San Benito couple weds at Polar Dip

By RAY QUIROGA
Publisher
publisher@sbnewspaper.com

beach love pic

Newly weds Traci Ann and Patrick Helton took the plunge after knowing each other for only five minutes. (Staff photo by Ray Quiroga)

Cupid can strike at the least expected time. Traci Ann and Patrick Helton can vouch for that. They tied the knot after a three-week, whirlwind courtship.

These days, that fact unto itself may not raise that many eyebrows, but consider the fact that neither individual was looking for love and that just weeks ago, Patrick was merely visiting the Island while on vacation from Wichita, Kansas.

To make Traci and Patrick’s experience that much more memorable, the couple chose to wed on New Year’s Day before a crowd of 2,000 strangers during the 13th Annual South Padre Island Polar Bear Dip. For Traci and Patrick, taking their vows in front of 2,000 strangers who were just about to simultaneously plunge into the Gulf of Mexico to kick off the New Year was logical.

Traci is originally from Houston, but recently relocated to San Benito for employment purposes, while Patrick’s family and friends remained in Wichita. Because their romance and engagement was so quick, the couple had little time to invite relatives and friends to their wedding, let alone plan a big event for their nuptials.

For more on this story, pick up a copy of the Jan. 9 edition of the San Benito News. Or view our E-Edition by clicking here.

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2011/01/07/san-benito-couple-weds-at-polar-dip/

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.