Jessica and Nicolas came from Idaho for their Las Vegas wedding, but instead of doing a wedding portraits immediately following their ceremony, they did a pre-wedding shoot. What a great idea for a first look!
They chose to do their photos in a spot that can be a bit of a hike to get to, and test drove hair and makeup looks for an intimate session at Calico Basin with Taylored Photo Memories.
When sharing their wedding, Jessica told a really sweet story about how she coped with some tragedy and heartbreak just before the wedding and how she got her dress. You have to read her sweet, sentimental story of what happened following the death of Nicolas’s grandfather and having to put down their dachshund, Bella, just ahead of the wedding. A reminder that it’s not what happens on the day of the wedding, but sometimes the events leading up to it that make the day so emotional and memorable.
From the bride, Jessica:
After we made the hardest decision of our lives and did what was best for Bella by putting her down, two days later was my appointment at Christa’s. I had made the appointment a month prior and due to all that had been happening, I almost canceled.
My friend and my mom both came to the appointment with me and while trying on gowns, a man came over and asked if he could buy my dress for me. I honestly thought he was joking, because who offers to buy a $1000+ anything for anyone they don’t know? My friend made a point to ask the man if he was actually serious when I went back into the dressing room to try on another dress and he said that he really wanted to buy my dress.
I found the perfect dress thanks to the amazing staff at Christa’s, and Mr. Angel (one of the most amazing people I have ever met) had already paid for it. It still makes me cry just writing this now. After all of this, Mr. Angel even gave us money to go have dinner before we done back to Boise that evening. I had no idea that such amazing people even existed, but I do believe he was sent to me and my family for a reason. It for sure will be a day that I will never forget.
Vendor and Venue Details:
Photographer: Taylored Photo Memories / Photo Shoot: Calico Basin at Red Rock Canyon / Reception Venue: Victoria’s Family / Wedding Dress: Alfred Angelo, 221 “Rapunzel” from Christa’s Dress Shoppe in Twin Falls, ID / Hair + Makeup: Sarah at Fairytale Hair and Makeup / Jewelry: Pritties Accessories UK / Bride’s Shoes: Custom Converse / Groom’s Suit + Menswear: Calvin Klein / Floral: The Palette / Celebrant: Flawless Ceremonies by Kymberli Smith
It’s been a little while since I featured a styled wedding shoot, but hopefully there will be a few coming down the pipeline to inspire you because WPPI, the Wedding and Portrait Photographer’s convention, is just wrapping up in Las Vegas and there are some cool styled events going on. I can’t wait to see the photos!
However, until then, here’s an earthy reception styled shoot to inspire you! It features the work of Kate Botwinski Photography (that is to say, Kate and Sam, the team behind the name) in a rustic, very natural desert session they styled and photographed. I love the natural, almost shabby-chic details and the chalkboard sign props. Flower designs by Enchanted Florist and a elegant birdcage veil by Las Vegas based veil artisan Vegas Veils are featured.
The idea of having an intimate reception in the desert where you, me and cake makes three is just appealing to me!
More from Kate and Sam, the photographers:
The Las Vegas desert is one of our favorite locations for photographs. There is something so delicious about the warm light, dusty roads, and the quiet surroundings. Yet, the extreme lack in population creates a very edgy and mysterious vibe. We find it to be a perfect backdrop for creating imagery.
Vendor and Venue Details:
Photographer: Kate Botwinksi Photography / Wedding Dress: Blue Bridal Boutique / Veil: Vegas Veils / Floral: Enchanted Florist / Cake: Red Velvet Cafe / Chalkboards: Earthen Artisan House
KISS Hotter Than Hell Wedding Chapel by Monster Mini Golf
http://kissweddingchapel.com/
4503 Paradise Road | 702.558.6258
Capacity: Up to 35 | Indoor Sites Only | Hosts: Ceremonies Only
Find the KISS Wedding Chapel on Facebook
Just the Deets
Clearly, Las Vegas is tops when it comes to unique, crazy and fun wedding ceremonies. But if it’s a rock’n'roll, musical wedding you’re after, there’s one place you have to check out as a possible wedding venue.
The Hotter Than Hell Wedding Chapel is no slouch when it comes giving couples the full rockstar treatment at their wedding, from smoke machines and music to a KISS “band member” officiant. The chapel actually sits inside of a mini golf course (KISS themed, as well) and holds up to 35 seated guests, with room for standing guests if you have a few extras. You even get a free round of mini golf after the wedding!
The chapel is slightly off Strip, but is conveniently located near to the appropriately rockstar style Hard Rock Hotel and modern Rumor Boutique Hotel.
What’s Special?
If you are a fan of classic rock, especially KISS, you’re going to love the attention to detail in their rock star chic ceremonies. You are married on a stage which is a replica of the one on the KISS album cover for “Love Gun.” The chapel uses dramatic lighting and velvet furnishings, plus includes music and fog machines for that full on concert effect. Ceremonies start from $249 and commitment ceremonies and vow renewals are also available.
Costumed officiants like the “Sinister Minister” or band impersonators like The Starchild, The Spaceman or The Demon himself (regular sized and little person sized) are available to oversee your vows. Concert ticket wedding invites, signed memorabilia, KISS wedding costumes and flame decorated cakes are also fun add-ons. You even get your own personal “tour manager” or wedding coordinator to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Factor In
- The chapel is about 15 minutes drive from most Strip hotels and casinos
- Photography is included, and your guests are permitted to take photos during the ceremony, unlike many chapel weddings
- Other than mini-golf, there aren’t really reception options available
- If you need a wedding dress, or just want to have fun, gowns in the themes of Demon, Starchild, Spaceman and Catman Destroyer (and the infamous KISS boots!) are available for rental
- Bachelor and bachelorette parties are also available
Searching for the perfect venue for your Las Vegas wedding? Be sure to check out the other posts in the Ultimate Vegas Wedding Venue series, or peruse the Vegas Wedding Venue Directory!
Photos Courtesy: KISS Wedding Chapel
Many wedding bloggers were doing annual roundups just as 2014 began, but I thought it would be more fun to play off the Academy Awards and give honorary Oscar “nominations” for some favorite photos from posts featured on the site in 2013. The photos are a mix of personal choices and those that were popular on social media*. Mostly, it’s just a chance to highlight some amazing photography and work by various vendors from 2013. It was an amazing year on the blog, and I wish I could have included so many more!
So, presenting the nominees in the following categories: Best Visual Effects, Best Drama, Best Props, Best Set Design, Best Wardrobe Design, Best Kiss, Best Picture, Best Supporting Cast, Best Hair and Makeup and Best Cinematography! If you click the photo, it will bring you through to the full post if you would like to see more.
* tallied in a totally scientific way (…not)
Best Visual Effects
Best Drama
Best Props
Best Set Design
Best Wardrobe/”Costume” Design
Best Kiss
Best Picture
Best Supporting Cast
Two nods go out for this one, for two important groups of people. First, the band of professionals that pulled together to make a British couple’s wedding come true after their venue shut down suddenly just before their Halloween wedding.
And to the team at Wish Upon a Wedding Las Vegas, who are there to help wedding dreams come true for couples coping with terminal illness or disability.
Best Cinematography
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
It’s that day of the week again: time for Sunday Funday – a round up of the best in Vegas wedding news and links, plus some beautiful stuff from the rest of the wide world web of weddings!
» Vegas Wedding News + Links »
» Upcoming Bridal Shows, Open Houses + Events »
* Please note most events require an RSVP, click the links for full information.
Have a Las Vegas wedding event to announce? Please email the info to kelly AT littlevegaswedding DOT com
» More Link Love »
That’s all she wrote folks! See you next Sunday!
