Michael and Ashley Get Married

Several months ago I planned one of my complimentary trips to Las Vegas and invited Ashley to go as my guest. With Michael's connections with Harrah's, I figured he'd be able to get a room and it would be a great trip for the 3 of us. Since Michael and Ashley got engaged, Michael has been telling Ashley they should just get married while they were in Vegas. Ashley was totally against the idea. She wanted a destination wedding. So imagine my surprise when 10 days before we left for our trip, Ashley began texting me about how to get married in Vegas. And she was serious.

So on Sunday, April 24, we departed for our Las Vegas adventure.

The last time Michael and I were in Vegas, we took a selfie at one of the airport slot machines.

Now that they're a married couple, Ashley is part of our tradition.

Having a limo pick you up at the airport is one of the perks of being a Seven Star player with Harrah's. Our first stop was my hotel, Caesar's Palace. But Michael and Ashley were staying across the street at The Linq which, if you know anything about the strip in Vegas, is really not that close. The limo wasn't making 2 stops, so they had to walk to their hotel.

But it didn't look like their walk caused them too much distress. They still had fun at the slots wherever they were.

On Monday we decided to meet downtown after Michael and Ashley got their marriage license. I can't believe the courthouse is open 7 days a week. The marriage business in Vegas must be booming. I didn't have any bachelor or bachelorette parties planned but I did buy them necklaces which said "Bride/Groom to Be" on one side and "Just Married" on the other. They got a lot of congratulations from total strangers and I believe a few "are you sure?" comments.

Later that night we met up with the Silvey's. Michael and Chris have been friends since grade school and they just happened to be in Vegas at the same time.

The next day, April 26, was the wedding. Ashley and I had our hair and make up professionally done (not as good an idea as it seems) but she was beautiful.

Although I was somewhat bewildered by my make up, I turned out pretty well for the mother of the groom.

After a few quick pictures at Caesar's, the limo took us to the chapel.

Michael and Ashley chose the same chapel where Bob and I got married back in 2006. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the chapel but we could take as many as we wanted outside.

I'm surprised we got this many good pictures. Between the photographer, Chris and myself, Michael and Ashley didn't know where to look.

Who but Michael would think to bring his beloved Royals to his wedding and Ashley went right along with the theme.

And a traditional shot of the rings.

On our way back to the hotel, I had Michael take a quick picture of me with my new daughter-in-law.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bramel, the best picture taken the whole trip!