Family Milestones Wedding

Celebrate Milestones – How a Hockey Mom Got Hitched Vegas Style

A man and woman are holding hands while standing under an umbrella.


Last week I went with my family to Las Vegas for a hockey tournament my son was playing in. While Vegas was never a destination I dreamed of, when the chance to check it out fell in my lap, I wasn’t exactly going to pass it up. Because my theme word for 2018 is “intention” one thing was clear to me; if I was going to Vegas, I intended to have an authentic Vegas experience. But what would that look like? I’m not a gambler, and we didn’t have tickets to any big shows, so a more typical Las Vegas adventure was not likely. However, I am a person who jumps at the chance to celebrate milestones. With my 50th birthday and our 15th wedding anniversary around the corner, a marriage vow renewal Vegas style sounded outrageous, splendiferous and altogether perfect.

Here’s a peek at our cheesy, darling, silly and unforgettable celebration.

Celebrate Milestones

The Venue

A sign that says wedding chapel in the middle of nowhere.

Graceland Wedding Chapel is one of the many chapels located on Las Vegas Blvd in the older part of town.

 

A church with a clock tower in the background.

The sign reads “Rock Star Jon Bon Jovi was married here”. Heck, if it was good enough for Bon Jovi, it was good enough for us.

 

The Ceremony

A man and woman dressed up as elvis presley.

Elvis walked me down the aisle while singing “Love Me Tender”. I have to admit; it felt a little surreal.

 

A man in black jacket holding a guitar near two people.

Giving the bride away. “She’s all yours, Man.”

 

A man and woman kissing in front of a curtain.

“Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go. You have made my life complete, and I love you so.”

 

A man in black and white shirt holding microphone.

“A little less conversation and a little more action, please.”

As we were walking back down the aisle, Elvis sang “A Little Less Conversation”. I requested that number not only because it is my favourite Elvis song but also as a nod to my hubby and his gift of the gab.

A man and woman dressed as elvis presley

Me and my hunka hunka burning love. Check out his blue suede shoes!

It was initially going to be just a few of us, but once word got out among the team, many parents asked if they could be wedding crashers. We could not have been more thrilled.

It was a joy to watch our friends laugh, and even cry (I’m talking to you, G.B.) during the ceremony.

A group of people posing for a picture with an elvis presley guitar.

Our son Ryder was the somewhat-reluctant Best Man. Our dear friend pastor Jeff performed the five-minute cut-to-the-chase ceremony and was our limo driver.

 

A man and boy posing for the camera.

“And when you smile, the world is brighter.”

 

A group of people standing next to each other.

As we exited the chapel, the team formed an archway with their hockey sticks for us to walk beneath. This sweet gesture was organized entirely by the other hockey parents and beyond what I have envisioned. Does it get any more Canadian than that?

 

A man in blue shirt holding a white umbrella.

Even Ryder, who thought his mom was totally wack, got into the spirit.

 

My Vegas Vow Renewal Outfit

“Yes” to the Dress

This was not a traditional wedding, by any stretch, so I didn’t want to wear anything traditional. I chose a cream and metallic, ribbed party dress. The shimmery threads made the dress feel special, without looking too bridal.

A woman standing in front of a chair holding flowers.

“I Do!” to the Shoes

It was love at first sight. These are from Fluevog and everything I want in a nude-to-you shoe, and then some. I envision a long romance with these beauties.

A close up of the heel of a woman 's shoe

 

Celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead. ~ Nelson Mandela

Life is too short not to follow our dreams and celebrate milestones along the way. Whenever we intentionally celebrate milestones, we are reminded of how far we’ve come and what we’ve done to get there. It can be a pivotal time and a period of self-reflection. A little self-inventory, if you will. What do we want to see happen in the next chapter? How will we do things differently? What will we do the same? How do we want to feel moving forward?

Will you be celebrating any milestones in the near future? I’d love to hear about it below.

 

 

 

 

 

A woman holding a bouquet of roses in front of two men.

Those crazy Clarkes!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • Reg Lok Von
    February 26, 2018 at 2:03 pm

    OMG!!! You are all so cute and look FABULOUS! Love that you did this! Now that is a memorable 50th and 15th!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 26, 2018 at 3:20 pm

      Thx, Reg. It was not a day we will soon forget.

  • Marnie Grey
    February 26, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    Oh the Joy in these photos says it all! I SO love that you did this.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      Thank you so much, Marnie. It was quite an amazing experience.

  • Jenna
    February 26, 2018 at 4:01 pm

    Oh my goodness! I love that you did this! And a Vegas wedding wouldn’t be a Vegas wedding without an Elvis imperonsator! Definitely the coolest hockey parents 😉

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      What do you mean “impersonator”?! 😉

  • Jennifer
    February 26, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    Congratulations! You look so happy in the photos and I love your use of the word “splendiferous” ?

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      Awwwww! Thx, Jennifer. 🙂

  • Luci
    February 26, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    Congrats on your marriage. Getting married by Elvis is a dream of mine. I think that would be the only way that I would get married is if my significant agrees to get married by him.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:14 pm

      haha! It was pretty hilarious and I totally recommend an Elvis wedding, but I’m not sure it should be a deal breaker if you find that special guy who wins your heart.

  • Geraline Batarra
    February 27, 2018 at 12:59 am

    Such a cute and fun idea to have a hockey team in a wedding. Bet the guests’ really enjoyed the event.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:21 pm

      Thx, Geraline. It was a totally unexpected and wonderful surprise to have them there. The team did poorly in the tournament, so I think our wedding was a fun way to end our stay on a positive note.

  • Jeuelle
    February 27, 2018 at 9:15 am

    This is so sweet and so much fun! Why not???? What a way to celebrate 15 years of marriage and sharing it with your family.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:22 pm

      Exactly! Why not? You only live once. You have to create your own fun.

  • Elizabeth O
    February 27, 2018 at 9:49 am

    What an awesome way to celebrate your 50th and 15 years. It looks like you had such a fun time.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:23 pm

      Thx, Elizabeth. We had the best time!

  • Salma
    February 27, 2018 at 10:26 am

    You guys are the cutest. And I love that you did this!! Now I want to do it for my 15th anniversary too 🙂

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:26 pm

      Aren’t we though? lol I highly recommend an Elvis wedding in Vegas to renew your wedding vows on your anniversary. It was stress-free and just about having fun.

  • Melissa
    February 27, 2018 at 11:04 am

    This is awesome and so so fun!!!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:27 pm

      Thx, Miss! It was soooooo us!

  • Brittany
    February 27, 2018 at 11:32 am

    How fun! Congratulations on your renewal, way to do it in style!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      Thx, Brittany. It was definitely a memorable day!

  • Kelly Edgar
    February 27, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    What a fun way to celebrate! I love how happy you look! Congratulations 🙂

  • Hey Sharonoox
    February 27, 2018 at 6:07 pm

    Looks like everyone was having a great time. Congrats to you both on your 15th wedding anniversary! What a sweet and loving couple.

  • Holly Lasha
    February 27, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    Congrats…what a fun vow renewal!!! Looks like a blast was had by all..even Elvis!!!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 28, 2018 at 7:55 am

      He was the BEST Elvis! So much fun!

  • Crystal
    February 27, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    Oh wow, what an awesome way to get hitched and create a heck of a memory

    • Dee Clarke
      February 28, 2018 at 7:54 am

      Yeah, it was a day we won’t soon forget. Thanks, Crystal.

  • Jem Castor
    February 27, 2018 at 6:22 pm

    This is so awesome and cool idea! Congratulations and I wish you both all the best.

  • Bianca Dottin
    February 27, 2018 at 6:26 pm

    This is so fun. I’ve always wondered what a Vegas wedding was like. Congratulations!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 27, 2018 at 6:37 pm

      I think Vegas weddings can vary from over-the-top opulence to tacky-terrific. Clearly, we chose the latter. No stress. All fun. Thanks for stopping by, Bianca.

  • Annie
    February 27, 2018 at 6:47 pm

    That’s the perfect way to celebrate those awesome milestones!!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 28, 2018 at 7:53 am

      Life is too short not to celebrate the milestones, right?!

  • Tara
    February 27, 2018 at 9:41 pm

    what a special day – I love how happy you are!

    • Dee Clarke
      February 28, 2018 at 7:52 am

      Tara, I could not stop smiling. Thank you for stopping by.

  • Adepoju Grace
    February 27, 2018 at 10:14 pm

    Happy birthday and wedding anniversary. I love weddings. Your smile is enchanting. Stay happy.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 28, 2018 at 7:51 am

      You’re so sweet. Thank you, Grace. I hope you stay happy too. 🙂

  • Angela Ricardo Bethea
    February 28, 2018 at 6:15 am

    You all look fabulous and cute. Congratulations on your renewal. It seems that you really had a fun time.

    • Dee Clarke
      February 28, 2018 at 7:50 am

      Awww! Thanks, Angela. Is was even more fun than I had imagined.

  • Lisa Rios
    February 28, 2018 at 11:14 am

    Oh my gosh, how fun! My mom wanted to get married in Vegas too but didn’t get the chance LOL… love the Elvis song picks

    • Dee Clarke
      March 5, 2018 at 6:54 am

      Hey Lisa, We arranged our wedding the night before, so if she ever goes back, it is fast and easy to organize. I had trouble choosing between Love Me Tender and Fools Rush In. A Little Less Conversation was a MUST. lol

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