Broussard, Cart united in holy matrimony

Rachel Dawn Broussard and Joshua James Cart, both of Crowley, were united in holy matrimony on the evening of Saturday, Aug. 9.

Pastor John Wamsley officiated the 6 p.m. double ring ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Crowley.

The bride is the daughter of Debra and Robert Broussard of Crowley. Her maternal grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Fred Penn, and her paternal grandparents are the late Florence Dartez and the late Odey Broussard.

Rachel graduated from Crowley High School in 2000, and in 2005 she graduated from Louisiana State University - Eunice, where she earned a degree in respiratory therapy.

The groom is the son of Roxane Beard of Crowley and  the late Randall Cart. He is the grandson of Mildred Beard and the late Ronald Beard, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cart.

Joshua is a 2005 graduate of Crowley High School and is presently employed by Weatherford as a rig system specialist.

Guests were ushered to their seats by Michael Breaux, uncle of the groom.

Musical selections for the ceremony were provided by Tina Reaux and Angela Sneed of Baton Rouge. Pieces of note included “Canon in D,” “Trumpet Voluntary,” “The Gift of Love,” “Covenant Hymn,” “I Will Be Here,” “How Beautiful” and “Rondo.”

Selected scriptures were read by Amy Copeland.

The bride was escorted to the altar by her father and her and the groom’s baby daughter, Ellie, who was carried by her father.

Rachel was beautiful in a floor length satin gown with a chiffon split front overlay and classic A-line silhouette. The dress featured a strapless straight across neckline and a fitted bodice embellished with intricate embroidery and beadwork, and the back of the skirt flowed into an elegant chapel train. For her headpiece, Rachel selected a matching veil.

In keeping with tradition, the bride carried her great-grandmother’s rosary as “something old” and wore a pair of pearl earrings given to her by her groom as “something new.” A pearl necklace loaned by her friend Bonnie Miller was “something borrowed,” and her garter was “something blue.”

Amber Watson, the best friend of the bride, served as maid of honor. Serving as bridesmaids were Taylor Broussard, godchild of the bride; Helen Leleux, Kimberly Primeaux, Bridget Touchet, Michelle Tweedel, Danielle Fontenot and Erica Dupuis, friends of the bride; and Marisa Sonnier, cousin of the bride.

The attendants were clad in mercury-colored floor length dresses of flowing chiffon featuring V-necklines and empire waists defined by charmeuse bands. The backs of the dresses were finished with deep ruffled V’s, and ruffled details flowed to the hemlines of the skirts.

Abbey Cart, daughter of the groom, served as flower girl.

To stand as best man, the groom selected his best friend, Edward Breaux Jr. Standing as groomsmen were Kevin Breaux, Jeremy Meaux, Ben Daigle, Jason Abshire, Justin Atchison and Lonnie Guidry, friends of the groom; David Sonnier, cousin of the bride; and Scott Breaux, cousin of the groom.

Andrew Cart, son of the groom, served as ring bearer.

For her daughter’s wedding day, the mother of the bride, the former Debra Penn, chose a long, taupe three quarter sleeve lace and mesh dress.

The mother of the groom selected a royal blue floor length sheath dress with a rhinestone choker neckline.

Following the ceremony, the newlywed couple enjoyed a reception in their honor at the International Rice Festival Building in Crowley.

The venue was traditionally decorated in the bride’s chosen colors of mercury and coral.

The bride’s three-tiered cake was made with Bavarian creme, strawberry and Oreo fillings and iced with vanilla almond buttercream frosting. It was trimmed with a variety of flowers in shades of coral.

The groom’s cake was a chocolate fudge confection garnished with chocolate-covered strawberries. 

Out-of town guests travelled from Georgia and various points throughout Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and Lake Charles.

On the Thursday evening prior to the wedding, Cecilia and Garrick Chambers, friends of the bride and groom, and the bride’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the home of the bride and groom. Guests enjoyed jambalaya, potato salad, black-eyed peas, dinner rolls and dessert.

Following their wedding, the couple is residing in Crowley.