Shields-Menard exchange nuptials in Thibodaux

Sara Shields and Philip Menard were united in holy matrimony July 22 during a 7 p.m. double-ring ceremony at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux. The Rev. Andre Melancon officiated.

The bride is the daughter of Jere and Harry Shields II of Thibodaux. Loy and Catherine Menard of Morgan City are parents of the groom.

Music for the ceremony was by pianist and vocalist Amy Goode.

Escorted in marriage by her father, the bride was attired in a simple white dress of silk shantung with an empire silhouette.

Gracing her head was a small white rose.

She carried a bouquet of white tulips, roses and hydrangeas.

Maid of honor Kate Shields wore a strapless, knee-length dress of pleated light blue chiffon.

Bridesmaids were Crystal Boudreaux, Beth Rauhaus, Callie Barrilleaux and Catherine Simmers.

They wore strapless, knee-length dresses of pleated dark blue chiffon.

Susanna Shields was flower girl. A floral wreath graced her head.

Ringbearer was Gabe Simmers.

Mark Menard served as best man.

Groomsmen were David Irwin, Clyde Verdin, Chris Sanders and Aaron Guarisco.

Ushers were Trey Shields, Drew Bergeron, Alison Bergeron and Kelsey Adkisson.

A reception followed at Cypress Columns in Gray.

The bride’s cake was a three-tiered confection in white fondant with strawberry and buttercream flavorings. Handmade flower petals cascaded down the front of the cake.

The groom’s cake was a chocolate s’mores confection in the shape of a Fleur de Bee guitar.

After graduating E.D. White High School in Thibodaux, the bride earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Marine and Environmental Biology, both from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. She is pursuing a PhD in Biology at Mississippi State University.

The groom is a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Morgan City. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from NSU and a master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Phoenix. He is pursuing a PhD in Information Systems at MSU.

Prior to the wedding, the groom’s parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Thibodaux Country Club.

The newlyweds honeymooned in Maui, Hawaii, and reside in Starkville, Miss.