Hetzel, Trahan united during nuptial mass

Karen Elizabeth Hetzel of Crowley and Dustin Kyle Trahan of Lafayette were united in marriage on April 25 during a 7 p.m. candlelight ceremony held at St. Michael’s Church. The ceremony was officiated by Reverend Allan Trouille.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Albert Hetzel, Jr. of Crowley. Her maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gerald Trouille, and paternal grandparents are the late Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. Hetzel, Sr., all of Crowley.

Karen is a graduate of Notre Dame High School, LGMC School of Radiology, and Florida Institute of Ultra Sound. She is currently employed by Women and Children’s Hospital of Lafayette.

The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Neal Trahan, and the late Madeline Hymel Trahan of Roanoke. His maternal grandparents are the late Allen and Jessica Hymel of Lake Arthur, and paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Louis Trahan, of Gueydan.

Dustin is a graduate of Lake Arthur High School and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Nursing. He is currently attending Our Lady of the Lake College of Anesthesia.

Escorted by her father, the bride was radiant in a full length gown that she designed. It featured an antique white silk duchess gown, accentuated with a strapless bodice double ruffle made of duchess satin framing the bustline. Antique white alencon lace covered the fitted bodice. Four deeply inverted pleats created a full skirt which flowed into a sweep train. Her jewelry consisted of a pearl necklace given to her by her grandmother at birth, worn with matching pearl earrings.

In keeping with tradition, the bride used her great-grandmother’s rosary as something old and borrowed. As something new, she wore her wedding dress, and the bride and groom’s initials embroidered into her dress served as something blue.

Serving as matron of honor was the bride’s sister, Jamie Michelle Guidry. Bridesmaids were Leah Broussard and Heather Dupuis, sisters of the groom; Laura Adams and Aylce Benoit, cousins of the bride. The bridal attendants were attired in ginger blossom silk dresses featuring a stand up ruffle along the bustline and ruched waistband and a full gather skirt. Each carried a bouquet of roses mixed with hydrangeas tied with gold ribbon.

Ryan Trahan, brother of the groom; served as best man. Groomsmen were William Hetzel, brother of the bride; Ronald Broussard, brother-in-law of the groom; Paul Jones, friend of the groom, and Jon David Trahan, cousin of the groom.

Ushering guest to their seats were Troy Fogleman, cousin of the bride, and Graeme Tuminello, friend of the groom.

Flower girls were Sarah Hetzel, godchild of the bride, and Alexis Broussard, niece of the groom. Ring bearers were Clay Broussard, nephew of the groom, and Isaac Trahan, cousin of the groom.

For her daughter’s special day, the bride’s mother was attired in a long, expresso brown silk strapless gown with a bolero jacket with lace accentuating the waistline and sleeves.

The groom’s mother wore a long, exquisite sky blue silk dress with a matching jacket trimmed in rhinestones.

Appropriate musical selections during the ceremony were provided by Will Green, trumpeter; Tommy Benoit, violinist; Alberta Lyons, organist, and Betty Vidrine, harpist. Jefu Joy Amens Desiring was heard as the mothers and grandmothers processed down the aisle. Attendants were escorted to the tunes of Canon in D. For the bride’s grand entrance, Trumpet Voluntary echoed throughout the church. Featured songs during the mass were On Eagle’s Wings, The Lamb, and Ava Maria. The newly married couple proceeded out of the church to the melody of Rondeau.

As guests entered the church, Anna Walton and Rachel Fogleman distributed programs.

Scripture readings were read by Sarah Prevost and Blaine Walton.

Offertory gifts were brought up by the godparents of the couple, Lynn Hetzel Trahan, Eric Hetzel, Jessie Trahan, and Sherry Crochet.

Serving as Eucharistic Ministers were Becky Trouille, Dharma Trahan, and Tyler Trahan. Alter servers were Robert Walton, Spencer Trahan, and Dylan Trahan.

Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held at Point Aux Loups Spring Ballroom in Iota.

The bride’s cake featured a four-tierd confection, each decorated with fresh flowers. The bride chose to use her grandmother’s wedding cake topper to complete her cake.

The groom’s cake was a three-tiered chocolate cake topped with chocolate covered strawberries. The groom’s aunt made the cake for the couple’s special day.

Following a wedding trip to an undisclosed location, the couple will reside in Lafayette.

A rehearsal dinner of boiled crawfish was hosted by the groom’s parents the night prior to the wedding.