Lesley & Jeremy

My straw hat is off to Lesely & Jeremy for putting together an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. The celebration started Thursday with hay rides and farm tours. Jeremy was our interpreter explaining the history of the Lynn Farm. It was a day for the wedding party to meet and hang out, while playing catch, rowing on the pond, and sipping sweet tea. That evening we had a barbecue picnic in the yard. I'm talking real legit southern BBQ—so good.

Friday's festivities began with a southern style brunch at the Gilliam mayor's house. "The Brunch Bunch" put on a tasty spread. We had some free time in the afternoon, so Jana and I headed back into Shreveport with our travelling companions Jen & Colin. What is there to do in Shreveport? Bass Pro Shop baby. Now that was an experience. We thought "a mote with live alligators" sounded like a good time. That was just the tip of the iceberg. It was like a blimp hanger full of guns, rods, and camouflage everything. They even have a bow-hunting xbox game, which Jen was excited about. Later was the rehearsal and then dinner at Jeems Bayou Fishing & Hunting Club for a full-on southern crawfish boil. As we were loading up to drive to Jeems, we heard from across the lawn, "Lesley your chickens escaped." I tell you what, Jamie and Colin can catch chickens. After getting Dante and Red back into their coop we rolled to Jeems for crawfish, fried catfish, hush puppies, cole slaw, corn, jambalaya, and more fried goodies. Jeremy's twin brother Justin and his girlfriend April (we look forward to shooting your wedding) showed a sweet documentary they produced about Lesley & Jeremy. It was a mighty fine evening on Caddo Lake.

Saturday the 19th was the big day. The weather was perfect and the farm was wonderfully manicured. Lesley's brother found a small church selling their old wooden pews. Those were purchased and set up for the ceremony seating. Jana and I had a mellow morning hanging out as everyone got ready. Lesley gets the calm bride award. Actually everyone at least seemed relaxed and at ease the day of the wedding. I think it was Lesley & Jeremy's personalities and planning shinning through—their gentle peaceful spirits permeated the air. Ron Demolar and the good Reverend helped make the ceremony special. The party moved from the lawn in front of the house where Lesley grew up over to the tractor shed. My guess is there wasn't a better looking shed anywhere in the South that day. One of the highlights of the reception was Lesley's brother Newt singing the newly married couple a song he had written for them as a wedding gift. I hope he records it soon so you can all hear it too. The reception danced on at a leisurely pace. Speaking of dancing. Southern folk can dance. As the sun was setting we pelted Lesley and Jeremy with seed and they made their get-away. The band played on, people jumped off the pier, and everyone simply soaked in the sweetness of the day.

Lesley & Jeremy thank you for letting us be a part of your celebration. It was an experience we will not forget. We wish you all the best as you start your new life together.

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