Kristen Michelle Toups weds Timothy Peter Vondenstein

The Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Lafayette was the setting on Saturday, October 5, 2013, for a Nuptial Mass uniting in marriage Kristen Michelle Toups and Timothy Peter Vondenstein, both of Lafayette. The one-thirty afternoon ceremony was celebrated by Monsignor Richard Mouton.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Avery Toups of Lafayette. She is the granddaughter of Delaney Mark Toups Sr. and his late wife, Katherine Bishop Toups, Burney Oregon and Catherine Kring Eslick of Lafayette. She is a 2008 graduate of St. Thomas More in Lafayette, 2013 graduate of UL-Lafayette, and is employed as a teacher at Sts. Peter and Parl Catholic School in Scott.

The groom is the son of Larry and Marie Gossen Vondenstein of Rayne. His grandparents are Jeanne Privat Gossen and the late Robert Anthony Gossen of Rayne, and the late Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph Vondenstein of Duson. He is a 2008 graduate of Notre Dame High School of Acadia Parish, 2012 graduate of UL-Lafayette, and is employed by Baker Hughes as a mechanical engineer.

Against a musical background, guests were ushered to their seats by Ricky Judice, Steffan Savoy, Evan Angelle and Ryan Roger, friends of the groom.

For the ceremony, Scriptures were recited by Hilary Villien and Morgan Vondenstein, with gifts presented by Betty O’Hara, Mary Aline Melanson and Lauren Fontenot.

On the arm of her father, the bride entered wearing a fitted, A-lined wedding gown featuring all-over lace and a scalloped neckline designed with contoured straps which continued into a keyhole back and covered button encloser. A light gold lining enhanced the ivory lace overlay and flowed into a chapel-length train. A simple hair-comb held a cathedra-length veil of sheer illusion while carrying a bouquet of ivory roses, sweet Eskimo roses and eucalyptus leaves.

Attending the bride as maid of honor was a friend, Emily Anne Regan, with bridesmaids including Caroline Toups and Rachel Toups, sisters of the bride; Lori Menard and Analie Casanova, sisters of the groom; and Jessica Blanco, Whitney Bartels and Sarah Mary Toce, friends of the bride. Serving as flower girl was Catherine Toups, sister of the bride.

Attending his brother as best man was Tyler Vondenstein. Groomsmen were Paul Vondenstein, brother of the groom; Nicholas Ware, cousin of the groom; Eric Toups and Daniel Toups, brothers of the bride; and Andy Welter, Zach Benoit and Travis Beslin, friends of the groom.

Immediately following the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds were honored during a reception held at the City Club at River Ranch in Lafayette. The reception area featured a traditional décor with a classic/vintage ambiance.

Prior to the wedding, a rehearsal dinner was held Friday, Oct. 4, at the 1100 Club in the City Club at River Ranch in Lafayette. The evening was hosted by the groom’s parents.

Upon their return from a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple will reside in Lafayette.