Our Story
ESTABLISHED 2019 · CONROE, TEXAS
A place built by hand, passed down with love.
Since 2019, The Pavilion at Lago Bella has been a place where families and friends gather to celebrate life's most meaningful moments. What began in 2017 as a labor of love, built by hand by the Amini family over two years, became the backdrop for countless weddings, quinceañeras, anniversaries, and special celebrations, including the weddings of their own daughters and their niece.
HOW IT BEGAN
The wedding that changed everything
When Paul and Leigh Carnell became involved in their oldest son Eli's wedding at the venue, they never imagined it would lead them to the next chapter of their family's story. Eli and his wife Chyna, who bonded over their shared love of the outdoors and art, fell in love with the venue at first sight, drawn to the way the landscape blends nature with design. During the celebration, the Carnells learned the property was for sale. In 2024, owner Michele Amini had suffered a heart attack, and the experience made clear that it was time for her and her family to step back. It wasn't until several months later that the Amini and Carnell families began to discuss the possibility of passing on the legacy of what the Aminis had built.
A LEGACY WORTH PRESERVING
More than a property — a place filled with love
As outside developers began showing interest in the property, Leigh could not bear the thought of the land being cleared and the venue's story coming to an end. She saw more than a beautiful property. She saw a place filled with years of memories, tradition, and love that deserved to continue for future generations. Through that process, the two families grew close, and it was during that time that Michele received a stage 4 Follicular Lymphoma diagnosis. Leigh believes wholeheartedly that God had a hand in bringing them together. Today, Michele is in remission, and the Carnells take great joy in knowing that the legacy the Aminis poured their hearts into will continue to be nurtured and grown.
After working closely with and being mentored by the original owners, Paul and Leigh embraced the opportunity to carry on what had been built there. What began as a desire to preserve something special quickly became a true family affair.
MEET PAUL AND LEIGH
A lifetime of service, and one more adventure
Paul brings a lifetime of service to this new chapter. After 22 years in the U.S. Army, he retired in 2007 as a Master Sergeant, having served as a medic. That same spirit of dedication carried into the next phase of life, and he has spent the past 19 years working alongside Leigh in their family business, a commercial skylight installation company, where Leigh has served as CEO since 2005. That spirit of service extends beyond the business as well. In 2012, Paul became involved with Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization born in the aftermath of the 2011 Joplin, Missouri tornadoes that travels nationwide to feed those affected by natural disasters. The Carnells built a 25-foot field kitchen trailer capable of serving 5,000 to 8,000 meals a day, and Paul is often one of the first volunteers on the ground when disaster strikes. As a retired soldier, he believes that giving back is not just a value but a responsibility.
In June of 2026, Paul and Leigh will celebrate 28 years of marriage, 19 of which they have spent working side by side. This new endeavor is simply the next adventure.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
We are so glad you found us, and we hope The Pavilion at Lago Bella becomes the backdrop for one of the most beautiful days of your life! We remain a small, family-owned business, and that will never change. To us, every event here is as personal as the one that brought us here in the first place. You are not just booking a venue. You are becoming part of our story, and we are honored to become part of yours!
