Shari Smith | William Merdich

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LEETONIA

Shari L. Smith and William J. Merdich, both of Leetonia, exchanged vows Sept. 15 at Leetonia First United Methodist Church before the Revs. Teresa Smolka and Bob Edwards, who officiated at the 11 a.m. ceremony.

A brunch reception followed at Drake’s Landing in Canfield.

Charles and Jeanette Merdich of Leetonia are parents of the groom. The bride’s parents, William and Elizabeth Smith, are deceased.

The bride wore a satin A-line gown with ivory cap sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. It was adorned with beaded lace and a chapel train. A beaded tiara and veil completed the ensemble.

The bride’s brother, Doug Smith, escorted her.

Pamela Merdich, sister-in-law of the groom, served as matron of honor. Penny Hickman was a bridesmaid. Madelyn Steiskal, great-niece of the bride, was the flower girl. The attendants wore apple-red dresses.

Charles Merdich, groom’s brother, performed the duties of best man. The nephew of the groom, Alexander Merdich, was a groomsman, while the bride’s great-nephew, Gavin Steiskal, served as ring bearer.

The bride graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and sociology/anthropology. She works as a corporate benefits specialist for Employee Benefit Services of America in Boardman.

The groom received an associate degree in landscaping from Ohio State University’s Agricultural Technical Institute and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation and urban forestry at OSU.

After a honeymoon trip to Gettysburg, Pa., the couple reside in Leetonia.