Natchitoches Times presents ‘Weddings through the …matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/1127/...taking pictures for a wedding in Alexandria, where the bridesmaids wore

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Natchitoches Times presents

‘Weddings through the Ages’

2C THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES Thursday, March 17, 2011

About thePhotographerCurtis Guillet was majoring

in physics when he discov-ered a talent and a love forphotography.

Since 1941, he has takenhundreds of bridal portraitsand received widespreadrecognition for his work.

Through the decades,Guillet has seen fashionscome, go and be reinvented.He says there are some he'dlike to forget. Guillet recallstaking pictures for a weddingin Alexandria, where thebridesmaids wore dresses cutabove the knee. "It's just notproper for a wedding," hesays, "They looked like abunch of chickens."

His most memorable expe-rience was the marriage of abride from India and a protes-tant groom. He and his son,Kenneth Guillet, a photogra-pher in Little Rock, attendedthe ceremony, which lastedfrom 8 a.m. until after mid-night and required thateveryone be barefoot.

During the intermission ofthe Indian rituals, a preacherofficiated the Baptist part ofthe ceremony. Guillet says,"They had a Dixieland bandfrom New Orleans playingafter the Baptist wedding.That's not typical forBaptists."

Over 1 million negatives ofGuillet’s work are in theresearch department of theNSU Watson Library.Photos on cover and pages2C-3C are courtesy of CurtisGuillet Photography.

Curtis Guillet holds hisprize-winning photographthat took first place in thewedding category of aGraphlix Inc. competition.

From left, at top, are PatLindall Clements,Marianne Cabe Long,Margaret DannellyRoberdeen, GlenellePearce Brown, Emily TomTanner Flannigan, GingerHuson Horton and JeanPearce Bodenhamer.At left: Breanna BrownShumpert, daughter ofGlenelle Brown.

From left are Daina Januta, Christina Muir, Lisa Goller,Tracy Thomas Mayo, Cappy Prudhomme Tomasko,Mignon Guerin and Caroline Mirzayan.

From left are Ann Stewart, unidentified, Sandra Noah,Pat Choate Smith and Cullyne Scott.

Natchitoches’ most famous couple, Jackson and Shelby,from “Steel Magnolias.”

From left are Tara Gahagan, Allyson Gahagan Corder,Joelle Evans, Laurie Dearman, Emily Green andGretchen Larson.

Seated is Jo Stamey. From left are Linda WhiteheadPerot, Loyce Todd, Mildred Young, Betty Jordan andJuanita Henry.

Mary Gunn

Special thanks to Marie Gahagan for her contribution to this layout.

Gervas Aldredge

Cover: Thelda Mitchell’swedding by Curtis Guillet

This bridal edition is produced byLifestyle Editor Rae Anne Firmin

Thursday, March 17, 2011 THE NATCHITOCHES TIMES 3C

From left areMildred YoungJordan, Jo Stamey,Loyce Todd Plumb,Juanita Henry,Barbara HebertBergdoff and VivianPrudomme Duggan.

From left are MaryMorris, BettyHertzog, CarolynGlass Cloutier,Alaida Gurny, DorisJean Pine, Jo AnnBrazeale Davis andCarolyn CloutierEvans.

Guillet Photography...Confess ions of a love-addictMelanie McCain coordinated 20 weddings for free.She fell in love with weddings as a child and now enjoys

directing them for family and friends.In the following interview, McCain shares a few memorable

experiences and tells why weddings are close to her heart.Q: Would you describe yourself as someone who's "in love

with being in love?" Are you a hopeless romantic? A: I am both. I can't separate the two. I definitely like to

view the world in rose colored glasses, my tennis sunglassesactually have pink lenses! I am an idealist by nature-it is mysin, but, also my sensation. Weddings are definitely idealis-tic and a fantastic send off for the hard work ahead in a mar-riage. It takes lots of labor to build a successful relationshipor marriage, but the magical and fun side of life must alwaysbe present in some form in a relationship. My favorite wed-ding scripture is 1 Corinthian 1-13...love never fails. If youwant a measure of how well you are loving your spouse andyour children, use that scripture; it will change your life.

Q: Have you enjoyed weddings since childhood? A: Yes. I was the flower girl in my neighbor's wedding,

Maree Minturn, (George Minturn's sister, local architect)when I was 5. I loved my pink organza dress, and of course,the wedding cake and punch. Her reception was at theCountry Club, which was the closest thing to Disney World tome in 1959.

Q: What do you love most about weddings? A: Hearing the couples recite the vows and then making

those very difficult promises. It is interesting to listen to thesame words over a 25-year period, and realizing that thosepromises you recite at age 25 are very different promiseswhen you think about what they mean at age 35, 45 and 55.Also, the music and variations of the same songs are myfavorite. In Natchitoches, we are very fortunate to have somany gifted musicians. Linda Higginbotham has to be theorganist who has played the most weddings in the last 25

“Confessions” continued on page 12C

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Best! We’re the

By Fr. RyanHumphries,Pastor ofNativity of theBlessed VirginMary CatholicChurch inCampti

Marriage lies somewherebetween a cold, hard legalcontract and a gushing warmand fuzzy story about fallingin love and becoming "soul-mates." On the one hand, it isa legal and binding commit-ment before the state andbefore the Lord who institut-ed marriage from the firstchapter of Genesis when Hedeclared that "male andfemale" we are created. Onthe other hand, marriage ismore than a contract, it isbound up to the very soul ofwhat it means to be a humanbeing. After all, Adam's lone-liness wasn't satisfied by all

the animals God createdaround him (Gen 2). It wasonly when he met his wife-to-be, the woman, that he wasable to give himself com-pletely. It was only whenAdam and Eve were togetherthat creation was completeand God could give the firstcommand "to be fruitful andmultiply." Only then couldman and woman take uptheir task of subduing theEarth and making of it awork of glory to God.

Success in marriage...thenumbers tell us it is a realchallenge in our time.Statistically, more than 60percent of couples will seekdivorce in the first five years.Those who "wait" to havechildren for many years haveeven less chance of "success."The numbers do providesome direction, though,about finding success.

Couples who are religious-ly fervent, who attend churchservices on a weekly basisand who pray together regu-larly , are five times less like-ly to divorce. Interestingly,couples who refuse to usecontraception and optinstead for some form of nat-ural family planning are alsoabout five times less likely -only one in 10 or so. Coupleswho are both religious andwho refuse contraceptionhave the lowest divorce rate -under 3 percent.

These numbers shouldn'tsurprise us though. Marriageis and always will be inti-mately tied together withreligion, which reveals manto himself, and with a wealthof children.

In the Jewish, Christianand Islamic traditions, mar-riage begins in the first threechapters of the book ofGenesis. The first commandthat God gives to his crea-tures, Adam and Eve, is to "befruitful and multiply."

The garden itself is usedas an image for the wombthroughout the Bible, not tomention the fact that theentire book of the "Song ofSongs" (also called the "Songof Solomon") is dedicated tothe beauty of sexual love andtakes place in the gardenwhich bears much fruit.

The first words of salva-tion, Genesis 3:15, are tied tothe fruitfulness of marriage.Marriage survives the floodand remains at the center ofthe entirety of the JewishScriptures until it is perfect-ed in the marriage of Josephand Mary, the Holy Family,within which God places His


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The Natchitoches Events Center parking lot was oncehome to "The House of Brides," a marriage venue datingback to the American Revolution, according to a dateinscribed on one of the hand-hewn beams under thestructure. It is one of the many dowry houses inNatchitoches. On the ceiling of the parlor was an intri-cate, raised, circular medallion created by an Italiansculptor. Many were married under it.

House of Brides

Marriage statistics: How to make your’s last

Special thanks to Sydney Frederick and Mary Linn Wernetfor their contributions.

“Marriage Stats” contin-ued on page 5C

only Son.The family image of the

Holy Trinity perseveres untilthe last words of the book ofRevelation, which isdescribed not as a victoryparty following the defeat ofthe beast, but as a "MarriageFeast" in which, finally, God'screation is perfected.

Marriage and family arenot mere external aspects ofreligion, just as they are notmere choices to be taken upand set aside.

The success of societiesand civilizations, in historyand to this very day, dependupon the families of whichthey are composed. Why doesit matter if a couple staystogether? Ask the child ofdivorced parents. Why does itmatter if the law arbitrarychanges the definition ofmarriage? Look to the histor-ical societies that have triedit and notice the connectionto their quick downfall. Wesimply don't have the wide-ness of mind to know whatchanging one of the funda-mental building blocks ofour society will do. We knowfrom history the clear andsimple lesson: to upend mar-riage is to upend culture.

And so, to every youngcouple approaching the won-derful gift and challenge ofmarriage and to every othercouple who is working to beexamples of marriage, Icharge you to recognize theglorious institution of whichyou are a part. God has givenyou something which isbeyond a contract, which isbeyond feelings and emo-tions, which is beyond any-

thing you could ever hope tobe... He has given you accessto the only human institutionwhich is a living Icon of Hisvery self.

As the Father loves theSon and the Son loves theFather and their love for oneanother is the Holy Spirit ofGod, may your families shinebright with the joy and hopethat they are to us all.


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Times

‘Marriage Stats’ Continued...

The "Blush and BashfulBridal Affair" will be Sunday,March 20 from 1-4 p.m., at theNatchitoches Events Center.Admission is $5 for adultsand free for children 12 andunder.

It will feature over 40exhibitors from all aspects ofwedding planning including

photographers, videogra-phers, caterers, florists, wed-ding coordinators, beautyconsultants, designer bridalgowns and tuxedos.

Brides will be able to meetwith local and regionalexhibitors, secure rentalsand services, pick out dressesand tuxedos and taste cakes

and cuisine from bakers andcaterers. Brides can pick outinvitations and weddingfavors as well as view samplephotography.

The event will feature afashion show at 3 p.m. Bridalwear showcased includescasual wear, flower girl dress-es, mother-of-the-bride dress-

es, tuxedos, bridesmaiddresses, wedding gowns andmore.

Stock your purses with asmany "everyday items" aspossible, for the "What's inyour Purse Contest." Therewill be door prizes includinghotel accommodations, wed-ding consultations, spa pack-

ages, gift certificates, honey-moon packages and more.

For more information callor email Natchitoches EventsCenter director, Chris Post at(877) 238-7502 [email protected] orMaegan Morace at 238-7504 [email protected].

Blush and Bashful Bridal Affair will be this weekend at Events Center


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Dr. John Kyser took pictures at the Hennigan’s wedding. His wife, Thelma Kyser, tint-ed the black and white photographs. Members of the Hennigan’s wedding party, fromleft, are Carl Pharr, Theda Welch Collins, the late Joy Nell O’Brien Zimmerman, FayeRay Crump Brydels, Gloria and Thomas Hennigan, Leonard Wayne Hennigan, ElanorJane Hennigan Ingram, Jean Clark and Firal Ryder.

Thomas and Gloria Hennigan celebrated their 60th wed-ding anniversary March 3.

Gloria Crump became Mrs. Thomas Hennigan March 3,1951.

6600 yyeeaarrss aanndd yyoouu’’rree ss tt ii ll ll

tthhee oonnee II lloovveeThe first time Thomas

Hennigan laid eyes onGloria Crump atMarthaville School, heknew she was the womanfor him. He was entrancedas he watched her twirl inher long pleated skirt, quiteopposite from the cheerlead-ing uniforms of today.

Their courtship consistedof Thomas walking threemiles to Gloria's parent'shome, where the four ofthem would sit on the porchand talk. Then, he'd makehis way back home.

They both graduatedfrom NSU and were marriedMarch 3, 1951. After the wed-ding reception, groomsmanFiral Ryder snuck away

with the key to the newly-wed's apartment, downtownbehind the "Jitney Jungle."Ryder and Thomas's otherSigma Tau fraternity broth-ers waited for the couple sothey could carry out the tra-ditional wedding nightprank, Chiverie.

Chiverie is a French wed-ding custom meant to inter-rupt the couple's weddingnight by clanging togetherpots and pans, ringing bellsor blowing horns. In mostcases, the bride and groomwere expected to greet theirtormenters with refresh-ments.

Taking an extended hon-eymoon wasn't the norm inthe early 1950s. The

Hennigans were married ona Saturday evening andThomas left for Oakdale thefollowing Sunday, where ateaching job awaited himMonday morning. Thomasmade the commute each dayby either hitchhiking orcatching the city bus.

Times have certainlychanged, but Thomas andGloria's love for each otherhas remained the same.Gloria says, "We werepaired from the very begin-ning. I knew when I firstsaw him."

Thomas and Gloria havethree sons, six grandchil-dren, two step-grandchil-dren and seven great-grand-children.

By Rae Anne FirminCarolyn Waits was giddy

as a schoolgirl as shegushed about her husbandMichael. "He's the love ofmy life," she said. It's hardto believe that this love-struck woman has beenmarried for over 30 years.

Carolyn was smittenwhen her co-worker, VernaDavis, Michael's aunt,showed her his militaryphotograph in 1980. Hewas in the Air Force, andwhat woman can resist aman in uniform?

Michael, who was sta-tioned in New Mexico,went home to Woodworthfor his brother's highschool graduation in May.Carolyn joined Davis,Michael and the rest of hisfamily for lunch. She knewimmediately that he wasthe man she would marry.She met his mother ontheir first date. Carolynand Michael were insepa-rable for two weeks beforehe returned to NewMexico.

They talked on thephone three-four times aweek for about an houreach time. "Our parentsgot so mad. The phonebills were outrageous,"says Carolyn.

She spent July 4 week-end with Michael in NewMexico. When he pickedher up from the airport, hehad her favorite tape play-ing on the cassette playerand popped the questionwith a plastic ring he gotfrom Sonic. "I thought itwas cute," she says.

After she insisted thathe ask her father's permis-sion, she accepted his mar-riage proposal, havingspent only two weeks withhim. In September, shebecame Carolyn "Waits,"who ironically, "did-not-wait" for long.

She had less than 3months to pull together herdream wedding. She woreher sister's dress and hermother supplied the flow-ers, cake and food.

Since Michael was inNew Mexico, she went topre-marital counseling andthe couple's retreat by her-


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Michael and Carolyn Waites were married Sept. 27, 1980.

Carolyn and Michael Waites celebrated their 30th wed-ding anniversary, Sept. 27, 2010.

1144 ddaayyss ttooggeetthheerr lleeaadd ttoo 3300 yyeeaarrss ooff mmaarrrriiaaggee

“14 Days” continued onpage 8C

Wedding Trivia1. What’s the average cost of a wedding?A. $6,000 B. $12,000 C. $24,000 E. $28,0002. How many times has Elizabeth Taylor been married?A. 2 B. 5 C. 8 D. 10 Answers on page 9C


self. "The priest kepttelling me, 'No. You're notreally in love. You don'treally love him, do you?'He told me on my weddingday that he knew I lovedMichael from the start andthat he was just testing meto make sure. Michael wassupposed to be getting thesame counseling in NewMexico, but I don't thinkhis priest required verymuch."

They had a largeCatholic wedding at theImmaculate Heart of Maryin Carolyn's hometown ofTioga.

Though the ceremonywas beautiful, what stands

out in her memory are theevents that ensued afterthe reception.

Michael had a new white1979 Chevy Nova, whichthe groomsmen coveredwith shaving cream, crepepaper and rice. They tiedcans to the back bumper.

The newlyweds drove afew miles down the road,when Michael pulled overand removed the draggingcans. They were ready tohit the road again, but thecar would not start. Therewas rice stuck in the igni-tion.

Carolyn recalls,"Michael was hollering andcussing all over the road. I

was thinking, 'Oh my gosh,what have I done?'"

To make matters worse,it started to rain and theybegan the journey back tothe reception hall on foot.Their going-away clotheswere wet and they evenattracted a few stray dogsalong the way. After whatfelt like an eternity, a manspotted them on the high-way and gave them a lift tothe nearby Dairy Queen sothey could phone for help.

They lived in NewMexico for the first 18years of their marriageand spent time in England.Now, they are glad to callNatchitoches home.

Michael is retired fromthe military and works inShreveport. Carolynworks in customer serviceat the downtown branch ofExchange Bank. Theyhave two sons and a grand-son.

Carolyn views their chil-dren as their greatestaccomplishment. "They'vegrown up seeing two par-ents who love each other.And, being in a militaryfamily, they learned aboutrespect, communicationand commitment."

Since Michael was oftenaway, Carolyn learned thattrust was essential. Shepassed that virtue on to

her sons.She largely credits fami-

ly for the success of hermarriage. "Michael and Inever went anywhere wecould not take our kids,"she said. Today, a favoritefamily outing is water ski-ing on Toledo Bend. Theyare planning a familycruise next spring.

Carolyn believes strug-gles are what make couplesstronger, if they choose topersevere.

"I can honestly say I lovehim now more than ever.We are not a perfect couple,but we are a couple thatloves each other verymuch."

Tuxedo Tips from the Hall Tree

This style is an ivoryfour-button notch lapelcoat with satin piping onthe lapel and top collar.This style tuxedo is idealfor a taller man. Thelonger jacket can be over-whelming on someonewith a smaller build.

This traditional one-button coat with a peak lapel is per-fect for a classic look. It would work well with any colorbow tie or necktie and matching vest.

This is a suit by After Six shown in a light khaki, is per-fect for any destination wedding. It is shown with awhite microfiber laydown collar shirt and tie. It’s amore relaxed look, foregoing the vest. If planning agetaway to a fabulous island or your favorite beach,this ensemble is a must.

‘14 Days’ Continued...

At right: This is a new look in steel grey called“Twilight,” by Jean Yves. It is a two-button satin notchlapel with a self cloth border and a classic non-pleatedtrouser. Also featured is a matching grey fullback vestwith three-button closure. This look is complete withwith an ombre platinum windsor tie.

All tuxedos shown are provided by Squyres Tuxedo Company available at the Hall Tree.


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Rebecca Lynn Ammons and Nicholas Trichel were mar-ried Sept. 5, 2009 at the Natchitoches Events Center. Thebride chose all local vendors when planning her dreamwedding. She is the daughter of Glen and VickieAmmons of Natchitoches. Nicholas is the son of Scottand Terri Trichel and Richard Robinette and the lateJonnettye Robinette of Campti.

Arleen Mayeaux createdthe “Geaux Tigers”groom’s cake for the recep-tion.

Rebecca Trichel poses withher new sister-in-law,Natchitoches Times adver-tising representativeTiffany Trichel.

Mr. and Mrs. NicholasTrichel married Sept. 5,2009.

WeddingTrivia

Answers

1. E. $28,000

2. C. 8

By Rae Anne FirminClients call wedding plan-

ner, Allie Martin, "J. Lowithout the headphones."Like in the blockbuster hit"The Wedding Planner,"Martin's job is to ensurebrides have the most perfectday possible.

Surprisingly, she is not ahopeless romantic. TheLafayette native moved to

Natchitoches to pursue abiology degree at NSU withplans of going to physicaltherapy school. She com-pleted many labs, chemistryand biology courses, butwas lacking electives. "So, Idecided to take'Introduction to Hospitality,'and I fell in love with it," shesays.

Between studies and

practicing and performingwith the Demon Dazzlers,she began volunteeringwith vendors to learn moreabout the industry. Sheshadowed caterers, deejays,cake bakers, you name it, allwith wedding and eventplanning in mind.

Martin explains, "I didn'tfeel like I could run thewhole show without havingdone each part myself. Italso helps with the relation-ships I have with vendorsbecause I can say I've donewhat they do. I've hookedup speakers and fixed cakeswhen they toppled over."

For those interested inthe hospitality industry, shesays, "Submerse yourself init. It's not something youwake up and decide to doone day. You have to love it.The day it becomes likework to me, I'll pack up mystuff and quit."

Most of her events havebeen pleasant experiences."About one out of every 20brides is difficult," she says.

She is always touched tosee which sentimental itemsbrides include in their cere-monies. She was especiallymoved when one chose touse a large collection ofmilk glass, belonging to herlate grandmother, as center-pieces at the reception.

Martin says that vintage


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Wedding planner Allie Martin describes the white tent liner showcased at this recep-tion as “very formal.” Her clients request these about three-four times a year.Wedding and events planner Allie Martin of

Natchitoches had her own dream wedding May 9, 2010when she married Chris Post, director of theNatchitoches Events Center. DDiiaarryy ooff aa wweeddddiinngg ppllaannnneerr

“Diary” continued on page11C

wedding themes and decora-tions have become increas-ingly popular. Recent fadsinclude burlap tableclothsand chalkboards as food sta-tion signs. "People are lean-ing away from the glitz andsparkle and going for morerustic looks, like old barnsor exposed brick."

One of Martin's clients,we'll just call her "bridezil-la," chose peacocks as thetheme for her wedding andinsisted on having live pea-cocks among the guests ather reception. "During thewhole planning process,nothing was good enoughfor her," says Martin, "Ican't turn $20,000 into$60,000. I can make it looklike about $35,000 but I can'tcreate money. But, I got thepeacocks for her receptionand finally, she was happyas a clown."

For anyone who knowsanything about peacocks,they are mean and only themales have colorful feath-

ers, which they display infull strut. So, yes, the themefor the reception was "twoirate male peacocks com-pleting for territory."

Martin took out a insur-ance in case one of the birdsdecided to bite one of themany children harassingthem. She hired handlers tofollow the peacocks aroundand scoop poop. "Peacockpoop is very potent," addsMartin. She likes reminisc-ing and laughing about suchevents, but didn't regardthem as funny at the time.

Martin has always

enjoyed the social aspects ofweddings, but has developedanother philosophy as towhy she chose weddingplanning as her profession."When you think about thespan of someone's life, thereare maybe five or sixpeaks...graduation, mar-riage, the birth of childrenand grandchildren andmaybe others. If I can giveyou one of those specialdays, without you having toworry about anything, itfeels good to know that Icontributed to one of thosehigh points."


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facebook masters bouquet dawn or www.mastersbouquetbydawn.com

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We Now Offer We Now Offer Profess ional DJ Service Profess ional DJ Service

125 Hancock • Natchitoches, LA 71457 (318) 352-8436

Bridal Parties Soft Curl

‘Diary’ Continued...

Allie receives many local requests for receptions at theNatchitoches Events Center.

Allie Martin coordinated this formal rehearsal dinner at the Samuel Guy House. Theelegant atmosphere of the home, paired with candlelight, was the perfect setting for anevening of romance and celebration.

-Don't book the first vendor you meet. Don't makehasty decisions. Know your budget and assess what ismost important to you. (Food, drinks, invitations, flow-ers, etc.) "One of the advantages of having a weddingplanner is that I am repeat business and can get youlower prices, whereas, a bride is a one time client, hope-fully."

-Pay vendors ahead of time. They are much morepleasant when they have their money.

-Remember last minute details like the cake knife,garter and champagne flutes. "And, please, don't spendso much of your energy on the party that you forget themarriage license at home."

-Say no to drama. "This is your day. It's all aboutwhatever you want. Everyone else thinks they have theright to put their 2 cents in, but forget everyone else. Atthe end of the day, you'll be married to the man youlove."

For more wedding tips, contact Allie MartinWeddings and Events at 880-1800.

AAllll iiee '' ss aaddvviiccee ttoo bbrriiddeess

years.Q: What do you enjoy

about assisting with them? A: I like balancing the

family rituals with the ritu-als of the religious ceremony,and all of the problem-solv-ing that goes along with the"wedding production." It is avery detailed event, short induration, but no room forerror once the ceremonybegins. You have about a 15-minute window to get itright, then you collapse fromthe adrenaline rush!

Probably, the greatest lastminute event that I experi-enced was the priest arrivingon the altar to setup at thetime the wedding was tobegin. He seemed to be obliv-ious to the panic attack of thewedding party and me. Atthat time, I had not consid-ered using walkie-talkies; theentire motion of the proces-sional had to be stopped withquiet, diligent behind thescene runners. I was muchyounger then, so scaling thespiral staircase of the choirloft of the Immaculate

Conception Church (in highheel shoes) to stop the organ-ist and regroup was not thechallenge that it would betoday!

Q: You've helped withabout 20 weddings, right?

A: Yes, I have; I wish that Iwould have kept a journal. Ibegan coordinating wed-dings with Craig Scott who isnow Fr. Craig Scott at St.Rita's Church in Alexandria.He was coordinating MelanieKelly Bedgood's wedding. AsI recall, he was working withPat Kelly about the detailsand decided the wedding was

going to be much more elabo-rate than one person couldhandle. Not exactly sure whyI was "The One," but I amclose friends with the Kellys,Catholic and good at tellingpeople what to do.

Craig was an awesometeacher to learn wedding pro-tocol and his approach wasalways focused on theSacrament of Marriage oversecular matters. At onepoint, I directed a weddingthat Fr. Craig was the officiat-ing priest. I can still remem-ber a discussion aboutsinging the "Our Father" vs.reciting it. I thought itshould be sung (especially ifMichael Rorex, NSU profes-sor, was singing it); he said itshould be recited "with thepeople." Wish I could remem-ber the outcome.

Q: Is coordinating the wed-ding your gift to the couple?

A: Yes, it was always mygift. Of course, I have alwaysgotten wonderful presents,gift cards, etc. in apprecia-tion, and I understand theneed to give when someonehas helped you with a familymatter of this nature.Therefore, I requested when Iwas called to help with a wed-

ding, that donations be madein memory of my daughter,Shelly, to the restoration fundat Immaculate ConceptionChurch.

Q: What's your mostbizarre or funny weddingexperience?

A: I attended the weddingof a cousin in December atthe Immaculate ConceptionChurch. I had this beautifulChristmas green velvet andtaffeta dress that I wore (actu-ally a hand me down from myniece). It was perfect for theseason. The bride had 12attendants. The first oneprocessed down, then the sec-ond and so on; I began to feelmy face get beet red and heat-ed, because the bridesmaidsand I were dressed identical-ly. There was no variation inthe dress whatsoever. When Iwent to communion, I couldsee the laughter being heldback in everyone's face.Needless to say, the reception

just added more fuel to thefire.

My husband was best manin Clark Averette's wedding.As many of your readersknow, Clark is the consum-mate practical joker. Thewedding was in Leesville andwe left in plenty of time to getthere. We arrived inLeesville at 6 p.m. and decid-ed that since the wedding didnot start until 6:30 p.m., wecould stop for a coke andsnack, then get to the churchabout 6:10, since Steve wasalready wearing his tuxedopants and shirt. When wearrived at the church about6:10-6:15, Clark and all of thegroomsmen were outsideflagging us in to the back ofthe church. Of course, wethought Clark was pullingone of his jokes, but were weever wrong. The weddingstarted at 6 p.m. and as myyoung son and I slithered qui-etly into the pew of thechurch, the organist hadplayed so long her fingerswere blue. I whispered to myson to not tell anyone his lastname, and I was going to dothe same.

Q: Are there any especial-ly touching moments you'llnever forget?

A: Several. I was in atten-dance for the wedding ofLauren Johnson, who hadbeen in a car accident in herteens. She had basicallybeen wheelchair bound, andwith leg braces, she walkeddown the aisle. I will neverforget that moment.

My 3-and-a-half year oldgranddaughter was theflower girl in Kate Melder'swedding. Kate had been afriend of my daughter's fromabout age 3. To watch mydaughter's daughter be partof their processional wasamazing.


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Any 8 Menu Items & Punch Any 8 Menu Items & Punch

$10.25 per Person $10.25 per Person

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Full Menu May Be Viewed Online: www.momsanddaughters.net

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Pick up your engagementand wedding announcement forms

Don’t forget...

located at 904 South Drive in Natchitoches or call 318-352-3618

at the Natchitoches Times

‘Confessions’ continued...

Melanie McCain assists her son-in-law, John Godfrey,and her daughter, Susan McCain Godfrey, with cuttingthe cake. Susan chose pound cake. Melanie’s advice,“Always pick your favorite cake and bring the recipe tothe bakery.”

Newlyweds thank wedding coordinator, MelanieMcCain, for a job well done. From left are Mark andCathy Sutton, Neil and Whitney Wiemer, Mary and KenGuidry and McCain.

Natchitoches Times presents ‘Weddings through the …matchbin-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/public/sites/1127/...taking pictures for a wedding in Alexandria, where the bridesmaids wore

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