Boogie Nights creator Dave Pena got married in Las Vegas in 1998 with an Elvis impersonator singing at his wedding. If Atlantic City had a similar option, the New York native wouldn't have flown across the country with a handful of friends and family. He would have been able to invite more people to drive down the Garden State Parkway to witness his unorthodox nuptials.
Since then, it's been on Pena's mind to bring Vegas-style weddings to Atlantic City. On Friday, Feb. 12, it will become a reality as Boogie Nights at Resorts Atlantic City will begin to offer wedding and vow-renewal ceremonies in the retro '70s and '80s dance club.
"It's something unique, something unusual and definitely something fun," Pena says. "Whether you're getting married or celebrating your 5th, 10th or 50th anniversary, it's always a box of chocolates, a violin player and which restaurant are we going to? Now, there's a chance to do something totally crazy and fun."
Participants will be able to be married by Pena and Rick McIver, who have recently been ordained to perform nondenominational ceremonies. But they won't do it in traditional fashion. They will dress up as their Boogie Nights alter egos, D.D. Rivera and Mr. Boogie, and the vows can be as irreverent as the participants wish, including as much '70s and '80s slang as they want.
"Of course, people still have to obtain a marriage license for weddings, but we will perform the ceremonies," Pena says. "The cool thing about the renewals is that they can be spontaneous. Imagine you have Michael Jackson there and Roller Girl is your flower girl, and Madonna is there, too. It's just another way to bring that Boogie Nights energy to something else."
Boogie Nights can accommodate ceremonies and parties from two to 400 people. They will be offered daily, but Boogie Nights management will encourage people to have their ceremonies and parties before the club opens on Fridays and Saturdays. Packages will be available to include everything from light hors d'oeuvres to full meals to open bar. Or couples can just opt to do the ceremony without any food-and-beverage packages.
"It's a way for people to have a wedding tailored to their budget," says Resorts Spokesperson Brian Cahill. "We are working out all of the pricing logistics right now, but it's going to be something that you can do as affordable or as lavishly as you want."
Boogie Nights' new option will be kicked off with a party on Feb. 12 where one WJSE 102.7-FM listening couple will win a wedding and party for 20 people.
"Atlantic City has birthday and bachelor and bachelorette parties down pat," Pena says. "This is something that hasn't been covered yet. It fills a niche."
For reservations or more information, call 609-340-7698.
Celebrity Sighting
Brody Jenner is becoming an Atlantic City regular.
The star of "Bromance" and "The Princes of Malibu," who has also been featured on "The Hills" and "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," hosted a party at Dusk at Caesars Atlantic City on Saturday night.
The place was packed with at least a thousand women, many who came seeking some attention from the recently single reality star. The son of Olympic decathlete Bruce Jenner was greeted by screams on the red carpet, which continued inside the club.
He drank Gray Goose and shots of Patron Cafe with his friends, as well as the ladies who received access to his table.
Borgata concert makes Spin's year-end list
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa received some nice national exposure by Spin magazine this month. The music mag named No Doubt's May 2 tour kickoff at Borgata as one of the "Biggest Concerts of 2009."
Spin writer Peter Gaston attended the concert as part of the casino's No Doubt press trip. The show was reviewed in the May issue of the magazine.
Singer Gwen Stefani "led her posse through supercharged song after song, commanding the stage like a cool-as-(expletive) cheerleader," Gaston wrote. "It was an auspicious beginning to an epic summer tour."
Winter golf at ACCC
That little break this week from the freezing cold weather may have golfers thinking about hitting the links. If that's the case, Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, owned by Harrah's Entertainment, is offering some good rates.
The winter rates for the legendary course, which escalate above $200 in peak season, are $60 Sundays through Thursdays before noon, and $40 after noon. On Fridays and Saturdays, it's $99 before 1 p.m. and $75 after 1 p.m.
For the deal, you must book online at
www.accountryclub.com up to seven days in advance. The deal is open to New Jersey residents only, and drivers' licenses will be checked.
Morton's introduces new programs
Morton's The Steakhouse, located inside Caesars Atlantic City, is offering loyal diners the chance to experience the critically acclaimed steakhouse's cuisine without dining inside the restaurant.
It's kind of odd to think that a gourmet steakhouse like Morton's is offering takeout, but that's exactly what it's doing.
"Now, our guests don't only come to us, we come to them. It's the epitome of quality and convenience, bringing a Morton's meal direct to their homes," says Michael Flannelly, general manager of Morton's the Steakhouse, Atlantic City.
With "Morton's-To-Go," guests can call in their order and then pick up their meals to enjoy them in their own dining room. Or for bigger parties, Morton's off-site catering offers many of Morton's signature dishes delivered to the event.
Morton's is also offering its steaks to the public to make at home.
For more information, call 609-449-1044.
