Ford - Tanksley

Ashley Ford and B.J. Tanksley were united in marriage June 7, 2008, at Cape First. The Rev. Gary Brothers performed the ceremony. String music was provided by Trio Girardeaux.

Parents of the couple are Jeff and Debbie Ford and Dwight and Kim Tanksley, all of Cape Girardeau.

Maid of honor was Rachel Hengst of Cape Girardeau, cousin of the bride. Bridesmaids were Jessica Greason of Kansas City, Mo., Sarah Wernsman of Caseyville, Ill., and Erica Kinnison of Thornton, Colo. Junior bridesmaid was Sydney Carter of Portageville, Mo., cousin of the groom.

Andrew Eaton of Kansas City was best man. Groomsmen were Brandon Tanksley of Cape Girardeau, brother of the groom; Mark Wittenborn and Clint Hoffman of Cape Girardeau; and Steven LeGrand of Chaffee, Mo., cousin of the groom. Ushers were Trevor Blattner of Kansas City, Bryan Crain of Scottsdale, Ariz., and Kyle Duncan of Cape Girardeau.

Flower girls were Anna Dittmer and Emma Friedewald, cousins of the groom. Ringbearer was Robert Carter, cousin of the groom. Anna is the daughter of Chris and Natalie Dittmer of Kelso, Mo. Emma is the daughter of Russ and Tammy Friedewald of Springfield, Ill. Robert is the son of Bob and Mary Carter of Portageville.

Guest book attendant was Britinni Carter of Cape Girardeau, cousin of the groom.

A dinner and dance reception was held at Drury Lodge.

The groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner June 6 at Bella Italia.

Mrs. Tanksley is a 2002 graduate of Central High School. She received a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in 2006, and is pursuing a master's degree in education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is a sixth grade teacher with Columbia Public School District.

The groom is a 2002 graduate of Central High School. He received a bachelor's degree in political science from Southeast in 2007. He is director of Missouri Legislative Service, a division of Missouri Chamber of Commerce in Jefferson City.

After a wedding trip to St. Lucia, the couple is residing in Jefferson City.