Melissa Marie Liefer and Thomas Allen Ziegler were united in marriage Saturday, July 11, 2015, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud. Rev. Todd Liefer, brother of the bride, officiated the 2 p.m. ceremony.  Father Carl Scherrer delivered the ceremony readings.

The bride is the daughter of Ron and Patti Liefer of Red Bud. She is the granddaughter of Clarence and Marge Guebert, and Ruby and the late Norbert Liefer, all of Red Bud. The groom is the son of Allen and Marilyn Ziegler of Columbia.  He is the grandson of Bernice and the late Dr. James R. Nolan of New Albany, Ind., and the late Leonard and Emelia Ziegler of St. Louis.

Given in marriage by her parents and escorted by her father, the bride wore a Maggie Sottero sheath gown featuring bold floral embroidered overlay, accented with sparkling Swarovski crystals, finished with an  illusion lace back adorned with a crystal button closure and separate satin dress.

Lisa Clark, friend of the bride, served as matron of honor.  Bridesmaids were Kelly Liefer, sister-in-law of the bride; Catherine Burkart, friend of the couple; and Michelle Ziegler, sister of the groom. They each wore a peacock blue Mori Lee luxe chiffon gown with an illusion front and back, accented with ruching. The flower girls were Emelia Ziegler, niece of the groom, and Lucy Liefer, niece of the bride, both wearing a US Angels ivory tea-length tank dress featuring a satin bodice, organza skirt, hand beaded cummerbund and organza tie back bow.

Cassidy Griffith, friend of the bride, served as guest book attendant. Jessica Sunnenburg, friend of the bride, and Mallory Van Dorn, cousin of the bride, served as wedding program attendants.

Patrick Ryan, friend of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen included Geoff Ziegler, brother of the groom; John Duncan, friend of the groom; and Nathan Burkart, friend of the couple.  Ring bearers were Jack Liefer, nephew of the bride, and Nolan Ziegler, nephew of the groom.

Guests were seated by Tanner Van Dorn, cousin of the bride, and Chris Allender, friend of the groom.
Lindsey Pfanstiel, the organist, accompanied the soloists, Michelle Ziegler, sister of the groom, and Brian Nolan, uncle of the groom.

A dinner reception and dance was hosted at The Falls in Columbia.

The bride is employed as a fourth grade teacher at Gardner Elementary in Waterloo. The groom is employed as a critical care/emergency trauma flight nurse for Air Evac Lifeteam.

Following a honeymoon in St. Lucia, the couple reside in Waterloo.

Melissa and Thomas wish to thank the many family and friends who came to share in the ceremony and celebration of their marriage.