Today, I married my long-time live in partner, best friend and business partner in typical Vegas fashion, at one of the many little wedding chapels with the ceremony performed by Elvis. And this wasn't an impersonator, I am pretty sure it was the real Elvis....ok maybe not.
I picked the 31st of October because Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. But even better, October 31 is also Nevada day, which for those of you who don't know, is a state holiday, the anniversary of Nevada statehood, which is most appropriate for me. For those of you who don't know me, I am all about Las Vegas and Nevada. I love this city with all my heart. I have only lived here 5 years, but knew this was my home, the moment I stepped off the plane during my first visit. I think I have neon running through my veins.
It was a small ceremony attended by only about 40 friends and family. My brother, who I have recently reconnected with over the last couple years after a decade apart, and who currently resides with me, served as my best man. My mother, who I have been estranged from until earlier this year, attended. My partner is 20 years my senior and has 3 grown children from his earlier marriage and 'straight life' and I was particularly pleased that 2 of them attended, as he is not all that close with them. Hopefully that will change. I had a handful of friends from Philadelphia, where I used to live that attended. They have been here all week, flying in a week early for the Life is beautiful music festival. And we had several friends and neighbors from here in Vegas, including two friends that work the pits here in Vegas. How ironic: two pit guys attending a professional card counter's wedding....Only in Vegas. :)
After the mid morning ceremony, we had lunch at one of my favorite strip casino buffets. It doesn't get any more Vegas than a buffet lunch celebration...lol. After wards, everyone went their separate ways to do whatever they do in Vegas, and I took a nap. Tomorrow we are hosting a pool party in the backyard watching football and barbequing. In lieu of gifts, we requested donations to my favorite Vegas charity Opportunity Village. A little side note about Opportunity Village that I recently learned: all of the scarves that Elvis used in his Vegas concerts were made from the folks at Opportunity Village. :)
Personally, I could have done without the formality of marriage. To me, what is important is the commitment of the two people involved, gay or straight, and I committed to this person some time ago. But...my partner wanted sometime a little more public and it was nice that friends and family wanted to celebrate with us, especially since both my partner and I have had some estranged family situations recently.
So, that was my Vegas wedding.
what changed your mind. I never congratulate
people on getting married, I like to send condolence
flowers instead. You'll see..
Quote: EvenBobI thought you were vehemently against this,
what changed your mind. I never congratulate
people on getting married, I like to send condolence
flowers instead. You'll see..
I sort of covered that where I said, that personally I could have done without the ceremony and even the piece of paper. I am more about the commitment, which I made a while back. But....as I am sure you know EB, sometimes you do what you are told....lol.
I will say congratulations.Quote: kewljDespite the title of this thread, I would ask you to refrain from comments of a political or social nature concerning same-sex marriage and focus on the Las Vegas wedding part of the story.
Today, I married my long-time live in partner, best friend and business partner in typical Vegas fashion, at one of the many little wedding chapels with the ceremony performed by Elvis. And this wasn't an impersonator, I am pretty sure it was the real Elvis....ok maybe not.
I picked the 31st of October because Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. But even better, October 31 is also Nevada day, which for those of you who don't know, is a state holiday, the anniversary of Nevada statehood, which is most appropriate for me. For those of you who don't know me, I am all about Las Vegas and Nevada. I love this city with all my heart. I have only lived here 5 years, but knew this was my home, the moment I stepped off the plane during my first visit. I think I have neon running through my veins.
It was a small ceremony attended by only about 40 friends and family. My brother, who I have recently reconnected with over the last couple years after a decade apart, and who currently resides with me, served as my best man. My mother, who I have been estranged from until earlier this year, attended. My partner is 20 years my senior and has 3 grown children from his earlier marriage and 'straight life' and I was particularly pleased that 2 of them attended, as he is not all that close with them. Hopefully that will change. I had a handful of friends from Philadelphia, where I used to live that attended. They have been here all week, flying in a week early for the Life is beautiful music festival. And we had several friends and neighbors from here in Vegas, including two friends that work the pits here in Vegas. How ironic: two pit guys attending a professional card counter's wedding....Only in Vegas. :)
After the mid morning ceremony, we had lunch at one of my favorite strip casino buffets. It doesn't get any more Vegas than a buffet lunch celebration...lol. After wards, everyone went their separate ways to do whatever they do in Vegas, and I took a nap. Tomorrow we are hosting a pool party in the backyard watching football and barbequing. In lieu of gifts, we requested donations to my favorite Vegas charity Opportunity Village. A little side note about Opportunity Village that I recently learned: all of the scarves that Elvis used in his Vegas concerts were made from the folks at Opportunity Village. :)
Personally, I could have done without the formality of marriage. To me, what is important is the commitment of the two people involved, gay or straight, and I committed to this person some time ago. But...my partner wanted sometime a little more public and it was nice that friends and family wanted to celebrate with us, especially since both my partner and I have had some estranged family situations recently.
So, that was my Vegas wedding.
I noticed the gays (I hope thats not gaycist to say ) tend to really love Halloween.
Occasionally I like to look for collectables at Opportunity Village "THRIFT Stores" . While browsing I'll Oftentimes see something used and abused, some normal household Item. They want more than what Walmart charges. I know it's for charity but It's just pisses me off knowing someone is getting a bad deal.
Buffets and Neon in your blood for sure.
I'll be certain to look up Opportunity Village.
Regret to inform you however that when Bette Middler met a man in a bar and married him a few weeks later in a Vegas chapel, that was the real Elvis.
Also, do these pit bosses know you're a card counter??
It's interesting that your partner seems to have wanted this more than you did and that you did it to please him.
You married someone who was either dishonest in his first marriage or who suddenly realized that he was gay after raising three children while married to a woman for twenty something years. The two of you must have had some discussions over this.
In today's day and age not everyone considers forty guests to be a small ceremony. It's just a little sad that you each had only two family members in attendance. Did those who came to Vegas know that they would be attending a wedding or did you announce it after everyone arrived?
As buffets are usually walk in, were any arrangements made to accommodate a party of forty? Was the buffet paid for with comps?
For a professional blackjack player whose income is from casinos, you give out a lot of information about yourself, here and on several other forums. Any private dick could track you down in half a day. Heck, a civilian could probably do it. Does that concern you?
My wife and I support several charities and worthy causes, not only financially but with our time. I admire you for your volunteerism in that endeavor more than you'll ever know. Keep up the good work. It feels better than winning a four way split with max bet out. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a tad.
May the happiness, success and fulfillment that you are experiencing last you a lifetime.
Quote: 1BB
May the happiness, success and fulfillment that you are experiencing last you a lifetime.
I'll second that and add my congrats.
Quote: SOOPOOCongratulations! Can I surmise that you two will be honeymooning in Las Vegas?
How 'bout Niagara Falls ?
Enjoy all your posts.
Live long and prosper with your partner :-)
No forgetting anniversary's for this couple :-)
What do you think is the sesquicentennial wedding anniversairy gift? (I'm suggesting cranberries and chocolates. Take that how you like)
excellent!Quote: AxelWolfgaycist
To answer a few questions, (mostly by 1BB). Yes everyone who attended knew the purpose of the event. Yes, arrangements were made at the buffet ahead of time. I am not going to mention the strip buffet, but they were very accommodating. They had a separate section for us. I do worry about sharing too much info and I know that I often do. But that is me. I often hold the telling of an event, say details of a backoff or something for a period of time, to make it less identifying. But on the other hand, I am not going to cower in the corner and refrain from sharing things that I feel like sharing as if I have done something wrong....I haven't. I won't give them that satisfaction of treating myself like a criminal.
1BB, I think your comment about my partner 'being dishonest' in his first marriage is unfair. You don't know the circumstances and specifics of that situation and I am not here to discuss them. That is the type of discussion, I am sure this site doesn't want.
Yes, Axelwolf, we as a people (gays) tend to LOVE our Halloweens. Not sure the origin of that.
No honeymoon, planned, SOOPOO. My life is a honeymoon and it doesn't get any better than that. :)
Fleastiff, I am glad you re-brought up the card counters and pit personnel. One of my closest friend, works the pit of a strip casino. Our friendship began when he backed me off. He did so in a most unusual way, not at the casino, but a few days later (after a rather large hit by me) at a local watering hole that we both frequented. He bought me a beer and told me that he just couldn't allow me to play on his shift any longer. He too is a part-time card counter during his off time and our friendship and exchange of ideas and information has been most beneficial to both. Besides that it turns out that he is a nice guy. When I mention on other sites that I have friends that work in the pits, I am often advised by my fellow counters and AP's that is a very bad idea. But I don't see it that way.
You've been together a long time, but I'll still give my standard wedding advice:
1) Don't sweat the small stuff, and
2) It's all small stuff.
I'm not saying that's true, I'm just saying it's my standard advice.
Enjoy life!
Quote: kewljWow, I am overwhelmed with the replies. Thank you all so much. I thought there would be some negative comments of a political nature which would go against my intent and the sites desire, so to those of you that withheld your thoughts, I thank you for that too. :)
To answer a few questions, (mostly by 1BB). Yes everyone who attended knew the purpose of the event. Yes, arrangements were made at the buffet ahead of time. I am not going to mention the strip buffet, but they were very accommodating. They had a separate section for us. I do worry about sharing too much info and I know that I often do. But that is me. I often hold the telling of an event, say details of a backoff or something for a period of time, to make it less identifying. But on the other hand, I am not going to cower in the corner and refrain from sharing things that I feel like sharing as if I have done something wrong....I haven't. I won't give them that satisfaction of treating myself like a criminal.
1BB, I think your comment about my partner 'being dishonest' in his first marriage is unfair. You don't know the circumstances and specifics of that situation and I am not here to discuss them. That is the type of discussion, I am sure this site doesn't want.
Yes, Axelwolf, we as a people (gays) tend to LOVE our Halloweens. Not sure the origin of that.
No honeymoon, planned, SOOPOO. My life is a honeymoon and it doesn't get any better than that. :)
Fleastiff, I am glad you re-brought up the card counters and pit personnel. One of my closest friend, works the pit of a strip casino. Our friendship began when he backed me off. He did so in a most unusual way, not at the casino, but a few days later (after a rather large hit by me) at a local watering hole that we both frequented. He bought me a beer and told me that he just couldn't allow me to play on his shift any longer. He too is a part-time card counter during his off time and our friendship and exchange of ideas and information has been most beneficial to both. Besides that it turns out that he is a nice guy. When I mention on other sites that I have friends that work in the pits, I am often advised by my fellow counters and AP's that is a very bad idea. But I don't see it that way.
It looks like you may have taken offense to my comment although none was intended. Do you think I'm the only one who thought about this? You referred to your partner's 'straight life' and put straight life in quotes. I'm only going by the information that you provided. Please don't take offense. Sometimes love truly is blind.
Focus on my last sentence where I wished you well. It was sincere.
I hope the two of you continue to have a wonderful life together!!!
If you need any marriage advice, go ask someone else, I'm 0-1....lol
Hopefully you two will do the honor of accompanying my girlfriend and I out to dinner next time I'm in Vegas, which I project to be December '15, it's on me, of course, bit of a belated wedding present.
Quote: aceofspadesCONGRATULATIONS! When I was in Vegas a few weeks ago
Too bad you can't practice in Vegas, Ace.
A whole new demo is opening up for
divorce lawyers.
Quote: EvenBobToo bad you can't practice in Vegas, Ace.
A whole new demo is opening up for
divorce lawyers.
Bob - I did not mention that as I wanted to keep this thread positive for kewljj — as cynical as I am, I do not wish to be negative herein
Quote: aceofspadesBob - I did not mention that as I wanted to keep this thread positive for kewljj — as cynical as I am, I do not wish to be negative herein
As the coffin maker says to the people
he meets, "May you live a long life, and
if you don't.."
Congratulations to you and your husband! Could not be more pleased for you, especially with both of you reconnecting with family. May you have many happy years ahead.
I've read a lot of your posts and enjoyed them. Based on that small amount of info, I think marriage will work out well for you. You seem relaxed, tolerant and forgiving. You seem to enjoy a life of ease and regularity. You seem happy with how things are. Marriage/long term commitment works well if you have such a disposition and your partner does too.
Especially gambling full time, the combination of stability and flexibility is just right.
Quote: FrGambleWhile I cannot congratulate you both…
Why not padre?
Would you congratulate them if they bought a slave from a foreigner? After all, this is Biblically sanctioned
Quote: AxelWolfI will say congratulations.
I noticed the gays (I hope thats not gaycist to say ) tend to really love Halloween.
Occasionally I like to look for collectables at Opportunity Village "THRIFT Stores" . While browsing I'll Oftentimes see something used and abused, some normal household Item. They want more than what Walmart charges. I know it's for charity but It's just pisses me off knowing someone is getting a bad deal.[/
The people pricing things at thrift stores are not exactly pricing experts. I buy dvd and cd , resurface and sell on Amazon. Used to sell VHS tapes, but that died 6 or 7 years ago. Some thrift stores still charge 2.99 for VHs tapes and $4.99 for Disney LOL
On that same subject 1 or 2 people a year here open a thrift store. Stay open till the lease expires. No chance of competing with Goodwill or Salvation Army. Those two usually own the building, all inventory is FREE, and those people stocking the store, accepting
donations, sorting stuff, even pricing, 90% are doing Community Service.Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
Quote: FrGambleIt is always good to hear about moments that bring about reconciliation and healing in families. I also like your statement about commitment to those we love not needing to always be formalized. While I cannot congratulate you both I can certainly pray God to bless your commitment to one another and the beginning to healing in your families!
This is first post from the Good Father in 6 months, except for one post in a thread started by the Wizard that had his name in the title.
Welcome Back, Father !!!!!
(I didn't bother to read this thread until just now, as I thought it was probably started by some new troll signed up trying to start something, hah.)
Quote: aceofspadesWhy not padre?
Would you congratulate them if they bought a slave from a foreigner? After all, this is Biblically sanctioned
Do you know anything about buying a slave, Ace?
Quote: aceofspadesWhy not padre?
As a Catholic priest posting on a public forum, FG runs the risk of eternal hellfire and damnation if he strays from established church doctrine.
The church does not bless, sanctify, nor acknowledge the legitimacy of homosexual marrriage.
See: church doctrine
They also disapprove of couples divorcing.
No wonder the church is on the ropes in The Modern World.
I've always enjoyed your posts. You seem to be someone who "does it right" in just about all aspects. It really makes me happy for you. It's so nice to see someone that does things right have right done to them. I suppose that's just me spinning off to some emotional/social justice, so I'll get back on track and just say congratulations!