Las Vegas - A Great Place For a Wedding!
If you follow me on Twitter, you may have heard that I was recently in Las Vegas to attend the wedding of my niece, Sophie Herbert, and her betrothed, Dan Slater. Why Vegas? Well, Dan has written an excellent book called Love in the Time of Algorithms, officially released today. It is all about the world of online dating, which he studied extensively for the last two years. Sophie and Dan did not meet online, however, Dan was scheduled to be in Vegas at an online symposium held last week and Sophie already had plans to join him. When Dan proposed at Thanksgiving, the couple thought, rather than have a large and stressful wedding, why not just tie the knot in Vegas with a small group of family and friends? The idea sounded like a lot of fun and it dawned on me that my Weddings magazine has never featured a Las Vegas wedding! Darcy Miller, the Editorial Director for Martha Stewart Weddings, and her staff went to work and came up with an exciting plan with Wynn Las Vegas, the luxury resort and casino, the brainchild of my friend, Steve Wynn. I must say that it was a whirlwind couple of days and I have to thank everyone at the Wynn for their gracious and generous hospitality. Everything was perfect!
1 After landing in Las Vegas, we were escorted to the fabulous Wynn, a resort that covers 215 acres!
2 Opened in April of 2005, the complex was built for $2.7 billion and offers many amenities.
3 This resort and casino on the Las Vegas strip is considered one of the finest hotels in the world.
4 The ambiance of the Wynn is elegance personified and features an extraordinary fusion of plantings and decor throughout.
5 I was crazy about these amazing flower globes - all real - suspended in the gardens.
6 Incredible craftsmanship!
7 This lush planting features colorful kalanchoe, ferns, and other tropical specimens.
8 Las Vegas is preparing for the year of the snake, as the Chinese New Year, also known as lunar new year, is celebrated in a big way at casino-resorts here. This is a stunning 9-foot-tall gold leaf snake.
9 As part of the festivities, the atriums also feature 20-foot-long dragons suspended in the trees.
10 The Wynn boasts a very attractive 111,000 square foot casino that is open around the clock.
11 At Wynn, there is a bar and lounge called Parasol Up. Take a curved escalator down a flight and enter Parasol Down.
12 Wynn Las Vegas is truly a feast for the eyes.
13 The parasols are fantastic! This is where we came after the wedding ceremony for a champagne toast and some tasty nibbles.
14 Parasol Down is located right next to the Lake of Dreams.
15 Water shows take place on the three-acre Lake of Dreams on a regular basis throughout the evening.
16 While we were there, this giant head silently emerged from the water. And yes, that tiny figure next to it is a stature of a person staring at the wall, which becomes a waterfall, at times.
17 Daisy and I were given fabulous accommodations in one of the Fairway Villas overlooking the 18-hole Wynn Golf Course.
18 Lavishly decorated, the Villa could not have been more comfortable.
19 There was even a secluded terrace and a private pool!
20 On the first day, we gals decided to get manicures at the Wynn Salon.
21 There's Daisy, who came along to do everyone's hair and makeup.
22 And it was a great pleasure meeting Dan's mother, Nancy Slater, who flew to Vegas from her home outside of Boston.
23 Sophie opted for a French manicure, which looked neat and trim.
24 We were all given a glass of champagne while waiting for our nails to dry.
25 There are amazing chandeliers throughout the resort, lining the long corridors, like this one made of brightly colored Venetian glass.
26 And this great one of hand-blown amber glass - There is so much attention to detail everywhere one looks, like these gilded butterflies upon the ceiling.
27 More great lighting fixtures
28 The next morning, Daisy and I hit the ultra-modern gym.
29 And then we had a light breakfast at Tableau, a great restaurant for breakfast and lunch - they put a nice twist on coast-to-coast American favorites.
30 A great group of doers and shakers! - Darcy Miller, Grace Russell, Wendy Zamaripa, Rochelle Clayton, Chris Flatt (back), Cabriole Koshan, Camille Lopez (back), Evelyn Herrera, and Naomi de Manana
31 This is one of the wedding salons at the Wynn. Sophie and Dan opted for the outdoor Primrose Garden for their ceremony.
32 As everywhere at the Wynn, comfort abounds.
33 There are so many great objects everywhere to appreciate.
34 This resort is so well-maintained and changes occur frequently.
35 We checked out The Buffet at Wynn.
36 The Buffet is a feast in every sense of the word.
37 The kitchen offers flavors from all over the world.
38 Diners can enjoy 16 live-action cooking stations.
39 They can also enjoy the exquisite and colorful living arrangements.
40 The flowers are unbelievable!
41 After the champagne toast and tasty nibbles at Parasol Down, the wedding party strutted through the casino en route to Andrea's, named for Steve Wynn's wife.
42 This very attractive restaurant combines dining and nightlife into one environment, marking the beginning of a new era in dining.
43 Beautiful hand-blown glass lamps are suspended from the ceiling.
44 A better look
45 So many wonderful modern touches
46 There are booths for private dining.
47 Chef Joseph Elevado brings his mastery of Asian flavors, featuring seafood, noodles, steak, and sushi.
48 Near the bar area, a giant LED screen projects the image of Andrea's eyes, which slowly and seductively change color.
49 After dinner at Andrea's and after a bit of a rest, the wedding party arrived at the Wynn Theater for an exciting production of Le Reve, The Dream. These stars of the show came out to meet me.
50 The base of the set of Le Reve is a one million-gallon capacity water tank.
51 The ceiling begins with a beautiful fabric covering. The covering soon magically disappears, and is replaced by cables lifting and lowering the gymnasts/actors as they perform their harrowing feats.
52 This exciting show features diving from great heights and other daring exhibits of strength and is very dream-like.
53 The production was created by Franco Dragone and is similar to the shows produced by Cirque du Soleil.
54 In Las Vegas, there are many wonderful places to eat. This is the view of the Fountains of the Bellagio as seen from Le Cirque.
55 Dan Slater and Sophie Herbert the night before the wedding.
56 After a wonderful meal at Le Cirque, the waiters brought out many, many desserts.
57 A chocolate melt ball
58 A grand marnier soufflé
59 A chocolate soufflé
60 A delicious napolean
61 And the piece de resistance - hand-blown sugar swans adorn a pastry platter
62 Nancy, Charlie, Laura, Sophie, Dan, me, and Randy
63 Here I am with Ivo Angelov, the ringmaster of Le Cirque Las Vegas.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
Beautiful, Amazing, Fantastic, including you, Martha. You look georgious in photos # 62 and # 63.
Will we see pictures of the wedding?
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | January 24th, 2013 at 12:18 am
Martha,
What fun and what excitement! Congrats to Sophie and Dan! What issue of will the wedding be featured in? I'll be looking forward to it. I also want to know did you gamble Martha? I don't think you are the gambling type, but I could be wrong. Love the photo of the family just lovely. Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | January 24th, 2013 at 6:40 am
Martha, we had the pleasure of staying at the fabulous Wynn a few years ago and you are correct, the experience is a feast for the whole senses! It is such a beautiful, elegant resort.
Congratulations to Sophie and Dan, best wishes for a long and happy marriage!
Posted by: Cindy F | January 24th, 2013 at 8:04 am
How awesome! Congratulations to Sophie, I feel as though I've watched you grow up!!! Martha, you have such a lovely family. I'm glad you shared this event with us. Can't wait to see the piece in the magazine.
Posted by: Vicki Powell | January 24th, 2013 at 8:51 am
Thanks for sharing your photos of the Wynn Resort - it's beautiful and impressive without the garishness that one often finds in Las Vegas. Congratulations to Sophie and Dan!
Posted by: Sue Fawcett | January 24th, 2013 at 8:51 am
Beautiful photos from your niece's celebration! Looks like everyone had a wonderful time.
Posted by: Lisa | January 24th, 2013 at 9:01 am
Hi Martha,
Fabulous resort - I can only imagine the fun everyone had! It would be a dream come true to stay in such a wonderful place. Just when I began to wonder where Laura was, there she was and with Charlie and Randy. Without even seeing the wedding pictures, I know beautiful Sophie was a beautiful bride, but I can't wait to see the pictures. I'm sure you'll give us a heads up when that particular issue reaches the newsstand. I'm going to need a nudge because I don't normally buy wedding magazines. I saw a version of picture #49 and posted it on Twitter I think it was and said something like, "Three gals with gorgeous, long legs. I hate them!" I'm so short I have to hem everything I buy! Have a great day. Trish
Posted by: Trish | January 24th, 2013 at 9:15 am
Hi Martha, Thank you so much for sharing this delightful blog today about getting ready for Sophie and Dan's wedding in a beautiful place in Las Vegas! I did thoroughly enjoy your tweets with information and photos about the wedding-so awesome to see! Can't wait to see their wedding in your Wedding Magazine! I know it will be beautiful! The emails that you shared today were also wonderful to see! I have never been to Las Vegas and seeing these fantastic photos and your comments about it are 'out of this world'! I love seeing and touring all of the places you go all over the world and every trip is very special to see! The Wynn resort is absolutely a super place that Sophie and Dan chose and all of these photos are so awesome and I love viewing them again and again! Every photo is so beautiful and my extra favorites are #20 to 24, #49, & #55 to 63 and all of you in these photos are absolutely beautiful and so happy to be there! Was so nice that Darcy was there, also to get her photos for your Wedding Magazine! Laura, you certainly do have a beautiful daughter and it was fun to see handsome Charlie there, also! Martha, loved seeing you on The Today Show yesterday! Sure hope all of you have a great day again today! Hope Francesca is doing better again today and please give her a hug from me and Dudley Do Right! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | January 24th, 2013 at 9:21 am
Isn't amazing how LasVegas has changed through the years! I first saw Vegas when my folks & I were moving to California. My Dad & I were in an un-airconditioned Austin Healey sports car & were driving from Illinois on rte 66. Although my husband and I are not great gamblers, we still love to go there every few years to see how the town has changed and to take in a couple for shows.
How wonderful for Sophie and Dan. Congratulations to the newlyweds and best wishes for their future together.
Posted by: Sharon Weinmann | January 24th, 2013 at 9:22 am
I am amazed at those floral arrangements- I hope you show how to make them in your magazine!
Posted by: homer | January 24th, 2013 at 10:13 am
I enjoy reading your blogs in the morning - it gives me much inspiration. And these photographs of Sophie and Dan's wedding preparation is truly special.
Wishing them a great celebration.
Posted by: Linda Williams | January 24th, 2013 at 10:27 am
Hi Martha,
Congratulations to Sophie and Dan on their wedding! Best wishes, and many happy years together. Thank you for posting about the fabulous and spectacular Wynn resort in Las Vegas. It is absolutely beautiful! I agree with many comments about the floral arrangements. I can't believe that everything was real. That is real artistry there! Everyone looks beautiful and looks like all had a great time. Thank you.
Posted by: Judy | January 24th, 2013 at 10:42 am
Martha, thank you for the teaser! Love the family pic #62. Can't wait to see the piece in the magazine. Congratulations to Sophie and Dan! I feel as though I've watched her grow up through MSLO vehicles, so it is kind of her to share her special day with your audience! (Hope you and Daisy took full advantage of your private pool - what luxury!)
Posted by: Whitney | January 24th, 2013 at 10:44 am
What a great time it will be.
Posted by: Holiday Baker Man | January 24th, 2013 at 10:47 am
Hi Martha!
Mazel tov to Sophie and Dan! May they live happily ever after!! I can't WAIT to see your Las Vegas wedding in an upcoming Weddings magazine. The Wynn Las Vegas is unbelievable. OMG - what a magical place. Thank you so much for sharing your photos. So much fun!!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Gordon-Miller | January 24th, 2013 at 10:50 am
Gone are the days when a Vegas wedding was tacky--it was all very lovely (especially the flowers). Best wishes to the Bride & Groom!
Posted by: Alisa Hilde | January 24th, 2013 at 10:58 am
Well Martha, you certainly have won me over with this post! I think Las Vegas has been typecast, which is sad, because as you have proven through these lovely photos, it IS a beautiful spot to get married or visit!
Posted by: Nantucket Daffodil | January 24th, 2013 at 11:03 am
The flower globes are breathtaking and unexpected. What was also incredible were the views from the private pool. The views add the elements of luxury and romance which makes for a beautiful escape both during the day and night. It must have been a lovely experience.
Best wishes to your Sophie and Dan as they embark on their journey together.
Posted by: Alicia Godmasch | January 24th, 2013 at 11:06 am
Thank you for sharing. It all looks so amazing!
Posted by: Shante | January 24th, 2013 at 11:25 am
There's just so much to see in this world...That's an amazing place.
Posted by: Abby | January 24th, 2013 at 11:33 am
What's in the red box?
Posted by: Sal | January 24th, 2013 at 11:40 am
For Sal,
The little red boxes contained excellent chocolates that Le Cirque gave to us.
Posted by: Martha Stewart | January 24th, 2013 at 11:51 am
Martha,
What great pictures. Can't wait to see Sophie's wedding pictures. Laura must be thrilled at the thought of being a grandmother. She looks too young!!
Posted by: Jan | January 24th, 2013 at 11:52 am
Thank you for sharing your photos, Martha! It was a pleasure having you and your guests; we were honored to host Sophie and Dan's wedding. Hope to see you here again soon!
Posted by: Wynn Las Vegas | January 24th, 2013 at 1:00 pm
Congratulations to Sophie, she has grown into such a beautiful lady. I have watched your shows for years and have enjoyed the ones with family. Hope she has a happy life.
Posted by: Karlene Wissel | January 24th, 2013 at 1:15 pm
MARTHA---What amazing coverage! It is certainly a different world out there...The Wynn is about one degree away from being tacky...a certain over-abundance...but, I suppose it is all about fantasy!...
When I think of your fabulous farm and your pictures of nature, I cannot help but think, "now, this is REAL beauty."
Posted by: Jonathan Brown | January 24th, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I was married on January 21, 2012 at The Wynn Las Vegas! The staff there made my dream come true. Every photo I have from the wedding is absolutely priceless to me. The flowers were amazing, the cake and the food was extravagant. The whole place was decked out for Chinese New Year! I loved my Wynn Wedding!!!
Posted by: Krystal | January 24th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Thank you for sharing Sophie's Wedding. It was only yesterday she was a very little girl on your television show, and your Christmas dinner programs!
Oh my.
Posted by: Peg Belvin | January 24th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
So happy even Martha sees the beauty and elegance of Vegas weddings. They can be so unique! Congrats Sophie!
Posted by: Little Vegas Wedding | January 24th, 2013 at 1:53 pm
Martha, the COLOURS of the flowers etc. amazingly beautiful. The people so charming and nice. Even the light fixtures were stunning. Champagne with a manicure, please does anyone do this outside of Las Vegas? No way. I hope you liked my comments and I'm glad that Francesca is getting excellent care. Is Sophie related to me too? Anyone whose ancestor is Louis Hebert is my cousin too.
Posted by: Charlyne S. Arsenault | January 24th, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Looks like a blast. Grand Marnier souffles are my favorite because I'm allergic to chocolate. Can't wait to see pictures of the wedding itself.
Posted by: Laura Dembowski | January 24th, 2013 at 3:11 pm
Congratulations to Sophie and best wishes for a blessed and peaceful life together. Beautiful place.
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | January 24th, 2013 at 3:17 pm
Why is it that we Easterners always take a photo of a palm tree?
I'm glad the wedding was successful...we all watched Zocha grow up
on your show....& now she is someone's "wife"!
You missed out on only one thing at the wedding....my Daughter,
Jessica's caricatures. Her company is "Girl Who Drew You" (can
be seen on facebook) which she started two years ago after living
in Las Vegas, California & then back to Las Vegas for the past 20
years. She is originally from Boston, MA & has been a struggling
artist for most of her life. When Jessica moved back to Las Vegas,
she bumped into a friend from home; they began dating & were
married on Halloween, 2007 on a Wednesday; the Bride wore black
(Vampira); the Groom was "Ed Wood" & costumes for the guests were
NOT optional. It was the most memorable wedding I've ever attended.
Posted by: Judy | January 24th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Congratulations to Sophie and Dan! We have watched Sophie grow up! Her grandmother would be very happy for her - I can see Big Martha smiling down from heaven!
Posted by: E. Teresa Touey | January 24th, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Hi..Martha.......your look is amazing......at first glance i decided to fly with you on the sky in between white clouds like birds.can you fly with me.
Posted by: Nadeem Adil | January 25th, 2013 at 6:36 am
Perfect venue. Stellar accomodations. Sophie, everything about you emulates beauty. You all looked radiant! Congrats on the book Dan. I wish you both a long and prosperous life together. Much love and gratitude to you Martha for sharing.
Posted by: Jennifer McHenry | January 25th, 2013 at 10:09 am
Sophie is a rare gem: incredibly beautiful, talented, intelligent, gracious, curious, and totally amazing, much like her mother Laura and her Aunt Martha. She has always had a charismatic warmth and an uplifting enthusiasm about her that come right through the television screen, two of the countless reasons we love her so much. I wish for Sophie and Dan many, many years of wedded bliss and of course, plenty of exciting adventures too. The Wynn is stunningly elaborate but it is the smile on Sophie's face and the happiness in her heart that bring me the greatest delight.
Posted by: Kate | January 25th, 2013 at 2:11 pm
Congratulations and warm wishes to Sophie and Dan! I met my partner, Tomas, online nearly nine years ago. He is from Puerto Rico and I am from Canada. We met as friends, without any intention of falling for each other, but life had other plans. In 2007 he moved to Canada to be with me and we've been married ever since, thanks to Canadian marriage laws that permit same-sex weddings. I will get Dan's book. It sounds really interesting. Congratulations to the happy couple and I can't wait to see the issue of MS Weddings when it comes out!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | January 26th, 2013 at 7:39 am
CONGRATULATIONS SOPHIE AND DAN!!! Wishing you both the happiest and longest marriage. God bless
Posted by: Kartini Illias | January 26th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
CONGRATULATIONS SOPHIE AND DAN!!! Wishing you both the happiest and longest marriage. God bless
Posted by: Kartini Illias | January 26th, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Don't mean to be nosy, but who is Randy? He's handsome! Someone special?
Posted by: Marybeth | January 26th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
That was so much fun to see! Thanks for sharing that. I can't wait to share the flower arrangements with my Mom.
Posted by: Karen | January 27th, 2013 at 6:23 am
How very special. Not your typical Vegas wedding! Congratulations to all of you...look forward to seeing all the lovely details in Weddings.
Posted by: Sherey | January 27th, 2013 at 1:48 pm
i like your blog, very nice.. very beatiful ideas for wedding..
Posted by: nikah sekeri | January 29th, 2013 at 6:24 am
I enjoy reading your posts. Thank you!
Posted by: Emily | January 29th, 2013 at 11:18 am
There's just so much to see in this world...That's an amazing place
Posted by: gaZeteler | February 10th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
What an amazing place - those flower globes are unbelievable. Thought they were paper lanterns at first, then to see they were actual flowers - wow! Also, the wall in the lake is crazy. I thought it was a large movie screen, then the statue put it in perspective, geez. Again, thanks for sharing your experiences.
Posted by: Nicole | March 3rd, 2013 at 6:47 pm