Couple trying to get to Las Vegas wedding chapel marry on their flight instead

WASHINGTON (TND) — Pam Patterson and Jeremy Salda were joking with each other last week about hopping on a flight to elope in Las Vegas.

The couple, who are based in Oklahoma City, had been dating since August 2020. They booked their original flight for April 24. The pair wanted to keep it a secret from their family and friends.

Just for the fun of it, the couple donned the appropriate attire, wedding dress and groom suit included. They booked a Vegas wedding chapel appointment for 9 p.m. that evening. Little did they know — they wouldn't need it.

Their itinerary took them throughDallas/Fort Worth International Airport in Texas. From there, the final leg of their journey to Sin City was delayed several times and eventually canceled altogether.

While in the gate area, the soon-to-be Saldas met Chris Mitcham who was also booked on the canceled flight. After overhearing their story, Mitcham, who is an ordained minister, offered to marry the happy couple in Vegas himself.

The now-trio found a flight toHarry Reid International Airport via Southwest Airlines. They all hopped in an Uber and headed across town to Dallas Love Field Airport.

Once onboard the flight, the plane's captain asked Pam about the wedding dress she was wearing. Pam explained the backstory and joked that maybe she and Jeremy should get married on their flight instead.

The captain said, much to everyone's surprise, "Let's do it!"

The flight crew got to work hanging toilet paper streamers and making a sash out of snack bags for the minister to wear during the ceremony.

"The Wedding March" was cued up and the flight's passengers got in on the fun. Flyers turned on their call buttons to light the aircraft as Pam walked down the aisle. Julie Reynolds, one of the flight attendants, said she was happy to stand in as an impromptu maid of honor.

As luck would have it, a professional photographer happened to be on board and volunteered to capture the memorable wedding. For a makeshift cake, someone offered up a leftover powdered donut and passengers passed an old notebook around the cabin to serve as a guest book full of well-wishes.

Mitcham, who also worked in broadcast, captured the moment on video.

We were thrilled to play host to Pam and Jeremy’s special day," Southwest said in a statement. " ...we know our crew, our customers and the couple will remember this flight for a long time to come. We offer our congratulations to the newlyweds and well wishes on their new life together."