Announcing: Charlotte & Jeffrey
Charlotte shared the happy news about her whirlwind romance and their decision to get married when she returned from a trip to Montana in January. Initially, I was unsure that I would be able to attend, but then my rally friends, Diane and Erik (and their respective spouses) offered up their frequent flyer miles in exchange for us helping them as crew at the Seed 9 rally. I am so grateful to the four of that and making it possible for me to attend my co-worker & friend’s special day.
I flew out to Las Vegas from LAX on Sunday, with a bit of a delay on the runway from the wind in Vegas. I didn’t know until I landed that I’d still arrived before Charlotte, her fiance` Jeffrey, and her sister Sarah, who had driven Charlotte’s car, with trailer attached, from SoCal. The winds made their drive to Vegas more difficult (because they were towing a box trailer from U-Haul), but they did eventually arrive in time for dinner. Instead of picking me up from the airport, Charlotte had arranged for her friends James and Joe to pick me up, so they were already there waiting for me with Tuyen - another co-worker of mine who had left herself to attend graduate school in Boston.
A quick trip to the hotel and soon after Charlotte, Jeffrey, and Sarah arrived. They checked into their hotel room, and one they’d reserved for friends to share, even though it ended up being “the girls’ room.” We all got settled in, and ready for the “rehearsal” dinner. Just before we left, Sarah, Tuyen, and I gave Charlotte some gifts to use as her “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Sarah brought Charlotte the earrings she’d worn at her own wedding, as well as a garter, a silver pin (that Charlotte put on the garter), and a hankie from their grandmother that had lacy blue trim - which their great-aunt had hand-crocheted. Tuyen had some blue & silver hair jewelry, and I gave Charlotte my veil to borrow.
We set out for dinner at Landry’s, and had a wonderful time. James, Joe, and Tuyen decided they wanted to enjoy a night on the town in Vegas, so they went off to the strip while the rest of us went back to the hotel. Sarah and I started talking and completely lost track of ourselves - we just had so much in common that we couldn’t stop! I think we finally fell asleep around 2 AM. We woke up around 8 AM to start getting ready for the wedding - as Charlotte and Jeffrey went down to the chapel to make arrangements and then went off to the courthouse to obtain their marriage license.
When Charlotte and Jeffrey returned, it was a quarter of 10, and their wedding ceremony was supposed to be at 10 AM! They called the chapel to delay it - as Charlotte would not have had enough time to get ready. Then the curling iron was plugged in, and clothes were flying everywhere as the three girls helped Charlotte put on her makeup, do her hair, and get dressed. We were finally ready to go, and then headed over to the chapel. Last minute arrangements were made re: music, and then it was ceremony time! James walked Charlotte down the aisle as Sarah got their mom on the phone. Jeffrey and Charlotte recited their vows together - which made Sarah and I both cry! They had the longest wedding kiss I’ve ever witnessed, and then it was picture time! I directed several photos of poses I really like from Kris and my wedding, so I hope they came out nice!
Click here for my pictures from the dinner and wedding!
I will post a link once Charlotte & Jeffrey make their wedding page.
After the pictures, we made a quick stop back at the hotel to pick up my luggage before we headed over to the Bellagio for a buffet lunch. Unfortunately, I had to rush to leave to make my flight (which I almost did not!), but before I did, I made the happy couple pose for a few more “classic” pictures - a toast, and the toast while kissing! The food at the Bellagio was excellent, and the next time I’m in Las Vegas, I will be sure to go there for the buffet! Final thoughts: Charlotte and Jeffrey made an adorable couple, and I’m so happy for them both!
