Forget about the mile high club, this couple is in a league of their own. In what is to be believed a world first, this couple got married mid-flight in celebration of their mutual love of aviation.
For David and Cathy Valliant, aviation has always been a special part of their relationship. The couple met for the first time back in 2013 at Sydney Airport after a year of chatting online. David had even intended to propose on board a flight but at the last minute lost his nerve.
“Our love of aviation is what brought us together,” Cathy told CNN Travel.
Naturally, when they got engaged, there was no better place to say ‘I do’ than up in the air.
As Cathy is from New Zealand and David is from Australia, the couple wanted to get married in between their home countries. So, they decided to tie the knot at the halfway mark on board a Jetstar Flight 201 from Sydney to Auckland.
“We wanted it to symbolize our love for aviation, our love for Australia and New Zealand and our love for each other. I thought: I’ll be cheeky and ask Jetstar,” Cathy said. “Without telling Dave, I posted on Jetstar’s Facebook page with the question. I was so excited when they said they’d see what they could do.”
Jetstar pulled out the stops to make this couples dream a reality.
“When New Zealander, Cathy and David from Australia told us that they wanted to get married in-between their two countries, we knew we had to help make their dream come true,” the airline wrote on their Facebook page. “In what we believe to be a world first, the couple exchanged vows on a Jetstar flight, 34,000 feet above the Tasman.”
Watch the video below:
https://www.facebook.com/JetstarAustralia/videos/544942566063897/
The couple had their legal ceremony on land at Sydney airport, followed by their special airborne ceremony. Ground crew member Robyn Holt acted as the wedding officiant.
“Being a part of Cathy and David’s day and celebrating their love and their passion for aviation was unforgettable,” said Holt. “The passengers enjoyed being a part of it, too. As an airline we love bringing people together, and this was one of my most memorable wedding celebrations.”
“It was the most amazing experience and something we will remember for the rest of our lives,” said Cathy Valliant in a statement.
Image: Facebook / Jetstar Australia
One excited groom-to-be took his girlfriend surfing, got on one knee mid-ocean on the surfboard, then lost his grip and dropped the ring into the sea. Luckily, though,…
Movies truly do hold a special place in our hearts. From teaching us lessons to creating friendships with fellow fans, movies can change our lives. One such movie, Back to the Future, did just that. This couple loved the 8os trilogy so much that they planned their wedding around it.
For Lynsey and James McConville from Stratford, East London, Back to the Future has always been an integral part of their relationship. Their first date, in fact, was to watch the 1980 classic. So when James proposed and they began planning their wedding, they knew the classic film had to be incorporated somehow.
“We were both born in the 1980s and have fond memories of all the retro toys and the films, so the Back to the Future theme felt perfect for us,” Lynsey told the Daily Mail.
They dropped a pretty £10,000 (R162 333) to make their dream wedding come true. Their wedding theme was ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’, in honour of the classic dance from the film. James channelled Marty McFly with his choice of shoe wear, donning a pair of light-up warrior sneakers.

“We had an 80s buffet with cocktail sausages on sticks, vol au vents and party rings and a cocktail menu with themed drinks like the Marty Mojito, Sex in a DeLorean and Clock Tower Cosmo,” said Lynsey.
The wedding band played 80s classics throughout the evening, and the day came complete with the original DeLorean from the film. Their wedding cake also featured the DeLorean in miniature form, popping out the side of the cake.


“I think it went down really well with the guests, everyone thought it was funny and loved the 80s music. It turned into a big knees up,” Lynsey told the Daily Mail. “Guests got to have photos in the original DeLorean, which had been signed by all the cast members.”
“The original plan was to have a themed ‘save the date’ card, then it grew from there – snowballing until we had a DeLorean pulling up outside,” said James. “It was the best day ever. Dancing to Popgun with my wife and friends – you couldn’t beat it.”
Image: Unsplash
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The timeless bride deserves a dress to match. From Gatsby glamour to Victorian silhouettes, there is a wealth of fashion inspiration from yesteryear.
Get inspired by the trends of the past when picking your dress for the big day. The focal trends will differ depending on your favourite era, so the best plan of action is to do your research.
Victorian:
The Victorian-era was all about drama in a modest fashion. Women wore pouffed out dresses adorned with lace and romantic charm. Opt for a high-neck, lace number to harken back to a Victorian style.
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Gatsby:
When we picture the roaring 20s, we envision opulence, flash and drama. A time of decadence, 20s fashion reflected of the spirit of bold women. Think elaborate beading and geometric designs for a flapper-inspired 20’s look.
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60s bohemian:
The 60s was all about peace and love. Boho fashion entered the mainstream during this time, dressing women in flowing fabrics and unique lace/crochet detailing. Channel your inner hippie with these elaborate looks.
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Image: Unsplash
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South Africa’s favourite couple have officially set a date for the wedding of the year. Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat are officially getting married on December 31, 2019.
In a tweet, KFC South Africa officially announced that Hector and Nonhlanhla, who stole our hearts when they became engaged in a Vaal KFC in early November, will say ‘I Do’ on New Year’s Eve.
Our national couple Bhut Hector and Sis Nonhlanhla have given us a date for their big day!!!!!!!! SI YA SHATISA NGO 31 DECEMBER 2019 BAKITHI! Alililili ? it’s a #StreetwiseWedding ya’ll, more details to follow. ? #KFCProposal pic.twitter.com/Y1QJkRnJeQ
— KFC South Africa (@KFCSA) November 15, 2019
The couple are already married, but because of their financial situation, they could not have the wedding they truly wanted. This time, they’re doing it big and the nation is fully behind them.
Precious the Planner, one of the country’s top wedding planners, is already on board to plan the big day.
Wedding Planner to the National Couple ? The date is set? @KFCSA reached out to me at the request of the couple. I met with Bhuti Hector & his lovely wife Sis Nonhlanhla today? Wedding planning underway, I can’t wait ??#KFCProposal #StreetwiseWedding #precioustheplanner pic.twitter.com/fsYvSC8vF2
— Precious The Planner®️ (@preciousplanner) November 20, 2019
Other notable businesses that have offered support include Takealot, Capfin, Kulula, Sun City Resort, Koo Food.
Congratulations, Bhut’ Hector and Nonhlanhla! We’d like to share the love with R50 000 towards your wedding. @KFCSA can you get us in touch with the happy couple?? #KFCProposal #StreetwiseWedding #ShareTheLove pic.twitter.com/VNaUIuDJbG
— Capfin (@CapfinSA) November 8, 2019
Together with our friends; Crosse Blackwell, Fatti’s & Monis, Ace, Golden Cloud, Black Cat, Mrs Balls, All Gold, Benny, Colman’s, Holbrooks and King Korn, we’d like to contribute groceries to the value of R20 000. Because Umshado wouldn’t be the same without us. #KFCProposal https://t.co/8mvvip2CZv
— KOO (@KOO_Food) November 8, 2019
Popular photographer Austin Malema has offered to be the official photographer, DJ Fresh has offered to donate a DJ set for the reception, and Zakes Bantwini has offered to perform at the wedding.
Drum magazine has offered a two-page spread on the couple, and it is rumoured that Mzanzi Magic’s Our Perfect Wedding will capture the wedding in all its glory.
It’s not only businesses feeling the love. People are offering to support in any way they can, from donating money to supplying cars, outfits, accessories, invites and drinks.
If you would also like to support the happy couple, all media queries, donations and pledges can be directed to [email protected].
Image: Twitter



