While it may seem unlikely, a Russian cosmonaut married a United States citizen in space. Yuri Malenchenko and Ekaterina Dmitriev met at a party celebrating the first manned space flight. They both had been training for a future space mission. The couple eventually settled in Florida. They both worked for Boeing. They got engaged at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. However, they later moved to Russia. It was there that they began their marriage.
Yuri’s cosmonaut career was expected to end when he returned to Earth. He became the second longest-serving cosmonaut in the history of mankind. Yuri spent 827 days and nine hours in space. He also earned the country’s highest honor, the Hero of the Russian Federation award. He received his award from President Vladimir Putin in 2018.
After a few months, Malenchenko was invited to return to the ISS. He was to fly two more missions. He planned to return in October. On the day of his return, he was to hold a wedding. The space wedding was not going to be broadcast on NASA television.
The bride and groom had a video link set up. The video conference was classified as a private family conference. When they saw each other, they blew kisses. Dmitriev gave the couple a blessing and thanked the many people who helped arrange the wedding.
The wedding was held at the Space Gallery in Denver. The venue features 7,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. It has 21-foot ceilings, amazing functionality, and beautiful architectural elements.
The wedding ceremony was hosted by the Space Wedding People. The pair had planned to get married in Yaroslavl, a city north of Moscow. Unfortunately, the city was unable to host the event. The couple was going to hold a religious wedding in Russia in June. They were hoping for a space theme.
During the reception, the guests enjoyed Italian and Russian delicacies. They also spotted a giant fruit bowl resembling the ISS.
In addition to the couple’s love story, the space wedding is a symbol of mankind’s ambition to explore space. The bride wore a gown with dimensional floral appliques. She also featured apple blossoms and sequin appliqués. She was accompanied by Ed Lu, the best man. He played a Mendelssohn tune, “Wedding March.”
A space wedding is not something that every couple can afford. But, it is worth the cost. With a little careful planning, it can be done. Fortunately, there are plenty of venues in New York and elsewhere to choose from. Just ask for recommendations from an event planner. There are even spaces that are designed specifically for the occasion.
Whether you’re considering a small wedding or a large one, make sure to consult with your event planner. They’ll be the main liaison between the vendors and the couple. They’ll help guide you through the process and ensure your special day is unforgettable.
You can also look into raw space venues. These are usually affordable and reflect your personality.