DEFIANCE — Shannon Jean Gerken and Martin Thomas Crossland are pleased to announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.

The bride-elect is a graduate of Holgate High School and is currently employed at Paulding County Hospital.

Her fiancé is a graduate of Paulding High School and received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Toledo in 2007. He is currently employed by the engineering department of Napoleon.

The couple will exchange wedding vows on July 23, 2011 at the Presbyterian Church in Defiance.

Following their marriage, they will reside in Defiance.