Natalie Hood and Hayden Halbert started a sentimental journey June 2 by exchanging wedding vows in the historic airport hangar at Hope Municipal Airport in Hope, Ark.
"The airport has vintage charm," Hood said.
Airplanes set the stage for the event, showing a way of life going back to World War II. The airport, which has six buildings, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hood said her father, Joe Hood, has worked for Expressjet Airlines since before she was born, "so I have grown up around planes and taken interest in them."
"When we first got engaged, the airport was my first venue of choice. I talked with Paul Henley, the city park manager, about if it would be possible to use the hangar as my wedding venue. He said yes, and it then went to the city of Hope Board of Directors for discussion," she said.
After a few meetings, they developed a contract of $750 per day for the use of the hangar and a $250 deposit.
"Because the wedding was at the airport, we went with a travel theme. We used world globes, antique suitcases, and maps as decorations," she said.
"We used three planes outside the hangar as a backdrop for the wedding ceremony, and then we used a friend's planes inside the hangar, which was used during the wedding reception," she said.
The planes inside the hangar were a 1940 Piper and a 1964 Cessna.
As wedding favors, the couple used little suitcases to hold mints and peanuts, she said. Guests also received aviator sunglasses inspired by Tom Cruise in the movie "Top Gun," Hood said. They wore the sunglasses and threw paper airplanes for the couple's
send-off.
"Our wedding day was absolutely wonderful, and I can't wait for our next adventure as a married couple," Hood said.