When planning their nuptials, Robert and Kate’s main priority was enjoying quality time with those they love. With this in mind, the couple knew a destination wedding would be perfect for them. “A standard wedding lasts one night, spending a week in Las Vegas meant we got to spend seven days of quality time with friends and family,” says Kate. “The week-long memories will last a lifetime.”

While some may hear Las Vegas and instantly think of nightclubs and endless nights, Kate and Robert were familiar with parts of Las Vegas that are hidden gems. “What most people don’t realize about Las Vegas is that the nature surrounding the city is insanely beautiful,” says Kate. “It includes remarkable greenery, breathtaking mountains, unique hiking grounds and crystal blue lakes. Not to mention one of the seven natural wonders of the world.”

Aside from the secret spots that Kate and Robert love, Las Vegas has sentimental value to the couple. “Rob is Australian and I’m Canadian, so Las Vegas is a popular stop over destination when we make the long trip back and forth between Canada and Australia.”

Planning out the ceremony was relatively stress free for the soon-to-be newlyweds. “We made sure to give guests more than a year’s notice so that everyone plan and save appropriately,” says Kate. For those who were unable to attend the wedding, a videographer was hired so they could relive the special day.

Robert and Kate live in Australia, and luckily enough they were able to take a trip to Las Vegas prior to their wedding to check in with their selected venue and vendors. A wedding planner was also hired to help finalize the details of their dream day.

“Francesca from Scheme Events was amazing,” says Kate. “She was able to give us recommendations for everything from chalkboard hire to transportation options.” Their wedding planner was also available to directly contact vendors that the couple couldn’t reach from down under.

Kate and Robert used an Australian travel agent to coordinate flights for the guests, while MGM Grand in Las Vegas worked with the couple to coordinate accommodations.

Once in Las Vegas, the guests were gifted with Welcome to Las Vegas gift bags. The bags were filled with a map of the Strip, a Time Table of events, bottles of water, Vitamin C tablets, Tylenol and gambling chips.

Overall, the couple ended up spending more money on their nuptials, because they chose to turn their celebration into a vacation.  “We had an amazing week of exploring, wining and dining with friends and family versus a one-night celebration.”

If Robert and Kate had chosen to have a wedding home in Australia, it would have been larger and less personal. Kate says, “Having a destination wedding was a great excuse to limit the guest list and only include the most important people in our lives.”

For those in the beginning stages of wedding planning, Kate advises, “Don’t get caught up in the perfections, take one thing at a time, be sure to eat on the day of you wedding, don’t sweat the small stuff and lastly and most importantly, laugh!”

Vendors: Photographer: J Anne Photography, Wedding Planner: Francesca from Scheme Events, First Look Site: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Wedding and Reception Site: Springs Preserve, Florist: Lush Floral, Cake: Just A Bite Cheesecake, Hair and Makeup: Your Beauty Call, Gown Designer: Pronovias, Videographer: Light Source Films, Officiant: Angie Kelly from Peachy Keen Unions, Ceremony Music: Lounge Orphans, Lighting: LED Unplugged, DJ: Vegas DJ Entertainment, Catering: Divine Events, Furniture Rentals: Nostalgia Resources.