A British couple who met on a Virgin Atlantic flight were all shook up this week after their Elvis-inspired wedding was gate-crashed…by Sir Richard Branson
Malcolm and Jacqui King-McKinnon were expecting The King to officiate Sunday’s vow renewal ceremony in Las Vegas.
But they were stunned when the intimate service was interrupted by Sir Richard, who made a surprise appearance.
Dressed in a red blazer and black shirt with matching sunglasses, the Virgin boss walked into The Little White Wedding Chapel and told the lookalike, “Hang on, that’s my job”.
He then officiated proceedings himself before declaring, “I do declare you husband wife”.
The 73-year-old left the chapel – known for marrying 100 or more couples a day, and as the venue of Jenifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding in 2022 – arm-in-arm with Elvis.
Other guests included Virgin Atlantic crew members and its CEO, Shai Weiss.
Malcolm and Jacqui, who live in Manchester, England, met on Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural flight in 1984 and have worked for the carrier ever since.
They were whisked away from the chapel’s ‘Tunnel of Love’ in a pink cab and will enjoy a second honeymoon on a Virgin Voyage cruise later this year.
The surprise was organised by Virgin Atlantic as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations this year.
Sir Richard said: “Our incredible people are what makes Virgin Atlantic so special – they are mavericks, trailblazers, they are kind and fun.
“Getting to celebrate two of those people who have been with us since day one was an honor. Malcolm and Jacqui’s love story started at Virgin Atlantic, which makes them part of the family.
“They’re also proof that we’ve been bringing people together for the moments that matter for four decades – in a way that only Virgin Atlantic can!”
Malcolm, who works as a Flight Service Manager at Virgin Atlantic, added: “They call it love at first sight but for us it was love at first flight!
“Today has been incredible and it means so much to Jacqui, our daughters and myself. Virgin Atlantic brought us together and has given us opportunities to explore the world and create countless memories we’ll cherish forever.”
