Michelle Antoinette Guidry weds Justin James Rafal

RAYNE - Centenary United Methodist Church was the setting on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, for a wedding ceremony uniting in marriage Michelle Antoinette Guidry of Branch and Justin James Rafal of Abbeville. The 5:30 p.m. vows were officiated by Rev. Charles L. Floyd, Jr.
The bride is the daughter of Curtis and Sandra Guidry of Branch. Her grandparents are the late Edgar and Willie Mae Foux of Branch, and the late Curtis J. and Lorene Guidry of Kerrville, Texas. Michelle is a 2003 graduate of Rayne High School, a 2006 graduate of Cosmeology Training Center and Blue Cliff Academy, and is employed by Riverspa in Lafayette.
The groom is the son of David and Martha D. Rafal of Abbeville. His grandparents are Esther Elizabeth Navarrette of California, the late Doroteo Robert Rafal, and the late Francis and Elizabeth Dwyer. Justin is a 2006 graduate of Abbeville High School and is employed by Halliburton in Lafayette.
On the arm of her father, the bride wore an elegant wedding gown of lace and tulle over silk. The delicate lace created a V-neckline and capped sleeves over a separate slip gown of Vogue satin. The alluring open back was finished with self-covered buttons over a zipper closure. A stunning crystal and pearl-studded belt accentuated the gown’s natural waist. Finishing the romantic gown was a tulle veil enhanced with crystals and pearls along the scalloped hemline. She carried a hand-held bouquet of ivory vendela roses and light pink gerber daisies.
Traditional items selected by the bride for her wedding day was her maternal grandmother’s engagement ring carried in her bridal bouquet as something old and her wedding dress was something new. Something borrowed was her paternal grandmother’s diamond ring guard carried in her bridal bouquet, and her garter was something blue.
Attending her sister as maid of honor was Nichole Guidry. Bridesmaids were Monica Guidry, sister of the bride, and Tera Strahan and Jeri Hernandez, friends of the bride.
Bridal attendants each wore a blush pink, floor-length gown designed with delicate lace panels lining the edges of the top front, along with gorgeous lace straps to the back. Each carried a hand-tied bouquet of white daisies and baby’s breath.
Serving as flower girl was Payton Rafal, the couple’s daughter. She wore a sleeveless dress with a satin top and flared tulle skirt. She dropped rose petals down the aisle while escorted by her brother, Christopher Savoy, the bride’s son.
Attending the groom as best man was Jorge Villasenor, friend of the groom. Groomsmen were Brett Dwyer, nephew of the groom, and Blake Henry and Carlos Levy, friends of the groom.
Ushering guests was David Allelo, friend of the groom.
The groom stood out in a formal black tuxedo as his attendants wore dark gray tuxedoes with light pink vests and ties worn over white shirts. The lapel sported a double white daisey boutonniere with Vendela rose and pink gerber daisy.
For her daughter’s wedding, the mother of the bride, Sandra F. Guidry wore a powder shimmer shutter tuck lace dress with surplice V-neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and lace bodice. The groom’s mother, Martha D. Rafal selected an elegant knee-length dress designed with a V-neckline and all-over lace over silk in a peach hue. Each was presented a pink orchid corsage for the special occasion.
Immediately following the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds were honored during a reception held at the Mire Knights of Columbus Hall in Mire.
Among the rustic decor, guests attended from the Acadiana area and points of Texas and New York.
Among the refreshments enjoyed was the bride’s cake, a three-tier vanilla confection with buttercream icing decorated with silver lace ribbon and pearl trim. The layers were filled with Bavarian cream, lemon and fresh strawberries and topped with a porcelain bride and groom figurine. The cake was served by Irma Jeffers, godmother of the bride.
The groom’s cake was a double-layered vanilla cake with buttercream filling and frosting and carried a fishing theme. The cake was served by L.J. Breaux, a family friend.
Following a wedding trip to Gatlinburg, Tenn., the couple is now residing in Branch.
Prior to the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was held Thursday, Nov. 12, at the couple’s home. Guests enjoyed homemade gumbo with all the trimmings and delicious sweets.