Couple Races To Their Marriage Appointment And Ends Up Marrying At 37,000 Feet

May 20, 2022

When Oklahoma couple Pam Patterson and Jeremy Salda matched on the dating app Bumble in 2020, it was instant chemistry. After messaging each other for a few days, Patterson asked Salda out. Recalling that evening, she said, "It was just one of those great dates where you talk all night until 2 AM." On their second date, Salda brought confetti and flowers for the two to spread throughout the town. 

Among many things, the two shared a love for family, both having children from previous relationships. However, they were at different points in their parenting journey. Patterson had two grown children, a 28-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son, whereas Salda's children, a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, were still growing. "I didn't know if I was ready to do a whole family thing again," Pam said. 

Despite their obvious connection, the couple didn't jump to their happily ever after just yet. They agreed to keep in touch and see other people. But neither Patterson nor Salda stayed on the apps for long. On Mother's Day, Salda reached out to Patterson. This time, the spark stayed, and soon, Salda secretly bought a ring.   

While vacationing in January 2022, Salda proposed. After watching the water together on a beach in Cancun, he dropped to one knee and asked Patterson to marry him. Remembering their special moment, Patterson said, "I've been speechless twice in my life. It was the time I met Tim McGraw and that day." The couple immediately began making wedding plans. 

They dreamed of a destination wedding in Mexico; however, they needed to be officially married in the US first. The couple planned to marry in Las Vegas. The marriage license appointment was booked, the hotel room was reserved, but then their flight was canceled. 

The couple scrambled to book another flight, connecting this time through Texas. They reached Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, dressed in a suit and gown with plans to run to the chapel once they landed. Then bad weather grounded them again. 

A fellow passenger, Chris Mitcham, noticed the couple and asked where they were flying. The two explained their plans to Mitcham, who revealed that not only was he heading to Vegas, but he was also an ordained minister and offered to marry them if they missed their appointment. The three booked tickets together on the next flight, which was leaving from nearby Love Field Airport. 

Undeterred, they raced across town. Recalling the mad dash, Patterson said, "[I was] literally running through the airport, through security, in a wedding dress." Winded, they finally boarded the plane, and as they did, the pilot nonchalantly asked if Patterson intended to get married in Vegas. She replied, "Well, we're going to try, but if not, I think I'm just going to get married right here on this plane."

The pilot liked the idea and announced to the cabin that there would be a ceremony onboard. Flight attendants hung tissue paper streamers, queued the song "Here Comes the Bride," and illuminated the call lights. Mitcham set up video equipment, and soon all that was left to do was for Patterson to walk down the aisle. 

Then, flying 37,000 feet above Arizona, the two were wed. In her vows, Patterson joked, "I can't wait to be your co-pilot in life." 

What's the most out-of-the-ordinary thing that's happened on one of your flights? Let us know — and be sure to pass this article on to friends, family, and fellow mile-high clubbers!