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Tuesday 31 July 2012

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas


So says the 2002 advertising slogan! Well, we had a ball in Vegas! As you probably know, we renewed our vows whilst we were there. Hold, on. I am getting ahead of myself here. First of all we completed our sweltering drive from Death Valley and arrived in Vegas at 4pm, having first visited Michaels

And also Scrappin’ Time, where I bought just a few scrapbook bits and pieces!

We checked in and were put on the 31st floor of the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. The room was very nice and we had a view of the swimming pool and a lot of Vegas! The view, I have to say, was even more stunning at night with all the lights.


As instructed, we phoned the wedding chapel when we arrived and gave them our room number so that the chauffeur of the limo could ring us to arrange where he was picking us up. Freddie duly phoned us and arrangements were made. Hugh and I then got ourselves ready – this did involve getting the ironing board and iron out of the wardrobe – didn’t think I’d be ironing on this holiday!

However, we were ready on time and waited outside for Freddie and the limo to arrive,. I had never been in a stretch limo before, so I was very excited! We had Elvis music playing on the way to the chapel, which took about 20 minutes, so we had a good ride!

Arriving at the chapel reception I did the painful bit (settling the bill!) and then we were shown into the chapel to wait for ‘Elvis’. He came out, introduced himself and had a chat with us before getting us into our places. Hugh at the front, me at the doors, for Elvis to walk me down the aisle, which he did, singing ‘I can’t help falling in love with you’.


The renewal vows were lovely and very meaningful. I was concerned, as I said before, that it might seem tacky, but in fact it was really lovely.

We posed for a few photos!
 
We had the whole ceremony video’d (would you like to see it?) and the official photographer did his bit too. After the ‘real’ vows, there was another song from Elvis ‘Love me tender’ and then we exchanged the Elvis vows, which was a bit of fun. The ceremony was finished off with ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and a bit of boogie!
We then went outside where Freddie very kindly took some photos (minus Elvis) of the two of us with the limo


and outside the chapel

He then drove us to the Stratosphere, where we had decided to have our evening meal. This was on the recommendation of one of the nurses Hugh had met in his job – we went to Roxy’s Diner and it was superb!

The food was lovely and HUGE portions


And during the meal the waiters occasionally broke into song and they were fantastic singers! Better then X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent! Here is a short video clip of the first song we heard!


Having eaten we bought our tickets to go up to the observation deck of the Stratosphere, which at 871 feet gives a brilliant view of Vegas, especially at night. What was really nice was that because I was still carrying my bouquet and Hugh had his buttonhole people kept congratulating us and chatting with us, asking if we had just got married! When we explained it was a renewal after 25 years we got even more congratulations!

On the outside observation deck the wind was extremely strong and so the two photos we took were a little blurred, but I still like them.



A lovely American lady then offered to take our photo by the window of the inside observation deck


By this time it was nearly 10pm – a late night for us on this holiday (!) so we made our way back to the entrance of the Stratosphere and took a taxi back to our hotel. My bouquet went into a glass of water and when we left to move on I did leave it behind as it wouldn’t have lasted in that heat. However, I did keep the ribbon and the gems (which were on pins) as I am SURE I can use them on a scrapbook layout!




8 comments:

Dawn said...

Fabulous photos Becky! Bet it was a memorable trip for you! Congrats on your 25yrs!

Sian said...

Wow! what a way to celebrate..you aren't going to forget that in a hurry..

alexa said...

Ah, that's a heart-warming story of Vegas, and lovely to see you both so looking so happy - not to mention elegant. Not that you ever look inelegant, of course. Oh dear, am I digging a hole for myself? I'd better stop! But not before saying how wonderful those top photos of Vegas in the dark are. I'd have just wanted to sit at the window and go 'wow!'.

Maria Ontiveros said...

Becky, I found this so touching. I think I got a little teary-eyed.
Thanks for sharing.
Rinda

Alison said...

have just had a catch up of your last few posts Becky...am loving the US trip pics and tales..and your LOs are fab. What a wonderful way to celebrate your 25th!
Alison xx

Missus Wookie said...

Congratulations again! Sounds like the whole trip was just such fun. How nice to have the photos of you both too.

Melissa said...

It sounds like a lovely & fun day - congrats again! Fantastic photos - the one of you two by the limo is my favorite.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful day! You're a brave one - I won't go outside on the observation deck when we're down there. :) So great that you got some pictures of the 2 of you together.