Leslie Anne Aker and Justin Reese Franciskato were united in marriage at 6 o’clock in the evening July 25, 2020, at Bridlewood in Madison. The double-ring ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Greg Warnock. Both rings were original designs by Betsy Gardner Jewelry, cousin of the bride. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Edward Aker of Brookhaven. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Earl Douglas and the late George Aker and Lafon Aker. The groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Louis Franciskato of Madison and Patricia Franciskato of Byram. He is the grandson of Mrs. Ann Ferrell and the late Gerald Franciskato and Mrs. Brent Moak and the late Jerry Moak.

Family and friends were greeted by Bella Ozier, cousin of the bride, who served as program attendant. Guests, many wearing mask and social distancing, were shown to their seats while pianist Marty Parks and violinist Vincent Massimino played sacred hymns.

Escorted by her father, the bride wore an ivory mikado silk wedding dress with beaded off the shoulder straps, a fit and flare silhouette and covered buttons cascading down the cathedral length train. Accenting her dress was a belt beaded with crystals and pearls and her Marionat veil trimmed with alencon lace and rhinestones. Attached to her bouquet of white roses, peonies,and calla lilies was a lace handkerchief that belonged to her grandmother.

Attending as matron of honor was Allison Aker McCaffrey, sister of the bride. Her maid of honor was lifelong friend, Jessica Brister. Bridesmaids were Kelsey Carroll, Morgan Dixon, Brooke Halley, Allison Layton, Anna Rushing, and Shelby Vu. Honorary bridesmaids were Shelby Alexander, Amanda Capaning, Erin Culpepper, Danielle Mathews, Ashton Richardson, and Amanda Vance. Duncan McGehee and Austin Vance served as best men. Groomsmen included Robert Franciskato, Phillip Crain, Craig Floyd, Jason Halley, Garrett Kalem, Joseph Lamas and Josh McCaffrey. Nephews of the bride, Asher McCaffrey served as a junior groomsmen and Archie McCaffrey was the ring bearer.

Soloist Laura Lee Lewis sang “The Prayer” while the bride and groom and their parents circled around a wooden cross made by the bride’s grandfather, Richard Douglas, symbolizing the uniting of families.

A unique chandelier of white long stem roses hung over a food table at the reception. Fresh Cut Floral and Catering did an excellent job of making the wedding beautiful and the reception a delicious delight to everyone. The groom’s love of the NY Yankees was displayed as he chose a cookies and cream NY Yankee cake. The beautiful strawberry and almond flavored brides cake was decorated with roses and made by Turquoise Chandelier. The guest enjoyed entertainment and danced to Style Band. Kylie Wooten Photography took the beautiful pictures of their wedding. Jordan Osborn, the wedding coordinator, made the day run smoothly.

Sparklers lit the way as the happy couple drove away in their golf cart. The Franciskatos will make their home in Madison.