Up in the air, you never know who might be in the seat next to you……

Meet Andre and Chris who met on a Delta flight from Jacksonville to Atlanta almost two years ago. Now they’re engaged and getting ready for a fairytale wedding filled with family, friends, and of course, Delta. Here’s the first hand account of their romance from the happy couple themselves.

We know you met on a Delta flight—how exactly did it happen?

We met on October 22nd, 2010 while aboard Delta flight 1874 – fromJacksonvilletoAtlanta.  I was flying back home toLos Angelesand Chris (my fiancé) was flying toPittsburghfor a conference. After we unsuccessfully tried everything in our power to have our seats changed (who really wants to sit in the rear of the plane in row 40!?), we found ourselves sitting next to each other. I had taken my seat first and Chris was one of the last to board. After taking his seat, he awkwardly removed his coat, slightly elbowing me. He apologized and that was our first conversation. As the television monitors were lowered, Chris was quick to make a humorous comment, and we laughed a bit. In his ‘outdoor’ voice, Chris continued to talk over the safety announcements. With headphones in hand, I couldn’t wait until we reached 10,000 ft. so that I could politely insert my headphones and disengage from conversation with the loud guy sitting next to me!

How did you start talking?

Before we had reached our cruising altitude, I found myself engaged in a pleasant conversation with this surprisingly charming neighbor. We talked about life, love, friends, religion, and everything in between. After Chris called me out for wearing a faux engagement ring (yes, I USED to wear a ‘creeper ring’ when I would fly) and after enjoying a drink on the flight (he did not even pay for my drink *gasp*) we both discovered that we had a 4-hour layover inAtlantabefore continuing on to our final destinations. After making this discovery, I waited for 40A to invite me to spend time with him. He didn’t at first; and I found myself slightly disappointed. Twenty minutes later as the plane started its descent, he finally asked if I’d like to grab a bite to eat during our long layover and of course I said ‘yes’.

Tell us about your first date—it was in the terminal right?

After arriving inAtlanta, we found ourselves wandering around and looking for somewhere to grab some food. It was at that time we realized that we did not even know each others name, as we had not formally introduced ourselves to one another. On the escalator up to the bar, we exchanged names and a handshake. The next three hours was filled with amazing conversation and a few glasses of wine. The time flew by and it was time to part ways. My flight left 10 minutes earlier than Chris’ so he walked me to my gate first. As we arrived in front of the gate, we looked at each other and he said “I’ve never done anything like this before” as he pulled me close and kissed me. I was completely surprised as neither of us had hinted during our hours of conversation that we had an attraction to one another. I felt butterflies consume my body, I was smitten; I smiled and ran onto my almost departing plane. From that day forward, not a day would go by without talking with one another.

How did the proposal go down?

Chris proposed to me a year to the day that we met, October 22nd, 2011. Chris contacted my previous employer inLos Angeles(without my knowing) and had arranged for me to have a faux business trip to meet with an insurance adjuster. Even though this was Chris & I’s one year anniversary, I still agreed to go. Chris came with me to the gulf front home and we waited for “Newt Ringley” (the name of the so-called insurance adjuster) to show up. After waiting a few hours and with the sun setting, Chris and I came to the conclusion that ‘Mr. Ringley’ was a no-show. Chris and I walked to the end of the dock at the house, which sits in theGulf of Mexicoand proceeded to watch the sun set. Chris then took the opportunity to present me with our one-year-anniversary gift. What I thought was a purse, ended up being a distraction to hide the ring.  Inside of the handbag, I found two blank Delta boarding passes that Chris had written on. One boarding pass had a sweet note written on it and the other was a ‘boarding pass for life’. I said ‘yes’, of course!

We hear you have big wedding plans?

Our wedding and reception will be held at a beautiful historic hotel (The Thomas Center) inGainesville,Florida. We have a relatively vintage themed wedding and we’re trying to incorporate as much of an airline/Delta theme as we can!

Special Thanks to Lindsey Tropf for capturing these wonderful images!

Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf
URL ~ www.purebylindsey.com