Michelle Marie Essmyer, daughter of Ron and Denise Essmyer of Oakville, and Alex Benjamin Johnson, son of Ben and Lori Johnson of Lampe, announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage.

Essmyer, of Oakville, graduated from Ursuline Academy High School in 2009. She is a 2013 graduate of Missouri State University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in marketing and business administration. Essmyer is employed by the Marlin Network of Springfield as an associate media planner.

Her fiance, Johnson, graduated from Blue Eye High School in Blue Eye in 2008. He is a 2012 graduate of Missouri State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and technical writing. In 2014, he earned a master’s degree in student affairs. Johnson is employed by Missouri State University as the director of community involvement and service.

The couple plan a September wedding at the Veridian in downtown Springfield.