Bastrop – Tacorya C’Hante Hayes Dowles and Christopher Lane Francois Jr. were united in marriage on Saturday, April 16, 2011, during a 7 p.m. ceremony.

Pastor Steve Conley officiated the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Ronald Hayes and La’Tora Dowles of Bastrop. The groom is the son of Christopher L. Francois Sr. and Casalina Nady of St. Martinville.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory, strapless, floor length mermaid Alfred Angelo gown.

Maid of honor was Jasmine Dowles, the bride’s sister. Bridesmaids were Lovesa Gordon and Kimberly Dowles and Rhonda McDonald, the bride’s cousins; and Shontavia Hill and Marilyn Francois, the groom’s cousins.

Best man was Francois Fuselier, the groom’s cousin. Groomsmen were Kendrick Jackson, the bride’s brother; and Johnnie White, the groom’s cousin; Robert Henderson and Michael Johnson.

Ushers were Ronald Hayes Jr., the bride’s brother; and Damien Champ, the groom’s brother; and Marlon and Earlie “Jermaine” Hayes, the bride’s cousins.

Flower girl was Brooklyn Bonnett, the bride’s niece.

Ring bearer was Te’Zhan Francois, the bride and groom’s son.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held at White Chapel Estate and Gardens in North Richardson Hills, Texas.