Alyssa Merklein Kirchhoff and Travis Wayne Stites were united in marriage in a double-ring ceremony at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Stuttgart, on July 11, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. with Pastor Shelly Klingensmith officiating.
Parents of the couple are Anthony and Jane Kirchhoff, Stuttgart, and Wayne and Sherry Stites, McPherson. Grandparents of the bride are Ehrhart and Mary Ann Merklein, Stuttgart, and Gilbert and Myra Kirchhoff, Cedar. The groom’s grandparents were the late Leland and Lucille Hadley and the late Glenn and Elvena Stites.
Alyssa was escorted to the alter by her father wearing a cap-sleeved, a-lined gown, featuring crystal beading on the bodice and back. She carried a bouquet of cascading white roses.
Heather McClain, friend of the bride, served as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were: Tina Krafft, cousin of the bride and Ashley Thomas and Jill Dusin, friends of the bride. They wore strapless clover green, tea-length dresses and carried bouquets of white miniature roses, carnations and lilies.
T.J. Dearing, friend of the groom, served as best man. Groomsmen were Troy Stites, brother of the groom, Lee Hadley, cousin of the groom, and Nathan Blackburn, friend of the groom. Serving as ushers were Colin Kirchhoff, brother of the bride, Eric Frederking, friend of the groom, Drew Dechant and Brooks Dechant, cousins of the groom.
Karissa Keeten, niece of the groom, was the flower girl and Javyn Alexander, nephew of the groom, was the ring bearer. Serving as candlelighters were Christine Albrecht and Jenna Krafft (Skov), cousins of the bride. Musicians for the ceremony were Phyllis Merklein, organist; Christine Albrecht, keyboard; Colin Kirchhoff, guitarist and vocalist; and Kyle Merklein, vocalist. Program and guest book attendants were Trisha Alexander, sister of the groom, and Ranae Stites, sister-in-law of the groom.
The reception, dinner and dance were held at the Kensington American Legion. Tom and Mildred Hadley, aunt and uncle of the groom, served as the host and hostess.
After a honeymoon trip to Jamaica, Alyssa and Travis are at home in Phillipsburg. Alyssa is employed as a first- and second-grade teacher in Lenora and Travis is a lineman for Prairie Land Electric.
