SAN ANTONIO — Tuesday marked the 25th anniversary of a historic flood.
On Oct. 17, 1998, a storm dumped 15-30 inches of rain between San Antonio and San Marcos. Floodwaters rose so fast, 29 people were killed. 4,000 structures were destroyed and more than 12,000 were damaged.
For one San Antonio couple, that day also marks a different anniversary.
“The water came up to the second set of steps here,” said Michele Brown.
Will and Michele Brown got married at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church during the flood of 1998.
“Before I walked down the aisle with my dad, I looked out the back window and saw an industrial size trash dumpster and a Miata floating down Broadway,” she said.
Leading up to their wedding, Michele says loved ones prevented the couple from watching the news so they wouldn’t stress about the impending storm.
“It never crossed our minds that we should cancel it because we had no idea what was going on across the city,” she said. “I think if we did [know], we might have had a second thought. The wedding started late because my parents were afraid my grandparents would wash down the street because it was a roaring rapid.”
About 350 guests were invited, Michele says, but only 10 made it to the church.
“It was a very small affair,” said Michele. “We are just really grateful that those who were able to make it, made it. We heard from lots of folks who hadn’t [made it], including Deborah Knapp. She was supposed to be coming to the wedding and wasn’t able to make it. She has a great story of how she tried to get there.”
The couple had a candlelight ceremony because the power went out.
“Nothing to do at that point but smile and try to take in the moment,” said Will. “Because nothing like this is ever going to happen again.”
Some believe rain is good luck on your wedding day. So, what does a flood bring?
“We have been married 25 years,” said Michele. “We have two fantastic children, we have family and friends who live close to us, and life is good. We are very, very lucky.”
On their second wedding anniversary, Michele says it also rained. On Oct. 18, 2000, their son was born. The couple named him Noah.
MORE LOCAL NEWS