Curt Brau of Early and Mary Brau of Schaller announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Melanie Brau of Le Mars to Michael Murphy of Le Mars. He is the son of Patrick and Kathryn Murphy of Le Mars.

The couple is a planning an Oct. 1, 2005, wedding at 2 p.m. in Early.

Melanie is a 2001 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and is a third grade teacher in Le Mars Community Schools.

Michael is a 2002 graduate of Iowa State University and 2005 graduate of Drake University Law Schoo. He is employed at Murphy, Collins and Bixenman Law Firm in Le Mars.