Allen -- Essner

Michael P. Allen of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, announces the engagement of his daughter, Molly Margaret Allen, to Taylor James Essner, both of St. Louis. Molly is also the daughter of the late Amy Margaret Allen. Taylor is the son of James M. and Mary B. Essner of Cape Girardeau.

Molly is a 2009 graduate of Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois. She received a Bachelor of Science in exercise science in 2013 and a Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2015 from Saint Louis University. She is a physical therapist at St. Louis Children's Hospital in St. Louis.

Taylor is a 2010 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School. He received Bachelor of Arts degrees in economics and philosophy from Saint Louis University in 2014. He expects to graduate in May with a Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. Upon graduation and admittance to the Missouri Bar, he will begin practicing law as an associate at Lewis Rice in St. Louis.

A September wedding is planned at St. Clement Catholic Church near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.