Las Vegas
... and the wait began!
We received several phone calls -- still waiting for THE phone call though. After what seemed like an eternity [in reality, it was only a few hours late], we received our phone call. Right then, the nerves start to flair up. But finally ... finally it was time!
The phone call we were waiting for was from the driver. He was ready to pick us up and take us [with our guests] to our wedding destination -------- The Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Our guests were surprised at the length of the limo, but more was in store for them [and us, of course!]. We weren't headed to a normal wedding ceremony either -- we were married in a limosuine at the chapel's drive-thru window!
As cheesey as that may sound, the drive-thru window consisted of more than a burger to go. The driveway was covered with a beautifully painted and decorated awning [guess that's why it's called the "tunnel of love"]. As we waited our turn, we watched a couple wed in the lighted gazebo. Another couple was coming out of the chapel. When was it going to be our turn?!
Finally, finally ... the hostess brought out paperwork for us to complete and a rose for Lonnie to present to Sherry. Then, more waiting ... nervously awaiting our special moment!
The minister approached the rear door. We [Lonnie, Sherry, Kahea and our eight guests] were ready for the ceremony to begin. The ceremony, performed through the limo's window, was absolutely beautiful. We had never been so nervous ... but we knew that saying "I do!" was just the beginning to our happily ever after.
At 11:35 pm, Rev. Johnson presented us as Mr. & Mrs. Cartwright!
Lonnie, Sherry, Bert and Lisa relax in grand style -- in a stretch limo! We were on our way to the wedding chapel.
... going to the chapel, and we're gonna get maaaaaarried! Boy, Lonnie looks happy as ever and I looked worried. Hmmmm, funny since he was the nervous one.
Before the ceremony, I had to complete a form with our new address. It was also the first time I had to write Mr. & Mrs. Cartwright.
Welcome to ... can I take your order?! Oh, we only need one wedding tonight!
The awning / tunnel of the driveway was adorned with cherubs and flowers.
Our limo for the night. It was such a beautiful car and perfect for our wedding.
I check the view from the sunroof.
Again.
Now, Kahea and I peek out the sunroof as Lonnie waves to our guests.
Eric, the limo driver, did an excellent job keeping us posted of his whereabouts. It wasn't his fault we had to wait a few hours because there were so many wedding taking place at the chapel.
Rev. Johnson officiates the ceremony through the rear window. His words were so perfect for our ceremony.
At this point, I was all smiles and Lonnie was getting clammy. I am so happy to have finally found the love of my life.
Lonnie and I were listening to the minister as he read our vows.
I'm placing the wedding band on Lonnie's finger ...
... and sealing it with a kiss. Our first kiss as husband and wife!
Our wedding bands are beautiful! An art teacher that Lonnie worked with did a wonderful job with the hammered texture on each white gold band. Thank you, Joni!
Lonnie and I finally get out of the limo after the ceremony. We're waiting for everyone to decide what kind of pictures we need to take and how we need to pose.
Our family present at the wedding -- Lisa, Bert, Kahea, Donna, David, Chance and Alex. Our friends, Pat and Alice, were also present. Thank you all for the best wedding gift -- being there to share our special day!
Lonnie with his sister, Donna. She was gleaming -- finally her little brother gets married [only 20-something years after she did!].
Here we are, Mr. & Mrs. Cartwright ... our drive back to the Luxor. Lonnie and I went to Paris for our wedding night.
You can also view photos at Ofoto.com taken by my sister-in-law, Lisa.
Send your wedding wishes to the couple!