WEDDING BELLS IN VEGAS John Hopkins’ wedding was never going to be a staid affair”¦ The exuberant Anglo/American tied the knot with his English fiancée, Ashleigh, at a ceremony in Las Vegas last weekend and it proved a memorable event for everybody in attendance. Among those invited along was the Kawasaki Racing Team’s Competition Manager, Michael Bartholemy, who flew to America especially for the occasion. “It was a long way to go for just a couple of nights,” he says, “but it was definitely worth it. Las Vegas is amazing and impressive but not in any way normal! When you’re there, you feel like you’re dreaming it all.” The festivities kicked off with Hopper’s bachelor party on the Friday night. Bartholemy is coy about going into any details but suffice to say that a good time was had by all. And probably a hangover or two as well. The wedding the following evening was held by the swimming pool at the Hard Rock Hotel, with the area decorated in white flowers and candles. Official marriage duties were carried out by John’s trainer’s father, which added a personal touch. “The wedding had a pink and white theme,” explains Michael, who wore grey! “John was all dressed up and Ashleigh looked stunning in a white wedding dress. The whole place looked great and it was very touching. Both of them cried when they exchanged their vows.” Afterwards, the revelry continued inside with cheese fountains, chocolate fountains, buffet tables groaning under the weight of celebratory food and no shortage of drink. Then there was dancing. Bartholemy continues: “John and Ashleigh started off with a slow, romantic number, then the disco started. Jake, Hopper’s personal assistant, was throwing John’s mother, Linda, around the dance floor like a madman! Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves, as did I.” He feels somewhat privileged to have been there. “There were only about 80 people overall, I’d say, so I feel honoured to have been asked to go. And the only MotoGP racer there was Colin Edwards, with his wife, so it wasn’t a huge, flashy affair. “On behalf of the Kawasaki Racing Team, and all at Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Motors Racing, I’d like to wish John and his new wife our very best wishes for a happy future together.” Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed that Hopper doesn’t get too distracted by his honeymoon in French Polynesia and forget to fly out to the next test in Sepang. Congratulations, John and Ashleigh!