Carrie Erickson and Joshua Skoglund, both of Duluth, were married June 13 in the Rose Garden at Leif Erikson Park in Duluth.

Her parents are Mary and John Erickson of Duluth. His parents are Darla and John Heins of Aitkin and Wayne and Jolayne Skoglund of Duluth.

The bride chose her cousin, Keelie Doucette, as maid of honor. Bridesmaids were Kristen Springer, Jennifer Luiten and Briana Hanson. Flower people were Martin Erickson and Abby Iniguez.

The groom chose Lee Bos as best man. Groomsmen were Jimmy Iniguez, Keith Skoglund and Wayne Skoglund.

The bride, a 2005 graduate of Denfeld High School, is a nursing assistant at St. Luke’s hospital in Duluth.

The groom, a 2004 graduate of Denfeld High School, is a desk clerk/night auditor at Super 8 Motel in Duluth.

Bittersweet final family gathering

Our wedding day was perfect. It had rained all week, but the sun came out that morning. It was a little windy, but that’s better than rain. My great-aunt wasn’t able to make it to the ceremony, but was able to attend the reception. She and my grandfather sat at a table talking. This would be the last time they would see each other alive. On July 3, my great-aunt passed away, and on July 21, my grandfather followed her to heaven. It was perfect timing for our wedding; not only was it the last time they were together, but it was also the last time our whole family would be together with Papa.

Carrie Skoglund