I'm Lauren and I am the newest member of the Chapel of the Flowers family. I was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas. In May, I graduated from the University of Arkansas with a major in Marketing and a minor in Management. I wanted to move somewhere with hot weather and fun things to do, and what better place than Las Vegas. In my spare time, I love to read, bake, go to the pool and do anything outside.

Having never worked at a chapel before, I am so excited to learn about the wedding industry and to help every bride have a perfect day!

Your Perfect Ceremony!!!

After all the planning has happened and your special day is finally here the one component that can make or break your wedding is the ceremony and who officiates it. At Chapel of The Flowers our ministers are incomprable to any chapel! Each minister puts their heart and soul into their ceremonies and even though the timing of the ceremony is short and sweet, the words that are said are memorable and will last a lifetime. Chapel of The Flowers hand picked our ministers so we could give our couples a quality over quantity ceremony and we take pride in our weddings. You can watch a wedding online at littlechapel.com to view our ceremonies and ministers but heres a little biography about each one.

Van Dunson
Van Dunson grew up in Texas, where he attended Texas Wesleyan University. He served in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church before moving to Las Vegas in 1991. He has officiated thousands of ceremonies for couples from all over the world since becoming a Chapel Minister in 2001. He has also served as Minister of Music and Minister of Youth, and enjoys playing piano and singing for his family and friends. He has two beautiful children, an 18 year old son and a 16 year old daughter, who like to keep him busy, and young! Van truly enjoys performing weddings for the Chapel, and loves the fact that no two couples are alike!

Jerry Stephens
Jerry Stephens has been a senior pastor of four churches in California and Texas. He has been a minister for over 40 years, been married for 33 years, and has lived in Las Vegas for 10 years. Jerry likes classic cars and trucks but he loves spending time with his wife and family and serving people on their wedding day.

Doug Gilbert
Doug was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, but moved to Las Vegas over 25 years ago. He has been married to a beautiful woman for over 23 years, and has two amazing sons. He likes dogs, and has an immense respect for those serving in our armed forces (his son is currently serving in the Navy). He loves to travel all over the world, and he recently made a missionary trip to South Africa to help mission to those suffering with AIDS, which was a really memorable experience. He has been a minister for 15 years, and loves to make every couple have a truly special ceremony!

Al Hansen
Al has pastured churches in New Jersey & Nevada. He spent many years ministering on the PGA golf tour and in the process caddied for professionals on tour. He caddied for 8 Masters, 17 US Opens, and hundreds of Tournaments. His goal is that each couple he marries will know his desire to make their day a very personal experience for them. He has raised 9 step-children and has 1 daughter.

For more information on how to creat your perfect wedding visit our website at http://www.littlechapel.com/ or call 800-843-2410

HISTORY OF THE WEDDING DRESS

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue........


The wearing of a white gown to get married in is an old tradition dating back to the nineteenth century but probably influenced by Queen Victoria and her family. Victoria wore a gown of white satin with Honiton lace which she then wore to subsequent royal weddings and the dress was also worn by her daughter on her own wedding day. Previous to this, white and silver were strongly associated with royal weddings and that of nobility, infact at this time it was considered unlucky for the bride to wear anything other than white!


Royal weddings in the past were of great political significance so the bride would need to look especially magnificent. In 1761 Princess Charlotte married King George III wearing a spectacular dress of silver decorated with pearls and lined with ermine. Although Princess Charlotte's dress was white and silver, colors of the gowns of such high status weddings would be rich too with purples and reds often being used as they represented wealth. The train too,was a symbol of status but this has lost its meaning through the passage of time and the length of train is purely a personal choice in the 21st century.


Through the centuries however, several other colors have been associated with weddings. Infact white weddings were reserved only for the richest of families as many less well off girls had to choose a dress they could wear again and again. White and silver were the predominant colors, but there were dresses of pink and blue also. Blue was associated with young people, infact older ladies who wore blue in the 16th century were frowned upon as blue was a color symbolizing youth. And so blue became another color chosen for wedding gowns, often embroidered with silver. Blue (and white of course) were also symbols of purity. In addition to this, if a bride chose to wear blue it was believed that her husband would be faithful to her, hence the 'something blue' that most brides still traditionally include somewhere on their gown.


In the 1840s the crinoline became very popular and brides were seen in much fuller skirts -our equivalent gowns today being the ball gown 'cinderella -style ' dresses. As the century moved on, crinolines were replaced with half crinolines, with what are commonly known as bustles becoming popular by the 1870s. Some of today's designers use such styles to influence their 21st century wedding gown designs. If you are keen on a particular style of dress, or want your dress to have a certain feature such as a bustle, it is worth spending some time looking into the designs of different wedding dress makers, as each designer often has their own distinctive style. Although dresses at this time appeared to be one piece, they were often in 3 pieces; bodice, skirt and then an overskirt which was called a tablier.


1920s -By the 1920s the revolution in ladies clothing was underway leading to rising hemlines to above ankle length and the advent of the flapper style dresses. Wedding dresses, however remained full length as it was considered unsuitable for church. The tradition of using the wedding veil as part of the christening gown is still familiar today, but this dated back to the same era.


1930s -By this time waists became more fashionable with the introduction of bias cut gowns that really flattered the figure.


1960s - Weddings of the 1960s were influenced by the styles of Grace Kelly,with many dresses made of duchesse satins and lace and fitted to the figure. Shorter bridal gowns also appeared for the first time around this time. Which brings us to the present day where brides have so much choice, and even though wedding gowns still seem to be predominantly white, ivory or cream, there are so many other color combinations so it it now down to you to decide which color you would like to wear on your special day!

Dream Flowers

The last ingredient to making a perfect wedding is the flower choices. The right flowers not only look beautiful but tie in the colors you have chosen wheter its matching brides maid dresses or displaying your favorite color in floral. The ribbons you choose can also tie in small charms as in something borrowed that can be connected to the hand wrap around your bouquet. The Chapel of The Flowers helps you create your perfect wedding by coordinating the exact bouquet for your dream wedding.

The Thirty Six Rose Hand-tied Bouquet is an incredibly beautiful accent to your dress. If your wearin a large, fluffy dress, or a taller individual, this type of bouquet is a perfect compliment to your shape.Filler flowers and greenery will be coordinated witht the color of your roses and ribbon. Specialty fillers and greenery can be requested for an additional fee.

The Three Romantic Posey bouquet is a more intimate bouquet that adds a touch of class and lighter to carry. The darling bouquet is probably best with more of a fitted gown and and not to many flowers to hold but adds just a touch of floral. Three roses hand tied with a mix of filler flowers and your choice of ribbon. Filler flowers and greenery will be coordinated witht the color of your roses and ribbon.

Alter sprays come in small, medium and large and compliment the chapel of your choice. With fresh flower alter sprays, flowers such as Lilies not only look beautiful and add to your pictures, but usually are very fragrant and gives the chapel a wonderful smell.
No wedding party is complete without the men's touch of floral. Usually the groom, brides escort, groomsmen, brides father and sometimes grandfathers sport their contribution to the coordiantion of flowers. Normally the men's boutonnieres match the brides and bridal party and add the finishing touches to the wedding.

Corsages are an excellent alternative to bridesmaids bouquets or usually the grandmas and mothers look elegant in them. Corsages are available in pin on or wrist, and one or two roses or any flower.

A great present to any family memeber or friend who you want to give a thank you to or honor, Hawaiian Orchid Leis are a beautiful way to say so. Our Leis come in white, light green, orange, pink, purple and yellow.

Elegant knotted hand-tie wraps with pearl pins are a unique way to display your colors or add that "something blue". These hand-tie wraps can be added to the brides bouquet and bridal party if you so desire.

For that finishing touch, add a classic bouquet accent! A brides bouquet and bridal party can have clear gem pins or pearl pins added into the roses for a sparkling look to your beautiful bouquet! All of these arrangements and flowers are designed and hand tied by our skillful florists who do an amazing job! Our onsite floral department has so many choices to pick from they can design whatever your hearts desire.Chapel of The Flowers Florists are the best in Las Vegas and can truely make your dream day spectacular! Just call 800-843-2410 or littlechapel.com to start planning your dream day!

Hear what our couples have to say!

Here are just a few of our couples. Read about their experiences and how Chapel of the Flowers made their wedding day!


Dirk & Mary Johnson
Chicopee, MA
6-19-09
We really liked being able to view the actual ceremonies of other couples. It made me less nervous about what to expect. Everyone was so helpful and professional. We could tell that the staff, everyone from the minister to the limo driver, loved what they do. The grounds were beautiful...we love the "new grass". Your slogan is right on! INTIMATE, ELEGANT, LEGENDARY!





Joseph & Corinne Montecalvo
Johnston, RI
6/16/2009
Everything was as expected. Our minister, Doug, was wonderful. So was Megan, our photographer, as well as Tom, our limo driver. We absolutely do recommend Chapel of the Flowers. In fact, our friends, who were married here 10 years ago, want to know about our experience as they are deciding whether or not to renew their vows here. We highly recommend that they do.

Mark & Angela Banks
Durham, England
6/1/2009
All of our questions were answered quickly and effectively as we were coming from England, were were worried about booking online but all the staff were so great! Fantastic service by all the staff especially the brillant photographer who put us at ease! I really liked the choices available thru the website, even after the wedding where we could add to our packages later. The grounds were perfect, our wedding was fantastic all of our friends commented on how great it was! We expected everything to be cheesy from a Vegas wedding but it was no where close to that, perfect! We'll tell everyone we know to get married here!

Martin & Amanda McCabe
North Lanarkshire, Scotland
5/19/2009
Hi Melody I just wanted to pass on my thanks to you all for allowing us to have an amazing wedding :) It was totally over what we expected (and a lot of my family too). I think a lot of people automatically think Vegas wedding = tacky elvis but thanks to the LCOTF you are changing that misconception and making Vegas weddings out of this world!!!! A big thanks to you personaly for putting up with my near constant e-mails, and making what could have been a stressful and hard job seem so simple and hassle free THANK YOU :) All my family and me & martin had an amazing day and one we will never forget Thanks Again!


Steve & Brittany Johnson
Hutto, TX
8/14/2009
Dear Rebecca, Alas, honeymoon is over and we have fled Vegas for the comfort of home. I wanted to drop you a note and tell you that EVERYTHING was as perfect as I could have ever imagined. The facility was beautiful, the staff was elegant, knowledgeable, courteous and efficient. Sam captured some great moments and the filming was flawless. I have never had a better customer service experience in my life and Brittany feels the same way. The entire flight home we talked about how wonderful a job Chapel of the Flowers did. I would recommend your services to anyone anywhere. In a town where chapels are literally a dime a dozen, you stand head and shoulders above the rest. I am so happy that we began our journey through life together with all of you because I am sure that it is a sign of good things to come. Thank you so much for the time, dedication and effort you put into making sure that our big day was an unqualified, smashing success.


Johnnie & Donna Welch
Suffolk, VA
7/1/2009
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for making our 20th Anniversary one we will always remember. The whole staff was courteous, and so professional, and did all they could to make our day so very special. Doug Gilbert, we could never thank you enough for the special touch you gave to our ceremony. Even Sam our photographer, he was awesome. Everyone there made us feel like nothing else was more important than us, right then and there. Thank you all so much for the memories.

TOAST OF THE TOWN...

Let Chapel of the Flowers plan the perfect Reception for you and your guests. Whether you are looking for large accommodations, or just an intimate gathering, we can create the reception of your dreams.

$335.00

Silver
This reception includes: Half Hour in Desert Falls & Garden One bottle of sparkling apple cider 2 bottles of water 6" Divine Wedding Cake, in your choice of flavors (please contact your reception coordinator) One Cake & Cider Table decorated with fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet One Seating Table decorated with centerpiece, candles, and fresh petals to match bride's bouquet Clear Plastic Flutes Clear Plastic Plates Clear Plastic Forks White Paper Napkins Decorated Cider & Glasses as a keepsake 15 minutes On-site Photographer
Additional Time- for each 1/2 Hour: & $100 Non-Refundable Deposit - $100
ADDITIONAL INFO: Additional Guests- including the Cider Toast: $20.00 per person+ tax Additional Bottle of Cider: $10.00 + tax
Please call us at (702) 735-4331

$750.00
Gold
This reception includes: One Hour in Desert Falls & Garden Five Bottles of sparkling apple cider (each bottle serves four) 17 bottles of water 8" Divine Wedding Cake, in your choice of flavors and decorated with fresh roses and ribbon trim (please contact your reception coordinator) 1 large bowl of Mixed Nuts 1 large bowl of Butter Mints One Cake & Cider Table decorated with fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet 2 Seating Tables decorated with centerpiece, candles, and fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet One "Head Table" for bridal party decorated with centerpiece, candles, and fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet Clear Plastic Flutes Clear Plastic Plates Clear Plastic Forks White Paper Napkins "Chapel of the Flowers" Keepsake 15 Silver Keepsake Bells for guests 15 bottles of Bubbles to be used as the Bride & Groom enter the reception 30 minutes On-site Photographer
Additional Time- for each 1/2 Hour: $100 Non-Refundable Deposit - $150
ADDITIONAL INFO: Additional Guests- including Place Setting, Chair, and Service: $25.00 per person+ tax Additional Bottle of Cider: $10.00 + tax
Please call us at (702) 735-4331

$1,900.00
Platinum
This reception includes: One and One Half Hour in Desert Falls & Garden Reception Coordinator On-site Eight Bottles of sparkling cider (each bottle serves four) 32 bottles of water 6x8" Divine Wedding Cake, in your choice of flavors and decorated with fresh roses and ribbon trim (please contact your reception coordinator) Your choice of 5 delicious Cold Appetizers One Cake & Cider Table decorated with fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet One Appetizer Table decorated with fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet 5 Seating Tables decorated with centerpiece, candles, and fresh rose petals to match bride's bouquet One "Head Table" for bridal party decorated with centerpiece, candles, and fresh petals to match bride's bouquet Clear Plastic Flutes Clear Plastic Plates Clear Plastic Forks White Paper Napkins Personalized Cake Serving Set as a keepsake (With 30 days notice we can engrave your cake serving set with your names and wedding date.) 30 Silver Keepsake Bells for guests 30 bottles of Bubbles to be used as Bride & Groom enter the reception Three Rose Toss Bouquet Garter for Garter Toss 45 minutes On-site Photographer
Additional Time- for each 1/2 Hour: $100 Non-Refundable Deposit - $200
ADDITIONAL INFO: Additional Guests- including Place Setting, Chair, and Service: $30.00 per person+ tax Additional Bottle of Cider: $10.00 + tax
Please call us at (702) 735-4331

Diamond
This reception includes: Custom Reception Design Floral Arrangements Guest Favors Catering Options
ADDITIONAL INFO: Certain limitations do apply and actual cost of reception may vary depending on selections. Non-Refundable Deposit -$500
Please call us at (702) 735-4331

50 years and Going!!

Kenneth and Margarete Byrd are a sensational couple that all marriages should strive for! It is truly a love of a lifetime and defines what a soul mate really is.

Kenneth was stationed in Germany in the air force in the late 1950's where he met the lovely Margarete. They had dated for three years when suddenly Kenneth had received orders to return to the States. Margarete had asked if they would ever see each other again and Kenneth had said he had hoped she would come with him, and so this became the beginning of a true love story. At a certain point in their marriage they had to be separated for a year only to learn that it only made their love stronger!

Today August 21, 2009 is Kenneth and Margarete's 50Th anniversary to the exact day, and to the hour. They originally got married in Germany and a beautiful hunting lodge with a Renaissance themed building 50 yrs ago and decided on our beautiful grounds of Chapel of the Flowers for the next 50 yrs.

Their photographer had asked," what is the secret to a marriage lasting this long?" and Kenneth responded with "giving her respect", "its the easiest thing I've ever done". The Byrd's had several relatives watching their wedding today because they weren't able to make the trip but I'm sure they shared in the joy as we did watching these two beautiful people in love! Congratulations Kenneth and Margarete!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

“The 1958 Yankees were led by Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Elston Howard, Whitey Ford, and


Bob Turley, "the Bullet"...

The "Bullet" nickname had been given to Turley well before he joined the Bronx Bombers; he had led the league in strikeouts in 1954, relying on a 93 mile an hour fastball for the most part. When he joined the potent New York offense in 1955, part of a humongous eighteen player deal with the Orioles, Bob Turley immediately became a winner. In his first three years in pinstripes, he went 38-23; everything came together for him at the age of 27 as a member of the 1958 Yankees, when he was 21-7 with a 2.97 ERA. He won the Cy Young Award as baseball's best pitcher.”

Somewhere in the midst of all this wonderful fame and attention, Bob Turley met the love of his life. One that would truly last forever. As fame and fortune is known to tear, test and target the depths of true love, Bob and his beautiful soul mate Janet, stayed together for 17 years. Bob and Janet divorced after 17 years of marriage, but even time couldn’t keep them apart, because 25 years later, when the calm of life set in, the peace of retirement and the joy that we truly get to feel again, similar to the days of our youth, were rekindled once more, as he embraced his bride to be all over again. A true love story that deserves to be in an award winning book or a screenplay.

When they walked into the gift shop to checkout and get their belongings, I was just taken by their adoration for one another. Bob, truly was glowing from head to toe, like a young man who had just met the love of his life for the first time. It was contagious; I couldn’t help but just watch the whole family touching their eyes from the tears that were shed during the ceremony.
Cheers and many blessings to you Bob and Janet. May you be a radiant light and an eternal picture of what forgiveness, understanding and grace is really about in marriage to all who read this. I know you have touched my heart today.




To make your special day one to remember contact us for more information by visiting our website at http://www.littlechapel.com/ or please call us at (800) 843-2410 and speak to one of our wedding planners.

IT'S A NEW DAY!

Ambience is everything. Imagine dreaming of renewing your vows after 10, 25 or 50 years and you happen upon a website that fills you full of the idea that you can have whatever you want.

Its not a matter of what you want but a matter of where and how. Atmosphere, you realize, is what your ceremony is all about. Planning is ceremony is not as easy as it seems; but at Chapel of the Flowers we give you that ambience with elegance so that you carry your memories with you forever.

This week at Chapel of the Flowers we celebrated three couples renewing their vows with meaning, international flavor and fun with a sense of adventure. While they had their own flavor of ambience, we at the chapel were drawn in by their own style.

Our first couple of the day, Karin Chataigner and Olivier Blanchard, had traveled from France to celebrate their 10 hears of marriage. With their 2 small children along for the ride, the couple entered the Victorian chapel dressed full costume and wigs as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. Many laughs later and pictures to prove their unique sense of fun and adventure the family went on their with the thoughts of continuing their adventures by traveling to the Grand Canyon Sky Walk.

What a surprise we encountered with our second couple, Felisa Gutierrez and Emilio Prado, who traveled to Las Vegas from Spain, when they showed up dressed as Elvis and Marilyn Monroe. In the 2 years that I've worked at the chapel this is first that I can recall of 2 wedding or renewal of vows ceremonies that couple have dressed as Elvis and Marilyn. xxxxx and zzzzzz brought their 3 children to enjoy the festivities and my hunch ? after 25 years of marriage to show them that a sense of humor is a must for a lasting marriage.

Now this brings us to the classic and elegant renewal of vows that speaks of renewing your life to the one person in your life that you vowed 50 years ago to honor, hold dear to your heart and love them through all that life brings. Christiforo and Rosa Di Mataleo, originally from Italy and now living in Australia, brought the real meaning of why we get up every day to come and work at our wedding chapel. The world is losing out on our marriage role models as they age and continue on with life's journey. Just being in the same room, feeling the love that they and their family shared you have a sense of their peace, lasting wonderment and love, and for one short moment you wish you could have been present for more than just a very short half hour. To step into their inner circle warms your heart and you know you have become richer and honored for having been in their presence.

All three of these couples brought their own ambience to the chapel that day. These are just a very small example of why I love coming to work every day and proudly proclaim that "I am a happiness junky".

Let Chapel of the Flowers help you create your own style of ambience and "Dream Come True" wedding or renewal of vows ceremony by callingl 1-800-843-2410 or visit our website at http://www.littlechapel.com/

Lady of the Lake

Nothing like a sunset on the water to create a perfect wedding! At Chapel of the Flowers we offer adventurous weddings especially at beautiful Lake Las Vegas!
Lake Las Vegas is a gorgeous Italian themed resort set in the moutains of Henderson, Nevada.
Lake Las Vegas is a man made lake, part of Lake Mead but surrounded by a unique resort that transforms you into an Italian village. Through Chapel of the Flowers we can help you create a perfectly romantic wedding on the water right at sunset. Your wedding will be held on the "Lady of the Lake", a 60 foot private luxurious yacht, as you cruise ten miles of gorgeous shoreline! This package is available to you the moment you call and speak with your wedding planner! Let Chapel of the Flowers plan the all-inclusive wedding of your dreams! We will arrange every detail including flowers, bridal beauty appointment, formal wear, videography, photo session, reception party, romantic honeymoon suites, limousines, shows, dinners, in-room spa treatments, helicopter tours and anything else you can imagine! call 1-800-843-2410 http://www.littlechapel.com/

........"Just the way you look tonight!"

Christian and Monica Sanchez were married at our Chapel of the Flowers on August 12 in true show tune style! At Chapel of the Flowers we love being part of any wedding, but especially when we work with very romantic grooms! Christian sang his heart out to Sinatra's "The way you look tonight" as the two bridesmaids walked down the aisle and Monica sauntered her way in. Monica looked beautiful in her modern wedding dress and was entranced by Christians singing as she walked up to him to the alter. At Chapel of the Flowers we commend Christian for his incredibly romantic gesture and appreciated the effort he put into his song. Whether its singing a song or dancing down the aisle we love romance at our chapel! Let Chapel of the Flowers help plan your perfectly romantic wedding!! Call 800-843-2410 and talk to our professional wedding planners to help create your perfect day!

A touch of Green!!

On another beautiful sunny afternoon in fabulous Las Vegas, a fabulous couple arrived to our Chapel of the Flowers to get married! Gerald and Dolores Stvil looked incredible in their perfectly matched tux and bridal gown. Dolores was very fashionable with her green eyeshadow to match and covered in sparkles. Gerald looked dashing in his white tux and matching vest with a big smile to compliment the outfit.

Modern brides have started to use a touch of color to incorporate their chosen colors for their wedding and match their bridesmaids. In Vegas at our Chapel of the Flowers we see every type of dress from traditional wedding gowns, sequin colorful dresses, tank tops and shorts, swimsuits to prom dresses! Whatever your hearts desire to have your own style of wedding, Chapel of the Flowers can help you create it! Call 800-843-2410 to speak to one of our friendly staff memebers.

CREATIVE YOU!

Being a creative type , I was so inspired while working on monday. Just another reason I love what I so, so it is hard to even consider it a job. I look forward to coming to work and enjoy telling my family about the couples I interact with daily.

It dawned on me after coordinating the Michael McAleese and Lee Ten hoeve wedding that really those little extras make all the difference. The Bride made the cutest Boutonnière's for her wedding party and the groom had the neatest tie that had skulls on it. Thier use of color was perfect, bright and yellow. It really fit for an outdoor summer wedding. It really made me think that in the planning stages of planning the your wedding that you might want to add your touch. It doesn't have to be a cookie cutter wedding. It is about you as a couple. Stand out from the norm and express your personalities. It lets us coordinating your ceremony know a little bit more about you.

I was off on Tuesday and since I have my entire family looking at wedding stuff, flowers, products, cakes, and invitations my daughter found me the funnest video on YouTube. I think this couple really along with Lee and Michael really reminded me to have fun all the time, and be yourself.

Here is the link to the video, and a little quote I love...hope you enjoy!

"There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. " ~Edwin Denby

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-94JhLEiN0

Just Like Starting Over Again

Picture it............

Mr. Yves Bollag and his family were on a family trip here in the states. They are staying at the magnificent Bellagio and have ordered for the night a cocktail of fine dining, taking in the sites, sounds and smells of Las Vegas and ending it with a show. It's about 3:30pm and as Yves is in a small Gift Shop looking over a beautiful necklace for his wife, He comes up with an idea. Full of esteem and loving secrecy, he quickly gathers his 2 sons and whispers to them. Like a igniting a flame with a match, the excitement bursts into action and the anticipation grows between the 3 men.

The Bollag family arrives to "the Chapel of the Flowers", at early evening. The sun is still sizzling in the sky, however is making its farewell rounds as it slowly falls over the building tops. The Bollag family arrive onto the cobblestone entrance of our wedding chapel and exit their limo to take in the beautiful grounds they have seen and heard of on TLC as well as through the staff of the Bellagio. The staff immediately gets into character. Little smiles and heartwarming welcome greets the Bollag family.

When I met Yves, it was almost as if this man were getting married for the first time. His eyes sparkled with so much love for his wife, as told me his surprise plan to marry her tonight all over again.

Once Yves wife Miranda realised what was going on, it was as if she were brought into that flame of fire and it was complete. Tears welled up in both Yves and Miranda's eyes and I might just have to believe in faith, that those boys may have had a lump in their throats themselves.

One thing that sticks with me the most was the look in Yves eyes as he entrusted to me the music CD he cherished. He explained to me that this song, was the only one he wanted to play, that song represents everything they were, are and are going to be. This song, was priceless to him. I took in my hands and didn't let it go until I knew for sure it would be played over them as he requested it.

I took some time on my own that night, to look over the words of this song. It's a song called "Just Like Starting Over Again" by our amazing music legend, John Lennon. As I play this song tonight as I write this story to you. My hope is for every man and woman out there, to find a love that is as strong, as laborious, as cherished and as redeemed as Yves and Miranda's was that night.

So tonight, I leave you with the Lyrics to this song, play it once or twice.. you know how to find it online. :) Remind yourself once again, who the love of your life is and maybe its your turn to have a chance to start all over again....


Just Like Starting Over Again
John Lennon

"Our life together is so precious together,
We have grown - we have grown,
Although our love is still special,
Let's take our chance and fly away somewhere alone,
It's been so long since we took the time,
No-one's to blame,
I know time flies so quikly,
But when I see you darling,
It's like we both are falling in love again,
It'll be just like starting over - starting over,
Everyday we used to make it love,
Why can't we be making love nice and easy,
It's time to spread our wing's and fly,
Don't let another day go by my love,
It'll be just like starting over - starting over,
Why don't we take off alone, Take a trip far, far away,
We'll be together on our own again,
Like we used to in the early days,
Well, well, well darling, I
t's been so long since we took the time,
No-one's to blame,
I know time flies so quickly,
But when I see you darling,
It's like we both are falling in love again,
It'll be just like starting over - starting over,
Everyday we used to make it love,
Why can't we be making love nice and easy,
It's time to spread our wing's and fly,
Don't let another day go by my love,
It'll be just like starting over - starting over,
Our life together is so precious together,
We have grown - we have grown,
Although our love is still special,
Let's take our chance and fly away
...................... somewhere alone.

Surprise! Surprise!

Chad and Corinne were married at Chapel of the Flowers on August 1 at the beautifully intimate Magnolia chapel. Corinne had no idea the surprise Chad had planned for their special day! Corinne was planning on just an intimate ceremony with just the two of them, but little did she know, Chad had arranged for her family to attend the ceremony. As a coordinator we were so careful not to let the surprise out and while Corinne was tucked away in one room, we were being sneaky and brought the surprise guests into the chapel area. Luckily, Corinne's family were great sports and truly listened when I told them not to make a peep, as they were signing the marriage license and sitting in the chapel. As I was preparing Corinne to walk down the aisle she seemed a little sad when she commented "I don't have anyone to look at for guests", I was dying to say "yes you do", but I kept it in as I didn't want to ruin the surprise. As Corinne walked down the aisle she was just about to the front of the chapel when she noticed her family beaming at her from the back of the chapel! Corinne nearly fell over in shock and immediately expressed tears of joy. Good job on the planning Chad!!! As a coordinator we love doing surprises for couples, guests, brides, grooms whatever it may be. Thank you Corinne and Chad for letting us help you pull off such a wonderful surprise and making your day so special!

Let Chapel of the Flowers be a part of your special day, our wedding planners are thrilled to create your perfect wedding! Call 1-800-843-2410 to surprise that special someone!