01/05/2026
The group text thread—making plans and working out details—in the days leading up to this flight were hopeful yet uncertain. The forecast called for snow. Of course there was a plan B but it wasn’t discussed because, Good Vibes Only. Hoping that Tracy and Michelle would be able to say their vows in the skies above Stillwater, the place where they met and that holds their heart, we would go to the airport and wait out the snow.
We took photos in the hangar. Tracy showed me the toys he carried in his pocket given to him by his kids that morning. They showed me the leather wallets they had carefully chosen to permanently keep their written vows and Michelle explained the design elements on their custom rings. The pilot watched the weather and wiped down the helicopter. The officiant used his truck to clear snow from the landing pad. Lunch was ordered and paperwork filled out.
Then, the snow stopped and everything fell into place. There was a short weather window and for 35 minutes we were in the sky—vows were said, advice and wisdom was imparted by the officiant, rings exchanged, lots of laughter, a few kisses and landmarks were observed from above.
As we landed the snow started softly falling again, but this time it felt different somehow.
Congratulations and best wishes to Tracy and Michelle! May the Good Vibes follow you always.
