Heather Allen and Kirk Bates, both of Duluth, were married July 28 at Spirit Mountain in Duluth.
Her parents are Patricia Rasmussen and Dale Smith of Duluth. His parents are Jack and Joan Bates of Duluth.
The bride chose Janelle Menze as matron of honor. Bailey Melde was flower girl.
The groom chose Dan Menze as best man. Tyler May was ring bearer.
The bride, a 1993 graduate of Denfeld High School, is a server at the Olive Garden in Duluth.
ADVERTISEMENT
The groom, a 1990 graduate of Two Harbors High School, works for D&R Lawn Care Inc. in Duluth and is a smoke chaser for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
All hail the bride and groom
According to the Duluth News Tribune of July 28, the temperature hit 102 degrees, breaking the 1988 record of 96 degrees. Our outdoor wedding was brief, but none-the-less, everyone was melting. We quickly wrapped things up, unaware of the weather heading our way.
Twenty minutes later, hail and strong winds rolled in knocking over the chairs and decorations outside. As we watched the hail hit cars, we thought everyone would remember our special day the following week -- while they were calling their insurance agents. Fortunately there was no damage and we were grateful to have just missed the bad weather, which was followed by a beautiful rainbow.
-- Kirk and Heather Bates
