Jordan Mertz, daughter of Denise Mertz, and Mel Eckman, son of Malinda and Kyle Eckman, were united in marriage on Nov. 1, 2014, at Beltzville State Park.

Pastor Jim Dean officiated the ceremony.Given in marriage by her brother, Tucker Mertz, the bride chose her sister, Avery Mertz, as her maid of honor.Joseph Devereaux served as the best man.Family and friends celebrated the nuptials in Lehighton following the wedding.The new Mrs. Eckman is a 2008 graduate of Jim Thorpe Area High School. In 2012, she received a B.A. in political science and an elementary education certification from Moravian College.She is currently employed as the fourth-grade teacher at Saint Joseph Regional Academy in Jim Thorpe.She is the granddaughter of William and Nancy Whiteman.Mr. Eckman is a 2009 graduate of Lehighton Area High School.He is currently employed as a conductor with the Norfolk Southern Railroad in Allentown.He is the grandson of Melvin and Maryann Muffley and Drew and Sandra Eckman.The newlyweds live in Lehighton.