Gordon and Louise do Vegas (and Blandford) Part 1

November 27th, 2011|6 comments

After a break in photographing weddings, you hope you first one will be a traditional church wedding.

Sadly, that was never going be the case with Gordon & Louise – they’d settled on a Vegas Wedding.

None of your ‘Elvis Drive Thru’ stuff, they’d opted for the Wedding Chapel in the MGM Grand Complex (think Westfield but much bigger).

This really was going to be one of those events that would not conform to any ‘normal expectations‘ that you have for a Wedding.

1. The wedding was being done in 2 parts, the ceremony in Vegas,

The reception was to be held in a traditional village hall 3 weeks later!

2. I was required to share photographic duties with a local wedding photographer (only house photographers may shoot IN the Chapel)

Hence, this lovely picture of the wedding party minus the Bride and Groom!

And yet, I was allowed to get the pictures of the Bridal Chamber where the Bride and Maids finally got everything together for that magical moment – where as “the house photographer was not allowed in that room”

3. It was Las Vegas, the one place in the world where the ‘normalities’ of life do not exist

The temperature was 100+, the distances between each location were the same as going to Gate 95 at Gatwick.

Just like they did when flying out…

The Bride and Maids had to get their hair done, then, walk through a casino to get changed for the wedding.

The Groom and party had to try and stay out of the way,

and NOT do any gambling!

Which was difficult..

Because all travels involved using the same corridor and travelators.

The dress, after all, has to be a surprise!

Despite the difficulties, every thing went off in a traditional ‘Vegas’ style, a photographers dream wedding opportunity.

This was my last picture before being thrown out

Ready for the Father of the Bride to take his place.

If you look at the enlarged version of the shot, Louise really was on the edge…

I picked up again as the Bride and Groom were released by the “House Photographer”, and were awaiting transport to the Wedding Banquet.

As you can see, this was Stretch Limo’s Vegas style. Not just Hummers for Limo’s – but 20 seater Limo’s (UK can only seat less than half)

And we had 2 of them.

And this picture of the Bridesmaids entering one of these beasts gives a better idea of scale.

Walking to the front of one of these Stretch Hummers was almost worthy of a sponsored walk.

A quick shot of Gordon and Louise in their own Limo, and the faces says it all…

After which I was thrown out to join Limo 2 and get some shots of the rest of the party…

To find the mother and father of the bride starting to chill out as well.

Only 1 half of the Limo in sight, and people are holding on.

When these vehicles went round a corner, the passengers could find themselves changing positions.

But it was a party atmosphere and we throughly enjoyed the experience.

Obviously Gordon and Louise didn’t have this problem!

And so, to the final part of the day, lunch at Maggiano’s Little Italy, a wonderful Italian Restaurant well known to all who have been to Vegas.

Some of the scenes which explains their choice of wedding venue…

The classic scene from the “original” Strip – the new one is some 4-5 miles north of this point…

It is now called The Freemont Street Experience” – well worth a visit.

This really is Venice recreated in Nevada.

Enjoy a Gondola ride around the Venetian complex -

even in your own White Wedding Gondola!

The Belagio Fountain Display – absolutely stunning.

Happens every 15 minutes and you still have to jostle for a good view.

Yes, they’ve even re-created Paris in Las Vegas

With this replica Eiffel Tower and an Arc de Triumphe

And of course nothing beats a great balcony view…

Don’t let the shade fool you – it was still some 80+ degrees in the shade…

And last but not least -

New York New York

A recreation of the iconic structures from New York.

And, now, for the last thing you would expect – but due to the way things were, I’ve included a few shots from the House Photographer.

We both had our parts to play, this tale more covers my part in this amazing experience.

It was one of those weddings where you were glad to sit down at the end of it all and smile, and wonder how it ever came off.

Big thanks to Gordon and Louise for giving me the opportunity to capture the memories.

6 Comments

Eileen

November 27, 2011 at 20:08 · Reply

A wonderful story and a great collection of pictures Andrew. It looks as though a great tiem was had by all.
Camille

November 27, 2011 at 23:34 · Reply

Very nice!!! Loving the atmospheric NY NY shot!
Wendy-Sue and Mike

November 28, 2011 at 08:01 · Reply

Wonderful evocative photos as ever, Andrew: Great memories for those of us lucky enough to be there. Thank you!
Joan Osborne

November 28, 2011 at 17:35 · Reply

Fantastic pictures, Andrew!! Well Done!!!

They bring back such great memories. So great meeting everyone and sharing in the special day.

Joan.
Christine

November 29, 2011 at 20:10 · Reply

Brilliant photography Andrew, brought back super memories and exciting moments. I love the way that you’ve put the photographs together it all looks very professional. Thank you so much for your hard work, I really hope that it will lead to a successful new career for you. Give my love to Mickie, take care. love Chris.