Viva Las Vegas

Ten years, a decade.  So much can happen and it all happens so quick.  I find it hard to believe that 10 years ago, Marisol and I were married.  It's been the happiest decade of my life.  Maria has been planning for the last year or so to renew our vows.  The original plan was for us to be in France, preferably Provence, where we could be sipping wine, eating cheese and enjoying the country life.  With the challenges we faced in the last year, we realized France wasn't going to happen.  And now, with the riots going on there, I can say I'm truly glad it didn't happen.

Instead, we decided on a pseudo Paris trip, and instead went to Las Vegas.  The plan was to go to the Paris Hotel and enjoy a virtual trip to France.  Instead, we wound up at the Hard Rock Hotel, we were joined by Mike and Lilia Cottle and Brad. 

When Maria told me she wanted to renew our vows, I joked that I didn't realize they expired.  I thought the whole concept of renewing the vows was over the top.  To continue the theme, I felt that if we were going to be in Vegas and go over the top, then the ceremony should be with Elvis and really be over the top.

Maria with Elvis.  She decide to not wear white, since "The jig is up"

The cast and crew of Viva Las Vegas, Brad, Maria, Elvis, Me, Lilia and Mike.

A formal wedding portrait. I had to go with the rat pack look, loved wearing the hat.

Elvis handing us our "new" marriage certificate

The Bride and Groom

Our name in lights on Las Vegas Blvd.

Here we are after the wedding celebrating.

Mike, Lilia and in the photo Nene and Vato who joined us in spirit

Lilia took this photo.  In the background, you can see the camera that was used to film the ceremony and broadcast over the Internet.  Found out after that Nene and Dani were watching, text'd Mike and Lilia to wave into the camera, which they did.  Got to love modern technology.

Here we are in front of the chapel.

After the ceremony we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Casa Di Amore.  It was a family run restaurant well off the strip.  Food was outstanding, definitely someplace we'll visit again.  Atmosphere was incredible. 

When they found out it was our wedding night, the band played us "Unforgettable" and we got up and danced.

When we weren't busy renewing the vows, we hung out at the Hard Rock pool.  This is the practice skate/bike ramp and we watched them practice. 

The guys hanging by the pool.

Maria and I at dinner at Nobu.  While the food was good, I think I prefer Mikuni, especially for the price.  I think we all left hungry.

They were filming some show all weekend, some reality show about the Hard Rock pool area which is called "Rehab".  You can see the girls in the pool in the background at the sky bar.  The bar underneath has areas where you can see up into the pool.  There was a cameraman filming those two girls with an underwater camera.

Mike wanted to ensure we had Nene with us at all the times.  We took quite a few pictures, until Mike lost Nene.

Of course we weren't the only ones caring around photos, here's Nene next to a cardboard cutout on a stick of Paul Rodriguez.

It's a little hard to see, but look at the guy catching air on his bike off the ramp.  When the bikers fall, it's a lot scarier than when the skaters fall.

Maria and I in the lobby of the Hard Rock, waiting to go out to dinner.

We were walking through the "City Center" and saw this restaurant.  Didn't eat there, but thought it was a very unique design.

Here we are at the drop off area for Aria hotel and "City Center"

One way or another we did make it to Paris and get a picture with the Eiffel Tower.

Mike and Lilia were there too.  Thanks Brad for taking the photos.

Again, hanging out in the Hard Rock.

Lilia trying on my hat.  Looked pretty good on her, now give it back!

We've been listening to some new music lately.  Our current artist is Bruno Mars.  A few songs, "Grenade" and "Marry You" were particularly popular. 
 The Marry you lyrics hit home...

It's a beautiful night,
We're looking for something dumb to do.
Hey baby,
I think I wanna marry you.

Is it the look in your eyes,
Or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares baby,
I think I wanna marry you.

Well I know this little chapel on the boulevard we can go,
No one will know,
Come on girl.
Who cares if we're trashed got a pocket full of cash we can blow,
Shots of patron,
And it's on girl.

Don't say no, no, no, no-no;
Just say yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah;
And we'll go, go, go, go-go.
If you're ready, like I'm ready.

Cause it's a beautiful night,
We're looking for something dumb to do.
Hey baby,
I think I wanna marry you.

Is it the look in your eyes,
Or is it this dancing juice?
Who cares baby,
I think I wanna marry you.

I'll go get a ring let the choir bells sing like oooh,
So whatcha wanna do?
Let's just run girl.

Maria was also listening to the new Eric Clapton album and got a kick out of one of the songs(My very good friend the milkman) that ends with "Here comes the bride all fat and wide"