While on a “boys” road trip a few years ago my son and I visited Las Vegas. Having lived in Las Vegas for years we didn’t go there for the gaming or other “adult” entertainment. We went to visit family members and see the hotels which had been constructed since we had moved from there several years earlier. After a day of visiting with different family members we took a break from family and spent the next day walking up and down the “Strip”, looking at things such as the “Eifel Tower” in front of “Paris” and the New York “skyline” in front of “New York, New York”.
We did not enter most of the casinos being aware that most casinos are the same inside and on the gaming floor. Instead we were looking at the non-gaming features at the newer hotels. After walking down one side of the street we started up the other side and quickly found ourselves in front of the “Bellagio”. As we walked across the front of the property we stopped and looked at the fountains . What a thing of beauty! Finally we walked inside, not to look at the casino floor but to look at the different interior decorations and accommodations.
One of the things we decided to look at was the conservatory. Upon entering this area of the hotel we were struck by the domed skylight made up of leaded glass which allowed sunlight in to a series of beautiful gardens lining the large room. On one side of the room was a large grand staircase which appeared to go to at least the second floor.
On that particular day the staircase was occupied by a large wedding party, actually half the wedding party. At the top of the staircase stood the bride in her beautiful white gown. Down the staircase stood her bridesmaids, all in their gowns. There must have been at least fifteen bridesmaids. The photographer was taking pictures of the bride and her court. Standing around behind the photographer was the groom and, some of, his groomsmen.
Looking at the bride it was not obvious that she, and her bridesmaids were of Hispanic descent. However, when we looked at the groom and his groomsmen there was no question that this was a Hispanic wedding party. While the bride and her bridesmaids were dressed in beautiful classic gowns, the groom and his groomsmen were all dressed in matching “zoot” suits complete with flat brimmed hats and watch chains which hung down to their knees. It was quite a sight. In contrast to the tailored suits worn by the groom and his groomsmen were visible tattoos on the necks of many of the men as well as on their hands and forearms.
My son and I were struck by the pomp and grandeur of the setting and wedding party especially as it was contrasted with the appearance of the groom and his groomsmen. As we watched, the photographer finished with the bride and her bridesmaids and his assistant called for the groom and groomsmen. In a flurry of activity and noise the groom and his contingent traded places with the bride and hers. As the groom settled in his place at the top of the staircase we could see the groomsman closest to him looking around the room, counting, making sure everybody was present. Suddenly he frowned and I could see him begin counting again. As this was going on I caught movement out of the corner of my eye.
Moving my head slightly I caught sight of two groomsmen running into the room clutching their hats in their hands. As my son turned and saw them he stifled a laugh. He later told me you could almost see the smoke rings around their head and the smell of marijuana followed them into the room. Because my son was still a college student I didn’t bother asking him how he knew what marijuana smells like. As the men all got into place we decided it was time to move on to the next hotel. As we walked out of the conservatory we heard comments on both the beauty of the room and the interesting wedding party. Of course, one man said, quite loudly, “only in Vegas”!