Most teachers are fairly liberal in their social and fiscal beliefs. The exception to this, often times but not always, are male Social Studies teachers. They can be a little more conservative than their peers, and a lot more vocal about their beliefs. Although I don't believe our current eighth grade Social Studies teacher is conservative enough to be elected a Republican Dog Catcher in North Carolina, for our school he is pretty conservative. We have argued politics on rare occasions but all in all, we have a really great friendship. We have very little in common besides being white and male. I don't know why but almost every student would name him as their favorite teacher! We have students returning after completing college just to visit and the only teacher they ask about is Mr. Chisholm. I have a strong fondness and respect for him, as he is an exceptionally hard worker and although not an early adopter nor early implementer of new ideas and concepts, when he does adopt something, he goes whole hog and is very thoughtful.
Imagine my surprise when this semi conservative, Rush Limbaugh watching, super popular teacher put a Pink and Rainbow Sprinkled Donut on my desk in honor of our upcoming nuptials. I was so honored by this gesture that I used a picture of said donut for my Facebook profile for several weeks.
Well gentle readers, many have asked about wedding pictures...here are a few of the best to sate your craving for fondant covered carrot cake, flowers, and taffeta.
We chose to stay at the Tahitian Village Resort, a family friendly hotel with lots of activities for kids and adults...my favorite of course was the "Lazy River" although not exclusively for adults, way too boring for most kids so we enjoyed multiple buckets of beers poolside before dunking our pasty (almost British white) bodies into the semi heated "river".
Some authentic Johnston County realness! Med enjoying the Vegas sun and fun.
An old married couple...Warren and Christy.
Hmmmm...maybe this isn't the way this is supposed to work!
Lounging like a lizard in the desert.
We decided to have a pre-wedding gathering in which friends from North Carolina showered us with generous gifts of Grits, Tomato Jelly, Cheerwine Soda, Biscuit Fixin's, and more Grits. The theme of course was Tropical Paradise.
Presenting the gifts straight from the trailer park Gift Shop...what no boiled peanuts!
Familia Bishop!
Donna making things awkward again! Really girl!
Donna photo bombing a perfectly respectable group photo of fine gentlemen!
So adorable...great drinks and good friends, even some appetizers.
A huggable chain...family! You know I love 'em.
A totem of tiki Gods, Warren was little too close - luckily I am wearing my Purity Ring!
After an afternoon of debauchery, a few of us without small children or weak constitutions decided to hit a few bars in Vegas. The ambience was smoky and scary, but the beers were cheap and oversized...who can pass that up!
At these prices everyone can buy a round, and did!
Cute, young party crasher (and Australian of course). Those Australians will bend over backwards for a good time!
He kept sitting on my lap and kissing me...I'm sure the cold sore I've had since will clear up! Oh Vegas, you are a whorish mistress.
Spreading the love!
The night did not end here, but fortunately the photos did! The next day? Wedding Madness. Because it is Vegas, and Wee Kirk O' the Heather Wedding Chapel (the oldest in Vegas), and because we ordered the Elvis package, I expected the wedding to be nice but campy, tacky, and zany. Yes, it was all of those things, but I didn't expect Elvis to be so entertaining, and really so very sweet. The entire ceremony was much more reverent and touching than I would have thought.
Marching down the aisle to an Elvis tune, "I can't Help Falling In Love"
Not the young bucks we were twenty five years ago, but still, it's great to marry my best friend.
Yosiell the ring bearer...adorably nervous!
Elvis doing his thing.
The vows are completed and here we stand with Elvis.
The entire wedding party...good times, people, good times.
Elvis managed to get into most every picture...what a ham!
One of my favorite pictures!
We had a little time before the reception back at Tahiti Village...what to do? A quick trip to the Four Queens...I think our group beat Four Queens, we had at least seven or eight!
David and Wayne marveling at the Fremont Street Experience.
Ready for cocktails!
Gotta have some Bling!
Flashy ties for the newlyweds.
A lovely lady, name your price hooker!
When worlds collide, two of my favorite people, most likely comparing notes and gossip about my antics.
A tender moment from one Bear to another!
A quick stop for a drink at the Four Queens.
And back to the Tahiti Village for views of downtown Vegas, a Hawaiian themed dinner, good friends, lots of cocktails, and delicious cake.
Ray and Stacy! I knew Ray when we were both just young bucks playing with Star Wars action figures!
Hawaii-A-Go-Go.
Donna Bailey enjoying a lounge and a view in the Vegas heat.
My sister and Fran representing.
A delicious dinner with plenty of cocktails.
Evil step-sisters.
How droll...
Puka shells for all!
The drama, the intrigue.
The sweetest and most badass angels.
Tom, Tom with his adorable date.
A toast from Momma Med!
Mo taking a spin on Uncle Wally's wild ride.
Don't mess up my hula fringe!
Somebody's getting her Mo-Jo on!
David having none of this nonsense! Carolyn of course clutching her pearls, who knew she could still be shocked.
Someone snuck peeps on top of the cake! Arrrggggggg...Wayne Wilson!
Cutting the carrot cake.
So after the reception, we hired a disco limo hummer (Yes, we felt guilty about the gas guzzling behemoth) with A STRIPPER POLE!
We gave a ride to a few ladies from Fresno, tested the strength of the stripper pole, and ended up dancing the night away to an eighties cover band at the Fremont Street Experience...awesome post wedding evening.
Thanks to all who attended this event. this event was the most fun I've ever had in Vegas. I want to go back now with these people as it was a raging good time. It is so nice to share this long over due event with so many loved ones.
