Love in the Clouds: Nathan & Alyssa’s Surprise Hot Air Balloon Proposal

Introduction:
Some mornings are unforgettable—and for Brisbane couple Nathan Cochrane and Alyssa Crowe, one sunrise flight above the Brisbane's Scenic Rim turned into a memory of a lifetime. With love, nerves, and excitement all rising alongside the balloon, Nathan pulled off a mid-air proposal that was as magical as it was unexpected. Here’s how the story soared.

Meet the Couple:
Nathan and Alyssa have been side by side for over five years, growing together through life’s highs and lows. Locals to Brisbane, their bond is grounded in shared values and a deep appreciation for each other’s hearts. Alyssa, who runs her own business supporting people with learning difficulties, is known for her selflessness and quiet strength. “She spends so much of her time looking after others,” Nathan told us. “I wanted to do something that was just for her—something she’d never forget.”

The Big Surprise:
From the moment our Hot Air Balloon Brisbane team picked them up, Alyssa had no idea what Nathan had planned. The balloon flight was a complete surprise—kept entirely under wraps until they arrived at the launch site.

As the crew began preparing the balloon for flight, the moment finally started to dawn on her. Alyssa’s face lit up with a mix of curiosity, joy and disbelief. “She kept looking around with this big smile, going, ‘Wait—are we actually doing this?!’” Nathan recalled with a laugh. The emotions were already soaring—and they hadn’t even left the ground.

Up, Up and... Will You Marry Me?
Once the balloon gently lifted off and drifted into the dawn-lit sky, the stage was set. With breathtaking views stretching in every direction and the hush of morning all around them, Nathan dropped to one knee and asked the question that would change everything.

It was a private flight—just the couple and our seasoned pilot Stuart, who offered his warm congratulations and well wishes after the joyful “yes.” Our crew, in on the surprise from the very beginning, helped capture the moment on video, ensuring it could be relived for years to come.

A Picture-Perfect Reaction:
Though words can’t quite capture the emotion of the moment, the footage said it all: pure surprise, happy tears, and plenty of laughter. Alyssa’s reaction was raw, real, and beautiful—an unforgettable mix of love and disbelief as she embraced Nathan with a teary smile and sparkling eyes.

A Sweet Ending with Some Fluffy Friends:
After touching down, the newly engaged couple headed to O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards for a celebratory breakfast—and a heart-melting meet-and-greet with some furry locals at Mountview Alpaca Farm. Hand in hand, they fed and cuddled the alpacas, rounding off their perfect morning with sunshine, smiles, and soft noses.

Behind the Scenes:
At Hot Air Balloon Brisbane, we’re always honoured to be part of milestone moments like these. For all private flights and special requests, our team personally reaches out to help coordinate the details—offering suggestions on timing, location, and how to create a seamless and meaningful surprise from start to finish.

Looking Ahead:
While Nathan and Alyssa’s new chapter is just beginning, their proposal story has already left a lasting impression on our team. “We’ve been told to expect a big review from them,” one crew member shared with a smile. “They were over the moon—and we were so happy to play a small part in their big day.”

Conclusion:
To Nathan and Alyssa—thank you for letting us share in such a special moment. We wish you a lifetime of love, adventure and sky-high memories. And for anyone out there dreaming of the perfect proposal—when you’re ready, we’ll be here to help you take love to new heights.

✨ Thinking about a proposal in the clouds?
Get in touch with our team and let’s plan something unforgettable together.