Stokes and Brown unite in marriage

Courtney Stokes and David Brown were united in marriage during a 6:30 p.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 5, 2012 in the courtyard at Magdalen Place in Abbeville, Louisiana. Justice of the Peace, Johnny Choate, officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Caroline Stokes, of Lafayette, and Dannon Stokes, of Abbeville. She is the granddaughter of Rebecca Stokes-Joy, of Abbeville.

The groom is the son of Juan and Kimberly Bernhardt. He is the grandson of Patricia Claudette, of Long Beach, California.

Escorted by her father and son, Jansen Stokes, the bride wore an elegant A-line, strapless gown featuring a sweetheart neckline and corset closure. The gown was draped in luxurious Valentina Satin wrapping the bodice and rippling down into the skirt. A beautiful bow added sophistication to the glamorously jeweled band that accented the natural waistline. She carried a gardenish handheld bouquet of black magic roses with feathers and assorted foliage.

The mother of the bride wore a gown featuring a cream, silk V-line embellished with pearl-filled rosettes, accented by a black-tiered knee length hem.

Callie Mire, friend of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Kaylee Suire, Shauna Simon, Melissa Bellow, Courtney Martin, and Catherine Morgan, all friends of the bride. Anne-Marie Stokes, cousin of the bride, served as Junior Bridesmaid. Bridesmaids wore black chiffon gowns featuring a halter neckline, pleated bust accented with a white sash and mermaid silhouette. They carried white polar star roses with tea leaves and organza ribbon. Flower Girls, Leigh Stokes, cousin of the bride, and Olivia Breaux, niece of the groom, carried kissing balls made of roses.

Jonathan Stokes, brother of the bride, served as best man. Groomsmen were Zyrone Simmons, friend of the groom, Edward Bowlin, friend of the groom, Thomas Maaele, brother of the groom, James Maaele, brother of the groom, Ryan Stokes, brother of the bride, and Alex Faul, friend of the groom.

Ushers were Ryan Stokes, brother of the bride, and Jonathan Stokes, brother of the bride.

Ring Bearer was Gabriel Brown, son of the groom.

Music for the ceremony was provided by violinist, Paul Khawll.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held inside Magdalen Place with music provided by DJ Alex Faul.

After returning from their honeymoon at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, in Point Clear, Alabama, the couple will reside in Lafayette, Louisiana.