NEWARK— An unconventional celebration was held on a United Airlines (UA) flight from Newark (EWR) to Orlando (MCO) as a couple exchanged wedding vows onboard.
Jake Meli and Abigail Power were married on the United Airlines service while flying to their honeymoon destination in Orlando, Florida. The special ceremony was witnessed by fellow passengers and crew.
Photo: Clément AlloingCouple Married Onboard United Flight
The event, which originated as a friendly challenge, rapidly transformed into a significant milestone at cruising altitude.
Groom Jake Meli sought to transcend the gesture by marrying mid-air, drawing inspiration from a friend’s cruise ship wedding.
The United Airlines (UA) flight to Disney World was the ideal setting for the couple’s first honeymoon excursion in Orlando, with the equally popular Universal Studios also on the cards.
Jake Meli and Abigail Power | United Airlines via InstagramJake, who has been a frequent flyer with United since childhood, collaborated with the airline to arrange a surprise wedding.
The couple was served champagne and cake during the flight, while the Boeing 737‘s cabin was adorned with twinkling lights. The cabin crew issued the ceremony announcement via the PA system, catching several passengers pleasantly off guard.
Photo: Cado PhotoFellow Passengers Welcome the Surprise Ceremony
Jake’s brother, the officiant, addressed passengers with a blend of humour and emotion while the couple stood at the front of the cabin in wedding regalia.
The event proclaimed passengers as honorary guests, despite being initially unaware of the wedding plans.
The officiant initiated the ceremony by stating,
“Friends, family, and fellow passengers, who were under the impression that they were travelling to Orlando on a routine flight…surprise!” and subsequently conducted a brief, sincere ceremony.
The Universal Life Church’s ordination enabled him to conclude the event by pronouncing them husband and wife.
Applause and cheers from fellow passengers welcomed the ceremony, transforming a routine commercial flight into a memorable one.
United Airlines subsequently posted a video of the event on its official Instagram account, garnering favourable feedback for its ability to accommodate the distinctive celebration.
Photo: Clément AlloingIn-Flight Marriages Become a Growing Trend
In-flight marriages are not unheard of, despite their rarity. This mid-air ceremony is another addition to the expanding collection of innovative wedding venues that couples are pursuing as they seek alternatives to traditional marriage customs for their special day.
United Airlines’ assistance in organising the event underscores the legacy carrier’s readiness to accommodate such requests in exceptional circumstances.
In contrast, other unconventional nuptials, such as a 2008 wing-walking ceremony in the United Kingdom, demonstrate that love frequently manifests itself in the most unconventional settings.
Nevertheless, this American couple’s celebration is distinguished by its unique combination of genuine emotion, airline cooperation, and spontaneity expressed mid-air.
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