Jackie, Jason, & Nate….Lecompte, Louisiana

I met Jason, Jackie, and Nate just 3 months ago.

They were beaming when we sat down to talk about their wedding. Nate was roaming around a carousel scheming on ways to get more coins so he could ride again and again.

Jason and Jackie began to tell me their story. They were asking me to be a part of it.

The only catch was..for the time being…

it was a secret.

A few years ago Jason had one of those wonderfully pesky friends that just wouldn’t stop telling him about this girl, Jackie. She was someone he just had to meet that would be great for him. After much pestering and running into each other once or twice, Jason realized this girl is not just highly recommended by a friend, but she was cute too:). He gave it a shot.

A few weeks later they found themselves driving 2 hours away for their first date. Jason had been to Lecompte, Louisiana a few times before and just had to take Jackie to try one of Mr. Lea’s pies. And really… how could they not hit it off when sharing a piece of Mr. Lea’s famous Cherry Pie?

So after asking Jackie to marry him, they both knew there was no better place to do it….they had to get married at Lea’s Lunchroom.

The coolest part to me of this whole story is how much Jason loves Nate, Jackie’s son. The most important aspect of their wedding day was to make sure Nate knew this was all about becoming a family. Jason and Jackie told a few family members and friends they would be getting married, but that it would only be the three of them. They did not disclose the date, time, or location of when it would take place. It was crucial to both of them that Nate understands this is not just about the two of us…but the three of us.

Mr. Lea Johnson’s daughter, Anne, took over the family business in the mid 70′s, and for the first time in Lea’s Lunchroom history, she put on a wedding inside the diner.

On 11/11/11 at exactly 11:11 am. Jason was married to Jackie with Nate (bearing the ring), Mrs. Anne, the staff of Lea’s lunchroom, some lunchtime guests, and myself as witnesses.

It’s hard to describe how much fun and exciting this day really was. From the staff of Lea’s to the caricaturist out of Jackson Square who just so happened to be licensed to marry these folks, to the heart-shaped pies, hand-made dress, and the honks of Lecompte residents driving by…this day, this shoot, this wedding was one that most photographers and girls in general would only dream of having the privilege to be a part of.

Jason, Jackie, and Nate…you are all so special. Your story is inspiring, and your wedding was flat out amazing.

Thank you thank you thank you for allowing me and trusting me to be a part of it.

The three of you have so many years of joy headed your way.

I’ve loved telling your story…

Cheers to y’all!!

*Claire

To see Claire’s documentation of Lea’s Lunchroom that day click here

Lea’s Lunchroom was established in 1928. The small town Louisiana diner has received recognition and visitors from all over the world and the owner, Mr. Lea Johnson was even a guest on Johnny Carson’s Tonight  Show in the 80′s. To learn more about Lea’s Lunchroom, the location, Mr. Lea himself and how to get a hold of one of their amazing pies visit www.leaslunchroom.com