Ostendorf -- Mercer

Cortney Marie Ostendorf and Jason Ray Mercer, both of St. Louis, were married Nov. 1, 2014, at Centenary United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. Brett Cheek performed the ceremony. Soloist was Jim Simmons of Benton, Missouri, and organist was Chatty Fruwald of Cape Girardeau.

The bride's parents are Richard and Tammy Ostendorf of Cape Girardeau and the groom's parents are Bill and Christy Mercer of Caruthersville, Missouri.

Maid of honor was Lindsey Ostendorf of Cape Girardeau, twin sister of the bride, and matron of honor was Whitney Simmons of Benton, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Kaci Westrich of Peoria, Illinois, friend of the bride; Ashlee Sitze of St. Louis, friend of the bride; and Nicole Pike of Cape Girardeau, friend of the bride.

Best man was Michael Mercer of Columbus, Georgia, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Shane Sprouse of Cape Girardeau, friend of the groom; Ben Bostic of Cape Girardeau, friend of the groom; Travis Grammar of Cape Girardeau, friend of the groom; and Will Combs of St. Louis, friend of the groom.

Flower girl was Payton Simmons, daughter of Trey and Whitney Simmons of Benton and niece of the bride.

Candlelighters were Amanda Lappe of Oak Ridge, cousin of the bride; and Allison Pfau of Jackson, friend of the bride.

Ushers were Tyler Lappe of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, cousin of the bride; and Steve Spradlin of St. Louis, friend of the groom.

The rehearsal dinner was held Oct. 31, 2014, at Gordonville Grill.

The wedding reception was held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Kelso, Missouri.

Guest book attendants were Meredith Brinkmeyer and Claire Goodson, friends of the bride. Program attendants were Emily Huber and Lauren Embree, friends of the bride.

The bride received a bachelor's degree in child development. She is a pre-K teacher at Downtown Children's Center.

The groom is pursuing a master's degree in accounting and works at Regions Bank.

After a wedding trip to Cozumel, Mexico, the couple lives in St. Louis.