Wedding in Vegas vs near home

[Sonya]

It's funny that I always assumed that I'd get married in Vegas. I've said more than a dozen times on this board that I'm definately getting married on the boat in front of Treasure Island... ha ha.. Then I get a diamond for Xmas and pick a wedding set and start actually thinking about the reality and I'm no longer convinced. smile.gif

It seems natural that I'd go to Vegas to get married. I love the town, I already know WAY too much about the casinos, hotels, chapels, restaurants, shows, airfare, traffic patterns, strippers, places to get cheap booze, places not to get booze, places not to get strippers, etc. :D

So why the hesitation? I have no idea. smile.gif It sure seems easier to set up people with airfare and hotel and some coupons and let them do their own thing. If they come here, I have to entertain them and cook for them and deal with them. In Vegas, I can send them off to see Lance Burton or to the Fashion Show Mall. ;)

Am I being silly for NOT automatically making the assumption that Vegas is the place for me to get married?

Then again, there's Disneyland where Dan and I had our first date. While we were there, we saw a bride in the Cinderella carriage at the hotel and I punched him in the shoulder for the first time. smile.gif There are some nice places around here too and I don't have to freak out about traveling with a dress. Ugh.. what's a girl to do? :rolleyes:

[Lmadrid]

First of all, you need to relax!!! :D And just remember it doesn't matter where you have it, just as long as you make it special. Think about what you want your wedding to be...a fun, themed party atmosphere lends itself greatly to Vegas, a fairy-tale princess theme would make Disneyland a nice place, and if you feel like more of a traditional, classic wedding look for a nice place where you live. I think that if you picture the whole thing, and what you want the ceremony to "say" and be, the decision of where to have it will be easy. Just remember, if you stress over every detail and expect everything to go perfectly, you'll be opening yourself up to dissapointment b/c something out of plan is bound to happen. (like at my brother's wedding when the porcelain cake topper fell off and broke when they were moving the cake to a different table tongue.gif )
Just relax, go with the flow, and enjoy the day!! graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[Billy from TX.]

Lmadrid is right. Hell, Brandy and I got married in a unairconditined National Gaurd Armory in the month of May in a small hick town north of Dallas. She made an ugly place look so beautiful. She definetaly made it special. It was funny because afterwards all anyone wanted to do was crawl over the tops of all the tanks out back. We had a blast and felt that it was very special. We would not of changed any thing. It was perfect.

By the way CONGRATULATIONS. graemlins/beerchug.gif

[Jimbo338]

If home is where all your family and friends are, I'm for having it there, then you can leave, for your special time together.

Relax, poll Dan, list the pros and cons of LV,home or elsewhere, work on it together. No matter where you have it it will be special and full of great memories.

Jimbo

[Sonya]

Okay, so everyone says "RELAX". Hmm.. I am not sure there's enough Xanax in the world to get me to relax right now. :D Been with Dan for over 7 years and I still haven't met his parents. Yeah.. I'm a shut-in. smile.gif

I ask because it always seemed so simple when we were talking hypotheticals. Then the reality of it seems so much more complicated. I got my ring today so nothing else matters right now smile.gif but it's sure a lot to think about.

I find it amusing that what was important to me 10 years ago is a lot different than what's different now.

We don't have many people to invite. I think my family would be maxium of about 12 people.. Dan's maybe a little more depending on cousins and stuff who might be interested.

Family is far away. All Dan's immediate family is in Southern California. My parents are near San Luis Obispo and my sister and her family are in San Francisco. I've got grandparents, an aunt and an uncle near Portland, OR and we're way up here in Washington State.

Mom and Grandma want a church with all that bible and God stuff. Dan and I are more of the belief that God doesn't exist in a buiding, but instead can be found in places like Yosemite Valley. I think my aunt wants an excuse to go to Vegas again to hit the pools and the malls. smile.gif I'm not sure what I want and Dan says he wants what won't make me throw up on my shoes. graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif

I'm really shy and the idea of doing anything like this in front of my own family, let alone the family of his I haven't even met yet makes me more than a little queasy. I'd rather give myself eye surgery with a dirty spoon than be in the spotlight of any kind so well, maybe I'm anti bride. smile.gif

It's going to be a long road methinks. graemlins/goofy.gif

[HoyaHeel]

You could always design some sort of "anti-bride" wedding! I agree with Dan that anything that WON'T make you throw up on your shoes is a good thing ;) The nice thing about Vegas for a wedding when none of your family are nearby is that hotels are usually way cheaper there than anywhere else, and flights are plentiful, and even occasionally cheap. If people have to fly to your wedding anyway, that's a nice bonus. But then, the only Vegas wedding I've been to was in the magistrate's office at 8 am on a Saturday, St Patrick's day. Mom did it just because she knew my husband and I would go to Vegas, but she wasn't sure if we'd want to go to Pittsburgh :D Then they took off for a week photographing southern Utah.....

Just take a few more deep breaths, maybe a nice bubble bath, and try to listen to the little voice in your heart--it might be telling you where you want to get married smile.gif Good luck!!

[Lmadrid]

Wow, I can't believe you haven't met his parents after 7 years...I guess he's not a "momma's boy" :D I also always thought the two of you were already married. smile.gif I thought my boyfriend was pushing it with 4 years before engagement, but I told him to wait until he could afford a nice rock. haha graemlins/laughing.gif But, I'm the same as you, but in reverse... I always thought I wanted a big traditional Texas-sized church wedding. :D But now that I'm in a position to have a wedding in the next 4 years, I'm thinking I'd really want to have it in Vegas, or somewhere else we both like... We both have big families, but I doubt the majority would come to a wedding if it wasn't in their home town. hahaha My family is in Texas, his lives in Massachusetts, so either way, one side of the family has to travel. Both of us only have about 10 really close friends...if we had it at either of our hometowns we'd be paying for a bunch of "aquaintances" to have fun at an open bar. graemlins/laughing.gif So, that's why I was thinking of a location wedding...b/c we'd only have close family and friends with us b/c others wouldn't want to pay to get there. But who knows. Just remember ultimately the decision should be based on what you and Dan want, not your aunts, Mom, or grandma... graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[UK Ali]

Bless you Sonya !! Reading that made me nervous !

I have been with my boyfriend for 10 years and we've never got round to getting married.

For one thing we'd have to pay for everything ourselves because both our families are skint and we tend to always spend all our money on vacations and the house. There is never enough left to get married.

We are coming to Vegas this september though and its casually been mentioned we tie the knot. I wouldnt want the fuss of all the family coming anyway. My father would probably be terrified to make a speech and my would-be mother in law would be a total pain in the bum.

If i suddenly decided to get married while in vegas, is it something that really needs to be planned ahead. As we are English would we need to do anything beforehand?

Just thought Sonya, if you dont want to be in the spotlight, dont they have drive-through weddings in Vegas?????? I heard about that on TV. !!

Dont get too stressed though, I agree with the others when they say relax and have fun. At the end of the day it should be fun. My boyfriend is a dj, I go with him and we often have wedding receptions. The bride is usually so stressed out worrying about everything and everyone she doesnt enjoy herself. Just get drunks and have a laugh! It need not be too serious.

Id want something simple but fun I think. I'm not soppy and romantic really anyway and neither is he. Hey he doesnt even buy me flowers - I'd rather have a bar of chocolate!!
graemlins/wiggle.gif

[KathyinNY]

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. I like someone else on this thread thought you were already married.

Personally it is your wedding and whatever makes you feel comfortable go for it. IMO I would satisfy the family with a small but nice wedding at home and take to Vegas for my honeymoon but again I don't know your families so I can't say.

My husband and I will be celebrating our 16th anniversary in May. Since then, however, my husband and I have "outgrown" our wedding bands so I thought it would be neat to get remarried on our 25th anniversary in Vegas by Elvis. Currently it is a dream and hopefully in 8 years it will be reality, lol.

Best wishes to you!

[Andsen]

I vote for Vegas. We are all invited I assume. Natcherally we anticipate a free bar at the reception. graemlins/beerchug.gif graemlins/cheers.gif graemlins/goofy.gif

Hey, we can dream can't we? At any rate- Congratulations. graemlins/ylinlove.gif

[Sonya]

Ali - I understand completely! We'd have to pay for most of it ourselves as well. My parents have said they'll give me the same amount the gave my sister. Unfortunately, that isn't very much. graemlins/laughing.gif tongue.gif His family hasn't acknowledged the engagement, so I'm guessing we won't get money from them. graemlins/laughing.gif

I'm not sure what the requirements are for your country. The website for Clark County has some info and says something about an Apostille or some such thing. I'm not sure what UK would require. Here's the website http://www.co.clark.nv.us/RECORDER/mar_proc.htm

Also look here http://www.co.clark.nv.us/clerk/Marriage_Information.htm

If you bring your birth certificates and passports, that's enough identification. Just go to the courthouse, get the license, pick a chapel or use the justice of the peace and voila... instant wedding!

I'm not sure I'd go for the drive-thru thing, but there are lots of other options for quickie, simple weddings. Lots of the bigger chapels have dresses and such you can borrow and include flowers and music and photos for under $500. Vegas is the land of the quickie wedding.

Let us know if you decide to do it becuase Andsen thinks he's invited. smile.gif

Andsen - I promise you an open bar in any casino of your choice. But you've got to be gambling and tipping your waitress. graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/ssst.gif

[Brandy from Tx]

Sonya,

Lots of Congratulations. I haven't been on the board in a while, but Billy's been keeping me updated (especially on the really good stuff). He showed me the post with your diamond - WHOA! Is that really what 7 years' salary looks like? :D Anyway, like Billy said, our wedding was in a stinky, non-airconditioned armory (not very good for that nice white wedding dress, but I guess that's what dry cleaners get paid for) - we all had a blast. I think once you decided on a place (even if you are not 100% convinced at the time) when you are there, in your dress and your family and friends are around you, you'll forget about the setting. It will be a special day for you - no matter where you are.

All that said - my vote is for Vegas, Baby! - what a good excuse for a vacation - you get the wedding and the honeymoon all rolled into one!

Anyway, like everyone else has said - RELAX! Just look at the pros and cons of each place you're considering and go from there. Good luck and again - Congrats! :D :D :D

[Sonya]

Thanks Brandy. I'm sure that what I've heard is true.. that once you see him and he sees you, none of the rest of it matters. smile.gif

The diamond isn't THAT big. It's closer to 1 month's salary. Dan says the whole "2 months salary" thing is a conspiracy made up by the evil jewelry people. He's a real party pooper that way. ;) I kept hoping he'd wait until he got the big money Microsoft job before we'd have to do the 2 month's salary calculations. graemlins/goofy.gif

Here's the ring on my unmanicured hand. tongue.gif
http://www.sonyadan.com/images/wtring02.jpg

[Coecat]

Very pretty ring! And congratulations to you both.

Did you get it for Christmas? Was it a surprise? How did he ask you? Details, please! (Forgive me if you posted this elsewhere--I didn't see it).

Debbie

[Billy from TX.]

I was searching through some las vegas links and came upon this site. I don't really know if its good info or not but thought it might help.

http://www.unlv.edu/Tourism/lvwed.html

[Sonya]

Thanks Billy! I'm pretty sure that I've got that link somewhere in my favorites, but I haven't checked thoroughly there yet. I'm finding a lot of garbage links for Vegas Weddings. Every link helps though. At the very least I'll end up with another resource for people on the board. smile.gif

Coecat - I can't remember if I told the story here or not.. but I love to talk about it so here goes... Dan had told me that I was going to really like what he got me for Xmas this year. I had no idea what it was because I hadn't really asked for anything but a couple of books and some DVD's, etc. We opened presents and I got Roller Coaster Tycoon, which was cool, and a game that looked fun, Scene It, and some other stuff, but nothing I LOVED like he said. Weird.

We got to stocking time and opened the stockings for the cats (I know.. pathetic, but we don't have kids so we make do) ;) I had put a bunch of silly things in his stocking and we started opening things one at a time. I opened my first package and it was a can opener. I told him that if there was a vacuume in there too he was going to be in trouble. smile.gif

The last thing, in the toe was a little box. I unwrapped it and it was a small box, I opened it and there was a jewelry box. That's when everything went kind of slow motion and blurry and my heart started beating REALLY loud. I opened the box and inside was a small "petri dish" kind of thing with a diamond in it.

Once I could breathe again, Dan said that he knew I didn't want him to pick a setting, so he just got this stone and we could go whenever I wanted and get whatever setting I loved.

I pretty much just looked at the stone for a few days, but 12/30 we made the long drive over towards Seattle to pick out a setting and on 1/5 we picked up the sized and set ring.

[vegasbound]

Gorgeous ring Sonya! Congratulations!

Although I'm not engaged but mine as well be married to my boyfriend of nearly 6 years, we plan for our wedding to be at Bellagio. I fell in love with the idea of a Vegas wedding on our first trip. Once the Bellagio was built, we knew that was where we wanted to be married.

I love the LV wedding idea because I don't like to be the center of attention, I don't want to stress over all the little details, and I never wanted a tradional wedding with a reception. As a bonus, it weeds out guests you'd rather not have part of your wedding.

I love that the coordinator handles everything, allowing you to enjoy the special day.

We want our ceremony to be at Bellagio, then go to a buffet for dinner, and follow up the evening with gambling, drinking and casino hopping...The only part of a traditional wedding I want is the dress.

Make a list with Dan and decide what is important to you both. Then figure what type of wedding would give you the most bang for your buck. Don't make decisions based on what the family wants, it will be Dan and your special day--do whatever will make both of you happy!

[Booger]

Congratulations Sonya!
Life goes on Dan!
That's a very nice looking ring,Great choice of
settings.
I can see it all now...You invite friends and
family to TI for your wedding,not telling them of
the fun their about to have.As they arrive,not
knowing your wedding is on a pirate ship,are all
dressed nice,are givin eye patches and hats and
led to the deck of the ship.Where you are in your
wedding dress,awaiting there arrival.When all are
there, THE ROAR of GUNFIRE,up the steps,guns
blasing,ring in his teeth, DAN, dressed in the
pirate costume of choice, swoops you in his
arms and steals you away, not to be seen
again...until an hour later at the reception,
where DAN brings you in,RAVAGED,AT GUNPOINT,
DEMANDING that you MEET HIS FAMILY!!

That should "break the ice" with the new family.

Just Have FUN!!
Wish You the Best!
Booger
Yosemite for a honeymoon would be AWESOME!!!!

[ January 12, 2003, 07:51 PM: Message edited by: Booger ]

[Jer]

Wow Booger... smile.gif

Congrats Sonya, I couldn't be more happy for you!

One "opinion" from me... Do what is in your heart and everything always seems to come together! graemlins/beerchug.gif

[Sonya]

Originally posted by Booger:
DAN, dressed in the
pirate costume of choice, swoops you in his
arms and steals you away, not to be seen
again...until an hour later at the reception,
where DAN brings you in,RAVAGED,AT GUNPOINT,
DEMANDING that you MEET HIS FAMILY!!Yeah, but we did that pirate ravishment thing last weekend. smile.gif graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif

[HoyaHeel]

I like the setting you picked out--very pretty!!

I don't know how much my engagement ring actually cost, but I've seen the appraisal--we're talking a quarter of a month's salary (NET!) But I adore it and that's all that matters. Plus he picked it out on his own with absolutely no input from me. And my wedding band I got from the clearance section of an online jeweler....

My mom was married in the Magistrate's office in Vegas. That's about the cheapest you can get. I think it cost $10(in addition to the price of the license). But I guess by the time you get to the third wedding, you don't need all the hoopla anymore. I was the "plan everything, stress out" bride---until the actual day. Then I drank heavily and danced with all my friends & family!!!

[CISCOKID]

congratulations! imo vegas casino wedding is the best.just pay them and the whole thing is taken care of and arranged. from tux, reception,champaign, cake to sleeping quarters. and after the wedding the guests will find their own entertainment and you don`t have to worry about them ,when all is done and over every one can go home happy graemlins/biggthumpup.gif .i don`t care for ti but they certainly give a great wedding and it doesn`t have to be on the buccaneer boat, the chapel is really nice and private and the couple doesn`t have to cut through the casino. smile.gif smile.gif

[ January 13, 2003, 10:03 AM: Message edited by: CISCOKID ]

[HoyaHeel]

I kind of like how Caesar and Cleopatra escort the guests through the casino at Caesar's Palace ;) And King Arthur at Excalibur....But then, I just love to see wedding parties in Vegas! They make me smile, seeing the white dress with all the tourists gambling--that juxtaposition is just so appropriate, love being a gamble and all that.....

Sonya--I'm glad you started this wedding section!

[rugbysteve]

Hummm, as a frequent visitor to vegas and this board.. and having just gotten married after 10 years of dating.. i thought i would chime in on some of these subjects. The damm diamond... I am of the belief that it is a huge scam.. and paying $100 for a fake one.. is the total way to go and no one should ever be the wiser.... but noooo, even though that makes so much sense.. I caved and spent a crazy amount.. buying my honey a big rock and feeling like it was a total rip off... but there is nothing you can do. The jewlers have the world convinced that a real expensive diamond is the only answer... great marketing on their part. ironically, I spent $16 on a fake diamond necklace this christmas, she worn it and all her friends where patting me on the back and telling me what a great guy i was for getting it for her.. yeah they all think its real... all i can think about it why i blew all that cash on the damm ring.
Anyway, I was gonna propose in Vegas... but the day before we were leaving for Mandalay Bay.. they was a horrible tradgedy and the trip was cancelled. Well, I had that stupid ring burning a hole in my pocket.. so I needed to give it to her. We are big skiers, climbers.. anything outdoors and active... so i told her we were going to climb Mt. Monadnock on Saturday. We climbed to the top ( about 2 hours) and I asked her on top of the mountain. After 10 years.. and no hints from me.. she was shocked !!
Anyway... we decided that we wanted something different for our wedding... as we have gone to so many of them.. they all blur togther and we could not really remember one from the next. But the ones we could remember were the ones that were different. So, i guess my longwinded point is be different.. be creative... don't fuss over silly details.. make it special to you and your spouse.
incidently... we rented the gondola at kilington (our favorite ski mountain in vermont) and had the reception in the ski lodge at the top. everyone had to ride up the gondola to go to the party. The ski lodge is not that glamorous, but the view was crazy.. and everyone who went to our wedding have said it was the most memorable they have attended. So there you have it... be original, make it a place you both enjoy. don't sweat about silly details. incidently, my brother got married at the Monte Carlo in Vegas.. and i thought that wedding was great too !!!

[HoyaHeel]

I know we're getting way off track--but I agree that spending thousands of dollars on a gem is not my priority (I'd rather travel) I don't even like diamonds :D I like antique jewelry--so I got a sapphire ring from the 1920s. There are so many beautiful options that don't cost an arm & a leg--but some women gotta have the rock. And hey, if you're marrying one, you might as well know it from the start, right? :D

Sonya--do you know how much the wedding on the Buccaneer boat at TI is? A co-worker asked when I was talking about it.

[Billy from TX.]

Sonya, I don't want to sound like I am raining on you parade, but I have a funny story I want to share.

This guy I used to work with wanted to be original so he bought this huge expensive diamond and rented a hot air balloon with a guide out at Possum Kingdom lake(about 65 miles from Dallas). After reaching the highest alltitude that they were going to he pulled the ring out and proposed to his girlfriend that he had only been dating for about 3 months. When she took the ring and went to put it on SHE DROPPED THE DAMN THING. And of course they were over the lake at the time. He cried all the way down. They worked through it and was married about 6 months later. About a year later they were divorced. It was wrong from the beggining. But the funny thing about it he remarried the girl about three years later. Well when the new millenium scare came around they were sure it was going to be the end of the world so they bought some land up north somewhere and took off. That was the last time I heard anything about them. I often wonder if they are still together. As long as I new him it seemed like bad luck followed him everywhere he went. This is no joke but some guys at work gave him the nickname "Blackcloud".

Not wanting to scare you. I just thought about him when RugbySteve said to do something original.

Good Luck!!!!!

[Sonya]

RugbySteve, you and Dan would get along great. smile.gif Luckily he knows I own a loop from a geology class I took in college and I know my gems. graemlins/laughing.gif

Billy - Oh no!! That's a horrible story. Dan's mother wrote us an email last night (finally! I was starting to worry she was mad about something.) congratulating us. She told a story about how her stone came loose from her ring and while it was waiting in the jewelry box for her to have time to get it fixed, her toddler decided to play in the box and lost it. With that and the prong horror stories my mother has been telling me (she didn't want me to get the solitare type setting I got) I'm thinking about building a lucite box for my hand to live in so I don't lose the diamond. smile.gif

Hoya - The TI boat thing is on their wedding page. If you go to http://www.treasureisland.com/pages/wed_enchantment.asp you can read about the "Enchantment Package" and view a little Quicktime movie about the wedding on the boat.

It's not cheap.. starts at about $2000, but includes a lot of extras including flowers, champagne, limo service, spa services, etc. I'm not sure yet if it's worth it. I think that we've got a Vegas trip in our near future to visit wedding planners. smile.gif

Cisco - That's what I like about the Vegas Wedding too. I just have to show up with something to wear and they seem to take care of the rest. That and I don't have to go too far. I can go from throwing up in the hotel room down to the wedding and be back throwing up in the room in less than an hour. graemlins/goofy.gif graemlins/yuck.gif

[HoyaHeel]

I think every woman has a horror story about jewelry in her life! About a week after I got my engagement ring, I lost one of the tiny side stones--we had to send it to New York to have it replaced (fortunately, they did it for free since I had just bought the ring) Now I get ALL the fittings checked at the jeweler each year!!!

Sonya, if you can't justify a trip to Vegas to meet with a wedding planner for your own wedding, remember that it's vital information for your website and your 1500 fans!!! ;)

[Sonya]

Hoya - I think that's why I started this site really. It's all about the tax write off. graemlins/goofy.gif graemlins/laughing.gif

Dan and I are probably doing that wedding show thing this weekend and then we're going to talk about what dates we can get away to look at places in Vegas. It will probably be a whirlwind trip where we don't have any fun. (ha ha!!! Yeah, right!) but I think we need to look at casinos in a whole new way.

Dan and I have done some tours of properties for the website before, but he's never paid any attention to any of the chapels we've seen before. I remember every detail about all of them because I have ovaries, but he seems to have a mental block about everything but the blackjack and beer. smile.gif

[Billy from TX.]

Sonya,

You mean to tell me that Vegas has something other than black jack and beer? graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif

[HoyaHeel]

I bet if the wedding chapel looked out over the Venus Pool at Caesar's Palace, Dan & Billy would have remembered it :D ;)

[Sonya]

"You mean that was a chapel that overlooked the nudie pool at whatever casino that was were were visiting?"
graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif

[HoyaHeel]

"No, honey, it was not an observation deck" :D

[punkypete]

Sonya,
Best wishes for a wonderful marriage and a great ceremony! Your ring is beautiful. The solution to your dilemma will present itself when you least expect it.

[Billy from TX.]

Yeah.....umhhhh.....yeah Ceasers is nice.

graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif graemlins/laughing.gif

[VegasDon]

Sonya,

I would like to add my resounding congratulations. Let me say that my wife and I had a huge wedding (about 800 people, open bar and dance, etc....). We spent about 11 months planning and arguing and putting up with my mother in law to be, etc..... The big day came and went and it was all a huge BLURRRR! I guess what I am trying to say is it wasn't the wedding, but the following 16 years and 3 wonderful kids that have been the most important things. Relax, do what YOU and DAN enjoy and build a life from there. You can't go wrong that way!
Again, congratulations, and I hope I don't sound preachy. I wish you all the best and will be waiting for the "all-board" invitation! Cheers! graemlins/beerchug.gif

[Jimbo338]

Sonya:

Caongratulations again. I haven't read all the posts here but did find a different Sonya. The old one had all the answers for us. the new one has questions! Just kidding.

I sure am no wedding expert so I will keep my advice to a minimum. My wife and I married later than most of our friends. I was 38 and she was 30. We were both long out of the nest and working, and paid for the entire wedding. we were sensitive to our families but this was our day, our life together, and we were footing the bill. We made choices which may not have pleased everyone but they have to be made. The ones to please are yourselves. We opted for a small wedding, just close relatives and very good friends. It was a church wedding, with a small reception to follow. We enjoyed a great meal with our closest family and friends including youngsters (our choice). Details were chosen according to our wishes. We all had a great time and we left to a predesignated site for a rest after a hectic week. We then toured upper New England and Canada in a relaxed, unplanned and casual manner. There are lots of fond memories and it will be 18 years this October; it doesn't seem possible.

One specific piece of advice; have someone video the ceremony and reception or parts of it. My sister-in-law was into photography and had just bought video equipment. The result was not a professional production but a great overview of the event that stills can never preserve. It includes scenes of friends and relatives no longer with us, interacting and chatting with us. It has been fun for our kids to watch too. We all have had so much pleasure from something that we never even gave any thought to yet have received so much pleasure from.

Again, congratulations, I'm sure whatever you do will always be special and we will all be there in spirit. We all wish you the best and years of happiness in your new life together as one.

Jimbo

[HoyaHeel]

My cousin videotaped our wedding ceremony (I wish he'd done some of the reception!! :D ) As Jimbo said, it's not professional, but who cares? I get to go back and see everyone who was there, and best of all, I was able to send a copy to my grandparents who couldn't make it, just a year before my grandmother died. I taped my brother's wedding & parts of the reception (I got the toast, the first dance--the biggies) and sent them a copy afterwards--another sibling also taped it, so they got a couple of perspectives. The funniest thing about my brother's is you can hear me sniffling in the background 'cause I'm such a sap ;)

[DavidB]

graemlins/biggthumpup.gif
Wow!!!

I can't believe I've been paying so little attention that only now am I catching up on Sonya's big news!!

Congratulations, Sonya, from David and Roz!! We couldn't be happier for any two people.

[DebB]

Sorry I missed this earlier in the month, lots of congratulations Sonya!!! graemlins/angel.gif graemlins/angel.gif graemlins/angel.gif

If you want to feel very in control of your wedding plans, staying close to home can help you. I was able to taste-test wedding cakes on a Saturday morning in my own town, for example.

However, you are _THE_ LV expert, so maybe the great answer is to not only have the wedding there, but make another "planning" trip ahead of time to set up all the details. graemlins/jester.gif graemlins/jester.gif graemlins/jester.gif

Like the rest of the board, graemlins/laughing.gif I'm expecting your invitation any day now

graemlins/wiggle.gif

[bigdogmom]

Where have I been?!! This is a great thread; I'm just sitting here at my computer chuckling.

The ring is beautiful, Sonya!

I'm with you, Sonya. The whole idea of a wedding where YOU are the center of attention made me nervous. I had a relatively small wedding (55 people, and most were friends; I think there were 10 relatives there) and I managed somehow, but can't say I really enjoyed myself. If I ever get married again, I'm eloping. :D

[Sonya]

Thanks. graemlins/shy.gif You guys are embarassing me. graemlins/shy.gif

Our guest list is getting smaller and smaller as I think about this thing. I think we're down to about 18 people total now and I'm not sure all of them will come.

I think our short list right now is Treasure Island, Bellagio or Mandalay Bay. The only sort of short list would also contain Paris, Monte Carlo and maybe Venetian if they'd open up their chapels in the new tower because I'm not getting married in a shopping mall. graemlins/laughing.gif

There are some others we're considering. I had been thinking about one of the non-casino chapels, but I think I really want to be able to do a whole thing all in one place. Stay, marry, reception and honeymoon all without having to move around too much. I presume that I'll be so stressed out that I'll want just one place to call home. That's why the short list is what it is. We love those three hotels the most and would love to spend a week there celebrating.

Of course all this could change tomorrow morning when I hear something strange about one chapel or another. :D :rolleyes:

[Patti AKA Cheesy]

<font face= Arial Narrow size= +1 color= teal>
Sonya Sonya Sonya.. I am here to solve all your problems.


The answer to your problem is very simple. Plan a Vegas wedding ( if that is what YOU want) and give plenty of notice (time wise) to those that are near and dear to you. Those that can attend, will and those that can not, wellyou go back home and have a big reception so everyone can share in the celebration.



We found that this method not only saved us a ton of money because as you know, getting married in very inexpensive (not to mention nearly painless..no blood test or waiting period).




Getting married in Disneyland...well that seems like a Mickey Mouse operation to me...(hehhee, great PUN huh?)




Now make sure you pick a chapel with a wed cam so we can all enjoy your special day.


Patti

PS -Dan is right about the ring! It IS a conspiracy!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/p0af35e5de6c2fbf0a22deac4bcd45117/fcbe06cc.gif.orig.gif

[Sonya]

Welcome Back, Cheesy! You forgot all about me out here.. and the fact that you're already registered as member #3 from way back in the old days. smile.gif

I'll try on the webcam, but so far I haven't been too excited about any place that has one. How about if I promise to put pictures up the same day.

Doesn't everyone make modifications to their websites on their wedding night? Is that too geeky? graemlins/eek5.gif graemlins/goofy.gif

[HoyaHeel]

Sonya, Cheran has posted the answer to your prayers--enter to win a Vegas Monster Garage wedding!!! :D

[bigdave]

Hi Sonya,

My wife and I faced a similar decision, we got married on Christmas Eve at the Little Chapel of the West. We came all the way from the UK and didn't tell anyone until after the event.

Its easy to spend a lot of time and money trying to please everyone else, and ultimately losing sight of the fact that its day for the bride and groom. I know our opinion is not shared by everyone, but you should really concentrate on pleasing you and Dan and not everyone else.

We can really recommend a Vegas wedding and have absolutely no regrets. From your message it's clear your heart's in Vegas and would suggest you book it now!!! As I'm sure you already know you can book a cheap wedding (like ours) without it being really tacky.

You mentioned Disneyland, we left Vegas and spent our honeymoon there. There's no reason you couldn't do the same afterall if too limeys driving on the wrong side of the road can, they you definately can.

As for your guests, we met a party of 40 from Illinois at the Micro Brewery at Monte Carlo,who were definately glad too be there.

What ever your decision we wish you all the very best.

bigdave

[ February 03, 2003, 12:19 PM: Message edited by: bigdave ]

[Sonya]

Originally posted by HoyaHeel:
enter to win a Vegas Monster Garage wedding!!!I saw that. I think I'm going to pass on that one. I can convince my mom that a chapel in Vegas is almost the same as a chapel at home, but I don't think she'd go for the Monster Garage version. graemlins/laughing.gif

[Lmadrid]

I love the show Monster Garage, but it doesn't quite make me think "wedding" ;) .....plus, i might run off with Jesse James if given too much opportunity! graemlins/shy.gif graemlins/ssst.gif graemlins/laughing.gif