James, Detraz united in marriage

On Saturday, February 15, 2014, Karen Elizabeth James and Jake Mitchell Detraz were united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The couple exchanged vows during a 7 p.m. ceremony at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Erath, Louisiana. Father Bill Melancon officiated the union.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Lee James of Erath. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Alice Domingue and the late Mr. Eugene Domingue of Erath, and the late Mr. and Mrs. Jesse James of Swansboro, North Carolina.

The groom is the son of Ms. Dawn Hebert Detraz & Mr. and Mrs. Luke Mitchell Detraz of Abbeville. He is the grandson of Ms. Helen Appel of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Mr. PJ "Crow" Hebert of Abbeville, Ms. Mary Detraz of Abbeville, and Mr. and Mrs. Luke Detraz of Abbeville.

The bride, escorted by her father, wore an elegant, ivory lace gown with a mermaid silhouette. The gown featured an illusion net at the neckline and lace cap sleeves. Throughout the gown were beaded lace and tulle detail which transitioned into a sweeping train. It was finished with a finger tip veil featuring pearl embellishments. To complement her look, the bride carried a lovely bouquet of blush pink and cream roses and hydrangeas.

Melissa Thayer, friend of the bride, served as matron of honor. Rachael Soirez, cousin of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids included Amanda Detraz, sister-in-law of the groom, Nicole Benefiel, friend of the bride, Lisa Pepper, friend of the bride, and Lindsey Detraz, sister of the groom. Attendants wore full-length dresses with a flattering pleated bodice in wine. They carried bouquets of fuchsia pink and green silk roses and hydrangeas.

Jalyn Guillory, niece of the groom, served as the flower girl.

Seth Detraz, brother of the groom, served as best men. Groomsmen included Zayne Greene, friend of the groom, BJ Songne, uncle of the groom, Hunter Sellers, friend of the groom, Brady Foreman, uncle of the groom, and Frankie DeGraauw, friend of the groom.

Ty Detraz, brother of the groom, served as ring bearer.

Acting as ushers were Cody Thayer, friend of the bride, and Ty Lange, friend of the bride.

Music for the ceremony was provided by Bridget Touchet.

Readings were given by Betty Bertrand, godmother of the bride, and Michelle Comeaux, godmother of the groom.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held for the couple at the Erath Community Center.

The couple plans to honeymoon in Gatlinburg, TN. When they return, Mr. and Mrs. Jake Mitchell Detraz will reside in Abbeville, LA.