Miss Raleigh Camille Toups & Kutter Jude Berard United in Holy Matrimony

Miss Raleigh Camille Toups of Erath, Louisiana and Kutter Jude Berard of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony during a 6:30 p.m. nuptial mass on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Saint Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Abbeville, Louisiana.
Officiating the Nuptial Mass was Father Louis Richard and Father Charles Dubois, cousin of the bride. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Ray Toups of Erath, Louisiana. Her mother is the former Mica Hollier of Erath, Louisiana. She is the granddaughter of Mr. Scott Hollier of Abbeville, Louisiana, Ms. Linda Foti Hollier of Abbeville, Louisiana, Ms. Sable Toups Richard of Erath, Louisiana and the late Mr. Carson Ray Toups of Delcambre, Louisiana.
The groom is the son of Ms. Tracey Berard of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana and late Kenneth “Pete” Berard of Breaux Bridge Louisiana. The mother of the groom is the former Tracey Calais of Cecelia, Louisiana. The grandparents of the groom are Mr. and Mrs. DJ Calais, and the late Mr. and Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Berard of Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.
Escorted by her father, the bride wore a designer dress from Blush Bridal. Her stunning wedding gown represented “something new” was an ivory satin fabric, square cut and strapless, fitted to the knee and flowing out to a timeless silhouette with a long train. She wore an ivory veil with pearl and crystal trim, cathedral in length.
The bride carried a cascade bouquet of long stem white eskimo roses. Intertwined in her bouquet was a rosary from her maternal great grandmother, Mrs. Alida Dubois Hemphill and a rosary from the groom’s paternal grandmother, Mrs. Maurice Berard. Also in the bouquet was a hand sewn handkerchief from the bride’s maternal great grandmother, Mrs. Versie Foti. These items represented the “something old” tradition from both sides of the families. Her new initials and wedding date were monogrammed in light blue representing a timeless keepsake and traditional “something blue”. For the “something borrowed” tradition, the sentimental bride wore her mother’s heirloom diamond pendant which originally belonged to the bride’s maternal great grandmother, Mrs. Mona Hollier. Additionally, she wore a sixpence in her shoe that was a gift from close family friend, Mrs. Richard Condon for the traditional gift of “luck”.
The bride was attended by her Maid of Honor and Phi Mu sorority sister, Catherine Scallon of Metairie, Louisiana. Bridesmaids were Emily Delcambre, childhood friend of the bride, Shelbi Picard and Baylor Chastant, Phi Mu sorority sisters of the bride, Hannah Baudoin and Jaimie Gilley, friends of the bride.
The bridesmaids wore gorgeous soft satin trumpet gowns in the color toasted sugar. The full-length gowns featured a scoop neckline, natural waist, and strap detail. They carried white simple bouquets of white hydrangeas with pearl accents.
The groom wore a formal blue tuxedo with traditional ivory bowtie. A photograph of his father, the late Kenneth “Pete” adorned his boutonniere in loving tribute. Payton Kellebrew, lifelong friend of the groom, served as the best man. Groomsmen were Andre Toups, brother of the bride, Bryce Begnaud, Cullen Hamilton, Hunter Huval and Caleb Johnson, all childhood friends of the groom. The ushers for the wedding were Avery Toups and Phillip Toups, brothers of the bride. They all wore formal blue tuxedos with blush bow ties.
The mother of the bride was escorted by her sons, Avery and Phillip Toups. She wore a tiffany blue elegant gown featuring a single shoulder enormous ruffle which flowed down including a train in the back. The mother of the groom was escorted by the groom, Kutter Berard. She wore a dusty blue jacquard gown featuring sequin and jeweled bodice flowing down to a full skirt. Her elegant gown was complimented by a sequin and jeweled jacket.
For the ceremony, scriptures were read by Mrs. Natalie Hollier Sonnier, godmother of the bride and Mrs. Catherine Roy, cousin of the groom. Serving as gift bearers were Miss Brinlea Calais, cousin of the groom, Miss Alani Richard, cousin of the bride and Miss Meredith Sonnier, cousin of the bride. Serving as the wedding music ensemble were special guest and cousins of the groom Mrs. Laura Calais and Mrs. Megean Calais, both vocalist for Grammy winning group Sweet Cecilia. Additionally, Mr. Tommy Guidry as organist, and Mr. Jared Gray, trumpeter.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held at Black’s in Historical Downtown Abbeville, which was decorated with beautiful hydrangea floral centerpieces, Boston ferns and candle lit tables. Additionally, a memory ladder holding photographs and unique items in loving memory and tribute to the groom’s father, Mr. “Pete” Berard. The bride’s cake was a three-tiered confection of alternating flavors consisting of red velvet, chocolate, and almond covered with a French buttercream icing. Fresh white roses, and hydrangea flowers with greenery were added as a finishing touch to the cake housed on a table with fresh flowers. The bride and groom toasted their nuptials with crystal champagne flutes that were used by her godmother and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Sonnier, on her wedding day 20 years ago this week, also in Abbeville.
The groom’s cake and table were themed Louisiana State University with the table held by wooden rustic barrels decorated with ruscus greenery, Boston ferns and white linen. The groom’s godmother, Miss Rhea Angelle, was in attendance and cut the cake according to tradition. Guests were entertained by DJ Chris Reed of Lafayette, Louisiana.
The groom’s mother honored her son and his bride-elect along with their wedding party at dinner on the eve of their marriage at Southern Oaks Country Club in Abbeville, Louisiana.
The newlywed couple plans to honeymoon in Cabo Saint Lucas, Mexico in June. The couple will reside in Erath, Louisiana.