My buddy Riplee has had some hard times. I’ve mentioned him before…. Well.. he’s been the most stable over the last 2 years since he’s been with this lovely girl, Brandie. Through hard times, they’ve committed to each other, but it’s been tough. He’s been telling me for ages of how he wants to adopt her daughter. I asked him when I got to Vegas (Oh yeah… I forgot to mention– very beautiful drive… took lots of photos through my sunroof, that way I don’t miss this gorgeous scenery. Stopped at a scenic view or 2, got hit on by a gay trucker, taught him about the internet, and computers.)
“So when are you going to adopt Gabbie?”
“When we get married”
“When’s that?”
“I don’t know… when we can afford it”
“How much is it?”
“I dunno… Jeff & Dania said that it’s about $70-$100″
“Well.. why don’t you ask Brandie if she wants to get married? I’ll buy you guys a wedding for your wedding present!”
He tried, and screwed it up- lesson in positive thinking … don’t start a proposal with “I know it’s not the right time, but… maybe do you… ” — I gave it a try a little while later, as Riplee didn’t want to make her feel pressured to “Come on.. let’s get married today!” - so I figured he could have till the 5th- when I come back from Burning Man and San Fran. I decided to ask-
“Hey Brandie! What are you doing on the 5th?” “I don’t know” “Wanna get married??” ????? “Not to me, silly!! To Riplee! I’ll get your guys a wedding for your wedding present.” She smiled. Later on, I was on the phone with Angela, and Riplee writes on a napkin in front of me “Let’s get married” - I said “You’re not my type buddy… oh you mean, is that what she said?” — yup. My approach worked… Brandie wanted to do it! So.. it’s on!

Riplee was so nervous, he was tripping on everything… I mean, he even forgot his dad’s name when filing for the wedding license…. Did I mention he’s a Jr.? He has the same name as his dad. Brandie was shaking too- you could see her necklace vibrating. It was really cute– they were both REALLY excited. The courthouse is open till midnight… we got there at like 9, I believe. Did the license thing, then walked out, and all these people were fighting over us– trying to get us to go to their chapel. The 1st guy to talk to us was really nice and had a $40 chapel. The 2nd girl approached us, with a nicer brochure, and a price of $25. We got there (Jeff & Dania & their 4 kids showed up, with Cupcakes). We went to the 2nd chapel ($25) and the place was awful… dark and shady, all Mexican feeling on the inside, no one would help us, and “no photography or video” signs everywhere. We went to a 2nd chapel, but Riplee forgot the cupcakes at the 1st chapel, so went back, while I checked out this place. Minimum package $190, and no cameras allowed. We finally went back to the courthouse, signaled some people that the girl with the $25 chapel that they are about to make a mistake…. spoke to the 1st guy, Chad, and made sure we could take pictures. He said it was fine. So.. $40 (turned out to be $60 with the filing fees, etc). This place was nice! Lit, friendly service, could take photos, had an elvis… we had fun, and it was official! Here’s some pics:

Now Riplee can adopt Gabbie. Riplee and Brandie were both so nervous and excited, this meant a lot to them, and they are so happy. I think this will permit both of them to move on with their lives, and achieve bigger things together. $150 is money, sure… but while it’s a nice date, or a night on the town, or 3-4 gas tanks, or 1 skydiving session… it means so much more to them. Guess everything’s a matter of perspective. I certainly felt I got a lot of satisfaction for my money. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for these guys.

Share the love- social bookmark this