EXCLUSIVE: Photos from LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin's Engagement Party

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On February 1, 2017, LeeAnne Locken and Rich Emberlin hosted friends and family for an intimate gathering at the Prashe showroom in the Dallas Design District to celebrate their engagement. This party was filmed for the Season 2 finale of the Real Housewives of Dallas - which is why I am just now showing you scenes fro the event. Bravo doesn't like spoilers! Flip through the gallery to see images from the party. Viewers of the show know that LeeAnne grew up spending summers on the carnival circuit, so it was fitting that the party had an (upscale) carnival theme. In attendance to celebrate the couple were "real" friends Heidi Dillon, Steve Kemble, Ken Weber, Shane Walker, Jane McGarry and me, of course. LeeAnne was radiant in a custom dress designed by Dallas-based designer, Nardos Imam. Since this soiree was part of the season finale, it was an all-cast event, which meant that Stephanie Hollman, Brandi Redmond, Cary Deuber, D'Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott were also milling about - some happier to be there than others. While there were no games to be played by guests, the cast played many. You can see how the soiree played out on the finale episode of #RHOD on Bravo Monday, October 30 at 9:00 PM/CST.

Rich Emberlin To Star In Live Police Drama on A&E Networks

Rich Emberlin in May 2016 | Photo by Jeremy Lock

Today it was officially announced that the Real Housewives of Dallas' hottest husband, Rich Emberlin, will join the cast of a new LIVE documentary series on A&E called “Live PD.”  Maybe I'm biased, but I'm a sucker for a silver-haired pirate, plus he's a dear friend and I couldn't be more thrilled to FINALLY be able to share this news! A&E said in a statement, "As the debate over the policing of America continues to be a part of the daily conversation across the nation, A&E will offer viewers unfettered and unfiltered live access inside the country’s busiest police forces and the communities they patrol in the new documentary series “Live PD.” Over the course of eight weeks, dash cams along with fixed rig and handheld cameras, will capture the work of a varied mix of urban and rural police forces around the country on a typical Friday night. In-studio host, ABC’s Dan Abrams, alongside Dallas Police Department Detectives Rich Emberlin and Kevin Jackson will guide viewers through the night giving insight to what audiences are seeing in real time, bouncing minute-by-minute between the featured police departments and offering an inside look at each live incident. Journalist Dan Abrams brings over 20 years of reporting and anchoring to the table and currently serves as the Chief Legal Analyst for ABC News. Detectives Kevin Jackson and Rich Emberlin have been partners for over two decades, having worked together in Patrol, SWAT, Criminal Intelligence, and Dignitary Protection Squad for Dallas PD."

Texas Honors American Sniper Chris Kyle With Highway Dedication

In May 2015, the Texas Senate passed House Bill 1187 designating a segment of U.S. Hwy 287 in Midlothian, as the Chris Kyle Memorial Highway. In June, Governor Greg Abbott signed the bill into law and this past Friday - almost 3 years to the date Chris was killed - I had the honor of spending the day with Chris' widow, Taya Kyle and the couple's two children at an official ceremony prior to the signs going up. The room was filled with city and state officials, family and friends of the couple. Chris grew up in Midlothian and after retiring from the service returned to the small town to raise his family. I found myself sharing this special moment via a small world connection with one of Chris' best friends Rich Emberlin. I've met Taya several times and have always been impressed with her sincerity and strength. A very emotional Taya spoke to the room to convey her gratitude.  "I don't want it to be seeing the sign and missing him every time.  But seeing the sign and hopefully remembering what he stood for.... a good ole' boy, in the best of ways... He had this capacity to serve in a way that a lot of people don't have, but I think he's inspired more of us to have more of that. Observe more. Do more. Be more appreciative... If we can do all of that when we see this sign.. I think that would make Chris happy and it would make me happy too."

Bradley Cooper Charms Dallas at American Sniper Premiere

Last night Teya Kyle hosted a red carpet premiere of the film American Sniper with proceeds benefiting the newly formed Chris Kyle Frog Foundation. American Sniper is the story of U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle (played by Bradley Cooper) who takes his sole mission -- protect his comrades -- to heart and becomes one of the most lethal snipers in American history. Known as "The Legend", his pinpoint accuracy not only saves countless lives but also makes him a prime target of insurgents. Despite grave danger and his struggle to be a good husband and father to his family back in the States, Kyle serves four tours of duty in Iraq. Not only does this film show us the struggles of his daily life during war time, but it shows how difficult it can be when soldiers return home and have to completely readjust to a new "normal" life. Rich Emberlin was Chris Kyle's best friend and happens to also be a dear friend of mine. I published a post last month talking about Rich's experience at the New York world premiere of the film. He majorly hooked me up with special access to the VIP event prior to the film where I was honored to meet Teya Kyle and military veteran Jacob Schick who appears in the movie. I can't say I was surprised to look over and see Roger and Marianne Staubach in the room seeing how Roger is a Navy veteran and served in Vietnam. The film's star, Bradley Cooper, flew in for the event and I was able to charm my way onto the red carpet for these photographs:

Cynthia Smoot with Taya Kyle

Chris Kyle's Best Friend Talks About American Sniper

“American Sniper” starring Bradley Cooper opened in theaters Christmas Day and tells the true story of Texas-born Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. Directed by renowned filmmaker Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper as Chris Kyle, it's already garnering critical acclaim and Oscar buzz. If you aren't familiar with Kyle's story, here's his pretty awe-inspiring life in a nutshell: Kyle served as a Navy SEAL in 4 tours in the latest Iraq war. For his bravery and military skills, he was awarded some of the highest medals in the US military multiple times including the Bronze and Silver Star. Kyle is considered the deadliest sniper in this country’s history, with 160 confirmed kills out of 255 claimed kills. After 4 tours abroad, Kyle needed to make a decision on family life or the military. He had a small child that he did not know very well as he was overseas constantly. This also put pressure on his marriage, so he decided to leave the SEALS and was honourably discharged in 2009. After some time struggling with civilian life, he started a security company called CRAFT and wrote the New York Times bestselling book, American Sniper. Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield were fatally shot at a shooting range southwest of Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013. Former Marine Eddie Ray Routh, who came with them to the range, was arrested for the murders.

Art From The Heart Celebrity Art Auction 2014

Rich Emberlin, LeeAnne Locken,
Lindsay Lee McCain, John McCain

Local nonprofit Dallas Challenge held its 5th Annual ART FROM THE HEART Celebrity Art Auction & Benefit at Seven for Parties in the Dallas Design District on Friday, April 25, 2014.

Co-Chairs LeeAnne Locken and Lindsay Lee McCain welcomed guests and encouraged attendees to mix and mingle with some of the celebrities and professional artists who’s work was up for grabs and enjoy bites and beverages, all while listening to tunes spun by DJ Danny Salinas.

Jody Dean of KVIL and Melissa Poe Carson from Big Rich Texas were in attendance and working the crowd to drive up the bidding price on their artwork. I was in love with a couple of darling superhero pillows made by TV personality Hilary Kennedy (see photo below), but alas I was outbid!

Among those vying for these one-of-a-kind pieces were D'Andra Simmons Locke and new husband Jeremy Locke, Rick and Janet Fresquez, J.B. Hayes, Shane Walker and Steve Kemble.

Dress for Success: Light the Runway 2012

Dress for Success launched Light the Runway, their first annual Father/Daughter runway show at Tootsies last Thursday.  Good Morning Texas host Amy Vanderoef introduced the show along with Dress for Success' local celebrity Ambassador, Courtney Kerr of Bravo TV's Most Eligible Dallas.

The celebrities that lent their talents on the runway included Gary Jackson & Alexia Figgous, Ricardo & Alissa Ortiz, Mike Degani & Sharon Blumberg, Leonard & Alsion Volk, Benny & Brianna Black, Rick & Rachel Fresquez, Vaughn, Gigi & Jade Miller, Brian & Bryn Neufeld, Freddy, Sofia & McKenzie Vaca, Daniel, Candice, Caydence & Caylee Hernandez, Mike Leatherwood & Jamie Lain Siegel, John Conte & Brianna Beasley, Stephen & Kelly Giles, James, Katy & Sara Ryan, Joe, Sara & Katherine Ho, Dean & Kennedy Ann Niewouny, Elgrie & Klarc, Joy Vida Hurd, Mitch Carr & Rose, Willow Skidmore, and Gene & Abi Ferrin.

Katy Messersmith, Kristen Fagelman and Courtney Kerr

Rick Fresquez, Rich Emberlin, guest, Amy Vanderoef and Alison Volk

Samantha Crum givers her Mama, Bri, some love

My favorite runway participants were the Daddy's with their little girls. 
Pictured here are Daniel Hernandez, FC Dallas Soccer Captain, with his two girls and former Dallas Cowboy, Ryan Neufeld with his daughter, Bryn.

Kristen Fagelman models a maxi dress from Katydid Collection | Rich Emberlin and LeeAnne Locken

Dress for Success beneficiaries, staff and supporters!

Dress for Success Dallas is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Dress for Success Dallas provides each woman in their program with one suit when she has a job interview.  When she successfully lands a job, she returns to Dress for Success Dallas for a second suit and up to a week’s worth of business appropriate separates. She also receives an invitation to join the Professional Women’s Group (PWG), our employment retention service. To learn more about this organization, or how to donate, visit their website.

Photos courtesy of Shana Anderson. Click here to see a gallery of photographs from this event.