Aussie and Kiwi couple tie the knot on Jetstar flight

An Australian man and a Kiwi woman have made a very unique compromise for their wedding location, tying the knot on a plane in between the two countries.

Aviation enthusiasts Cathy and David Valliant were married on a Jetstar flight from Sydney to Auckland last month and their 10,000-meter high nuptials will be legally recognised in Australia.

The marriage was officiated by Jetstar crew worker Robyn Holt, who is a celebrant.

Cathy said the couple met in 2011 playing an online game called Airport City and bonded over their mutual affections for aviation.

“It just evolved from there,” she said. “We first met in person in 2013 at Sydney Airport when I took my first trip to Australia. We locked eyes and that was it.”

Cathy said that three years later, the two took their first Dreamliner flight together, a Jetstar flight from Brisbane to Melbourne, where David had planned to propose but he got too nervous with all the surrounding passengers. He proposed that evening instead.

“For our wedding, we wanted something really memorable. We wanted it to symbolise our love for aviation, our love for Australia and New Zealand and our love for each other,” she said.

“I thought: I’ll be cheeky and ask Jetstar. Without telling Dave, I posted on Jetstar’s Facebook page with the ask. I was so excited when they said they’d see what they could do.

“It was the most amazing experience and something we will remember for the rest of our lives.”

Jetstar arranged for the couple’s wedding party to sit upfront of the commercial flight there they held the ceremony. They were greeted on board by pilots and crew and enjoyed a special welcome when they landed in Auckland.

“It was a really special occasion and definitely the first time I’ve conducted a wedding in the air!” Holt said.

“Being a part of Cathy and David’s day and celebrating their love and their passion for aviation was unforgettable. 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 celebration.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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