Look at this story!!! I had to share it with you! I would have loved something so romantic and exciting! Imagine the view!!!
Me and “her indoors” as we Brit immigrants to Australia (alright I’m a Pom) call our nearest and dearest, married in a quaint country church many moons ago. Our traditional start in married life was to take an abrupt turn a few years later however when disenchanted by rural living in England, and with 1980’s job prospects limited, we took the bold step of emigrating to the Land of Milk and Honey.
We became Sydney-siders, a move we have never regretted and of course consider ourselves dyed-in-the-wool Australians. Except when the English cricket team is at the SCG……
Fast forward to last year when we were about to celebrate our Ruby Wedding - 40 happy years. I was wondering how to make the occasion special for my better half when on one of those random rabbit-hole wanderings around the internet I came across a site that suggested how to renew your wedding vows.
Mmmm. The idea of a ceremony with crowds of invited guests all wanting to be fed, scared the bejesus out of me but why did it have to be a ceremony? Why not just utter the vows in a special place.
Then it came to me, as luck would have it, as I heard the whirring of a rotor overhead. Why not do a memorable helicopter ride over Sydney harbour! I’d always fancied seeing all the iconic places in the harbour such as the Opera House, Botanical Gardens, Bridge from high up but never got round to it.
Until now! Seeing that the company we dealt with was so professional and safety-oriented emboldened me. Also the fact that they have done tons of marriage proposals 500 feet above the glistening waters. But no renewal of vows….yet.
The cost was very reasonable, especially for two and I made the booking for the actual day of our anniversary and arranged a pick-up and driver to take us to the heliport near the international airport. I then got on the blower and booked a week-long get-away (all in secret) before getting the house in order for our departure.
What followed was unforgettable. The wife was already thrilled with my anniversary gift but hadn’t expected me to memorise the vows and arrange a crib sheet for her. We did a DIY renewal high above the city we have grown to love so much all in the safe hands of a fully registered and expert pilot.
We flew north taking in Maroubra Beach, Bondi, Vaucluse before circling the harbour twice and returning to base. What an amazing thirty minutes with pictures, videos and more than the odd tear!
Then it was back home. She thought it was all over and gave me a great hug. Until I showed her the second honeymoon tickets!
Now this ageing Brit is flavour of the month. Try a helicopter ride over Sydney - you don’t even need a special occasion as an excuse. Just do it!
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