Vegas: Batman Commitment Ceremony at Viva Las Vegas wedding chapel

A couple days prior to Valentine's day proper, our good friend Blaze contacted us asking if we'd like to participate in a commitment ceremony at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. There would be photographers / paparazzi there for Buzzfeed, commemorating the experience and giving us a few moments of potential internet fame under our belts, and to top it all of the event was going to be hosted by Batman! How could we possibly say no to such a proposition? Antho has gone above and beyond for Valentine's days in the past, like the time he signed off on a townhome for us and got the keys so he could surprise me with our new home on Valentine's a few years back, so it'd be hard to top that but this was definitely up there! The whole experience was really cheesy and fun, and we'd discussed in the past how we'd like to have the ceremony officiated/hosted by Batman when we got married, so it's pretty outrageously cool that the varying coincidences and circumstances just so happened to make that occur. 

And on Valentine's day, no less. It was pretty romantic, there was even Michael Keaton's Batman theme playing to enhance the Gotham-noir mood. There was a dense fog and a mysterious reveal, and then the Dark Knight was there, guiding us through the process. 

You might be wondering what the difference between a commitment ceremony and an actual wedding is... basically it boils down to paperwork. A commitment ceremony is a way for couples to publicly celebrate their love and make vows to eachother, like in a wedding, but there's no marriage certificate involved so no legally binding contracts. Traditionally commitment ceremonies were a way for couples who might not have legal access to marriage to have the same affirmation of their love and dedication among friends and family. Our good friends Mae and Stefano joined us, as did Blaze though he was technically working still for a large portion of the evening so he couldn't socialise as much. It's all good, though, as we were able to spend some time together after everything was said and done! Also, his hard work is what led to us getting most of these photos and the video, so we're extremely grateful for him! The girls from Buzzfeed were sweethearts too, and while we didn't get to talk to them much because they were busy working we wish them both well and look forward to seeing what they create with all the footage they captured of not just us but many other happy couples they witnessed that day.

Overall it was a wonderful experience. We got the brighter lit of all these photos and a video of the entire ceremony for ourselves which is a great keepsake! The owners of the chapel were quite hospitable and lovely, the decor fun and the theme entertainingly and thoroughly executed. I mean, look at all that fog, guys! The chapel also does Rocky Horror Picture Show weddings, Oompa Loompa weddings (which Antho and I both cheered at when we saw it on their sign), Star Trek, and countless other themes to choose from! During our time there we saw a couple getting a Medieval style wedding where they were dressed in full garb and entered the chapel via a stunning cart pulled by knights. This place is a blast! Highly recommend it if you're ever looking to get hitched in Vegas, or at least commit. Since we didn't have rings prepared or anything, the chapel provided some for us. They were rubbery light up rings, which was fun! They have a wide variety of options available, so you don't have to go low-end like we did. 

Another Valentine's Day in the books, and another tough one to beat. I wonder what's gonna happen next year!

😂

Anyway~

Until next time!

💓

XOXO,

NAU

Art: Bellagio Fountains Caricature

The day after Christmas, despite the cold air and crowds, I found myself sitting near the Bellagio fountains awaiting a friend. It was a pre-destined meeting that evening, one that had been eagerly anticipated and planned in hushed whispers. Rumor had spread among our colleagues and Antho sighed as I hopped from the van, tools in hand. I had to be quick, stealthy. Hands stiff and cracking in the cold I set up my station; a chair, a clipboard, art supplies and a purse. And then, I waited. 

And waited a bit more.

My phone would buzz with the occasional update, until final confirmation: "We're on our way."

Yes, we.

You see, this stealth caricature set up was all a rouse, a grand set up for what was about to come. Our friend and my colleague Brando (the man behind VR Evolution on Youtube) had long-since planned his proposal to his lovely girlfriend Tia, and I was to help him pop the question via an "impromptu" caricature of the two. I had done most of the drawing prior to meeting with them so that I could guarantee it being of a quality I felt satisfied with giving them for such a monumental event. Once they found me I had to downplay my own excitement as I added the finishing touches and stalled for time to try to make it feel more organic. Luckily, Antho managed to find parking at a nearby casino and was able to make it back in time for the final reveal. He captured the photos to commemorate the moment, and this blog will hopefully help provide a little reminder of this precious experience. Thankfully for all involved, Tia said yes and the two went away on a staycation for a few days after this to celebrate! Brando's sister also arrived to stealthily capture some photos or video from a different perspective, which is awesome. 

All in all it ended happily and I look forward to seeing the next stage of their sweet story while grateful for what part I could play. 

💗Congratulations guys!💗 

Peeping Toms & pretty lights; Date night in Tokyo 2012-10-25

Japan is a romantic place.

During the winter holidays they take great pride in illuminating their cities with string lights, creating a magical atmosphere resplendent with glittering lights. Neighborhoods throughout Tokyo will go the extra mile with elaborate installations that send you winding your way through department stores to their roof top terraces and back to see it all. While absolutely stunning to view solo, it's always lovely to have company, so when a sweet young local boy named Kazu asked me to accompany him for an afternoon stroll and a bit of light-gazing near Tokyo Station, Hibiya park and Marunouchi it was with joy that I accepted his invitation.

Locals always give the best tours and insights, don't they? ^_^

Kazu was busy with classes during the day so we agreed to meet at Marunouchi, which is accessible from Otemachi & Tokyo Stations via a labyrinthine structure underground. Kazu was attending Tokyo Medical College and his entire family were doctors, from his great grandparents to his aunts and uncles. Something of a family tradition, evidently, huh? After meeting in the underground we emerge surface side to stroll in the late afternoon sun.