I’m so happy to be sharing the first vow renewal featured on Little Vegas Wedding today – and it’s a gooder! Courtney and Eric chose Las Vegas to host their 10 year wedding anniversary and vow renewal, and had Star Thrower Photography come along for the ride.
Courtney and Eric’s original wedding was a two parter – a civil ceremony in California, and a larger more formal affair in their home state of Georgia. The reason this couple chose a vow renewal and that Vegas was the location was because they are currently expats, and in their years of living all over the world, they’ve picked up lots of new friends along the way. Friends that were not necessarily there for their initial wedding. So a Las Vegas vow renewal and party was just the ticket for all of these global friends to gather at.
Planning a wedding from some 10,000 miles away is a little bit of a challenge, but with the help of Scheme Events, Courtney and Eric turned this one out. This multi-part party featured a day before the renewal bridal photo session at the Neon Museum, the actual vow renewal officiated by Elvis at Little Church of the West Chapel, a group Strip tour in a monster limo, group portraits at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and then an insuite afterparty.
Courtney rocked out a perfect little white lacy dress from ASOS paired with chic nude Louboutin pumps. The favors for the vow renewal were Elvis sunglasses, custom playing cards and personalized temporary tattoos by Buttonhead, a nod to Eric’s collection of real tattoos.
Despite high temperatures thwarting their group Strip tour (it’s hard to keep a huge limo full of people cool in temperatures well above 100 degrees, who knew?) a little detour had the group partying it up at Mandalay Bay in a Hospitality Suite in no time. Snacks, sushi and sweet treats, plus libations served up by a bartender kept the party going at this classic, totally Vegas vow renewal.
Courtney writes: “Looking back, we probably could’ve gone with a Vista Suite, but the Hospitality Suite was a great fit for our group.  We also booked the adjoining suite where my photographer was able to put her equipment – nice and discreet.  The adjoining suites provided us with 3 bathrooms, a great sound system and a television where we ran a video of photos from us through the years.  The bar and seating added to the ‘house party’ vibe I was going for.  Overall, Mandalay Bay was the right fit for us and our guests.”
Finally, since this is the first vow renewal featured on the blog, I asked Courtney if she had any tips for others planning Vegas vow renewals:
“I think early planning helps everyone – you and your guests.  We told people over a year ahead so they could make plans (apply for visas, etc.).  I also liked being able to check things off and pay for as much as possible in advance.  When friends and family can add to their calendars and make arrangements earlier, I think it gives everyone something to look forward to.  Our Facebook group for the party was one of constant updates and silly facts about Las Vegas.
“Also, if your original wedding was traditional and you’ve changed as a couple, the vow renewal gives you a chance to go crazy and get creative.  Singing with Elvis and all our friends and family was a special memory.”
I’m so stealing all of these ideas for my vow renewal. :)
Vendor and Venue Details:ÂÂ
Photographer: Star Thrower Photography / Wedding Venue: Little Church of the West Chapel / Reception + Afterparty Venue: Mandalay Bay Hospitality Suite / Wedding Coordinator: Scheme Events / Wedding Dress: ASOS Lace Dress with Scalloped Neck / Hair + Makeup: Harmony Medina (also for Courtney’s mom, sister and best friend) / Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. / Menswear: Zara, Express Men / Catering: Masterpiece Cuisine, Hokaido Sushi / Cupcakes: Sin City Cupcakes / Bartender: Culinary Pros / Transport: NTS Limo / Custom Temporary Tattoos: Ali Puckett of Buttonhead
BONUS: If you are interested to see how Courtney conceived ideas to incorporate into her vow renewal, be sure to check out her Pinterest board of inspiration. It’s awesome to see how much of it came into reality!
Love that Eric got a manicure!
YES! A hadouken wedding photo!!
Such fun! Love the tattoos and photography style!
Thanks for the coverage of our event! From the pictures, I’m sure you can tell we had a blast. Best to all Vegas brides!
It already had me thinking about my 10 year anniversary, Courtney – loved your ideas! Congratulations to you both!
They totally personalized everything, didn’t they? You can feel the fun that was had.