Benedict's Plantation

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

We said yes! Join us in the countdown until we say "I do."

Our Wedding

Our story started a long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…OK, it wasn’t that far away, it was Baton Rouge.&nbsp;It’s a story of near misses and “almosts” until a “finally” that is certain to be a “meant-to-be”. A story with too many similarities and coincidences that it must have been written by Fate.In the summer of 76, Jennifer moved into her neighborhood in Baton Rouge. It so happened that dashing young lad also moved into that same neighborhood, just a few blocks over, that very summer. Alas, it was just beyond the dividing line that delineated what elementary school one attended. The first near miss. But we were just around the corner from each other. So close that we later discovered her younger brother was at the same bus stop as David for a semester in middle school! It is also without question that David and Jen’s brother David (confusing, I know) frequented the same arcade in the early 80s. Once in High School, Jen and David actually rode the same bus (a fact we didn’t relearn until recently). Jennifer usually got a ride to school from her older brother so was rarely on the bus. Once again, so close but no connection. We went to the same High School and graduated in the same class. Four years and not one class together. David knew who Jennifer was, but Jennifer had no idea who David was (if you saw David in HS, you’d understand…).&nbsp;After High School, each went their own way. David to Virginia and Jennifer to New Orleans. In most instances, that would be the end of the story. And indeed it was for 35 years.Fast forward to just a couple of years ago and David was traveling through Mandeville (See the Chick-Fil-A story below). Unbeknownst to either of us, this would set off a string of events leading to where we are today.&nbsp; After all those years and near misses, the attraction and chemistry was immediate. It was as if the universe had been waiting for this precise moment. There are rare occasions when destiny aligns. But ours is not a love confined by distance. Despite living miles apart, we refused to let geography dictate the course of their relationship. Over the span of two years, we embarked on a whirlwind of over 25 flights, traversing the skies to bridge the gap between them.&nbsp; Our travels spanned from the mountains of Denver and streets of Boston to the historic&nbsp;neighborhoods of Richmond and the lush jungles of Costa Rica. We explored the gardens and&nbsp;beaches of Hawaii and the vibrant streets of Dallas, soaked in the Southern hospitality of Alabama, and marveled at the eclectic culture of Seattle. And of course, we made countless journeys between the two LAs, Louisiana and Los Angeles.With each mile traveled, our bond grew stronger, fortified by shared adventures and hundreds of shared love songs on Spotify. A daily ritual of&nbsp;shared messages encoded in music.Now with hearts full of hope and anticipation, we join forces and set our sights on a new beginning in Santa Clarita, California.Now we pack our belongings and prepare for the journey ahead. Jennifer's dogs, Ollie and Lucy, wag their tails in eager anticipation. For them, it isn’t just a move—it is the beginning of a grand adventure, filled with open roads and endless possibilities.

OUR STORY

“What in the heck is Chick-Fil-A day?” I hear you ask. Good question and thanks for asking. It’s a long yet slightly interesting story. November 3rd, 2021 I was driving from Baton Rouge to just outside Birmingham to attend the premiere of a film I had scored. Driving along I-12, I found myself in great need of a restroom. Emergency need. I took the exit to Mandeville. While I had been on this stretch of I-12 many times growing up, I had never in my life been to Mandeville. I had always heard it was a nice place but I didn’t know where anything was or anything about it, really. I think I saw signs for fast food at the exit so I was confident I’d find somewhere to get relief. I got off the freeway and took 190 South towards the lake. I saw signs for the Causeway bridge and knew I didn’t want that (that’s a 24 mile or so toll bridge across Lake Pontchartrain that leads to New Orleans). I got off at the first exit because I didn’t know how close I was to the bridge. Surely there would be something at this exit…. Nope.I took a left, went by a hospital and found a frontage road. I took that and hoped there would be something…. Nope.Things were getting dire, and painful. I finally drove along this road long enough to see a Chick-Fil-A. YES!!! Turned out I couldn’t get to it directly from that road so I got up on a main road, then took a left to get into the CFA parking lot. Finally. Now, I hear you asking “Dave, I’m glad you found a restroom but what in the heck does this have to do with anything??!?” I’m glad you asked. About 800 yards from that CFA, Jennifer was at work. Her office was RIGHT there. This is HER Chick-Fil-A!Of course, I had no clue she was right there, so close. And while we went to High School together, rode the same bus, and she lived around the corner from me, we didn’t know each other back then (I knew who she was. She had no clue about me). And I certainly did not know this was where she lived. Several months later she messaged me and we started talking. One thing led to another and now we are getting married!!!!That exit I took off the freeway… her exit.That exit I took off 190… the exit she takes to get to her house.And she drives by that CFA every day to get to work!What are the chances the CFA in a place I had never been would be the closest CFA to my future love that I had yet to really meet?Seriously. It must be kismet. She must be my density….right?(Or it’s the matrix….) So that is why November 3rd is Chick-Fil-A day for us. And if you are staying in Mandeville for the wedding, you too can visit that very same Chick-Fil-A. It's at 3585 U.S. Hwy 190.

Chick-Fil-A Day November 3rd

May the Fourth be With You...

Our Story

Jennifer & David through the years

Photos of Jennifer and David

Jennifer's middle child. This is her first year working in research with Seattle Children's Hospital, after finishing college.

Jessica Albert

Jennifer's youngest, and by the time of the wedding a recent High School grad flying from the nest for college adventures.

Emily Albert

David's brother-in-law for over 30 years. Married to Mel, David's sister for over 50 years! Just try to ignore the beard...

Rick Wood

Jennifer's son and a recent new dad himself. Married to Ashley. They recently made Jen a grandmother with the birth of their son Callahan.

Blake Johnson

David's beloved aunt for more decades either would like to admit. David and his sister Mel went along on Lisa's first date with their uncle Randy. David even caught the garter and Randy and Lisa's wedding. Apparently that old tradition isn't true...

Lisa Schrader

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Near Lakeview Regional Medical CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 72 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and microwaves, and housekeeping is provided dail

Hampton Inn Covington

Near Lakeview Regional Medical CenterMake yourself at home in one of the 116 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature designer toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and complimentary weekday newspapers

Hilton Garden Inn Covington

In a state parkMake yourself at home in one of the 66 guestrooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding, and all rooms are furnished with sofa beds. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations feature rainfall showerheads an

Comfort Suites Mandeville Covington

Near a train stationMake yourself at home in one of the 94 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LED televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming provides entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as 

Holiday Inn Covington an IHG Hotel

Travel

Mandeville Lakefront

Self-guided walking tour of Covington, a classic Southern small town.

Historic Covington Walking Your

Loft18 Mandeville

May 2, 3, 4, and 5th. Schedule still pending but that weekend Foo Fighters and The Rolling Stones are scheduled to perform.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

About an hour drive from Mandeville lies this Historic district. Lots of eats, drinks, shopping and people watching to do. It will likely smell like weed and vomit, but that just means people are having a good time, right?! Parking is difficult and one must always be careful when in New Orleans. But Cafe du Monde and Hurricanes can be worth the risk!

The French Quarter

FABULOUS LOCAL FOOD IN MANDEVILLE MCCLAIN'S PIZZA: Our favorite pizza joint. Laid-back Italian bar/eatery near the Lakefront MI MAMACITA'S: New Mexico style food in a funky old home with inside and outside seating. Margarita's meet Jen's approval. MANDINA'S RESTAURANT: Casual Italian & Cajun-Creole seafood, steaks and pasta. Louisiana food. RIP'S ON THE LAKE. Traditional seafood restaurant on Lake Ponchartrain. VIET KITCHEN: Hole in the wall very casual with excellent pho and bubble teas. COFFEE RANI: Light healthy fare with salads sandwiches and low carb offerings. TREY YEUN: Gourmet Chinese food served in surroundings of ornate traditional decor. (some crawfish offerings for local appeal) THE RUSTY PELICAN; Casual seafood restaurant and bar with local beer options. ABITA BREW PUB--in Abita Springs (a 15 minute drive). Pub fare and craft beers in a rustic building with indoor and patio seating.

Things to Do

Mandeville Lakefront

Historic Covington Walking Your

Loft18 Mandeville

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation

The French Quarter