Our Mission
Butler's Courtyard's mission is to exceed our clients expectations in the delivery of a once in a lifetime experience set in an environment of historic elegance.
“To carry on what my mom and Janice started, to lead this incredible team, and to serve the community we love—it’s more than a job, it’s a dream come true.”
Amber is the proud Co-Owner and hands-on leader of Butler’s Courtyard, a historic wedding venue in the heart of League City. Since purchasing the business in 2017 with her sister Shawna, Amber has been dedicated to preserving its legacy while guiding it into a vibrant and meaningful future. As leader of our team here at BC, she brings years of experience and expertise, and spends countless hours making sure things are running smoothly for all of us and our guests.
Having grown up alongside the business founded by her parents, Amber has experienced every role—from server to wedding coordinator and office manager. That journey has given her a deep understanding of what it takes to create unforgettable celebrations, and today, she leads the team with purpose, passion, and a strong sense of community.
Amber is especially proud of the close-knit team she’s helped cultivate and the long-standing relationships with local vendors. Her favorite part of the job remains the people: connecting with couples and their families to create joyful, lasting memories.
A graduate of Texas State University, Amber loves camping along the Comal River, indulging in Blue Bell Ice Cream, traveling, and spending quality time with her extended family. She’s actively involved in the League City community, serving on the Board of the League City Historical Society, the League City Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board, and as Chair of the Children’s Parade for League City Proud. Amber also has a heart for mentoring fellow wedding professionals and enjoys traveling the country to support and guide other venue owners.
Shawna is the Co-Owner of Butler’s Courtyard and the youngest daughter of founders Nancy and Ronnie Richards. A proud wife and mom to three very active kids—two boys and a girl—Shawna brings heart, energy, and creativity to everything she does, both at work and at home.
As an owner at BC, Shawna combines years of industry experience with a natural talent for connecting with people. She is deeply involved in sales and client relations, meeting new couples, giving venue tours, and helping them envision their perfect wedding day. She also serves as one of our Day-Of Wedding Coordinators and finds so much joy in watching each couple’s vision come to life.
Outside of work, Shawna’s world revolves around her family. She loves traveling, cheering on her kids in their many sports and activities, spending time with her extended family, and playing with their two puppies. She gives back to her community in meaningful ways, serving with local organizations like the HLSR Metro Go Texan committee, volunteering at her children’s school, and offering her time and heart to her home church, Citymark Church.
Shawna is passionate about supporting others in the wedding industry as well, and often travels across the country with Amber mentoring fellow venue owners. Her favorite part of Butler’s Courtyard?
“Getting to do what I love with my family and an incredible team—it’s truly a blessing.”
Amy Cabness joined the BC team in 2021 as a part-time weekend team member, simply looking for something to do. Little did she know her passion, dedication, and natural talent for organization would quickly propel her into a key leadership role within the company. Today, she serves as our Venue Operations Director and the backbone of our fast-paced team, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while providing exceptional support to both event team and clients. She oversees so many aspects of the venue — from client onboarding to team management and vendor coordination — so each event runs seamlessly and every guest feels genuinely cared for. Amy is the glue that keeps the office running smoothly and a driving force behind the success of the entire event team.
A proud graduate of Frostburg State University and a devoted twin mom, Amy thrives on teamwork and collaboration. She leads the event team from behind the scenes, overseeing hiring, training, and scheduling to ensure every member is set up for success on event day. Her meticulous planning and leadership create a seamless experience for both the team and the clients they serve.
Amy specializes in our corporate and special events, and is one of our Wedding Coordinators, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly. But her favorite part of the job? Helping brides turn their big day into the best day of their lives. As Amy says, “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a bride’s vision come to life and knowing you played a part in making it unforgettable.”
When she’s not orchestrating events or keeping the office on track, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and embracing the chaos and joy of twin motherhood.
Ronnie Richards and his wife Nancy founded Butler’s Courtyard in 2002 in the heart of League City’s Historic District. Since then, it has grown into one of the Houston area’s most beloved wedding and reception venues. Though officially “retired,” Ronnie continues to play an active role at Butler’s Courtyard, offering invaluable guidance in finance, marketing, and business strategy to his daughters, Amber and Shawna, who now own and operate the venue.
A graduate of Clear Creek High School and the University of Houston (B.B.A.), Ronnie has always been passionate about community and history. He is a Director and Past President of the League City Historical Society and is deeply committed to preserving the stories and structures that make this area unique—including the historic buildings that house Butler’s Courtyard.
Ronnie is a proud father of three married daughters and grandfather to eight grandchildren. While his official title may be hard to define, his impact is felt in every corner of the business—as a mentor, supporter, and steady hand behind the scenes.
Built in 1909, the Butler Building was the location of the first bank in League City. Over its history the building also housed a post office, cafe, hardware store, drug store, and had apartments upstairs.
Over time the building had fallen into a state of disrepair. Through the passion and determination of Nancy Richards and Janice Gunnin-Wilson, it has found new life as Butler’s Courtyard, a premiere event venue for the Houston area. This series of videos tells the story of Butler’s Courtyard.
Lindsey also known as LT, is the newest addition to Butler’s Courtyard. She joined the team in February 2019. Lindsey was raised in Lumberton, Texas. Last fall she moved to the Bay Area with the love of her life, Aaron and her fur baby Mickey.
Lindsey has a rich history of working in the wedding industry. Since college she has worked at several Bridal dress shops which is where her love of all things wedding began! Her forever dream of being a wedding coordinator become reality when she walked through the doors of Butler’s Courtyard.
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