Come Say I Do With Maverick Helicopters

Maverick Helicopter's in-house wedding planner

I have been creating wedding memories for Maverick Helicopters since September 2004.
Please contact me for any information or questions you might have regarding this blog or the services we offer at Maverick Helicopter.

Leanne Semenza

Wedding and Sales Coordinator

Maverick Helicopters

702.261.0007

702.948.1325 direct

702.798.3017 fax

www.maverickhelicopter.com

lsemenza@maverickaviationgroup.com

Have You Ever Wondered? Maverick Helicopters Found The Answers

Thursday, August 26, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Have you ever wondered why a bride wears a veil? Why people throw rice at the bride & groom? The following article we found on http://www.pifemaster.com/wedding_rituals_2.htm provides descriptions with a brief history of various wedding elements. It's a pretty good bet you'll see some of them at your wedding. So read on to get the inside scoop.

Grand Canyon Wedding With Maverick Helicopters

The Honeymoon
The bride and groom's honeymoon hasn't always been a post-wedding vacation. The word actually originated in northern Europe from a tradition involving wine made from mead and honey. In order to bring good luck, the newlywed couple drank the sweet wine, called Metheglen, for a month after the wedding. Since a month was known as a moon, this period of time acquired the name honeymoon.

Throwing Rice
The tradition of throwing rice, began in the orient. Rice (which symbolizes fertility) was thrown at the married couple in the hope that this would bring a marriage yielding many children.

The Bridal Shower
This custom is believed to have started in Holland. Legend has it that a disapproving father would not provide his daughter with a dowry, to discourage her from marrying a less-than-wealthy miller. Her friends provided her with the then-essential dowry by "showering" her with gifts.

The Ring Finger
The third finger on the left hand is considered the ring finger. All engagement and wedding rings are worn there because that finger was believed to be connected by a vein, directly to the heart.

The Wedding Cake
Wedding cakes originated in ancient Rome, where a loaf of wheat bread was broken over the brides head to symbolize hope for a fertile and fulfilling life. The guests ate the crumbs, believed to be good luck. The custom found it's way to England in the Middle Ages. Guests brought small cakes to a wedding; the cakes were put in a pile, where the bride and groom later stood over and kissed. Apparently, someone came up with the idea of piling all the cakes together and frosting them, creating an early ancestor of the multi-tiered wedding cakes of today.

Bride & Groom Cut The Cake, Then Feed Each Other
Feeding each other the cake symbolizes how the couple will feed and nourish the relationship for the rest of their lives. Now, this was meant as a loving and caring symbol for each other. As for smashing cake into each other's faces, no one knows how that started.

Diamond Engagement Ring
In medieval Italy, precious stones were seen as part of the groom's payment for the bride. The groom would give a gift of such stones, which symbolized his intent to marry.

The Bachelor Party
Known today as the bachelor party, this celebration in the groom's honor was originally called the bachelor dinner, or stag party. It first came about during the fifth century in Sparta, where military comrades would feast and toast one another on the eve of a friend's wedding. Even today, a bachelor party customarily takes place quite close to the actual wedding date, as it has become known as the groom's last taste of freedom.

The Wedding Ring
The idea of the wedding ring itself dates back to ancient times. At that time, a cave-man husband would wrap circles of braided grass around his bride's wrists and ankles, believing it would keep her spirit from leaving her body. The bands evolved into leather, carved stone, metal, and later silver and gold.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
The odds are pretty strong that you'll be wearing all of the above on your wedding day, but do you know why? The old stands for a bride's ties to her past; the new represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The borrowed symbolizes the love and support of her family and friends; and the blue is for faithfulness and loyalty.

Carrying The Bride Across The Threshold
This wedding custom originated in Rome. The bride had to be carried across the threshold because she was (or pretended to be) reluctant to enter the bridal chamber. In those days, it was considered ladylike to be hesitant at this point - or at least look hesitant. (Another legend has it that the bride was carried over the threshold to protect her from any evil spirits lingering there).

The Best Man And Ushers
Many years ago, a potential groom would take a group of his friends with him while in pursuit of the bride to help him capture her. Often as not, young brides were "kidnapped" from a protective family which typically included a few big brothers. Sometimes there would even be a battle between competing suitors. If a potential groom wanted to show that he meant business, he took along the "best man" for the job of helping him fight for his love.

The Maid Of Honor And Bridesmaids
These were the women who helped the bride get away from her overprotective family and other suitors, so that she could be captured by the groom she wanted. When such quaint methods of getting the bride and groom together faded in popularity, the honor roles survived.

Giving Away The Bride
Back when a daughter was considered her father's possession, some formal transfer was necessary during the wedding ritual. Today, the custom symbolizes the parents acceptance of the brides passage from child to adult, and a sign of their blessing of her marriage to her chosen groom.

The Veil
Veils were originally meant to symbolize the virgin brides innocence and modesty. These days, our society considers the veil a purely romantic custom. Although, in parts of the Middle East and Asia, the veil is still used to hide the brides face completely. The first lace veil is said to have been worn by a woman named Nelly Curtis, George Washington's adopted daughter, who married one of his aides. Apparently, the first time the aide ever saw her, she was behind a lace curtain. He was mesmerized by her beauty. As the story goes, Nelly made herself a lace veil for the ceremony, in an effort to duplicate the effect.

Tossing The Bouquet And Garter
This dignified custom began in the thirteen hundreds in France, where the guests used to chase the bride and tear off her garter because they believed it was good luck. To save herself, her leg, and her dress, the bride began removing it voluntarily and tossing it into the eager crowd. Later, the bouquet was added to this toss. The lucky recipient of the bouquet is now believed to be the next woman in the group to get married. The man who catches the garter is supposed to be the next groom.

Artical provided by http://www.pifemaster.com/wedding_rituals_2.htm

October's Weddings On The Rise

Friday, August 20, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

The most fabulous Fall wedding can be experienced with Maverick Helicopters and with nature’s largest Cathedral the Grand Canyon, the Valley of Fire or with incredible man-made landscapes such as Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the bazillion lights of the Las Vegas Strip.

October has fast become our busiest wedding month. With the perfect weather Las Vegas has to offer and the popular wedding date of 10.10.10 this will be our busiest wedding month of the year. Maverick still has wedding packages available for this popular date so don't delay. If you are dreaming about that magical adventure wedding give us a call and let Maverick put together a stress free wedding day like no other.

Our limousine service will pick you up at your hotel one hour prior to your departure. Upon arriving at our terminal you will meet with your minister and photographer to discuss the ceremony any questions you may have. Your pilot will greet you and go over the safety features of our upgraded ECO-Star helicopters, known as our "limousines in the sky". You will depart our terminal and depending on the location you have chosen rather it be the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire or one of our fun filled Las Vegas strip packages, you will see some on the most amazing sights both man made such as the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the incredible sights of the Las Vegas strip and nature's incredible natural wonders the Southwest desert has to offer.

Even the residents of the Grand Canyon enjoys a piece of wedding cake now and then and perhaps you will see some wild horses on your flight to your wedding destination.

...................................................www.flymaverick.com............................................................
Grand Canyon Weddings.....Helicopter Charter Tours......West and South Rim Helicopter Tours

YOUR SAFETY IS MAVERICK'S #1 CONSIDERATION

Monday, July 19, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Maverick Helicopters has one of the best safety records of any tour operator in the world. Here are some important guidelines and information you should know in order to be safe and insure your helicopter tour will be everything you expect from a top rated company.

Since Maverick Helicopters is located on the McCarran International Airport property all international security measures are enforced and all passengers are required to have and present valid photo identification at check in.

Before departing for the tarmac the pilot will advise you to shut off all electronic devises including cell phones. You will be advised to stay with your pilot at all times when walking to and from your aircraft. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. You should always be in your pilots line of vision. Never approach the rear of the helicopter and always walk around the front of the helicopter.

The pilot will give you a briefing before entering the helicopter regarding the safety features of the aircraft. The pilot will always open and close the aircraft doors for you. This is of utmost importance and there are no exceptions to this rule unless you are advised by your pilot to do so.

Please take all precautions to secure any personal belongings such as hats, scarves and tissues from blowing away as this could delay the departure while they are retrieved due to a dangerous situation with the rotors.

The pilots will always seat you according to weight and balance. Improper balance in a helicopter's load can result in serious safety control issues.

All seats are equipped with a headset which allows you to communicate with the pilot and other passengers. There will be times when the pilot will be talking with the airport tower and will not be able to communicate with you. He will respond to you as soon as he can. The headsets also eliminate much of the engine and blade noise.

Maverick Helicopters never hot loads (rotor blades turning) unless in an emergency situation. The helicopter will always be shut down for loading and unloading with the exception of shuttle transportation to and from sporting events such as NASCAR. There will always be additional staff to insure the safety of our passengers in this case.

Rest assured that Maverick Helicopters main goal is to offer you a safe, first class experience whatever tour option or package you choose. Our luxury helicopter charters will whisk you away to your desired location whether it be a city helicopter ride to view possible real estate ventures or a drop off at an Arizona getaway spa. Or, have you just proposed to the your soul partner and would like an adventurous wedding location that our wedding planner can put together for you without all the stress and frustration that a traditional wedding might bring.

How To Dress Up The Grand Canyon

Saturday, July 3, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Dress Up the Grand Canyon with a Maverick Wedding Ceremony

With the quiet serenity, the desert atmosphere and colors of the Grand Canyon, you really do not need anything else to add to the awesomeness

s of a helicopter wedding adventure. The fun and upbeat experience of this wedding is one to share with our interested viewers who might be considering a Grand Canyon helicopter wedding.

While we can't supply the beautiful and fun loving daughters to your experience we can offer the incredible experience of landing 3,500 feet below the rim of the Grand Canyon on one of Maverick's thirty five Eco- Star 130 upgraded helicopters for a day you will never forget.

Here are a few Grand Canyon wedding packages Maverick offers:

Desert Dream Grand Canyon Wedding - If true love has not taken your breath away, our Grand Canyon wedding experience definitely will.
Price Range: $4,299 - $3,699

Desert Dreams Canyon Sunset Wedding - Let our most popular Grand Canyon Sunset wedding be part of your memories.
Price Range: $4,499 - $3,899

Even the squirrels and crows were in on the fun and appreciated the delicious wedding cake and hors d'oeuvres not to mention the fact the girls thought they might fly the helicopter.

Let Maverick Helicopters plan your special day that you have been dreaming about. The beautiful and breathtaking wedding sites that we offer include the 3,500 feet landing below the rim of the Grand Canyon and the pinnacle of nature on the highest peak of the Valley of Fire.

All of Maverick's Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire Helicopter weddings includes a flight over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead on your departure and a thrilling flight over the famous Las Vegas Strip on your return.

Maverick Helicopters offers a full range of packages to accommodate every bride and groom. Choose from the perfect wedding packages below to make your day complete. Call or email now to reserve your wedding date and ask about any wedding specials we may be offering at this time.

Bridal Party Thank You Tour With Maverick Helicopters

Sunday, June 20, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Now, you have decided to exchange your vows in Las Vegas at one of the many famous chapels, hotels or event centers and your wedding party has taken the time and expense to be with their loved ones on the day your lives will change forever. How do you express your love and thanks for their support and being here with you?

The perfect thank you is a before or after the wedding flight on one of Maverick Helicopter's many Grand Canyon or Las Vegas Strip night helicopter tours. How adventurous and exciting would this be?

Or, perhaps, a Grand Canyon landing flight with the an added bonus of river rafting through the scenic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.

MAVERICK RIVER RAFTING TOUR- One of the most amazing ways to experience the Grand Canyon is with a landing tour and the added bonus of river rafting through the scenic Black Canyon on the Colorado River.

Duration: approximately 9.5 hours (hotel to hotel)

Rate: $529.00 per person (price includes all fees and taxes)

Maverick Helicopters offers unique sightseeing tours that can be customized just for you as a wonderful surprise "thank you" for your bridal party. Choose a Grand Canyon landing flight or an air only flight that includes highlights of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and Fortification Hill and the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Neon Lights Wedding And How To Lose Yourself In Las Vegas

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

How To Lose Yourself In Las Vegas And A Neon Wedding

Being the wedding planner for Maverick Helicopters is the most interesting and fun position I have ever had and I have experienced many unforgettable moments.

The latest experience happened this week. I always ask that my wedding couples to call me when they get settled in Las Vegas just to touch base. Well, over the Memorial weekend I got a call from a groom to let me know they arrived and to please call them back.

On Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. I returned his call and told him who I was. He then said "Oh Leanne, I am drunk. Las Vegas is so much fun we have not been to bed since we arrived". He is repeating everything I say hoping that his bride to be will remember everything. Now mind you, their wedding is that evening and I am doubting they will show up for their big occasion. The next question he asked was, "can we get some (and he named a brand) of champagne in the limousine". My answer, NO, probably came out of my mouth a little too quickly. I then asked if they had gotten their marriage license yet, the answer was "no, but we will go down this morning". After I got off the phone giggling to myself I wondered what was in store for the evening and their Las Vegas Neon Lights wedding.

The evening went off without a hitch. They were on time for the limousine pickup with the marriage license in hand. We had a very happy bride and groom who experienced adventure and excitement of the worlds biggest and brightest city playground - Las Vegas.

Congratulations to Stacey and David and come back soon now that you know how much Las Vegas has to offer and the fun waiting for you.

Maverick Helicopter Tours To The Grand Canyon Skywalk

Friday, May 28, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Grand Canyon Skywalk Tours with Maverick Helicopters

Three of Maverick Helicopters most popular tours, Indian Territory, Western Territory and Skywalk Odyssey, include the ever-popular Skywalk at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Each tour package offers a little something different to meet everyone's needs and preferences.

INDIAN TERRITORY offers you an exciting helicopter flight with a landing at the bottom of the canyon for your breathtaking views 3,500 feet below the rim. After your photo opportunity and snacks you will then be shuttled for a second landing at the rim where you have the option to experience the engineering feet of the Skywalk that suspends more than 4,000 feet above the Grand Canyon. Additional fee for the Skywalk is $35.00. Lunch is included and you will receive an estimated 2 hours of ground time at Grand Canyon West.

WESTERN TERRITORY will fly you aboard our elite pressurized airplane where you will land at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Skywalk is optional for an additional cost of $35 and can be purchased through Maverick Helicopters. Lunch is included.

SKYWALK ODYSSEY is our new express helicopter tour to the Skywalk. Receive expedited admission to the Skywalk, VIP ground transportation and Skywalk souvenir photo. You will receive an estimated 45 minutes of ground time.

Skywalk information

Available on the Western Territory and the Indian Territory for an additional $35 fee.
In an effort to protect the glass walkway and preserve the Grand Canyon, all personal items are not permitted on the Skywalk. This includes cameras, cell phones, strollers, purses, backpacks, etc.
Tickets for the skywalk can be purchased through Maverick.

June's Featured Wedding Package A Grand Canyon Flight, Landing and Cermony

Monday, May 24, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Desert Dreams Wedding
Grand Canyon Flight, Landing and Ceremony

Grand Canyon Landing and Helicopter Flight Wedding

Experience an exhilarating flight as you ascend out of Las Vegas and over Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. You will then fly through the Grand Canyon to descend and land 3,500 feet below the rim on Hualapai Indian Territory and Maverick’s private landing area. Champagne, beverages and hors d’oeuvres will be served some 300 feet above the mighty Colorado River. Our private ceremony site is the ideal location for your special day. While flying back through the Grand Canyon, you will

observe the stunning red rock formations of the Bowl of Fire and Wild Pinto Wash. Conclude your adventure with a breathtaking flight over the Las Vegas Strip and Downtown Las Vegas. This option can also be

customized with a sunset return.

The Desert Dream Sunset offers the added benefit of enjoying the desert sunset on your return flight and arriving in the Las Vegas valley as the millions of neon lights are lining the strip.

For more information please contact:

Leanne Semenza| Wedding & Sales Coordinator
MAVERICK AVIATION GROUP
6075 Las Vegas Blvd. South | Las Vegas, NV 89119
Direct 702.948.1325 | Main 702.261.0007 | Fax 702.798.3017

A WEDDING PHOTO JOURNEY OF LISA AND STANLEY

Wednesday, April 21, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

In January 2010 Lisa sent me an inquiry request for the availability of a Grand Canyon Sunset Wedding for February 16th. She and Stanley had been together for quite sometime and decided to tie the knot. When someone does the research and chooses to have an adventure wedding at the Grand Canyon I never worry that they will be disappointed with the magic of the destination they have chosen. Following is a note and photos Lisa and Stanley sent me and I wanted to share with our bloggers.

Leann,
Thank you for our wonderful wedding day with Maverick. Words cannot describe our experience. We are sharing some of our photos in hopes that you will use them on your website, Facebook and/or anywhere you

advertise. We would be honored! Amanda, Roland and Sebastian where awesome. We have many terrific memories that we will share for a lifetime! Again thank you! If we can help promote Maverick in anyway please let us know. Again thank you for coordinating our very special day!

Stanley and Lisa
Riverview, Florida

And Lisa's review tells it all:

What a spectacular wedding we celebrated thanks to Leann and the staff at Maverick. We were completely satisfied beyond our wildest dreams. Maverick made our special day incredible. Our photographer, Amanda was the best. Our wedding day was captured with complete beautiful professional photos and video. Thanks to Sebastian for the wonderful flight. Thanks to our minister Roland, our vows were very special to us! Again thank you! We give Maverick a 10 star rating.

I want to thank Lisa and Stanley for sharing and wish them the very best life has to offer. Please come back and spend an anniversary with Maverick.

Also, my thanks to Amandasphotography.com for all her excellent work she does for Maverick and our wedding parties.
Leanne

THREE GREAT CHOICES FOR THE LAS VEGAS STRIP WEDDING

Saturday, April 10, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Many of you have asked what is the difference between the Las Vegas Neon Strip wedding and the Twilight Dream weddings. Here are some photos that will explain better than what I can put into words.

The LAS VEGAS NEON LIGHTS WEDDING will depart after the sun has set and all the millions of lights are sparkling on the most famous entertainment attraction in the world. This is the shortest and most basic of our Las Vegas strip wedding packages.

The TWILIGHT DREAM WEDDING, standard and extended, is an upgraded option from the Neon Strip package and offers you an incredible photo opportunity which can include the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the sunset and the twilight lights of the Las Vegas strip. The standard is a 15 minute city tour which includes a double loop over the strip. The extended is our top of the line Las Vegas city tour and includes a 45 minute flight which includes the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas and 1 1/2 loop over the strip.

For safety reasons flash photographs are not allowed during the Las Vegas Neon Strip Wedding. This does not apply to the Twilight Dream Weddings due to the fact that the flash would not interfere with the pilot's vision.

MAVERICK HELICOPTERS REPORTS RENEWALS ON THE RISE

Saturday, March 27, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Now that you have spent those fabulous years with the love of your life and managed to survive all the ups and downs that love and life has to offer, why not take some time to celebrate your wedding anniversary in a way your spouse would never expect.

A surprise renewal in the Grand Canyon is as easy as deciding to do it. Let me handle all the details for a wedding renewal ceremony at the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire or one of our strip helicopter flights.

I have had the privilege of doing just that for some fabulous couples and the range of years is one year to thirty years. It is never too soon or late to express to your soul mate how much you care and appreciate them.

Just visit Maverick Helicopters and choose one of our helicopter wedding packages that can be adapted to a renewal package.

Please contact me directly for further information at 702-948-1325.

And, of course, don't forget that fabulous surprise gift to go with the surprise celebration.

1st Anniversary - Paper
2nd Anniversary - Cotton
3rd Anniversary - Leather
4th Anniversary - Linen
5th Anniversary - Wood
6th Anniversary - Iron
7th Anniversary - Copper or Brass
8th Anniversary - Bronze or Electrical Appliance
9th Anniversary - Pottery
10th Anniversary - Tin or Aluminum
11th Anniversary - Steel
12th Anniversary - Silk

13th Anniversary - Lace
14th Anniversary - Ivory
15th Anniversary - Crystal
20th Anniversary - China
25th Anniversary - Silver
30th Anniversary - Pearls
35th Anniversary - Coral or Jade
40th Anniversary - Rubies or Garnets
45th Anniversary - Sapphires
50th Anniversary - Gold
55th Anniversary - Emeralds
60th Anniversary - Diamonds

WEDDING DAY RAIN

Monday, March 15, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Like most parts of the country, this has been an exceptionally wet year for the Las Vegas area and has affected more weddings this year than in the past five years combined for Maverick Helicopters. We were able to make other accommodations for four such weddings by finding another venue or getting the wedding party out at a later time or the following day.

Weather so seldom affects our weddings and even if the weather might we questionable in Las Vegas the Grand Canyon can be bright and sunny. So, I tell my brides and grooms to let us worry about the weather and if the weather affects the flight we will do everything we possibly can to accommodate and facilitate a wedding that works for them.

I watched the Bachelor wedding of Jason and Molly last week on ABC and as I'm watching the downpour during the ceremony I started wondering what the significance of rain at your wedding would be. I found this article I think you might find fun and interesting.

####

There is an old saying that rain on your wedding day is a lucky omen. The Italians even have a saying for it, "Sposa bagnata, sops fortunata", which means that a wet bride is a lucky bride. In the U.S., it is commonly repeated that rain is lucky, although most brides would prefer a dry day and a little less luck!

Rain is also considered to be a good wedding omen in Germany, Sweden, and France. This is possibly because rain is associated with a bountiful harvest, and thus, fertility. Some believe that the rainier the wedding day, the more children the marriage will produce. (So if you get married during a downpour, I guess that you can expects to have triplets!)

However, not everyone considers rain to be a lucky charm; consider the old adage, "Happy is the bride whom the sun shines on". There are several superstitions that are said to ward off rain on the wedding day. One is to feed your cat on the morning of the wedding (this is a strange one - shouldn't you feed your cat every morning?). Catholics can hang a rosary outdoors on the day of their nuptials to put a stop to rain in time for the ceremony. In parts of Spain, to avoid rain the bride or her mother can deliver a dozen freshly laid eggs to the nuns of the convent of St. Clare.

Whether you consider rain to be a lucky sign or not, there is always a chance that it will fall on your wedding day. To make wet weather less of an issue, plan in advance for inclement weather. If you are planning an outdoor wedding, check the Farmer's Almanac for the driest times of year in your hometown. Also be prepared with shelter for guests and the couple, or a backup location if the weather forces you to move the ceremony inside. For weddings in tents, order a floor to avoid having your reception in a mud pit.

For an indoor wedding, the rain more of an annoyance than a real problem. If there is rain in the forecast for your big day, arm yourself with plenty of golf umbrellas. The bride also may want to get dressed at the church if the weather is really nasty. The way to handle that is to be completely ready, other than the gown. The bride should have on her special wedding jewelry, her fancy undergarments, and everything but her gown and shoes. Put double plastic covers over the gown to keep it dry, then slip into it once arriving at the church. If changing into your gown at the ceremony site is impractical, at least wait to put on your bridal shoes until arriving on dry land. You don't want to squish your way down the aisle in soggy footwear!

If is does end up raining on your wedding day, the best thing to do is grin and bear it. I once attended a wedding ceremony held in a park on a very wet day. It was treacherous going down a steep hill of wet grass in high heels, but the couple had posted ushers with large umbrellas to escort the ladies to the ceremony site (which fortunately did have a tent over it), and some of the male guests also pitched in to help. It rained and rained, to the point where you could barely hear the musicians playing while the guests were being seated (and we were all wondering how we would hear the vows). Then the most amazing thing happened: just as the ceremony began, the rain suddenly stopped and the sky cleared. The bride and groom exchanged their vows under a beautiful beam of sunshine, which seemed like a lucky omen, indeed. Even though her train was soaked, and her hair was frizzy, the bride was radiant with an inner bliss (and at least her wedding jewelry was dry and fabulous!).

So if the weatherman predicts inclement weather for your wedding day, just remember the French saying, "Mariage pluvieux, mariage heureux", which promises a happy marriage as a result of a wet wedding. And if you don't buy into the idea that rain is lucky, there is always the old standby: Rain, rain, go away - come again another day!

Article source: EzineArticles.com by Laura Firenze

UPDATE: NEVADA STATE PARKS

Thursday, March 11, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Nevada State Parks have survived the budget cuts.

While the budget is still being fine tuned, I have been informed that the "parks will remain open but will need to become totally self-proficient" which means eventually raising the entry fees, permits and licenses.

For more information on the budget and park services here is a link you might find interesting.

I was very concerned about the Valley of Fire being one of the most popular wedding destinations out of Las Vegas, only second to the Grand Canyon. Maverick Helicopters offers an incredible landing sight atop a plateau overlooking the incredible view of the valley.

For more information regarding our wedding packages
please visit our site and contact me personally with any questions you might have.

ELVIS HAS LEFT THE GRAND CANYON

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Have you ever imagined that Elvis would show up for your wedding. Well, here at Maverick anything is possible.

A bride just had to have Elvis serenade them at their wedding at the Valley of Fire. What a fun and memorable wedding this was for me personally as well as for the pilot, minister and photographer. The bride wrote her own vows based on a "....Native American Wedding Ceremony to honor this magnificent place. It is one that takes place outdoors, with Father Sky as the roof of this most sacred cathedral, and Mother Earth at your feet to hold you, and the trees and plants to surround you and embrace you..."

They chose the Sunset Brilliance package which includes a helicopter flight over the West Rim of the Grand Canyon and landing at the Valley of Fire for the ceremony.

Every wedding has its own personal flavor and the bride spent a lot of time getting every detail just right. She even arranged for their pilot to catch the bouquet since he is considering taking the next step with his girlfriend.

My thanks to Brendan Paul, www.bestelvis.com and Amanda Miles at www.amandasphotography.com for their excellent contributions.

For information on all our helicopter wedding packages to the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire or the Las Vegas Strip please visit Maverick Helicopters.

The Valley of Fire is an incredibly beautiful state park as you can tell by these photos. We have received important information about the status and future of the park and urge you to read our blog regarding this information.

VALLEY OF FIRE IN JEOPARDY OF BEING CLOSED

Monday, March 1, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Recently, I received this information from the Valley of Fire State Park that I want to share with you. Not only is the park one of the most beautiful wedding locations but is such a unique area for nature lovers and is in danger of being closed to its thousands of visitors each year.

Received from Vally of Fire 2/17/2010
" I would like to keep everyone informed on the status of Valley of Fire State Park. As of this time there are news reports that Valley of Fire State Park will be closing.

There is Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas who states that heis considering shutting down all state parks to save money. This story can be foundat www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/feb/17/closing-parks-more-harm-good that isa story about the closing parks. We are providing all the information that we have atthis time. Our Division office has been working hard supplying the numbers and opinionsof closing all state parks.

We at Valley of Fire would like to provide a way of expressing your opinion of either for or against closing Valley of Fire State Park. There is a link to the legislative websiteand it is www.leg.state.nv.us and you would be able to find your representative and also to leave a comment.

As we receive more news I will keep you updated, I will only update on the news that we receive from our Division office and not on the news news! Thank you for your support and we plan to keeping our business relationships."

Visit Nevada State parks at http://parks.nv.gov

WINTER SPRING SUMMER OR FALL.. the Grand Canyon beckons you

Wednesday, February 10, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

No matter what your preference might be the Grand Canyon is always there for you. I cannot think of another venue that compares with the great outdoors when it comes to inspiring wedding-day awe and adventure. Fly the Maverick skies on your personally designed and customized Grand Canyon Helicopter tour.

Whether you choose our Grand Canyon wedding package, Grand Canyon Sunset , Sunset Brilliance, Valley of Fire, Twilight Dream Standard or Extended or our Las Vegas Neon Lights wedding package your helicopter tour and wedding festivities will be an everlasting memory for you and your wedding party.

Let Maverick Helicopters plan your wedding event that most people only dream of. Imagine departing for your private helicopter tour on your charter for the most fantastic Grand Canyon wedding that eliminates all the stress and worry of planning one of the most important days in your lives. Think majestic rock formations that seem to reach the sky when you are 3,500 below the rim of the Grand Canyon where your private wedding ceremony will take place. Not to mention the brilliant colors when the sun is setting during your return flight to Las Vegas to find the entertainment capitol of world lit up with hundreds of thousands of neon lights to guide you back to the reality of the life you will share with the one you love.

Or, perhaps, you prefer to be on top of the world overlooking the most extraordinary and colorful valley of red rock formations that nature has to offer at the Valley of Fire, as the name suggests. Our private helicopter tours to the wedding site of the Valley of Fire will also give you the adventure of a helicopter tour over the West Rim of the Grand Canyon if you choose our top of the line package Sunset Brilliance.

Whatever time of year you want to plan your wedding event Maverick Helicopters will get you there rather it be to the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire or one of several packages you can choose over the lights of the Las Vegas strip.

The best weather months for Las Vegas and the surrounding areas are May and October. The summer months you will plan for the hotter weather with cooler attire and for the winter you would want to bring along a jacket. Whatever month you choose, you will not need to compete with Mother Nature because the Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire never disappoints.

All of Maverick Helicopter's Grand Canyon tours and wedding packages includes a flight over Lake Las Vegas, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Your adventure sightseeing tour will also in flying over Fortification Hill, an extinct volcano, the Bowl of Fire along with many other breathtaking views.

All of Maverick Helicopter's tour and wedding packages will be an adventure you will not soon forget and the VIP service is not to be matched.

For further information please contact:

Leanne Semenza

Wedding and Sales Coordinator

Maverick Helicopters

702.261.0007

702.948.1325 direct

702.798.3017 fax

www.maverickhelicopter.com

lsemenza@maverickaviationgroup.com

Welcome 2010 - Good Bye 2009

Saturday, January 23, 2010 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

While we all have felt the drain one way or another in 2009 the first three weeks in 2010 has painted a picture we hope will last throughout the year. The interest and bookings has been incredible for our Maverick Helicopter wedding packages to the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire and the Las Vegas Strip.

As the saying goes "build it and they will come" applies to our Twilight Dream Standard and Twilight Dream Extended which are our newest helicopter wedding packages. The extended package in your personal helicopter will give you a Hoover Dam tour like you have never seen. You also get extra flight time over the Las Vegas strip in your luxury helicopter. These are two variations of our Las Vegas Neon Strip Weddings which offers you the extra air time with added advantages for photo opportunities. Maverick's website will give you details on all our fantastic wedding packages.

While the Valley of Fire Helicopter wedding is very popular the Grand Canyon helicopter wedding package is our top seller...who doesn't want to say I was married at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, especially our international guests. The Sunset Brilliance is our top of the line package and includes it all; Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

We are still able to accommodate last minute helicopter weddings for the Las Vegas Strip, Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire to some extent but we do advise you to book early to secure your favorite day, time and location.

All our adventure helicopter weddings are unique in their own way and I believe I can put together the perfect wedding for you and your guests. If the helicopter wedding is not the way to go for you because you have too many guests, perhaps, an after wedding Grand Canyon or the Las Vegas Neon Lights flight would be just the thing for you and your guests.

Please contact me with any questions you might have regarding our wedding or tour packages.

Leanne Semenza

Wedding and Sales Coordinator

Maverick Helicopters

702.261.0007

702.948.1325 direct

702.798.3017 fax

www.maverickhelicopter.com

lsemenza@maverickaviationgroup.com

It's Not Too Late To Plan That Spring Wedding

Thursday, December 31, 2009 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

The new year is starting off with a bang. The adventure weddings at the Grand Canyon and Valley of Fire with Maverick Helicopter is exploding with our United Kingdom and Australian brides and grooms. We are seeing an increase in our European wedding parties as well.

The Grand Canyon Helicopter weddings are the most popular and the Valley of Fire is competing as the second most popular wedding spot. With our growing company you never need to worry about Maverick Helicopter weddings being sold out. With approximately eight different time slots available on any given day we can generally accommodate your date, time and location without much notice.

Springtime offers the near perfect weather after the long winter and busy holiday season. The comfort and ease it takes to plan a destination wedding allows our couples to sit back, relax and let Maverick Helicopters do all the planning for you. How easy can it be, deciding on your flight to Las Vegas and your hotel might just be the most taxing of the decisions you have to make.

If you are looking for something a little more time and cost effective why not consider our NEWEST AND LATEST addition to our wedding packages...TWILIGHT DREAM which is being offered as of January 1, 2010. Maverick's way of ushering in a new decade.

Maverick Helicopter website will give you all the details regarding all our wedding packages including the Grand Canyon Wedding, Valley of Fire Wedding and Twilight Dream weddings. Please contact me directly for availability and information.

Leanne Semenza
Wedding and Sales Coordinator
702.948.1325 direct

www.lsemenza@maverickaviationgroup.com

Kudos to Maverick Helicopter's incredible pilots

Tuesday, December 22, 2009 by Leanne Semenza from Wedding & Event Planning

Maybe comparing our incredible pilots with Captain Chesley Sullenberger might be a slight exaggeration but we do have our own Sully at Maverick Helicopters now and then. Well, maybe not in quite the same category as Sully but to some of our guests they have been their hero of the day.

One of my favorite stories of our pilots going well beyond the everyday call of duty is a story worth telling. My favorite pilot, and my favorite pilot is always the pilot flying my wedding at the time, Ben was flying a beautiful European couple and their guests to the Grand Canyon for their special day. After landing and the ceremony, when they were enjoying their champagne, hors d'oeuvres and taking photos they experienced a deluge of rain passing through the Grand Canyon. The table umbrella blew down so Ben managed to gather up all the goodies and got the wedding party safely loaded in the helicopter and assured everyone this would last only a few minutes. Everyone was drenched, and I mean wring out the clothes drenched, it took several more minutes than expected for the front to pass through and Ben was able to lift off and depart the Grand Canyon.

When the flight arrived back at our Las Vegas terminal it was a sight I will never forget and as serious as it seemed for the wedding party I had to chuckle when I see the wedding party disembark and enter the terminal. They sat is their drenched clothes for the 45 minute return flight and the ladies hair was glued to their heads and now the best part of all, the groom carrying his expensive Italian shoes and walking bare foot into the terminal. Not even any socks.

The word to describe Ben on the return by Amanda, our photographer was "hero"...so there you go Sully. Amanda has another flight right after and she managed to find some dry clothing in the trunk of her car. She now considers an extra set of clothing as important as her cameras and tripod.

The wedding party was wonderful and considered the rain a good omen on their special day. They were laughing and commenting that it would only happen to them.

The pilots have several different duties on the Grand Canyon wedding flights than they do on the regular Grand Canyon helicopter tours. Not only do they offer a personal narration of the tour to the Grand Canyon, they act as a wedding planner once they land the helicopter at the private landing site, unloading the wedding kit which consists of the bridal flowers and occasionally they assist in pining the boutonniere on the groom. They unload and set up the hors d'oeuvres, champagne and cake.

My thanks to all our fabulous pilots. They not only make Maverick Helicopters look great but the peace of mind they instill in all our guests that fly with us on one of our Grand Canyon Helicopter tours or grand Canyon weddings is invaluable.

Please go to Maverick Helicopter and check out all the great helicopter tours and wedding packages to the Grand Canyon, Valley of Fire and the Las Vegas strip offered by Maverick Helicopters.