Wayside Trail McKinney, TX 75071 [<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Avalon+Legacy+Ranch/@33.2220723,-96.5791031,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x864c0d7fb672dd21:0xd6a3519bc2d02011!2sAvalon+Legacy+Ranch!8m2!3d33.2220723!4d-96.5765282!16s%2Fg%2F11bbrpmwsg!3m5!1s0x864c0d7fb672dd21:0xd6a3519bc2d02011!8m2!3d33.2220723!4d-96.5765282!16s%2Fg%2F11bbrpmwsg?entry=ttu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Map</a>] We have a 14-passenger shuttle bus to take hotel guests to the venue and return them to the hotel. Guests who want to use the shuttle must be in the lobby at 5:15 p.m. The Sheraton will also provide guest pick-ups at the venue at 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. for guests to return to the hotel.

Shuttle Bus

Travel

Downtown McKinney has retained its authentic hometown feel.&nbsp;My great-grandfather used to own a furniture store in the town square.&nbsp;Today it is home to the city’s cultural district and offers quality dining, shopping, and entertainment. It's a fun place to stroll, and people watch and catch some street musicians before they get famous.

Historic Downtown McKinney

This 289-acre nature preserves and museum is dedicated to bringing nature and people together through various events and educational opportunities.&nbsp;They offer trails, birding, animal encounters, a butterfly garden, a native plant garden, a zipline, a ropes course, and even host family campout nights!

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

This family-operated winery is likened to a mini "Cheers" experience.&nbsp;They offer premium wine-tasting and wine-paring events year-round.&nbsp;While in town, try their award-winning North Texas wines under "The Ranch Wines" label.&nbsp;They host live local music every week.

Lone Star Wine Cellars

This place has it all! Situated on Wilson Creek, it has an indoor recreation center, playground, frisbee golf course, fishing pier, volleyball courts, and picnic pavilions.&nbsp;

Towne Lake Park

You’ll be in antique heaven with 15,000+ sf. just waiting to be explored.&nbsp; With over 100 dealers between 2 floors, there is something here for everyone.&nbsp; Whether you’re trying to find a collectible or looking for that one-of-a-kind accent for your home, you can be sure that what you’ll find here is truly vintage and antique. It’s like going on a treasure hunt!

Antique Company Mall

Founded by Gail Delger, an award-winning artist and advocate for creativity, her mission was to showcase works from talented area artists ranging from the traditional to the eclectic. The gallery has become a Co-Op gallery as of June 1, 2019. Many of the same artists and many new artists as well. If you’re searching for the perfect piece to adorn your walls, you may just find it at LAST.

Shea & Chris

Shea & Chris

Q + A

Where is McKinney, TX?

Where is Avalon Legacy Ranch?

Will transportation to the Ranch be provided?

When is the deadline for hotel reservations to take advatage of block pricing?

Will there be an open bar?

Are children invited to attend?

Will the ceremony be live streamed?