Shannon Shere Dayton and Joseph Preston Francis, both of Ridgeland, were married Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. Edwin M. Temple officiating.

Parents of the couple are Tara Dayton Davis of Madison, the late Henry Frank Dayton of Monroe, La., and Mr. and Mrs. Gene Rudolph Francis of Natchez.

Grandparents of the couple are the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Malcolm Bruce of West Monroe, La., the late Mr. and Mrs. Edward Walker Dayton of Galveston, Texas, the late Mr. Joseph Frederick Francis, Mrs. Ethel B. Francis Haney, Mr. Bill Haney and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Henry Odom Jr., all of Natchez.

The bride was given in marriage by her brothers, Stiles Weston Davis and Jules Jantzen Davis, both of Madison. She wore a diamond white couture gown by Maggie Sottero. The fitted A-line gown featured a sweetheart neckline and corset closure in the back. The fitted, dropped-waist bodice was highlighted with beautiful Chantilly lace as well as vertical lines of beading that created a corset effect and flowed into a gathered tulle skirt. Cap sleeves of intricate Chantilly lace in a scrolling pattern added to the vintage appeal of the gown. The bride finished the look with a simple cathedral-length veil also in diamond white and embellished with the bride’s monogram.

Music for the ceremony was provided by Diane Mize. Scripture reader was Courtney Spring of Memphis, Tenn. Program attendants were Lauren Michelle Enstrom of Madison and Allison Ashley Roberts of Jackson. Proxy bride was Mary Landon Downs of Jackson.

April Alane Dayton of Madison was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Sallie Marie Hollister of Madison, Kathryn Jameson Anderson of Tupelo, Kerrigan Frances Kemp of Raleigh, N.C., Carley Carroll Houpt of Jackson, Ashley Halford Petty of Birmingham, Ala., and Meagan Jordan Fahrenkopf of New York, N.Y. They wore Watters pale pink strapless gowns of duchess satin with an envelope bodice, draped midriff and trumpet skirt.

Gene R. Francis, father of the groom, was best man. Groomsmen were John Barr Biglane and Ryan Joseph O’Beirne, both of Jackson, John Ballew Carlton of Natchez, Quin Hillman Breland IV of New Orleans, William Bedford Wadlington of Madison and Richard Lee Watts Jr. of Birmingham, Ala.

Ushers were Stiles Weston Davis, Jules Jantzen Davis, both of Madison, and Nathaniel Kenneth Stubbs of Baton Rouge.

Max Charles Klaus of Jackson and Dayton Patrick Campbell of Monroe were ring bearers.

A reception was held at the home of the groom’s parents following the ceremony. The couple lives happily in Ridgeland.