Eddie and Denise Barker of Heidelberg announce the engagement of their daughter, Lauren, to Ryan Caldwell, son of Bill and Ann Caldwell of Laurel.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Tom and Bobbie Holifield of Laurel, Alatha McElhenney of Laurel and the late Edward Wayne Barker. She is a 2004 honors graduate of Heidelberg Academy. She attended Jones Junior College and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Jones on Stage. She is currently attending the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in political science and minor in sociology. She will graduate in May 2009.

The future groom is the grandson of Charlotte Pavesic of Laurel, Frank Pavesic of Birmingham, Ala., Bonnie Ratcliff of Laurel, the late Howard Ratcliff, the late Bernell Caldwell. He is a 2004 graduate of Laurel High School. He is a graduate of Jones Junior College and is currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in business administration. He is employed with Eastern Fishing and Rental Tool.

Wedding vows will be exchanged at 5 p.m. Dec. 20, 2008, at the home of Sandy and Jackie Thach in Petal.