Las Vegas
After Brooke and Derick Richmond exchanged their vows and were pronounced husband and wife in a sun-drenched Las Vegas chapel, the wedding party slipped away to change. I traded my ceremony dress for a sleek, shimmering champagne gown that hugged my curves perfectly. My husband swapped his formal suit for a more relaxed but still sharp navy ensemble. Though our own marriage was fraying at the edges—filled with cold silences and unresolved arguments—we still managed to paste on convincing smiles as we made our way to the after-party at the luxurious rooftop venue overlooking the glittering Strip.
The after-party was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, bathing the space in soft golden light. Tall glass vases overflowed with white roses and blush peonies, and the
