Highest altitude wedding: world record set by Jhonny Pacheco and Heydi Paco
La Paz, Bolivia–Bolivians
Jhonny Pacheco
and
Heydi Paco
decided to tie the knot in a truly unique setting: the summit of the Mt. Illimani, a snowcapped peak situated at a height of 6,462 meters (21,187 feet) above sea level, thus setting the world record for the
Highest altitude wedding (on land)
, according to the
WORLD RECORD ACADEMY
.
“Of all the mountains I’ve climbed in Bolivia, Illimani has something magical. It has something interesting, something that draws you in and wins you over,” Jhonny said.
They chose experienced mountaineers as their bridesmaids and groomsmen and together devised the plan for the big day.
The couple traveled from their home in the central department of Cochabamba to La Paz and then set out on the three-day ascent to the summit of that emblematic peak,
La Prensa Latina
reports.
Several members of the group were tasked with carrying the gowns, decorations and food up the mountain, each of whom loaded 20 kilos of weight into their backpacks.
The bride and groom and their guests hiked for one day to a mountain camp known as “nido de condores” (condors’ nest); the following morning they embarked on the most challenging stretch of the journey and eventually arrived at the frigid summit, where they were greeted by a temperature of -10 C (14 F), Heydi said.
Heydi also wore crampons and was guided to her waiting husband-to-be by a rope. She wore a long wedding veil that two of her climbing companions held aloft behind her and carried a bouquet of roses in her arms.
The couple then received their marriage certificate from one of the other mountaineers and each said “I do,” prompting a big round of applause from their assembled guests.
Due to the intense cold wind atop Illimani, they quickly changed into their climbing clothes and made their way back down to a mountain camp to celebrate and take some photos.
“It was a dream come true for me. As a couple, we’ll remember it forever,” Heydi said.
“It was a good decision. I think it was the best place to be closer to heaven and closer to God. It will always be something unforgettable,” Jhonny said.
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