Article Contributed on: 11/5/2007 9:52:18 AM
When my friend,
Regan, told me she was getting married in Las Vegas and that Elvis would be officiating, I was a bit skeptical. Should I attend? Would it be a ceremony worthy of the commitment she and her betrothed were making to one another?
In the end, I decided that regardless of what I thought or anticipated, missing her wedding was not an option, so I hopped a plane - by myself -- to Sin City to demonstrate my love and support of my precious friend.
I arrived at Graceland Chapel early to ensure that I would not miss one minute of the festivities. I met one of
Aaron's (the groom) friends right away and we chatted about the uniqueness of the situation and how we were honored to witness such an intriguing event. Soon, Aaron and Regan arrived with five family members and we were ready to start.
No sooner had we taken our seats did Elvis show up, in all his glory and splendor! He wore a gold jacket with black pants and a black shirt. I did a double-take! Surely this thin, young, attractive man could not possibly be Elvis? Or were all the rumors that Elvis lived true? Would I ever find out? Putting all questions aside, I knew I must live in the moment. This memory would never be repeated and I needed to focus as to not miss a single detail.
The ceremony began as Elvis walked Regan down the aisle while crooning his hit "Love Me Tender." How he sang, played the guitar, and managed to hold onto Regan, all at the same time, is beyond me. But he is, after all, the King. He can do anything. After he had finished delivering Regan to Aaron, Regan let out a belly laugh that rang throughout the chapel. Prior to her guffaw, I was amazed to realize I had tears running down my cheeks. Not because I was in Las Vegas watching Elvis escort my friend down the aisle, but because I had still been able to find the sacredness of the event amidst the humor. Only I could cry in such situations!
Suddenly it dawned on me that seriousness mixed with humor, that laughter through tears, is one of the best ways to live life. I immediately found myself grateful to have been invited to the event, thankful I had made the trek from Denver on rather short-notice. Usually I plan my travel months in advance, but this trip was quite spur-of-the-moment. Seeing my friend commit herself to her husband for life was a blessing to me, adding one more meaningful memory to my life's pages.
Bride and groom were married by a real minister -- or at least I think so. They took their vows and then Elvis sang "Fools Rush In." I know it must sound crazy, but it really was touching. Elvis ended with "Viva Las Vegas" which was especially fitting. The ceremony was concluded the way most nuptials are - kisses were exchanged, pictures were taken. It was a memorable night, though it was over in less than 30 minutes.
Looking back, I realize that it is the individual moments, not the months or years, that make one's life rich and full of meaning. In a few years my husband and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. What better way to mark the milestone than to travel to Vegas and have Elvis help us renew our vows. Just thinking about it has me "All Shook Up!"
And by the way, I am still wondering if it was really Elvis. Could it have been? No way. Well, maybe. After all, it happened in Vegas and we know anything can -- and does -- happen there...