Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Lathem of Gainesville announce the engagement of their daughter Miss Kristen Elizabeth Lathem to Mr. Brandon Marshall Butler, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Butler III of Macon.

The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Lathem and Mr. and Mrs. Perino Cochran, all of Gainesville.

She is a 2001 graduate of North Hall High School in Gainesville. She graduated in 2006 from North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega with a bachelor's degree in middle grades education. She received a master's degree in education at Piedmont College in Demorest. She is employed as a teacher with East Hall Middle School in Gainesville.

The groom-elect is the grandson of Ms. Mary Bass of Columbus, the Rev. Ted Bass of Macon and the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Butler Jr.

He is a 1998 graduate of Meadowcreek High School in Norcross. He graduated in 2002 from Georgia State University in Milledgeville with a bachelor's degree in history. He received a master's degree in education from Georgia College and State University and will complete his doctorate from the University of Georgia in Athens in August.

The couple plan to wed Sept. 24, 2011, at the Bradford House and Gardens in Flowery Branch.