Las Vegas Elvis Wedding :: Lauren + Joe

Weddings

October 14, 2015

It is always a true honor to be asked to fly across the country for a destination wedding- especially in Las Vegas! And it’s especially exciting when it’s an Elivs Wedding! We remembering receiving the email from Lauren all the way from the London explaining how she fell in love with a sweet man named Joe from the U.S. Their long distance love story was so sweet and hearing her lovely British accent was so enchanting. After a few phone calls we knew they we were the perfect match and the planning began. We were actually in Vegas last year shooting a wedding for an Australian couple and we skyped with Lauren and Joe. It was perfect timing because they were actually in the same place at the same time and we were in the city where they would be married! So cool! Joe lives in Seattle while Lauren lives outside of London awaiting her Visa to go through. They truly have a unmatchable story to tell their children and grandchildren about finding love and doing whatever it takes to make it work. So romantic.

Upon arriving to Vegas, we settled in at the Cosmopolitan and met up with Lauren and Joe for a pre-wedding shoot. These two are so adorable and kind. You could tell they were so happy to be together, hold hands, and just starring at each other as they soaked up every moment together. We felt an instant connection with them as soon as we saw them. There was so much time preparing for this very moment. The moment they would be together and get married in one of the most fun places with their best friends and family. We ran around the streets for a little bit getting to know each other and beating the Las Vegas heat. They both were going separate ways to spend a few hours of the night with their best friends for a bachelorette and bachelor kind of party!

The next morning the sun was shining bright on their wedding day. We remembering calling Lauren to ask her her whereabouts and she was at the pool! It was only 15 minutes before we would start shooting with her!! It was quite the laugh and she looked stunning and perfect just in time. The girls from Makeup in the 702 were doing their magic as we ran around shooting the details on the terrace overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. Our job couldn’t get much better than this. Meeting all the Brit friends and family was so much fun. There accents and slang really kept me entertained for hours and hours. They kindest and funniest people I have ever met. The day was filled with lots of laughter, silliness and “lovelies”. I feel like the British are my people. Maybe I am in the wrong country?! It was nice that they extended their homes for us to stay in if we come to London in the future. We are seriously considering it already! Instant Family. Lauren was looking absolutely stunning in her curls and tea length wedding dress. She was very excited to see Joe for the first time. We decided to take the risk and shoot their first look in a casino. 🙂 She came down the escalator towards the entrance to the Cosmo where Joe was waiting to see her. Ah! It was perfect. After taking a moment to soak in all the love and gorgeousness happening we met with the family across the street at the Bellagio for family portraits. It was a perfect day and the sun was about to fall behind the tall resort building as we headed towards the Vegas Weddings Chapel to make this marriage official.

The ceremony was on a terrace outdoors lit with twinkling strung lights around a gazebo. 25 of Lauren and Joe’s best friends and family were ready to be witnesses to a beautiful wedding led by the one and only, Elvis. He came out in his sparkling attire, sunglasses and jet black hair and sang to the small audience. Not only was he a great Elvis, he was very kind and the led a very sentimental and funny wedding all wrapped up together. It was perfect. Elvis had Lauren and Joe exchange vows, rings and even dance moves. Viva Las Vegas played as the new married couple danced and everyone sang the words together. It was pretty magical. We then jumped in a fantastic limo to head to the strip to shoot after dark photos. We were able to hit up some of their favorite spots before heading back for the reception at The Peppermill. OMG, this place was incredible. We couldn’t get over the decor inside this hidden gem. Open 24 hours, this is a local secret to most tourists. Neon lights, gambling, indoor trees and a lounge with plush seating and fire that blew our mind! The purple cake, dice, personalized chips and the decor all came together and made a very unique and very Vegas celebration. It was a perfect day and finally, these two were married!!!!!!

Two days later we all met at the pool for a day of relaxing, drinks and sun. It was that day that sealed the deal for us. This family was now our family. Though miles still separate Joe and Lauren as they await the Visa process, they are holding strong until the day they can finally live under the same roof. This week is very special as they will be celebrating their marriage in the UK with Lauren’s friends and family locally. We send our love and congrats a second time as you continue celebrating your beautiful relationship. We couldn’t be happier for the both of you. Sending our love to you both. And to the family!!!

Leaha + Jeffrey

Pre-Wedding