My husband and I combined our last names when we got married — it started as a joke, but then it just made sense

Courtesy of Marcy Donnager

• Marcy Donnelly and Chris Buerger, 50 and 52, combined their last names when they wed in 2000.
• The couple applied to the courts after deciding to call themselves Mr. and Mrs. Donnager.
• Their kids are happy with the hybrid name and described the change as "cool."

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Marcy Donnager. It has been edited for length and clarity.

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