The Chapel
This is not a "venue". This is a Chapel, consecrated for the worship of God and enjoyed in life's sacred moments. Fashioned after a 16th-century church in Croatia, Bella Donna is the heart of Adriatica Village. On the day they were married, Jeff Blackard (Adriatica's designer & developer) and Donna Blackard (the Chapel's owner and namesake) stood on the ground beneath the existing chapel, said their vows and placed a Bible in the earth. Adriatica was only a field then, and they wanted to physically place the Word of God into the foundation of both their marriage and the community they were building.
Whether it's the beginning of a new life together, renewing vows already made or honoring the life of a loved one, we welcome you to encounter life's defining moments at Bella Donna Chapel.
Jeff & Donna Blackard
The Village
Adriatica is a 45-acre village located on a private lake in the beautiful Stonebridge Ranch community of McKinney, Texas. A replica of the Croatian fishing town of Supetar, it was designed by developer Jeff Blackard and inspired by his travels in Europe and extensive time spent in Croatia.
Adriatica consists of both residential and retail spaces with a wide range of offerings. From the quaint flower shop and wine bistro to several restaurants, boutiques and other small businesses to a concert & events hall, a Medical Park, most of the establishments in Adriatica are family-owned businesses. Adriatica also offers everyday conveniences like Starbucks, UPS and Independent Bank.
Because Adriatica is a village, it is home to several kinds of homes. From the apartments at St. Paul's Square to an Assisted Living facility, condominiums to million-dollar villas, the community invites residents of all backgrounds to live in a communal space where walking is encouraged and green space is plentiful.
Meet The Team
Donna Blackard- Owner & CEO
Donna enjoys spending much of her time at her ranch with her chickens, cows, and llamas, but still remains involved behind the scenes. She loves knowing the chapel continues to serve the community through life’s most meaningful moments — from worship and celebration to remembrance and reflection.
Mandi Stophlet- Owner & COO
With a background in design and a love for serving others, Mandi found a natural fit in the hospitality world. She enjoys helping create thoughtful, welcoming experiences for the couples and families we serve. Outside of work, she is a wife and mother of three young children, balancing family life with the day-to-day rhythm of the venue. When she’s not working, she enjoys baking with freshly milled grains and traveling to new countries with her family.
Kari Loth- Chapel Coordinator since 2020
Certified Event Planner for over 20 years
Kari has served as Chapel Coordinator since 2020 and has been a Certified Event Planner for more than 20 years. She has a gift for keeping wedding days organized and running smoothly while also making couples and families feel at ease. A proud Aggie from a long line of Aggies, Kari and her husband, Mark, married off their three Aggie children all in the same year and are now enjoying a little more freedom to travel and explore together.
Korey Hudson- Chapel Coordinator since 2023
Korey is the kind of person you want by your side when the unexpected happens. Her calm, steady presence helps keep wedding days running smoothly and everyone feeling at ease. She and her husband, Andy, have two grown sons, including Davis, who occasionally shares his musical talents by playing violin at our weddings. Outside of work, Korey enjoys staying active and spending time at the gym.
Carissa Hornbeck- Chapel Coordinator since 2022
Events Manager at The Sanctuary since 2025
As the connection between the Chapel and The Sanctuary, Carissa helps ensure communication between the two spaces is smooth and seamless for our couples and families. The wife of a pilot and mother of two young boys, Carissa is no stranger to balancing busy schedules with grace. When she’s not working, she enjoys slowing down with a good book on her front porch swing.
Our team of experienced coordinators is passionate about serving others during life's biggest moments. We look forward to making your day as memorable, seamless and perfect as you've imagined.