Celebrate Milestones – How a Hockey Mom Got Hitched Vegas Style

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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.

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

“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.

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.

Those crazy Clarkes!

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