“When two hearts are meant for each other, no distance is too far, no time is too long, and no other love can break them apart.” That’s what the custom wine bottles at Jennifer and Mark’s wedding read.
Love stories! They are all unique, no matter how simple, sweet, silly or challenging. And we all have one. However, time adds an extra depth to Jennifer and Mark’s sweet story – read on for more.
Mark and Jennifer met at the Gold Coast on January 15, 1992. Mark and his father were visiting his uncle, who lived in Las Vegas. They were staying at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino. Jennifer grew up in Las Vegas and was a college student at the time they met. She was on the Gold Coast that night hanging out with her friends when she saw Mark standing by the roulette table watching people play.
She wanted to meet him, so she bet her friends she would go up and talk to him; the ante, of course, being a round of drinks. Her friends did not believe she had the courage to do it and she wanted to prove them wrong. So Jennifer went up to Mark and stood next to him for about 20 seconds while her friends watched from the bar. She turned to him and said, “Hi, put your arm around me.” Mark was obviously a little-taken aback and responded with, “What?” Jennifer told him that if he put his arm around her and went for a walk around the casino, she would explain everything. Without hesitation, he did while Jennifer proceeded to explain the bet; Mark proclaimed he wanted half the winnings! With that, they went to a bar and spent the entire night talking. In fact, they were inseparable that night, and Jennifer’s friends could not convince her to leave. She stayed at the bar with Mark and talked all night. Eventually, they went to the lounge and then the bowling center to continue talking. By the time Jennifer was leaving, the sun was beginning to rise. Mark walked her to her car, and there they stood for another 45 minutes talking.
For the next two years, Mark and Jennifer had on-and-off long distance relationship. Although they deeply loved for each other, school, work, responsibilities, and 2,500 miles took its toll on the relationship. They went their separate ways and each built their lives on opposite ends of the country. When they reconnected 22 years later, they quickly realized they still held strong feelings for each other. They knew what they felt was special and rare, so they made a commitment to achieve what they wanted so many years ago and found so difficult to attain; to be together.
Mark proposed to Jennifer at the Gold Coast parking garage approximately in the same spot where 24 years earlier he had walked her to her car.
They decided to tie the knot on the same day they met, at the same place they met, 24 years later – the Gold Coast. And some of the photos even reflect how that initial night went, including some bowling time. Check out some of the images of their families coming together and celebrating their happiness.
Credits:
Wedding Coordinator: Alexis Morales
Ceremony & Reception: Gold Coast Hotel & Casino
Hair & Makeup: Amelia C & Co
Dress: Mori Lee
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Flowers & Decor: Bloomers Florist
Uplighting and Drapery: Bliss Entertainment
DJ: All Night Long Entertainment
Officiant: ark Coleman (Father of the Bride)