Cam & Howard's Vow Renewal PJ -1/12/09 - WP&WH--p.98: TRIP REPORT BEGINS [Archive] - Page 3 - The DIS Discussion Forums

keenercam

05-06-2008, 07:11 PM

Hi,
I haven't been on in a long time. Three teens have control of my computer. I just wanted to say how excited I am to be able to have time to catch up on your pj.

Dee

Thank you, Dee! It is so much fun to see people postng here and sharing their opinions. I am so grateful for the feedback!

Hi Cam,

Hope you are having an awesome weekend. Missing my workout buddy. Good luck with the run tomorrow!!! Bring home that medal!!!!

Hugs
Patty

Thank you, Patty! Within the first mile when I had shin splints I thought of you and of our treadmill sessions and told myself that our training would get me through until my legs felt better. Thank you so much, sweetie, for being an awesome workout buddy! :hug: :cool1:

Cam - thanks so much for posting the address for minimus.biz that has helped me out tremendously!!!! :thumbsup2 :goodvibes

Sabrina, I am so glad that helped. I was very impressed with how quickly everything got here and how precisely everything was counted. I was sure there'd be some issue. But it was great to get everything from 20 cents to 40cents off per item for 20 welcome bags. :woohoo:

Cam - thinking of you at the Minnie

Thank you, Laura! The entire weekend was just the escape I needed from work and the total immersion in friendship and love that I'd been looking forward to. I'm sure you can imagine how much fun it is for 7 women to stay togther for a weekend at Disney! And though I don't know the final count, I'd bet there were 50 of our WISH teammates down there for the races. There is nothing like the friendship of the WISH team and that support to recharge your batteries and to make you think you can accomplish anything! I am so outrageously blessed to be a part of that team. We had the most amazing, best time! A 9.3 mile race was a small price to pay to play with my friends all wekend. :laughing: And seeing so many of our teammates accomplish something they'd never done before or to do better than they've done before was the hugest HIGH you can imagine. :cloud9:

Hi, honey! :lovestruc

The weekend was productive toward the vow renewal also. We got so much accomplished.

1. I took 2 suitcases with stuff for the welcome bag and ceremony and put it all in an owner's locker. :thumbsup2

2. We checked out 1900 Park Faire for the rehearsal dinner. The food was great and the restaurant was beautiful, but it was very loud there and the commotion of the characters and the dances & celebrations they do were a bit different from what we are looking for in a RD location. So, I think we are probably going to go with O'Hana's, but we have to look at our options again.

3. We watched WISHES! from the GF at Sago Cay Pointe. The fireworks were nice from there, but just not the same without the soundtrack, so we are going to give that more thought.

My dear friend and race partner, Rhonda, and I had spa peppermint pedicures scheduled for Sunday and there was a problem with our reservation, so we ended up getting polish changes just to get rid of our lime green nail polish and will have our spa pedicures in January together. I am really excited about that, knowing it's booked and that Rhonda and I will have some time together before we undertake the challenge of RUNNING the half-marathon on Saturday.

So, we are making progress! :flower3:

DisneyLaura

05-06-2008, 08:41 PM

Thank you, Laura! The entire weekend was just the escape I needed from work and the total immersion in friendship and love that I'd been looking forward to. I'm sure you can imagine how much fun it is for 7 women to stay togther for a weekend at Disney!

Oh that sounds like real fun. Glad you enjoyed yourself and got some things done too. Too bad about the pedicures but at least there is something else to look forward too for next January.

keenercam

05-07-2008, 11:18 AM

Thanks, Laura!

I forgot to mention that the shopping bags I ordered from papermart arrived. They are a really pretty pink color and were a great price! They were $13.38 for 25 and I'd seen the same ones at Target for $1.79 each, though I might have found something similar at dollar stores for $1 each, but not sure I could have gotten the right color pink and enough of them. I think they ended up being about 53 cents each. Now I can work on the designs for the outside of them and when my cricut arrives, I will start figuring out how to make the Mickey head tags with guest/reservation number information. FUN!!!! :)

DisneyLaura

05-07-2008, 11:31 AM

I will start figuring out how to make the Mickey head tags with guest/reservation number information.

I was going to also suggest if I may, what if you "borrow" some mickey head paint samples from HD. I'm sure you can something that is close to your color scheme. Just a thought. I think you soak them in water and then mickey head comes off and then you can glue them to another piece of paper in your color scheme or glue two together.

keenercam

05-07-2008, 12:31 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, Laura! I just figure that since I need 20, I'd rather not wipe out the supply at HD and leave them to people who may actually be looking for a "princess pink" paint chip, or whatever it is called. Oh, and I also have to be able to justify the expense of the cricut by using it for absolutely everything I can think of! :laughing:

29apr00

05-07-2008, 12:44 PM

Hi Cam! welcome back, congrats on running your race!! It's almost time for your contracts!! WOO HOO!!

Jennifer

keenercam

05-07-2008, 01:42 PM

Thank you, Jennifer!! Yeah, I may be the only lawyer I know who is excited about signing a contract! :lmao:

KeenHo

05-10-2008, 06:24 PM

Due in two days!! :banana: :cool1: :cheer2:

:cloud9: :love: :lovestruc :hug:

DisneyLaura

05-11-2008, 09:16 AM

keenercam

05-11-2008, 09:35 AM

Hi, Laura! Thank you for visiting! Happy Mom's Day!!! :hug:

My big VR project this weekend is finding shoes. I have to have the shoes I am going to wear for the VR when I go to get measured for my gown. They are doing some specific measurements (hollow to hem, I think it is called) and said I MUST have the shoes or exact same height shoes I am going to wear. I've put probably undue pressure on myself to find "THE SHOES". So far, I've checked Sears, Macy's, Boscovs and a place that sells dyables. I have the widest feet on the face of the earth. Finding cute pink 2-3" sandals or wedding type shoes has not been easy. I've ordered a few pairs on line but I don't know if they'll arrive by Thursday. I'm heading to MJM, DSW and another mall today with fingers crossed. I also figure that if I find the right shoes early, it is a HUGE task off my list AND I can wear them for our dancing lessons which will be this summer. I really want to be very comfortable.

If all else fails, I may ask some of my crafty friends to fashion a pair of majorly "blingy" running shoes, a la Annie in Father of the Bride. :lmao: I swear, the only shoes my feet LOVE is running shoes! And my feet were SO HAPPY with the shoes I wore for my 9.3 mile race last weekend that those are looking VERY attractive to me. ;) The only problem is that they are white & blue Brooks Adrenaline. Think they could be my "something blue"?

Oh well, no more putting it off. Off to find shoes! :cool1:

DisneyLaura

05-11-2008, 02:03 PM

Cam you gotta do what you gotta do. If you can't find anything I think your running shoes would be perfect since you run and all.

keenercam

05-12-2008, 08:35 AM

Thank you, Laura!
Okay, first the shoes! I went so many places yesterday and found a pair of silver dress sandals at MJM AND the same white lacy skechers that Vanessa wore :hug: and got both for $59.98. :woohoo: But the silver sandals weren't exactly what I want, so I kept looking. After 4 stores I stopped at David's and fell in LOVE with something called Noel in silver. But they didn't have my size and the woman there was NOT helpful at all because my regular sales consultant wasn't in. This woman definitely did NOT want to help me find shoes. I am going to call some other stores today to see if I can find them. I am really glad to have the skechers for the reception, in case my feet get unhappy. :cool1:

We also bought my ring yesterday. It is gorgeous and is so complementary to my ring. It doesn't detract from it at all and the diamonds in it are gorgeous. I think Howard will pick it up this week and will put it away until January. He also took off his diamond band and switched back to his "original" wedding band. I'll give him the diamond band during the ceremony after Kevin blesses the rings. I just have to remember to put both rings on our packlist.

We are supposed to get the LOA today and I'm hoping it will show up in my email any minute now, as soon as Joe's assistant gets to work. :goodvibes I'll feel so much better when it is signed and sent back with the deposit.

figmentfan814

05-12-2008, 09:26 AM

Thank you, Laura!
Okay, first the shoes! I went so many places yesterday and found a pair of silver dress sandals at MJM AND the same white lacy skechers that Vanessa wore :hug: and got both for $59.98. :woohoo:

Sounds like you got a great deal on your shoes. I think I paid $45 for the skechers by themselves. Are you going to wear sandals once you find the pair you really like or the skechers that day or are you switching off?

29apr00

05-12-2008, 09:39 AM

Congrats on the shoe find! I hope you can find the Noel somewhere!! Or you could try calling David's and see if you can talk to your regular consultant and see if she can order them.

Hope the LOA is here soon!!!

jennifer

keenercam

05-12-2008, 10:59 AM

Sounds like you got a great deal on your shoes. I think I paid $45 for the skechers by themselves. Are you going to wear sandals once you find the pair you really like or the skechers that day or are you switching off?

Vanessa-- I was shocked to find them so inexpensively -- $29.99, I believe. Everywhere else I went yesterday, the cheapest price was $44.99, so I got really lucky, especially that they had my size and were so comfortable. I plan to wear them at the reception after our first dance. I am sooooo short that I want to wear heels for most of the time.

Congrats on the shoe find! I hope you can find the Noel somewhere!! Or you could try calling David's and see if you can talk to your regular consultant and see if she can order them.

Hope the LOA is here soon!!!

jennifer

Thanks, Jennifer! I am definitely going to start making calls to some other stores.

And now, for some very exciting news!!!

:banana: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo: Our LOA arrived!! Nothing in there is a surprise, either!! We also got the text to approve for our SaveTheDates (STD always looks bad to me. :laughing: ) AND we got the link to our website. Very, very exciting! :banana: :yay: :cheer2: :woohoo:

29apr00

05-12-2008, 11:07 AM

Woohoo!!

padisneyfour

05-12-2008, 11:20 AM

YEAH ! :banana: Congrats! Everything is really coming together for you! congrats!:cool1: :banana:

DisneyLaura

05-12-2008, 11:22 AM

Are we allowed to see pictures of the rings?

keenercam

05-12-2008, 11:38 AM

Are we allowed to see pictures of the rings?

Sure! I'll be glad to post a picture when Howard gets it, hopefully sometime this week. Because it had to be sized down so much, there was only room for 7 letters in engraving, so he didn't have it engraved yet. He said he is going to think about what he might want to put in that limited space, so I THINK he'll let me take a picture of it (I'm sure that once it is engraved, he won't want me to see it before the ceremony. :lovestruc )

DisneyLaura

05-12-2008, 12:41 PM

Pretty please Howard, can we see it before you have it engraved?

keenercam

05-12-2008, 09:18 PM

So, I took some pix of the ring, and then Howard took some pix of the ring. And I said "which one should I post" and he said "post all four of them. It doesn't cost anymore to post four than it does to post one." :lmao:

So, here is my gorgeous ring! I am so excited! I hate that it is going to be locked up in a dark box for 8 months. I think diamonds need light! Lots of light! :sunny:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db33b3127ccea8d016af18e200000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db33b3127ccea8d0116058b600000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db33b3127ccea8d0148f99f300000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db33b3127ccea8d0114e589800000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT

WithDisneySpirit

05-12-2008, 10:12 PM

Absolutely stunning, Cam!!! :goodvibes :lovestruc :love:

Hey, what about Howard's new ring? :yay:

BayouPrincess

05-12-2008, 10:22 PM

WOW CAM! :woohoo:

That is just fantastic. It's beautiful and the two go together so nicely. I can't wait for you to wear it all the time. I agree with you! Diamonds need light...lots, and lots of light!

It will be out in the sun soon enough.

Nice Job Howard! You are such a sweetheart!;)

lov2b@disney

05-13-2008, 06:44 AM

Beautiful Cam! :yay:

29apr00

05-13-2008, 07:33 AM

WOW! Nice ring! Way to go Howard! :thumbsup2

camara381

05-13-2008, 07:44 AM

WOW your ring is amazing, they fit perfectly.

PrincessBride010103

05-13-2008, 07:55 AM

wow cam! that is some major bling! i almost got blinded by your diamonds!! :laughing:

keenercam

05-13-2008, 07:59 AM

Thank you, everyone! I think the two are incredibly beautiful together and it is so hard to believe they weren't made as a set. :love:

Absolutely stunning, Cam!!! :goodvibes :lovestruc :love:

Hey, what about Howard's new ring? :yay:

Lisa-- Howard decided that he really likes the channel set diamond ring I gave him many years ago and doesn't want to replace it. So, he has taken it off and I put it away and that is the ring I will give him during the ceremony. In the meantime, he's gone back to wearing the plain band with the milled edges that we got a couple months after we got married (we didn't have money for rings when we got married, so we borrowed an old set from my parents and replaced them as soon as we could.)

Well, today's news is that we signed the contract last night, approved our DFTW website, and approved the save the date information. Yay!!!! :yay: It will all get sent back today.

Hey, did you guys notice the confidentiality language in the contracts? Very interesting, though not surprising.

pjstevens

05-13-2008, 08:07 AM

Hey my workout buddy!!! BEAUTIFUL ring!!! WOW, once again Howard shows just what a prince he is! You two are so blessed.

Have a great day and rest up so we can run tomorrow

Lisacope

05-13-2008, 09:21 AM

Lovely Ring - Good Job Howard!!!!
Congrats on signing your contract!

dawrobin

05-13-2008, 12:48 PM

:goodvibes Soooo pretty!!!!!

keenercam

05-13-2008, 04:17 PM

Thank you, everyone!
I am really excited to be fed exing our contract and deposit and other paperwork today. :woohoo:
YAY!!!! :yay:

pink_tink8i8

05-13-2008, 05:33 PM

OMG Cam...that is gorgeous!!! you're a lucky girlie :goodvibes

keenercam

05-13-2008, 05:45 PM

OMG Cam...that is gorgeous!!! you're a lucky girlie :goodvibes

Believe you me -- I KNOW!! :lovestruc :cloud9: :love:
Why do you think I'm tying the knot -- again!?!?!?! Gotta keep it nice and secure! :rotfl2: Seriously, though, I know I am truly blessed. And as I've said before, God does answer prayers and he answers them BIG! Howard is the answer to every prayer, the fulfillment of every wish I made and every dream come true as far as finding the love of my eternity!

Tiger Lily 03

05-13-2008, 07:25 PM

Cam, coming here to review the goings on make me really happy!

I can only imagine how thrilled you and Howard must be.

keenercam

05-13-2008, 07:52 PM

Cam, coming here to review the goings on make me really happy!

I can only imagine how thrilled you and Howard must be.

Oh, Lily, thank you so much, sweetie! :hug: And thank you outrageously for being so supportive and enthusiastic! Love you! :love:

2BoysMom

05-13-2008, 09:57 PM

I started reading your PJ sometime this afternoon, it is now 10:15pm and I have finally read all 37 pages! What a great story! I love it and I find myself rooting for you around every corner. I have finally gotten my chance to join in with the rest of the gang!

Bless you and bless your family, but I don't need to really say that as it sounds like you are overflowing with blessings in your life.

Here is some pixie dust pixiedust: as I join your Fanclub!

keenercam

05-14-2008, 09:34 AM

Thank you so much, 2BoysMom! :hug: That is really sweet. I am having such a great time sharing this whole planning experience with all my [new and old] friends here on this forum. Everyone has been truly wonderful and supportive. And it's everyone's love and enthusiasm here that keeps me posting -- too much, I am sure! I am just so grateful that there is no mocking or cynicism here. :grouphug:

I can't believe we are now less than 8 months away from seeing it all come together. I am hoping our friends and family will have so much fun at the dessert party and the ceremony and reception. I want everyone to enjoy the food and the music and friendship and love!

So much fun stuff to report today!
I fed exed the contract and deposit yesterday. :yay:

I was able to get home early last night (about 7:30) and spent the evening going through bridal magazines to start to pull out pictures for the planning session. That was SOOO much fun!

I FINALLY tried on the swarovski necklace Howard bought me (see page 26 :love: ). I hadn't tried it on since I tried it on in the store before he bought it. I was almost afraid it wouldn't look as gorgeous as it did in the store, but it is dazzling. It will now get locked up with the rings.

A couple pairs of shoes I ordered arrived yesterday. The pink ones are absolutely adorable, but I've decided not to wear pink shoes under my gown. Since they are so cute, though, I may plan my dessert party outfit around those shoes! ;) So, my quest for silver shoes continues. I found the ones I loved at Davids but they don't come in wide width. They may still work, so I ordered them from another place I found online. They may not be here by tomorrow when I leave to go to Demetrios, so I'll use another pair in the same height that I have. Now the dilemma is whether to carry a silver clutch or a pink one. Of course, the conclusion I've nearly reached is to use pink for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner & dessert party (with the fabulous pink shoes!) and find a really pretty silver one for the wedding day. :cloud9:

AND, of course the most exciting part of this week is that I go order my gown tomorrow night. My friend (original MOH), Marie, is coming with me. I am so thrilled she was willing to do the drive and "lose" the entire afternoon and evening to come provide moral support and advice and share my excitement!

After much debate and very candid self-assessment, I've decided to have a bolero made to match the gown. They will custom make it with the characteristics that I order -- i.e. what material for the sleeves, what embroidery pattern, etc. After looking at pix of many gowns and many brides and pix of myself in various styles, I realized I'd be very self-conscious if my arms aren't covered, and ultimately I decided I didn't want to alter the feel of the gown by adding sleeves. A bolero will give me the coverage I want but will leave the shape and patterning of the bodice and neckline unaffected. AND, even with having the jacket made, the total price is still less than what I'd budgeted for my gown. :banana:

Oh, the style of the bolero is like this:
http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_ilissa&styleID=571
And this is an idea of what the back will look like:
http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_ilissa&styleID=570

Oh, WOW! Just going to the Demetrios website and seeing my gown there makes my heart stutter (in a good way! :) ). It is so unequivocally the MOST beautiful gown I have seen! Even looking through the magazines last night I just didn't see one that made me all teary-eyed and excited! OMG!! I am so excited! I am going to be a :bride: !

pjstevens

05-14-2008, 09:58 AM

I am so excited for you. You are such a sweet person and so deserve all the happiness! You will be beautiful in your gown. :goodvibes

WithDisneySpirit

05-14-2008, 10:17 AM

Cam, that bolero is going to definitely enhance your look and help set off your gown - it is an excellent choice :goodvibes

Pic of the Swarovski necklace?? :rolleyes1

keenercam

05-14-2008, 10:21 AM

Cam, that bolero is going to definitely enhance your look and help set off your gown - it is an excellent choice :goodvibes

Pic of the Swarovski necklace?? :rolleyes1

Thank you, Lisa! Howard took some great pix of the necklace and they are on page 26 in case you want to see!
So, have you recovered from your phenomenal race at the Minnie? :hug: :cool1: :yay:

WithDisneySpirit

05-14-2008, 10:26 AM

Just gorgeous necklace, Cam! I forgot you posted this pic :goodvibes

It is nice of you to call my Minnie race phenomenal :cool1: It felt pretty phenomenal even if I am a walker/runner :lovestruc It was great fun and I really enjoyed being with WISHers too!!!

DisneyLaura

05-14-2008, 10:36 AM

Cam - Your ring is beautiful. I love the bolero also, very pretty. I hope you find your shoes you want very soon.

BaBeeCee14

05-14-2008, 11:12 AM

Beautiful ring Cam! It looks gorgeous on you!

keenercam

05-14-2008, 03:05 PM

Thank you, everyone!

I meant to post this earlier. Here are the shoes I got for the reception. I think my feet will appreciate them 2 days post-halfmarathon. :laughing:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db35b3127ccea8d927292b1200000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT
Thanks to Vanessa for the idea and for looking so glamorous in "sneaks" :hug:

Honeibee

05-14-2008, 03:13 PM

Oh Cam, those are so cute! What a good idea! :goodvibes

I still have all my bookmarks and I have a few for shoes. Have you looked here?

http://www.myglassslipper.com/

keenercam

05-14-2008, 03:20 PM

yes, Judy, I did! Thank you for suggesting it.

Well, at least I found my really, really cute PINK shoes! Here they are:
http://www.onlineshoes.com/productpage.asp?gen=w&pcid=111362

They aren't that shimmery in person. Very soft kidskin leather. I found them at endless.com, but this website's picture was better.

Still hoping one of the silver pairs from Davids will arrive tomorrow in time for my fitting.

DisneyLaura

05-14-2008, 04:53 PM

keenercam

05-14-2008, 05:10 PM

Cam I remember those sneaks from Vanessa's TR, they look great. I like how they have little holes in the sides for venting :rotfl: my feet sweat real bad, not that you needed to know that. I love those pink shoes too, very sweat.
Laura, they are so soft and comfy. I have REALLY wide feet, but they kind of wrap up the sides of your feet so they'd fit any width foot. They are like walking with pillows surrounding your tootsies, but even better because they are vented. :lmao:

acourtwdw

05-14-2008, 09:53 PM

keenercam

05-15-2008, 08:35 AM

Just read the entire thing from start to finish. WOW! First of all congrats on your VR and congrats on the weight loss and the running. You just became my inspiration! Look forward to reading more. You DH is the sweetest thing ever! Does he have a brother? :) You are going to be a beautiful bride.

Thank you so much! The "congrats" mean so much to me. My weight loss is totally stalled right now and my body is so used to the workouts that I'm burning calories and building muscle but not dropping any weight at all, so I really have to ramp it up. DH really is the nicest guy I have ever met in my life. Sometimes I just look at him and wonder how I got so lucky. I am so afraid he'll come to his senses one day and realize he deserves so much better than me. For now, I'm glad he's oblivious! ;) Oh, and he does have a brother, but he's a bit "younger" than Howard in many ways. Sorry!

Today is the big day. Every time I think of seeing my gorgeous gown again my stomach gets all fluttery and my heart smiles. I am so uncomfortable and nervous about someone taking my measurements, but since I'm driving I can't take a sedative :lmao: . I'll just have to convince myself that even if I am the largest bride this seamstress has ever measured, at least I don't know any of her friends!

mla1977

05-15-2008, 09:26 AM

Goldeelox9

05-15-2008, 11:51 AM

I can't wait to see dress pictures!

2BoysMom

05-15-2008, 12:05 PM

Today is the big day. Every time I think of seeing my gorgeous gown again my stomach gets all fluttery and my heart smiles. I am so uncomfortable and nervous about someone taking my measurements, but since I'm driving I can't take a sedative :lmao: . I'll just have to convince myself that even if I am the largest bride this seamstress has ever measured, at least I don't know any of her friends!

I ASSURE you, you will not be the biggest bride she has ever measured. You look fantastic and should revel in your accomplishments! Again, one of the blessings in your life....... your success at beauty, fitness and health. Now your beloved will have many more years with the wife he adores. We should all be so lucky! :lovestruc

keenercam

05-15-2008, 12:32 PM

Hi Cam! I love what you've done so far. That ring is gorgeous!

I was wondering if you guys might be considerinng running in the new Princess half marathon. It's too late for me to do the regular one in January, but I think I could register and train for the one in March.

I think you absolutely could train to be prepared for the March 1/2 marathon! I think most training plans are 14-16 weeks long, so even if you are not ready right now, you can work on fitness and "train to train". :cool1:
I don't plan to do that half-marathon. I will be doing the 1/2 on January 10, 2009, and the March race would be sooner than I'd want to do another endurance event. Also, I will take off 7 work days in January for the pre-marathon activities and then our VR and "honeymoon" so March would be a bit soon to take off more time. If you are looking for some company while you train to train and then while you train, you should check out the DISBoards very own WISH racing team forum. We are people of all levels of abilities -- walking a 20+ minute mile to very fast runners, tri-athletes, bikers, swimmers, etc. The introduction thread is at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1795676 and there is a weekly thread where we all encourage each other with regular workouts/training and just generally get to know each other. That thread for this week is at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1821410 It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but jump right in. We LOVE new participants! :grouphug:
ETA: Ohhh, I just realized there is a thread for DISers doing the March Princess race events (1/2 marathon included). It is located here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1817457
Some of the nicest people I know are on that thread and will welcome you with open arms. Be sure to check it out and tell them Cam sent you. :)

I am so excited that my silver shoes arrived today. They are very comfortable AND the height is perfect (2 5/8"). I think they will look so pretty with the silver embroidery on my gown.

Do you like them?
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db34b3127ccea8c5b959339e00000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT

2BoysMom -- you are so generous! Thank you! :hug: Your post made me cry. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and post. :cloud9:

postesf

05-15-2008, 12:50 PM

HI Cam. Just checking in on the going-ons around here. I'm LOVING the shoes! Both pair!!! I think the Bolero will be stunning. Did your dress choice change??? Can you PM me a link? I'd love to see it!!! :goodvibes You are definately getting a lot accomplished. It will be here before you know it!

Stacie

BTW...Your rings are gorgeous!

mla1977

05-15-2008, 01:20 PM

Thanks for the info Cam! I'll have to check those boards out later tonight. I did Race for the Cure this past weekend. DM and step dad joined me so I didn't really get to run it. Not that I would have run the whole thing anyways. I tried to get them to run down the Parkway before they stopped and walked, but they didn't get that far. I did finish in 56min, which included DM's 5-10 minute potty break. Not bad considering that I didn't train at all.

2BoysMom

05-15-2008, 01:41 PM

2BoysMom -- you are so generous! Thank you! :hug: Your post made me cry. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and post. :cloud9:

Oh you're very welcome. But you don't have to thank me for reading.....I'm ADDICTED....I feel like I am a part of the whole process. It's amazing how we can be excited and happy for people we don't even know! I am so looking forward to the pictures that will be coming after the actual VR. I hope you don't forget us... and will continue to post.

I have debated back and forth on the Princess 1/2 Marathon, I am not in any shape to be doing something like that, but have always wanted to. After reading your post above to Mia, and reading the Princess link, I've decided to go ahead and register!:yay: I would love to feel that sense of accomplishment.

keenercam

05-16-2008, 12:37 PM

Woohoo!! So excited that we have new WISH race team members! You guys will LOVE the whole process of training. Pushing your body to new distances or paces and seeing the improvement from week to week is just amazing! :cool1: Really looking forward to sharing that journey with you, 2BoysMom and mla1977! :grouphug:

Honey - if you dont' want to see the dress, don't click on the link. ;):love: :lovestruc :hug:

Gown ordering last night was SOOOOOO exciting! They still have my gown in the store as a sample. You can see it now at http://a1000.g.akamaitech.net/f/1000/806/12h/images.theknot.com/GownDesigners/ilissa/kniliss080938m.jpg. Now that it is on the knot, I'd bet more brides will see it and fall in love with it! Be sure to click on the detail button to see the bodice. It is gorgeous! The embroidery on the skirt looks like it was done by :tinker: and her fairy friends. So pretty! :faint:

The funny thing is my body is so disproportionate that the four measurements they took (besides hem to hollow, the measurement for the height of the gown) span 4 sizes. :lmao: So, I think I know what areas I really need to target now in my workouts! :laughing: The shoes look really pretty with the gown, too. It wouldn't be a bad thing if my feet got a bit less chubby in the process, however! LOL! So, the order will go in Monday and by the end of the week the manufacturer will provide an order date. Right now, the salon is guestimating October. Looks like 16+/- weeks is September 15. :yay:

mla1977

05-16-2008, 12:53 PM

Thanks Cam! I think I will try for the 8K in Philly in November to get started!

IndyBride

05-16-2008, 02:03 PM

I LOVE your shoes!! Where did you find them? Do they come in different heel heights? My DF is only a few inches taller than me and he perfers to "tower" over me.

Your dress is so beautiful. I love all the detail in the skirt. Very very pretty. Definatly princessy.

keenercam

05-16-2008, 02:28 PM

Thanks Cam! I think I will try for the 8K in Philly in November to get started!

Awesome! If I hadn't just decided NOT to do any races longer than 5k before the half-marathon, I'd join you! ;) Instead, I'll just have to encourage you and cheer you on! :cheer2:

I LOVE your shoes!! Where did you find them? Do they come in different heel heights? My DF is only a few inches taller than me and he perfers to "tower" over me.

Your dress is so beautiful. I love all the detail in the skirt. Very very pretty. Definatly princessy.

Thank you! The shoes are from shoebuy.com. They have so many different colors and heights. They had the BEST selection of silver heels/sandals that I found anywhere! Good luck with your shoe quest. Isn't it fun? :laughing:

acourtwdw

05-16-2008, 10:27 PM

Loooooooooooooove the dress! That will look amazing on you :)

KeenHo

05-16-2008, 11:41 PM

Must not click...link...No, noooooooooooooo.....Don't do it! :scared: :headache: :confused: :confused3 :eek: :sad2:

My lovely Bride will be well worth the months of not peeking at the fantastically gorgeous dress. :lovestruc :cloud9: :hug: :flower3:

DisneyLaura

05-17-2008, 08:09 AM

Cam - I just looked at your dress - GORGEOUS

keenercam

05-17-2008, 12:17 PM

Howard, you slay me! :laughing: :love: :lovestruc After all these years, just imagining you smiling as you typed that made me just as ga-ga as the first time I saw your smile. :faint:

Thank you, Laura! I am so glad you like it. :hug:

WithDisneySpirit

05-17-2008, 09:03 PM

Y'all are too cute :goodvibes :wizard: :lovestruc

DigitalLove

05-17-2008, 10:41 PM

Hey Stranger!

Long time, no type!! :goodvibes I'm just catching up with everything you've been upto since I was online last. The dress looks WAY better on you than that model ;) I love, love, LOVE your shoes!! They are SO pretty

and what can I say about your ring other than WOW... Its absolutely stunning!! :love:

Hope your training is going well... well, better than mine anyhow!! :lmao: I'm running a half in October here in England in aid of the sunflower team... raising funds for hospice care which is something pretty dear to me... HOWEVER... if I don't get my butt out on the road and do some serious training sometime soon, i'll be walking the 13.1 miles instead. Monday... I'll start seriously on Monday (Again!!!)

Ya know... i've just been reading through and its incredible how you just get a 'feel' for people online. You posted the link to your dress, and I just 'knew' that there is absolutely no way Howard would click on it... Weird huh?

Anyhow... I'm at work (hence why i'm online at 4am UK time) and i'm sure there should be something else I can be doing other than catching up with everyones PJ's and TR's on here... Perhaps i'll just open a few more posts first! :laughing:

Christina

xxx

Valentine

05-18-2008, 12:34 AM

DON"T DO IT HOWARD!!!!! ;)

Okay Cam.. all caught up!! See.. more time now with less show commitment... only 24 more hours and I am a free woman!!! LOL!!! LOVE the shoes.. and the dress is as stunning as I remember.. although most of what i saw was from underneath!! LOL! LOL! LOL!!

I am with you on the weight loss dedication... I SOOOO have to get back on that wagon! The late night rehearsals = late night eating + no time to really work out... only ends in too much Kathy!! ;)

Howard... congrats on the end of school!! YIPPPPEEEE!!!!! It is almost over!! YAY!!!!

Can't wait to see you guys!!! Let's see what we can make happen in June!

Love ya's!

Kathy

keenercam

05-18-2008, 10:04 AM

Y'all are too cute

Lisa -- You must be getting so excited!! I'll bet EPCOT is even more beautiful than when we ran through it for the Minnie. Sending you LOADS of pixiedust: and :sunny: :goodvibes for your special day! I can't even imagine how exciting this next week will be!

Hey Stranger!

Long time, no type!! :goodvibes I'm just catching up with everything you've been upto since I was online last. The dress looks WAY better on you than that model ;) I love, love, LOVE your shoes!! They are SO pretty

and what can I say about your ring other than WOW... Its absolutely stunning!! :love:

Hope your training is going well... well, better than mine anyhow!! :lmao: I'm running a half in October here in England in aid of the sunflower team... raising funds for hospice care which is something pretty dear to me... HOWEVER... if I don't get my butt out on the road and do some serious training sometime soon, i'll be walking the 13.1 miles instead. Monday... I'll start seriously on Monday (Again!!!)

Ya know... i've just been reading through and its incredible how you just get a 'feel' for people online. You posted the link to your dress, and I just 'knew' that there is absolutely no way Howard would click on it... Weird huh?

Anyhow... I'm at work (hence why i'm online at 4am UK time) and i'm sure there should be something else I can be doing other than catching up with everyones PJ's and TR's on here... Perhaps i'll just open a few more posts first! :laughing:

Christina

xxx

Christina -- You are a darling! :hug: I am so sorry you are working through the night, but I hope it was a quiet one and uneventful for you. I wasn't familiar with that organization, but the hospice caregivers who took care of my Dad in his final days were true heroes. I've never met a more compassionate woman than the nurse or aide who took care of him with such gentleness and kindess. :love: You are so sweet to compliment the dress, too. I know it looks pretty va-va-boom on that model and I'd never be able to pull it off, but I think it's the right combination of sexy & sweet that Howard will love. :cloud9:

DON"T DO IT HOWARD!!!!! ;)

Okay Cam.. all caught up!! See.. more time now with less show commitment... only 24 more hours and I am a free woman!!! LOL!!! LOVE the shoes.. and the dress is as stunning as I remember.. although most of what i saw was from underneath!! LOL! LOL! LOL!!

I am with you on the weight loss dedication... I SOOOO have to get back on that wagon! The late night rehearsals = late night eating + no time to really work out... only ends in too much Kathy!! ;)

Howard... congrats on the end of school!! YIPPPPEEEE!!!!! It is almost over!! YAY!!!!

Can't wait to see you guys!!! Let's see what we can make happen in June!

Love ya's!

Kathy

"too much Kathy"? :lmao: THAT is so FUNNY!!!!! THere could NEVER be "enough" Kathy! :cutie: I am so glad your show is almost over. I cannot wait to see you! Here are LOTS of Keener hugs in the meantime! :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: Jenn's overwhelmed with exams or I'm sure she'd send her own; so one of those is from her. Oh, and one from Andrew to "the famous Kathy"

Not much new here on the planning front. I am hoping DFTW will sign the contract in the next few days so that I will feel like I can get the first newsletter finalized and sent. Lots of details are in place, as long as nothing changes. ;)

Oh, I know one thing I've made progress on this weekend. Inspired by another bride here (thanks, Christina -- DisneyFairy19! :hug: ), I bought a binder to organize my stuff. It is frosted & pink and I bought a package of top sheet clear page protectors and put everything from my "bride file" into nice organized sections. At some point before the planning session, I'll make color copies for me and will give a lot of the pictures to our planner. :woohoo:

Okay, off to be a band parent! :goodvibes

keenercam

05-18-2008, 11:01 AM

I've been meaning to post pix of the tee shirts we bought from customizedgirl.com.

Here they are:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd77fb0dac00000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd77ee8c8900000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd7662cc9d00000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd7668cc9700000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd71800dd400000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd7664cc9b00000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd77df0d8800000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8db39b3127ccea8cd77eb0dbc00000016100Ibt3DRs2cMT

What do you think? :)

BayouPrincess

05-18-2008, 11:42 AM

accountingbabe08

05-18-2008, 03:20 PM

I read the first 13 pages yesterday then life happened and my kids needed me when I went back I could barely keep my eyes opened. I 've spent the last two hours reading the rest. I absolutely love all of your plans Cam. Your VR will be absolutely fabulous.

I've had a few happy tears. Maybe I should pray for a wonderful guy too.

I'm on :cloud9: for your exciting plans and subscribing so I won't miss a detail. and BTW I love your dress i think it is absolutely gorgeous on you.

keenercam

05-18-2008, 05:02 PM

I was just catching up Cam.

WOW! That dress is gorgeous. Howard keep the willpower up to not click the link! You'll be so glad you didn't when you see your gorgeous bride in it!:lovestruc

I LOVE :love: :love: the T-shirts. They came out great! I might have to visit that site myself. I'm in the process now of creating shirts for our trip this week to celebrate our "actual" anniversary! :love:

Conga-rats on the weight loss Cam. You are doing so well.:banana:

Thank you, Lisa! Believe me, if I had HALF your talent I'd have made our shirts, but since I don't . . . :laughing:

I read the first 13 pages yesterday then life happened and my kids needed me when I went back I could barely keep my eyes opened. I 've spent the last two hours reading the rest. I absolutely love all of your plans Cam. Your VR will be absolutely fabulous.

I've had a few happy tears. Maybe I should pray for a wonderful guy too.

I'm on :cloud9: for your exciting plans and subscribing so I won't miss a detail. and BTW I love your dress i think it is absolutely gorgeous on you.

Thank you so much for your good wishes. I am glad you like the dress. I think it will look totally different on me, and I love that the custom-made bolero will change the look slightly and make it uniquely mine. So happy to have you here, and looking forward to getting to know you better! :hug:

keenercam

05-19-2008, 04:35 PM

I got the call today that my gown & bolero are ordered! OMG! I am so excited! :banana: On the one hand, October seems SO FAR AWAY!! On the other hand, and considering that I ordered the gown 1.5-2 sizes smaller than I would need today, October seems all too soon! ACKKKKK!!! :faint: I am HIGHLY MOTIVATED to continue getting myself out of bed every morning at 5:30 to get to the gym (thank you, honey, for driving the carpool so that I can still get to work at a reasonable time! :lovestruc )

PrincessBride010103

05-19-2008, 04:45 PM

Cam, I wore silver shoes with my dress too & I think those are gonna look awesome with your dress! :cutie:

keenercam

05-19-2008, 05:52 PM

Thank you, Amanda! That is very reassuring! I figure with the silver embroidery on the dress, the silver shoes will look better than pink. :)

29apr00

05-19-2008, 06:50 PM

LOVE the dress! And those shoes are too cute! I need shoes like that!!

Those shirts are adorable! Your family is going to look perfect for your big day!

Jennifer

jennifaerie

05-19-2008, 07:26 PM

Cam, I'm only on page two, and I'm in tears. I swear your life should be made into a movie. It's got it all... love, magic, drama, the bad guys, the good guys, more magic, and much much more love!

Wow. And I've only just started!! :hug:

Update: My eyes are tired, and I've got a crumpled load of laundry that I could not go down and check on, because I was hooked! Yikes! :) :)

I wrote about how much I loved Atelier Aimee at one point, but god, I forgot how much I love Demetrios! Such beautiful dresses (and applique flowers)! Your dress is just breathtaking!

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who buys multiples of things (three sets of shoes, four sets of jewelry... oops! :) ). It's just so hard to decide! You're doing a *wonderful* job! I don't know how you keep up with all these details!

pink_tink8i8

05-19-2008, 09:17 PM

those shirts are adorable!!!

Lynn5700

05-19-2008, 10:42 PM

CAM!!!!!!! I fianally caught up with you!!! I'm so sorry I haven't posted sooner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

your rings are absolutely beautiful!!! They look so nice together..good for you you deserve it!!!!!!!

Those silver heels are drop dead gorgeous!!!!!!!!! glad you got a more comfortable pair for the reception!!!!!!!!!!

The shirts are AMAZING!!!!!! SOOOOO SOOOO SOOO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm glad you used customizedgirl.com!!!!!!!!

OHHH AND I"m going to check out your dress now.....

Lynn5700

05-19-2008, 10:43 PM

OMG Your going to be gorgeous!!!! LOVE that GOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

lov2b@disney

05-20-2008, 06:38 AM

I LOVE the shirts!:lovestruc So cute!

keenercam

05-20-2008, 07:42 AM

I wrote about how much I loved Atelier Aimee at one point, but god, I forgot how much I love Demetrios! Such beautiful dresses (and applique flowers)! Your dress is just breathtaking!

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who buys multiples of things (three sets of shoes, four sets of jewelry... oops! :) ). It's just so hard to decide! You're doing a *wonderful* job! I don't know how you keep up with all these details!

Jenn -- Thank you! Oh, good, no one thinks I'm crazy for having all these "options"! LOL!! I think when the gown comes in, I'll try both tiaras (though I'll take both to the hair and make-up trial, too) with the various earring choices and come to some kind of decision. When everything is decided, I'll just give away or sell the rest. ;)

OMG Your going to be gorgeous!!!! LOVE that GOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Lynn! Of course, it will look NOTHING like that on me, but I think Howard will like it anyway. :love: And thank you again for the link to customized girl. I just MAY have to visit there again closer to Christmas. :banana:

I LOVE the shirts!:lovestruc So cute!

Thanks, Sandy! I'm still shocked when I can get my kids to wear something as cutesy as that, but they love me enough to do it for me. :grouphug: :lovestruc :cloud9:

WithDisneySpirit

05-20-2008, 07:48 AM

keenercam

05-20-2008, 08:27 AM

OMG!! Lisa, you must be SOOOO excited! I will be thinking of you and sending loads of pixiedust: and :sunny: :goodvibes ! Have an absolutely fabulous time! :hug: I know you will be absolutely gorgeous and everything will be just as beautiful as you've imagined! :lovestruc

WithDisneySpirit

05-20-2008, 08:59 AM

Thanks, Cam! I will definitely post a TR since I want that for a memory too :goodvibes

29apr00

05-20-2008, 09:36 AM

well i had to catch up from the begining! OMG Cam what a wonderful story! I'm loving everything you have so far, which is a LOT of stuff!! Can't wait to see how everything comes together.

keenercam

05-20-2008, 11:02 AM

Thank you, Jennifer!

I am so excited that my dress is on order. I am not going to drive myself crazy that something might go wrong or there might be a delay or anything. There are WAY too many days between now and then and too many other things to focus my energy on. The gown is out of my control now, so all I can do is be optimistic and disciplined. :rolleyes1:

Last night, when junk food was calling my name, I reminded myself "It's all about the dress!" LOL! :lmao: I know it is really vain, but I want to look the best I have ever looked in my life on January 12, 2009. I'm a totally different person than I was on December 22, 1984 -- more in love than I would have ever thought possible then, successful, even more blissfully happy because of the life we've had and the future we'll look forward to, rather than just the optimism and bliss of young love, absolutely fulfilled in terms of my family life, my friends, my career. It's so reassuring to know that even now, with all I've achieved and the confidence and happiness I have in my life, I would marry Howard again in less than a heartbeat. He really is my heartbeat, my touchstone, my anchor, and my forever. I want to come to him before God and our friends and celebrate all that we've shared already and promise him all that is to come.
Like I said, it may seem shallow that the dress is so important to me, but it really symbolizes how far we've both come and the choices we make and the destiny we are creating. And it's all sparkly and bright and new (and BIG! LOL!) I guess somewhere in the back of my mind is also the fact that it is something I've chosen and probably the most daring thing I've ever worn and fortunately, everyone has been so supportive and no one has (even gently) told me it is too young or too revealing. :laughing:

DisneyFairy19

05-20-2008, 12:16 PM

Cam the shirts came out beautiful

keenercam

05-20-2008, 01:00 PM

Thank you, Christina! Hey, did I tell you that your planning binder totally inspired me? :thumbsup2 :love: :worship: :laughing:

IndyBride

05-20-2008, 02:27 PM

I love the shirts! I'm going to have to break down and get some myself. I saw Lynn's too. Everything just keeps getting better and better over here!

DisneyFairy19

05-20-2008, 02:51 PM

Thank you, Christina! Hey, did I tell you that your planning binder totally inspired me? :thumbsup2 :love: :worship: :laughing:

I did get it..lol... thank you... I am an organized freak:scared1:
glad to inspire you :goodvibes

KeenHo

05-20-2008, 04:27 PM

Cam wrote: I want to look the best I have ever looked in my life on January 12, 2009. I'm a totally different person than I was on December 22, 1984 -- more in love than I would have ever thought possible then, successful, even more blissfully happy because of the life we've had and the future we'll look forward to, rather than just the optimism and bliss of young love, absolutely fulfilled in terms of my family life, my friends, my career. It's so reassuring to know that even now, with all I've achieved and the confidence and happiness I have in my life, I would marry Howard again in less than a heartbeat. He really is my heartbeat, my touchstone, my anchor, and my forever. I want to come to him before God and our friends and celebrate all that we've shared already and promise him all that is to come.

Like I said, it may seem shallow that the dress is so important to me, but it really symbolizes how far we've both come and the choices we make and the destiny we are creating. And it's all sparkly and bright and new (and BIG! LOL!) I guess somewhere in the back of my mind is also the fact that it is something I've chosen and probably the most daring thing I've ever worn and fortunately, everyone has been so supportive and no one has (even gently) told me it is too young or too revealing.

No wonder I love this beautiful sweet woman so much. :flower3: :hug: :cloud9: :lovestruc :love:

The "or too revealing" line caught my attention. ::yes:: :faint: :ssst:

DisneyLaura

05-20-2008, 06:38 PM

Cam those shirts are so cute.

pjstevens

05-20-2008, 07:40 PM

No wonder I love this beautiful sweet woman so much. :flower3: :hug: :cloud9: :lovestruc :love:

The "or too revealing" line caught my attention. ::yes:: :faint: :ssst:

Howard you are too cute!!!! :goodvibes

sungela

05-20-2008, 07:42 PM

Those shirts are absolutely fantastic! Everything is coming together so nicely. :thumbsup2

ElleBren

05-20-2008, 09:45 PM

I just spent a good portion of the day reading your entire journal. I'm not a slow reader, I was reading a page and then dealing with my energetic 10 month old back and forth all day. You are very inspiring.

After reading all of these posts I feel like I know you. I am so happy that you are getting a VR that is 100% what you want. Good luck and I can not wait to read more.

Ps-totally jealous that you are so far ahead of me in every planning stage and I have a VR in september. :worship: I really need to kick start everything.

keenercam

05-20-2008, 09:50 PM

Thank you, Laura & Sunny!
ElleBren -- My goodness, how can you get anything done? I'd want to spend every breathing moment with that gorgeous little one you have! THank you for your kind words. :hug: Anything I can do to help you? What part of NJ are you in? I grew up in Woodbury (Gloucester County), and am in Wilmington now.

ElleBren

05-21-2008, 08:58 AM

ElleBren -- My goodness, how can you get anything done? I'd want to spend every breathing moment with that gorgeous little one you have! THank you for your kind words. :hug: Anything I can do to help you? What part of NJ are you in? I grew up in Woodbury (Gloucester County), and am in Wilmington now.

Thats is so funny, my DH is from Palmyra, NJ. We live in Perth Amboy, or as like to call it last stop before Staten Island.

Yeah L'il Bren keeps me very busy all the time, usually I don't get much done during the day.

Also everything that I have seen for you VR looks fantastic, your dress is really the one. I know how you feel about having the little jacket, I got one too since I am so self conscious. Good luck with everything!

Lana

keenercam

05-21-2008, 03:58 PM

Thank you so much, Lana! Sorry you are about as far away from me as physically possible to be and still be in NJ. :lmao: And here I thought maybe I could help somehow. :laughing:

Pamlur

05-21-2008, 04:52 PM

My goodness, I had several pages to catch up on (I got to go back to Scotland for a few days - pure heaven on earth). Love the shoes, your ring is so perfect, and the shirts are adorable!

Pamlur

05-25-2008, 05:42 PM

Did I chase everybody away? Just call me thread killer.

accountingbabe08

05-25-2008, 06:59 PM

Did I chase everybody away? Just call me thread killer.

That is funny that you would think that. But I don't think you are a thread killer.

keenercam

05-27-2008, 10:02 AM

You guys are too cute! :grouphug:
Sorry I haven't been around. Had a crazy work week and a busy weekend.
Fun stuff, though!
My friend Patty (pjstevens) came over yesterday to teach me how to use my new cricut machine. We came up with a great idea for the name tags for our welcome bags. I also started playing with some ideas for the decoration on the outside of the bags. Then, Howard and I went browsing at Michaels (with a way cool 25% off coupon from one of my bridal magazines) and found: pink crystals for the placecard chairs; cream cardstock for the welcome bag tags; pink cardstock for the decoration on the outside of the bags; and heavier cardstock for the door hangers. We also found eyelets for the dessert party invitations --they are a "marathon" theme with shoelaces instead of ribbon, so the eyelets are a very clever touch. (thanks to my friend, Carrie for the idea & to Patty for the guidance on selection :hug: ).

We also sent our guest list to DFTW and hopefully, we will receive the signed contract this week, and the DFTW save the dates will go out very soon.

Oh, and one last thing -- I worked on our first newsletter a bit. Found some cool pix from Wilderness Lodge and Pop Century for an informational page informing guests of those 2 blocked room resort options.

Time is really running fast now with Howard's graduation this weekend, a college Christian Fellowship reunion the next weekend, special olympics summer games the following weekend, and then one last weekend (including a 5k race) before we head off to our planning session. WHEW!!!! :eek: :scared1: We have so much to decide on and to pull together for the PS/TS, so I have to really prioritize and refine my to-do list toward that. :woohoo: This is so much fun!

jennifaerie

05-27-2008, 10:07 AM

Oh, that Michael's coupon was a godsend! We bought all of our program materials and sand for the sand ceremony. We saved over $30!

Sounds like you and Patty had a great time! :)

keenercam

05-27-2008, 11:07 AM

Thanks, Jen! So glad you used the coupon, too. I have a "stash" now for every time I get the "Michael's browsing bug."

Oh, I wanted to mention. Yesterday was the anniversary of our engagement (24 years ago!). My best friend, Jason, who was with us at Great Adventure when we got engaged, was visiting, and Jenn and our "adopted" DD were also visiting from college, so we were surrounded by a lot of love yesterday. :love: :grouphug:

Howard and I were joking about when he proposed on the sky ride. He even remembered my response to his proposal -- "Are you sure you want me?" His reply -- a very quiet and convincing "Yes." I think he's spent the past 24 years making sure I NEVER had any doubt again about whether he wants me. :lovestruc I am so blessed.

pjstevens

05-27-2008, 11:21 AM

Howard and I were joking about when he proposed on the sky ride. He even remembered my response to his proposal -- "Are you sure you want me?" His reply -- a very quiet and convincing "Yes." I think he's spent the past 24 years making sure I NEVER had any doubt again about whether he wants me. :lovestruc I am so blessed.

Cam, as always, he is so sweet. I am glad I got spend time play with your new cricut yesterday.

figmentfan814

05-27-2008, 01:25 PM

Cam, the shirts turned out fantastic! It wasn't easy when we did our iron-ons, so I think I might have to check out that web site for future printing. Can you upload your own images to it?

keenercam

05-27-2008, 01:41 PM

Cam, as always, he is so sweet. I am glad I got spend time play with your new cricut yesterday.

Thank you so much for your help, Patty!

Cam, the shirts turned out fantastic! It wasn't easy when we did our iron-ons, so I think I might have to check out that web site for future printing. Can you upload your own images to it?

Vanessa -- I think there was an option to upload your own image. Now that I think of it, I may do that with a couple of the graphics that people on the DIS creative community created for me. :love:

Kristi1357

05-29-2008, 08:23 AM

29apr00

05-29-2008, 09:05 AM

You know, Michael's issued a 40% off coupon about once a month. You just have to find their ad in the Sunday Paper. :thumbsup2 ANd if there is one near you, Hobby Lobby has a 40% off coupon every other week!! :thumbsup2 Gotta love that!

Ok, what exactly is a cricut machine? I see it all the time at HL, but have no idea what it does. I assume it's for scrapbooking, but what does it do exactly??

pjstevens

05-29-2008, 10:13 AM

Ok, what exactly is a cricut machine? I see it all the time at HL, but have no idea what it does. I assume it's for scrapbooking, but what does it do exactly??

Jennifer,

A Cricut is a machine that cuts letters/words/shapes out of paper, cardstock, vellum, etc. It's amazing in the things you can do with it. It is pretty much a scrapbookers delight, but Cam has figured out how to use it for so many things for her goodies for her VR.

keenercam

05-29-2008, 10:21 AM

Cam - those shirts are awesome! :thumbsup2
We just had shirts done for my grandparents' 60th wedding anniversary and to be honest, they aren't nearly that cute.

The binder is a fabulous idea! My friend Kristi hauled hers everywhere last year before her wedding.

And, can I just say, I am very jealous of your cricuit!
One of these days....

Kristi -- come visit and we can play with the cricut!! It is so much fun!!! :goodvibes I feel like I need to have a cricut party. You should have seen me drooling over the various cartridges at Michael's. Oh, and I confirmed that I got an absolutely FABULOUS price on my Mickey cartridge. :yay: I even showed it to Howard. I think it was $79.99 and the one I bought brand new on ebay was ~$45 with priority shipping!

You know, Michael's issued a 40% off coupon about once a month. You just have to find their ad in the Sunday Paper. :thumbsup2 ANd if there is one near you, Hobby Lobby has a 40% off coupon every other week!! :thumbsup2 Gotta love that!

Ok, what exactly is a cricut machine? I see it all the time at HL, but have no idea what it does. I assume it's for scrapbooking, but what does it do exactly??

Jennifer -- I LOVE those coupons and usually find them in the bridal magazines, even if they aren't good on cricut products. I have used one every time I've bought crystals, ribbon, stickers, etc. etc. I even have a top load page protector in my binder that I drop those coupons into. :cutie:

As for the cricut, it is essentially a cutting machine. It die cuts paper, vellum, cardstock, etc. You can buy cartridges that direct the unit as to the shapes. Mine came with one called "George" that was basic letters and shapes. I am using that one for hearts and stars. I bought another cartridge called "Mickey" (IIRC) that has several Disney characters in various silhouettes, etc. and then there are some "frames" that you can put around them. The Disney font alphabet is also on that cartridge. The machine has settings for various thicknesses of paper and mine cuts up to a maximum size of 6" I think. Since I am using it for tags for the welcome bags and for various paper embellishments, this "portable" size machine is perfect.

keenercam

05-29-2008, 07:49 PM

Found out today that we've been assigned a planner! :woohoo: It's Meri and I am really excited that we'll meet her in exactly 4 weeks from today. :faint: I've been in touch with her assistant, Alix, for a while as we dealt with contract and website details. Alix has been an absolute darling so incredibly responsive and helpful. :cloud9: I also heard that our contract has been sent back to us, so hopefully it will arrive in the next several days. :banana: Now it is all beginning to feel very real! :bride: pirate: (couldn't find a groom! LOL!)

accountingbabe08

05-29-2008, 07:54 PM

:dance3: :yay:

Lynn5700

05-29-2008, 07:56 PM

YAY Cam!!!! I have heard great things about her on the boards!!!Your in great hands!!

pjstevens

05-29-2008, 08:07 PM

Great news Cam!!!! It's got to start feeling real, you'll be doing you PS really soon!!!!

padisneyfour

05-29-2008, 08:26 PM

:goodvibes :cool1: Let the fun begin!!!! It is really coming closer!:cool1:

IndyBride

05-29-2008, 09:09 PM

YAY!!!! I'm glad you got your planner assigned to you! It's so exciting!

29apr00

05-29-2008, 09:32 PM

Yeah, so exciting! I wish I could have a PS!

pink_tink8i8

05-29-2008, 10:38 PM

yay!!! you got your planner!! that's so exciting!!!

PrincessBride010103

05-30-2008, 12:15 AM

Yay cam! Meri was our planner....you're in awesome hands!!!!

lov2b@disney

05-30-2008, 06:18 AM

Congratulations Cam!:dance3:

jennifaerie

05-30-2008, 07:31 AM

Ooh, congratulations, Cam! That makes it all the more real!

keenercam

05-30-2008, 08:54 AM

Yay cam! Meri was our planner....you're in awesome hands!!!!

Amanda, sweetie, NOTHING could have made me feel as great about this as your post. Your wedding was absolutely exquisite. I know we are in good hands if Meri helped you and your wonderful family make that fairytale event come to life. :faint: :lovestruc :cloud9: :grouphug:

Thank you for all the good thoughts, everyone! Howard and I will be busy this weekend with his graduation events and then we'll buckle down to Special Olympics Summer Games the second week/weekend in June and then I'll have to really start checking all my lists, printing pix, etc. for our planning session June 26. Very, very exciting!

shezfrombermuda

05-30-2008, 09:39 AM

keenercam

05-30-2008, 10:02 AM

Congratulations on getting a planner! That is the point where I actually felt like the wedding was going to take place. I just found the picture of your dress! Beautiful and very princessy! You will look great!

A cricut question for you: Do you have the smaller one or the bigger one? I was in target looking at them and we were in a hurry so I didn't end up getting one because I didn't know the difference between the two. Thanks!

I got the smaller one. I think they call it the portable or personal version -- there are two, you're right. My understanding of the difference is that the smaller one is limited to 6" wide and IIRC, 12" long cuts. Since we are using it strictly for items within those sizes there was no reason for us to buy the more expensive/larger version. I can't tell you how easy it is to use. Patty and I figured it all out (over coffee and muffins) and played with it and cut out a lot of samples in just a couple of hours. After I bought supplies, I designed and cut all 20 welcome bag tags in about 1/2 hour (including cutting the 8.5 x 11 paper into 6"x11" and setting up the machine to do 2 tags on each piece. It was so much fun!

pjstevens

05-30-2008, 10:21 AM

After I bought supplies, I designed and cut all 20 welcome bag tags in about 1/2 hour (including cutting the 8.5 x 11 paper into 6"x11" and setting up the machine to do 2 tags on each piece. It was so much fun!

You got all that done already??? I wanted to come play some more :( (jk) Glad you are so on the ball! Can't wait to see one of your bags all done!

keenercam

05-30-2008, 10:55 AM

You got all that done already??? I wanted to come play some more :( (jk) Glad you are so on the ball! Can't wait to see one of your bags all done!

Oh, there is PLENTY more to do, sweetie! I'll be glad to have a "playmate"!!! :hug:

Okay, I don't think I can stand it! The wonderful news keeps rolling in!! Our signed contract has arrived!!! :woohoo: Howard texted me that it came today while he was cutting the lawn. Joe told me yesterday that it had been mailed Tuesday and it would have to be signed for. What an exciting day!!

Tonight is the departmental cocktail party graduation celebration for Howard's MBA program and tomorrow is his graduation. :lovestruc I am so proud of him!!!

Honeibee

05-30-2008, 11:04 AM

:banana: :yay: :dance3: :hyper: OH MY GOODNESS, CAM! Whoooo hoooooo! :yay: :dance3: :banana: :cool1:

padisneyfour

05-30-2008, 11:29 AM

:cool1: yeah!!!! Contract and Grad..... enjoy your weekend!!!:goodvibes

shezfrombermuda

05-30-2008, 11:36 AM

I got the smaller one. I think they call it the portable or personal version -- there are two, you're right. My understanding of the difference is that the smaller one is limited to 6" wide and IIRC, 12" long cuts. Since we are using it strictly for items within those sizes there was no reason for us to buy the more expensive/larger version. I can't tell you how easy it is to use. Patty and I figured it all out (over coffee and muffins) and played with it and cut out a lot of samples in just a couple of hours. After I bought supplies, I designed and cut all 20 welcome bag tags in about 1/2 hour (including cutting the 8.5 x 11 paper into 6"x11" and setting up the machine to do 2 tags on each piece. It was so much fun!

I will probably get the smaller one then. I don't think I need to make things as large as 12 inches. Thanks! I have to wait until July to get one!:worried:

Yay for the contract and graduation! :yay:

jennifaerie

05-30-2008, 11:59 AM

Aww! Congratulations, Howard! :D :yay:

keenercam

05-30-2008, 12:21 PM

Thanks for all the congratulations for Howard. I'll tell him he definitely has to come here and read them. :lovestruc
I have to tell you -- Howard put finishing his undergrad education on hold for me to go to grad school and then it was further delayed as we started a family and bought a house. Even when he finished his undergrad, he always wanted to go back for his MBA but we just didn't make it a priority, especially with DS in private school and more recently, with DD going to college. In February 2006 Howard left a job where the owners were total snobs about the fact that he didnt' have his MBA, but he got a decent severance package. I told him he should take that money and put it toward going back to school. He got accepted into a Corporate Associates program, so that his tuition was fully funded by the University and a corporation in our community took him on as a 20 hour/week intern (they were a former client of his and crazy for the prospect of him working for them). The corporation paid a certain amount to the university which the university doled out bi-weekly as a living stipend. The university was THRILLED to have him in their program (who wouldn't be? :love: ). He epitomizes what the program is about. So, he got free tuition, fabulous inside experience at his internship and a living stipend. We paid fees & books & sucked up the loss of his full-time income. He worked full-time at the same corporation (the area blood bank) last summer and they made him an offer for a permanent position which he will start Monday.

Since he was 17 or 18 years old, he has donated blood as frequently as possible and he was honored at the area blood bank's anniversary dinner ~5 years ago as one of its "HEROES". He has been a lifesaver donor for many years and is passionate about the mission of the blood bank, so the fit is phenomenal and like a dream come true. Actually, I think it is all about good karma -- Howard is, beyond a doubt, the BEST person I have ever met in my life. He has a pure, loving, generous heart and the world is an exponentially better place for any one person like him that exists. I am really proud of him for never giving up his dream or his passion for a better education. It makes me really proud to hear the powers that be at the University sing his praises, and I KNOW the blood bank will be a better place with him on board full time and permanently. I am already working on not crying from pride for him this weekend.

Honeibee

05-30-2008, 12:30 PM

Actually, I think it is all about good karma -- Howard is, beyond a doubt, the BEST person I have ever met in my life. He has a pure, loving, generous heart and the world is an exponentially better place for any one person like him that exists. I am really proud of him for never giving up his dream or his passion for a better education. It makes me really proud to hear the powers that be at the University sing his praises, and I KNOW the blood bank will be a better place with him on board full time and permanently. I am already working on not crying from pride for him this weekend.

Plus...he's a total STUD MUFFIN!!! ;)

keenercam

05-30-2008, 12:36 PM

Plus...he's a total STUD MUFFIN!!! ;)

Oh, baby, YES he is!!! :faint: :lovestruc

accountingbabe08

05-30-2008, 12:59 PM

keenercam

05-30-2008, 01:07 PM

I graduate in December with my bachelors in Accounting. I'm so proud of my accomplishment.

Cam,

your plans look great for your vow renewal ceremony. The big day marrying him again is coming up quick.

Have a great weekend!!!!!
That is so awesome! :thumbsup2 And PROUD you should be!!! :hug: I really wish in some ways I'd been more mature when I went to college and grad school. I really didn't appreciate the opportunities as much as I should have. Congrats on your upcoming graduation! You are really motorin' toward your finish!!! :moped:

keenercam

06-03-2008, 09:56 AM

I continue to be impressed with the level of professionalism and courtesy and promptness. First, you all know I was and am totally crazy about Joe, who made our experiences with DFTW warm and comfortable right from the beginning. Then there was Alix who, when I asked her a question, got back to me almost immediately and had already made the FIX I'd requested. Not "I'll look into it" or "Let me see what I can do" -- either of which would have been perfectly acceptable, mind you. :goodvibes No, her response was essentially "Check your website now. I fixed that for you. Let me know if you need anything else. Feel free to ask any questions. No bother." See, to me, THAT's magic. Things don't work like that in every day life. And I'm not saying that DFTW folks will or could be instantly available or always provide an instant solution or answer, but this is just so cool! ;) I had a call from our planner on Friday who is an absolute darling, and after promising I wouldn't bother her, I've emailed her several times already with little questions and her replies have been so helpful and quick. :thumbsup2 My life is so crazy, especially during the days, that seeing an email from any of those Disney weddings folks literally changes the whole tenor of my day. :love:

The latest bit of magic? After not getting our save the date address list to DFTW until, effectively, last Tuesday, we've heard that so many of our guests have already received their Save the Date cards. AND we got an evelope in the mail yesterday with extras for any we didn't put on the address spreadsheet. How cool!!

One other detail is dealt with now, as well. We lined Randy up for our dessert party -- I just have to get the contract back to him. But I was so relieved that he is available for that. YAY!!! :yay: And I am so glad Howard was willing to do this. :lovestruc (I'm trying not to take advantage of Howard's "whatever you want is fine with me, honey." Not that he's a pushover. He's just so sweet and generous. :cloud9: )

accountingbabe08

06-03-2008, 11:20 AM

:thumbsup2

IndyBride

06-03-2008, 12:14 PM

I'm super happy this experience is so great for you!!

figmentfan814

06-03-2008, 12:28 PM

:cool1: :banana: :yay: For booking Randy for the dessert party; you won't be disappointed!

KeenHo

06-03-2008, 10:11 PM

I wanted to thank everyone for their nice words of congratulations comcerning my graduation from the University of Delaware's MBA program this past weekend. It was a long road that went so quickly. I will miss many of my classmates, working in the trenches with others creates special bonds with them.

In the mean time, I am now working and things are going well so far.

The wedding planning is coming along well thanks to Cam (isn't she amazing!). I have been along for the ride (mostly) up until now. I have asked a friend (an Art Director at an Ad Agency) to throw together our logo/watermark that we need for many of the printed items we will be making. I am sure it will be great! Then I am moving onto another project. Lots of fun! :thumbsup2

Enjoy your week ladies.

:hug:

Howard

jennifaerie

06-04-2008, 07:53 AM

Howard, it's easy to wish well to those who deserve it! And both you and Cam deserve it!

:hug:

29apr00

06-04-2008, 08:23 AM

keenercam

06-04-2008, 08:40 AM

Howard, you are so sweet!! can you send my dh some pointers? ;) Espically your taste in jewerly? :lmao:

Yeah for booking Randy for your DP!! Do you have him all day, or just for that part? I SOOOOO would love to have a DP! If I can scrap up enough people, i'm hopeing to be able to schedule a grand gathering DP:thumbsup2 I only need 8!

Our VR is on Monday morning and we are doing our WISHES dessert party Sunday night. While this means that it doesn't count toward our minimum, it is the best choice because some of our guests will have to leave Orlando Monday after the reception to return to work Tuesday. It is so generous of so many of our friends to be willing to take Monday off to celebrate with us, and since they will all be in Orlando by Sunday, at the latest, we are excited to have everyone join us for the DP Sunday night. Randy is going to do the dessert party and then come back on Monday after our MK photo shoot, to cover the wedding/VR and the reception. :yay:

Kewz1

06-04-2008, 09:14 AM

keenercam

06-09-2008, 05:33 AM

Cam -- I'm so glad to hear that things are falling into place for you! :hug: I'm getting so excited. I can't even began to imagine how you must be feeling!

Howard -- A very belated, but heartfelt, congratulations on completing your MBA. Well done!!:thumbsup2

Kristen

Kristen -- As Howard and I put Kevin's name down on the planning and informational sheets for our planner yesterday, we got so excited all over again, thinking about having you guys at our celebration. Thank you so much, again, for being so supportive! :hug: :love:

Wow! I hadn't realized that I hadn't been here in a few days. We have Special Olympics Summer Games at the end of this week and it will be a busy week at work, so I wanted to do a quick update.

This weekend, Howard and I decided on the menu for the tasting session, cake flavors we want to try, and a lot of the ceremony & reception set-up issues. We also spent a lot of time looking at floral ideas. :yay: :banana:

And most exciting of all, Jenn & I picked her dress yesterday and ordered it. It is from David's Bridal. The style and color look fabulous on her. The color is called watermelon, which she thinks is hysterical, considering I LIVED on watermelon during the summer I was pregnant with her. :lmao: It is a bit brighter than we thought we were looking for, but the color was so stunning on her, that I couldn't bear for her NOT to wear it. :lovestruc She looked really pretty in it. SO, here it is:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8d828b3127ccec407be14c8f900000025100Ibt3DRs2cMQ e3nw4

DigitalLove

06-09-2008, 06:08 AM

Honey...Jenn's dress is absolutely gorgeous. The colour is stunning. I adore reading all the PJ's on here.. really I do... but out of them all, YOUR's is probably the one that I can't wait to see turn into a TR :goodvibes I've been manically busy recently with work and other stuff. Hubby has a huge collection of U2 memorbilla which he's collected over 25 years. Unfortunately, we also have mega credit card bills to pay... He staggered about a week ago by saying it was about time he 'grew up' (lol), that he only wants to see me happy, and that we should sell it all. You could have picked me up off the floor I was so overcome by his offer. So.... life for the past week has been photographing and ebaying. We sold a 12" single the other day for... wait for it... $3000. THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS?!?!? for a piece of vinyl?!?! People must be mad!!! Anyhow, the long shot is I guess I pretty much am feeling the way you do about Howard... If I ever needed proof I met and married a guy who would do anything for me... then this is it with bells on!

Huge congratulations to Howard for graduating! :cool1: Its tough enough studying with no responsibilities.... it can be a nightmare studying when kids want help with their homework, the dog needs to visit the vet and the car needs a service! It makes his achievments all the more special!

Good Luck at the olympics... Have an absolutely wonderful time and I shall speak to you soon when I get back online to check up with your fantastic plans

Christina

xxx

accountingbabe08

06-09-2008, 07:37 AM

That dress is absolutely gorgeous. I love the color too wow!!!

keenercam

06-09-2008, 08:37 AM

Christina, what a very, very sweet and generous story that was about Mark (Oh, Gosh, I hope I remembered his name?) I really do believe that there are grand gestures in the every day minutiae of life and love. Something HUGE like selling off pieces of his collection to improve your family's life is beyond the ordinary, though. That is quite a man you chose. :lovestruc By the way, how is your son adjusting to married life? I remember that one of my all -time pictures from anyone's weddng was when he was whispering in your ear at your reception dinner. The look on your face was so precious and full of pride love for him. I hope everything is going smoothly. :hug:

Thank you so much, accountingbabe!! Are you done classes for the semester? How are things going? :hug:

DisneyFairy19

06-09-2008, 08:57 AM

What an absolutely GORGEOUS gown and the color is so vibrant.. Great choice:thumbsup2

keenercam

06-09-2008, 09:44 AM

What an absolutely GORGEOUS gown and the color is so vibrant.. Great choice:thumbsup2
Thanks, Christina! Jenn's coloring is similar to yours, though she may be a bit more olive-toned. I am sure that color would be absolutely fabulous on you!

29apr00

06-09-2008, 10:53 AM

I love that color!! I'm sure your DD is going to look beautiful in it!

keenercam

06-09-2008, 05:14 PM

I love that color!! I'm sure your DD is going to look beautiful in it!

Thank you! Here is Jenn's pic from earlier in my journal.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/jenn1.jpg http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8d828b3127ccec407be14c8f900000025100Ibt3DRs2cMQ e3nw4

(what a funny contrast in the picture sizes! LOL)

I am sure you can imagine how GORGEOUS that color is going to be on her! :cloud9: All of my thoughts of choosing some soft pastel pink went right out the window when I saw her in the watermelon color. I really wanted her to have to opportunity to wear something that stunning on her. I am sure she will be in many weddings in the next several years (she has the most wonderful, dear friends in the world!), but she may never have the opportunity to wear a really vibrant color like this (I think it MIGHT not look great on everyone). Now, I have to re-think the colors for flowers, etc, that may be too "soft" for her bouquet. This is so much fun!! :banana:

Oh, and Howard and I made a list of the foods we want to taste at our menu tasting session:
cheddar cheese soup w/pretzel bread
caesar salad
raspberry champagne sorbet
parmesan crusted chicken w/parma rosa sauce
chicken w/pinot grigio sauce & with blackberry demi
beef with red wine demi
some kind of vegetarian dish (working on this -- maybe cheese tortellini in an alfredo sauce with peas or asparagus or broccoli)
yukon gold mashed potatoes & garlic mashed potatoes (if we do a buffet, I'd really like to do the potato action station)
grilled veggies
cinderella slipper dessert

As for cake flavors:
yellow, chocolate, marble, carrot & almond

cake fillings:
bavarian cream w/strawberries or raspberries
chocolate mousse
amaretto
german chocolate

I am going to ask our planner to ask the chef for suggested vegetarian option & veggie option

What do you think?

WithDisneySpirit

06-09-2008, 09:23 PM

Cam, your tasting menu sounds delicious!! I will say that the veggie pasta that came with Tinker Bell's Brunch Buffet was absolutely delicious and addictive. I actually went back for seconds. We changed quite a few things on the menu but DH talked me into keeping this one. It was called Penne Pasta with Artichoke Cream and Julienne Vegetables. It did not sound exciting and we did not get a food tasting because there were three conventions going on the weekend of our PS at the Boardwalk. It turned out to be my fave item on our menu of very yummy food :goodvibes

Your daughter will definitely set that dress off well and I love the color!! :lovestruc

BayouPrincess

06-09-2008, 10:08 PM

Cam,
Jenn is going to be a knockout in that dress. What a gorgeous color! Your menu sounds yummy! I still have to get over to my PS TR to finish up, but I keep getting sidetracked on weekends. My DSIS is moving and we've been going to their house to help pack for the last 2 weekends. Hopefully soon I'll get a chance to finish up. I keep going to everyone elses PJ's to see what's going on! :rotfl2: :rotfl:

keenercam

06-10-2008, 08:50 AM

Lisa -- That penne dish sounds fabulous. Since 5 of our 40 guests will be eating the vegetarian/kosher menu item, I am going to ask whether that sounds good to them. :hug:

Lisa -- I can't wait to read the rest of your PS TR. How sweet of you and Eric to help your sister! :love:

I think I came to another conclusion yesterday, though I still have to discuss it with Howard. Andrew really wants to wear the Mickey vest and bow tie and he even said "when would I get the chance to wear that again." Since Jenn's pink is much brighter than we'd want the tuxedo accessories to be if they were going to be pink, I think the white Mickey ensemble would be GORGEOUS! Now, I just have to see if Howard would be on board with that. ;) It really doesn't matter what he wears -- I'm sure I'll be blown away when I see him. :faint: THat man REALLY does a tuxedo proud! :lovestruc

WithDisneySpirit

06-10-2008, 09:24 AM

It definitely has an Alfredo quality too it also in being creamy and cheesy! Mmmm, yummy, I need the recipe actually :thumbsup2

I think the Mickey vest is awesome, by the way :lovestruc

29apr00

06-10-2008, 09:40 AM

Tasting menu sounds great!

ElleBren

06-10-2008, 10:44 AM

Love your tasting menu. I just got back from our planning session and my favorite part was the tasting. Everything was amazing. The only thing that I couldn't believe was how much food they gave us. Don't eat the day before, and you won't be eating for the rest of the day either.

Congrats on getting the planner and Jenn's dress.

Lana

keenercam

06-10-2008, 11:10 AM

Thanks, Lana! Yes, I am definitely going to arrive at the tasting hungry! ;)

Okay, you guys will get a kick out of this. I wanted to get matching polos off the disney shopping website for us to wear on our "honeymoon" in WDW after the vow renewal. Of course, I suggested his with Mickey and "GROOM" and mine with Minnie and "Bride". Well, Howard went through some potential alternatives and came up with his favorite this morning.
Ready?
Mine with Minnie and "Honey" and his with Mickey and "Mooners". :lmao: Does anyone else think that is the most amazing combination of hysterical and outrageously sweet? :laughing:

postesf

06-10-2008, 02:17 PM

Mine with Minnie and "Honey" and his with Mickey and "Mooners". :lmao: Does anyone else think that is the most amazing combination of hysterical and outrageously sweet? :laughing:

:rotfl2: That is hilarious! Love it!!!

postesf

06-10-2008, 02:20 PM

Your menu...YUM!!! Oh, I'm starving now. Can I get some of the left-overs??? :goodvibes

I think Jen will look fab in that dress!!! Gorgeous! IMHO...I think light flowers may be look nice and provide a nice contrast against the dress. I'm sure whatever you pick will perfect! I can't wait to pics of how it all comes together!!!

Stacie

Valentine

06-10-2008, 02:50 PM

PERFECT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I can see Jen in that dress!!! What a great color for her!! She looks wonderful in those bright colors!! I am sure you had the same reaction to her in it as she did to you in yours!!! :)

Thank goodness I am eating lunch as I read through this!!! You would have me all hungry now!! LOL!!!

Miss you guys!!

Can't wait to come over and help Craft!!!!!

Love,

Kathy

keenercam

06-10-2008, 03:08 PM

Thank you, Kathy & Stacie! :grouphug:

So, Kathy, when are you going to come and play with my new cricut?

WithDisneySpirit

06-10-2008, 07:36 PM

keenercam

06-11-2008, 09:44 AM

Thanks, Lisa. I just thought he was so adorable and clever! :love:

I think I forgot to mention that one of Howard's friends/business associates is a graphics designer and did us the HUGE favor of setting up our logo. We sent him our ideas and he did all sorts of fabulous stuff and came up with a series of variations for us. Of all his designs, we ended up loving the ones that were NOT the ones we originally sent to him. :laughing: That is why he does this professionally and we don't. ;) Here are his designs. Aren't they fabulous?
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/ch.jpg

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/chBox1.jpg

I was thinking of using the pink on the label for the welcome bags and it will be layered on a creme colored piece of card stock, so that the pink background won't have to match the pink shopping bag. OR, rather than worry about the pink shade issue at all, maybe I'll use the pink on the water bottle labels (DONE as of last night with the exception of some sizing and maybe I'll replace the white background logo with the pink one) since they are a white background. Hmmmm.... Sorry, just mulling here. What do you guys think?

ETA: UGH! Not sure why it is so huge. I'll try to size it down.

roozlilone

06-11-2008, 10:01 AM

Logos are fabulous! Very Professional! :goodvibes

pjstevens

06-11-2008, 10:28 AM

Cam,

WOW that logo is wonderful!!!

figmentfan814

06-11-2008, 10:36 AM

I was thinking of using the pink on the label for the welcome bags and it will be layered on a creme colored piece of card stock, so that the pink background won't have to match the pink shopping bag. OR, rather than worry about the pink shade issue at all, maybe I'll use the pink on the water bottle labels (DONE as of last night with the exception of some sizing and maybe I'll replace the white background logo with the pink one) since they are a white background. Hmmmm.... Sorry, just mulling here. What do you guys think?

ETA: UGH! Not sure why it is so huge. I'll try to size it down.

Just catching up after our trip to Virginia; I have to say that the menu tasting was our favorite part of planning, so I'm sure you'll love it!

The logos are amazing; I love both of them :thumbsup2

For options, I would say use the pink for the water bottles because having to add the card stock behind it on the pink bags just adds one more step for you to do when you're doing the bags. Believe me as it gets closer you'll wish you didn't commit yourself to all those extra types of tasks; it can become overwhelming ;) Save yourself the extra work :goodvibes

keenercam

06-11-2008, 02:38 PM

Thank you, everyone! Vanessa -- I hear you on the minimize the steps advice. :laughing: I keep thinking of more things I have to do and so many of those things can't be done until closer to our date, so I am sure we are going to be grateful to have maximum impact with minimal effort. ;) BTW, thank you for the water bottle graphics. :hug: We ended up using the "nutrition information" piece. I'd thought Howard might not love it but he thought it was clever. :thumbsup2

Latest bit of progress -- our planning session materials and our menu tasting requests are now submitted to Meri. YAY!! :yay:

I think my goal for tonight should be to finish up the newsletters. Now that I've said it, I have to do it. You guys all have to ask me tomorrow if it got done. :rotfl:

Kristi1357

06-12-2008, 08:39 AM

Just popping in to catch up and say hi! :wave2:

Jenn is going to be just gorgeous in that dress - it is perfect for her!

Can January get here any sooner?
I can barely wait for the report and pics of the whole vow renewal weekend already! :hyper:

keenercam

06-12-2008, 09:24 AM

Thank you, Kristi!! You are a sweetie! :hug: I will pass along your compliment to Jenn. That will make her feel so good. :goodvibes

Okay, before anyone asks :laughing: No, I didn't get the newsletter finalized last night. I have been struggling with a migraine for 2 days so I didn't want to do anything that required care and precision. ;) I did, however, work on setting up a document with our logo that, when put through the cricut, would result in the logo being inside cut-out heart. Hmmmmm..... I am SURE there was an easier way to do it, but this might just work.

I won't be around much the next couple days. It is one of my favorite weekends of the whole year -- Special Olympics Summer Games!!!! :woohoo: What an amazing time! After tonight, I won't see you guys for more than ~4500 meals. :eek: (that translates to Saturday night or Sunday morning. :rotfl:

pjstevens

06-12-2008, 12:44 PM

Okay, before anyone asks :laughing: No, I didn't get the newsletter finalized last night. I have been struggling with a migraine for 2 days so I didn't want to do anything that required care and precision. ;)

I won't be around much the next couple days. It is one of my favorite weekends of the whole year -- Special Olympics Summer Games!!!! :woohoo: What an amazing time! After tonight, I won't see you guys for more than ~4500 meals. :eek: (that translates to Saturday night or Sunday morning. :rotfl:

Cam, sorry you are still suffering. how in the world can you run when your head it pounding???? be careful honey. Have a great time this weekend.

:hug:

keenercam

06-12-2008, 02:16 PM

Cam, sorry you are still suffering. how in the world can you run when your head it pounding???? be careful honey. Have a great time this weekend.

:hug:

Thanks, sweetie! It isn't easy to get myself out of bed and to the gym with a migraine, but for some reason, once I start running :cool1: , I don't notice the migraine at all. :confused3 Then again, that could be because I am too busy noticing my aching quads, left hip, right arch/instep & the big toe on my left foot. :lmao: See? Running is GREAT for a migraine! :rotfl2:

dawrobin

06-12-2008, 02:24 PM

I have NO idea how you run with a migraine! I cannot move my head when I have one

Hope you are feeling better!:hug:

:duck: <---------- I just love that smiley!

pjstevens

06-12-2008, 03:36 PM

Thanks, sweetie! It isn't easy to get myself out of bed and to the gym with a migraine, but for some reason, once I start running :cool1: , I don't notice the migraine at all. :confused3 Then again, that could be because I am too busy noticing my aching quads, left hip, right arch/instep & the big toe on my left foot. :lmao: See? Running is GREAT for a migraine! :rotfl2:

:rotfl: :rotfl2: :lmao: oh my goodness, you are so bad honey!!!! I know what you mean though. my legs are achy, but I think once i get out and run, I won't notice that pain as much, lol!

nucpharm29

06-12-2008, 03:41 PM

Hey Cam!

I haven't been around the Dis much lately, but had to get caught up with your journey! It's all so exciting. First you and Howard are just such cuties! Can't wait to see ya'll again in January (and the way my running has been going, I might be a back of the packer this go 'round--lots of pain:headache: Maybe I'll just enjoy this half and not take it so seriously ) Anyway, all the planning looks like it's going well. Love all the pics of everything--especially the bling and the dresses. You are going to look gorgeous--so will Jen, but definitely not going to out-do the bride!

Oh, and very belated Congrats to Howard on his graduation! WTG!

keenercam

06-12-2008, 03:47 PM

Thank you, Stephanie! LOVE the new picture! Look at that GORGEOUS family!!!! :cloud9: :love: I am so sorry you are in so much pain. You MUST take care of yourself!!! :hug: I have to tell you, though, it is a LOT more fun at the back of the pack! :cool1: As far as I'm concerned, if I'm getting the VERY SAME MEDAL as the guy in 4th place, I might as well have as much fun and enjoy the course for as long as possible (according to the advice of my favorite penguin, JB :lovestruc ). :rotfl:

By the way, I have to cross-post this here from my WISH journal:
I absolutely cannot believe that I have RUN 4 days in a row. Here are my miles for this week on the TM:
Monday – 2.66 miles
Tuesday – 3.14 miles
Wednesday – 2.82 miles
Thursday – 2 miles

I have RUN 10.62 miles this week!!

Oh, and I had a bunch of other miles on the elliptical and bike. But did I mention that I RAN 10.62 miles this week? Even my warmups were very slow jogs, so I am counting those fractions toward my running total.

I'm really excited. In case you couldn't tell. :laughing:

BaBeeCee14

06-12-2008, 04:05 PM

Hi Cam! How have you been? Just catching up on your PJ. Everything is coming together! I love the t-shirts, very cute! The logos look awesome too, how nice of him to do that for you guys. Also I didn't realize Meri was your planner - she's my planner too!

nucpharm29

06-12-2008, 04:17 PM

AWESOME Cam! :cool1: That puts my w/o week to shame--I did get 3.1 miles in today. Weird thing is, is that my pain is after the run, not during. Hip pain so severe I almost fell down the other day. :confused3 and :headache: Should probably see a dr. but don't have the time to fit it in right now. I'm hoping my weekend at WDW and a week in Hilton Head will relax the pain away:thumbsup2

And let me say again, WOW on the dresses and bling! Makes me want to plan a VR, might get something shiny out of it!;)

BayouPrincess

06-12-2008, 04:32 PM

Cam,
I love the logos. I sure wish I had friends like that! Of course, I could probably create something myself, but that would require time. :rotfl2:

I need you to rub off on me. I have absolutely no willpower for anything. You trudge through to train with a migraine. GO GIRL! :woohoo: You are an amazing woman! I have been doing one good thing for me this week and I've been able to keep it up...so 4 days is something. I have decided not to drink sodas at all and I'm breaking the aspertame habit (or at least trying too). My SIL has convinced me that it affects the memory in a bad way, and I've noticed there are things that I have trouble remembering. It's kinda scarry when you have that revelation.

Anyway, back to you and your beautiful VR. You're PS is going to be loads of fun. The tasting was phenomenal. I haven't made it to that day in my TR yet, but I'm getting there. You are really treated like royalty on that day. The only weird part is having people "watch" you eat. But for us, the food was so good, we got over that quickly! ;)

pjstevens

06-12-2008, 04:33 PM

By the way, I have to cross-post this here from my WISH journal:

On my Cam!!!!! That is amazing!!!! Way to go! Keep it up my friend. Ok, that being said I HAVE TO RUN TONIGHT!!!!!!! I'll let you know if I actually get out of here after dinner and do run.

keenercam

06-16-2008, 04:19 PM

Hey, Patty! Sorry I am so late thanking you, sweetie! :hug:

Small update today--
We finally decided where we want to stay for our "honeymoon" (after our "wedding night" at the Grand Floridian). ;) We are staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge! :banana: We've only ever stayed in a studio there, back in July 2003, so I am really looking forward to having a 1BR for 5 nights (oh, yeah, that is the other decision we've made today -- we are staying through the weekend and returning home the 18th.) This will be the longest vacation we have ever taken and the longest we have ever been in the World! I am so excited! :cool1: :yay: :lovestruc It will be so great to have a full kitchen and that luxurious jacuzzi tub. :goodvibes

pjstevens

06-16-2008, 04:33 PM

Hey, Patty! Sorry I am so late thanking you, sweetie! :hug:

Small update today--
We finally decided where we want to stay for our "honeymoon" (after our "wedding night" at the Grand Floridian). ;) We are staying at the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge! :banana: We've only ever stayed in a studio there, back in July 2003, so I am really looking forward to having a 1BR for 5 nights (oh, yeah, that is the other decision we've made today -- we are staying through the weekend and returning home the 18th. This will be the longest vacation we have ever taken and the longest we have ever been in the World! I am so excited! :cool1: :yay: :lovestruc

Yea Cam, That sounds amazing!!!!

jennifaerie

06-16-2008, 05:01 PM

Wow! That sounds like a wonderful thing! Our honeymoon is going to be our longest vacation, and I'm a bit nervous. It'll be the first time we've really left the new house too. Cats can get into too much! Hopefully... they'll be okay! :confused: I'm going to live by your example and be very, very excited!

DisneyLaura

06-16-2008, 05:05 PM

keenercam

06-16-2008, 05:25 PM

Jennifer -- You should definitely remain optimistic. And have someone you trust very much check in on your furbabies! :cat:

Yes, Laura, and we are soo outrageously excited to spend our "wedding night" at a resort where we've only ever dreamed of staying. The really sweet thing is that Howard insisted that I stay there Sunday night, too, so that I can get ready at the GF and we can do pix there Monday morning before our MK portrait session. He has even suggested that I get a couple of my girlfriends to keep me company over night. Isn't he such a darling? :lovestruc

Our plans are a bit convoluted but they look like this:
Thursday -- arrive Orlando, check into studio at Beach Club Villas

Friday -- DH and DS do 5k; DH, DS and I move into 2BR at Beach Club Villas; DMIL & DSIL arrive MCO and take over studio; DD and adopted DD arrive that afternoon or evening and stay with us in 2BR

Saturday -- DH, DD, adopted DD, and I all do 1/2 marathon, still in 2BR

Sunday -- DH does full marathon; I move to Grand Floridian; DH, DD, adopted DD & DS remain at BCV 2BR; we do rehearsal, rehearsal dinner & Wishes Dessert Party; I go to GF to sleep until 3:30 a.m. makeup/hair appt.

Monday -- after VR, DH moves to Grand Floridian with me; we still have the Studio & 2BR at Beach Club Villas until Tuesday a.m., so that DD & DS and adopted DD can leave all their stuff in the villa until after the VR and return there to change clothes and finish packing before heading to the airport. Not sure whether DMIL and DSIL will leave Monday night or Tuesday sometime.

Tuesday -- DH and I check out of GF and move to Wilderness Lodge Villas where we will stay until Sunday. :yay:

How does all of that sound? :lmao:

pjstevens

06-16-2008, 05:32 PM

How does all of that sound? :lmao:

sounds like i'll be sneaking in your suitcase!!!!

WithDisneySpirit

06-16-2008, 08:25 PM

All I can say is y'all have guts!!! Dh is absolutely crazy, of course!! You are marrying a bona-fide Goofy, huh?! I will be in the world too because I am signed up for the full marathon and we will probably stay until Wednesday morning! WLV is the perfect place for a January honeymoon, Cam! :goodvibes

keenercam

06-16-2008, 08:31 PM

Patty -- I think we might have room! I cannot believe how many of us there will be, so I am thinking we'll have plenty of luggage allowance! ;)

Lisa -- Isn't he insane? Up in the wee hours Thursday for a 6:35 am flight (we hope); up early Friday for the 5k; Saturday for the 1/2; Sunday for the full; Monday, the photographer will likely pick us up at GF at 5:30 am. :eek: I seriously think we'll be sleeping in on Tuesday! LOL!

WithDisneySpirit

06-16-2008, 08:50 PM

Hopefully, I will make it through to get a medal and be limping :faint: around Monday thinking of y'all's big day :lovestruc

padisneyfour

06-16-2008, 09:02 PM

everything sounds wonderful!!!! what a beautiful celebration and honeymoon! How exciting....

nucpharm29

06-16-2008, 09:35 PM

Cam--everything sounds wonderful!:love: Howard is such a sweetie--now if you have extra room at GF Sunday night......;) Nah, Scott might get lonely all by himself!:rotfl: Oh, and we'll check out VWL for you in August. We're staying in a 2bd with my sis and niece for a few days for her bday.

And I don't know if you saw from the weekly WISH thread last week, but we secured our studio at BCV for January as well! Party central!!!:banana:

figmentfan814

06-16-2008, 10:37 PM

:dance3: Your plans sound great, you'll absolutely love the Grand Floridian; it was such a nice indulgence. Kris and I joked that we hoped by the time our 20th anniversary rolls around we can actually afford to stay there on our own :rotfl:

Lynn5700

06-17-2008, 12:48 AM

Aww Cam good for you!! The plans sound great :) Do you have DVC????????

DisneyLaura

06-17-2008, 07:22 AM

How does all of that sound? :lmao:

Sounds great to me. If you more room, I'll go too.:lmao:

Honeibee

06-17-2008, 09:59 AM

I seriously think we'll be sleeping in on Tuesday! LOL!

Cam, you do realize...there is no sleeping on a honeymoon! :rotfl:

Kewz1

06-17-2008, 10:05 AM

Cam & Howard --

Your plans sound great! I'm happy you are staying at the GF. We honeymooned there exactly 18 years ago -- yesterday was our anniversary. It just screams "HONEYMOON!" to me!!

The VWL will be perfect in January. I love the decor there too. It's so exciting seeing all your plans being made. Have fun and enjoy it all!! :hug:

Kristen

keenercam

06-17-2008, 11:04 AM

Hopefully, I will make it through to get a medal and be limping :faint: around Monday thinking of y'all's big day :lovestruc

Lisa -- Can't wait to see a picture of you with your BLING!! :goodvibes :thumbsup2

everything sounds wonderful!!!! what a beautiful celebration and honeymoon! How exciting....

Thank you! I am so thrilled that Howard wants to spend the rest of the week at WDW. It really does feel as if the days leading up to marathon weekend won't seem like much of a vacation, with all we'll have to accomplish, so it is so exciting to think of us having that time together after the VR to relax, try out some new restaurants, and really give our new APs a workout. :)

Cam--everything sounds wonderful!:love: Howard is such a sweetie--now if you have extra room at GF Sunday night......;) Nah, Scott might get lonely all by himself!:rotfl: Oh, and we'll check out VWL for you in August. We're staying in a 2bd with my sis and niece for a few days for her bday.

And I don't know if you saw from the weekly WISH thread last week, but we secured our studio at BCV for January as well! Party central!!!:banana:

Stephanie -- That is so awesome! I am really looking forward to seeing all of the WISHers who are staying at BCV that weekend. And staying there will make it so easy for me to scream team on Sunday after I am done my waterstop responsibilities! :woohoo: :yay: :cheer2:

:dance3: Your plans sound great, you'll absolutely love the Grand Floridian; it was such a nice indulgence. Kris and I joked that we hoped by the time our 20th anniversary rolls around we can actually afford to stay there on our own :rotfl:

Vanessa -- I am so glad you and Kris loved it there. Howard and I have literally talked about staying there since the first time we were ever on the monorail and saw it. I am SUCH a monorail freak that being right there at that gorgeous resort on the monorail will be a dream come true, all by itself! Being able to retire to my room after the WISHES dessert party will be so convenient and luxurious and for us both to go there after the reception will be so romantic! :faint: :love:

Aww Cam good for you!! The plans sound great :) Do you have DVC????????

Yes, Lynne, we are DVC. I just saw your new siggie! Welcome Home! :woohoo: It will be the best decision you have ever made. Our investment paid off in less than 4 years! And for January, we are able to afford to put up our entire family as well as DMIL and DSIL only because we have DVC. :grouphug:

Sounds great to me. If you more room, I'll go too.:lmao:

The more the merrier! :banana:

Judy, my dear, you DO realize that I must "filter" what I say here JUST IN CASE my MoH (also known as DDalmost20) reads it, right? :lmao:

Kristen -- I didn't remember that you and Kevin honeymooned at GF. :lovestruc How romantic! Ahhhh, so you guys are returning to the "scene of the crime", so to speak, huh? ;) I cannot tell you how much we think about and talk about how much it means to us that Kevin will preside over our ceremony (and we want to ask him to do the blessing at the reception, too). We love you guys so much and your participation makes this so special for us. :cloud9:

keenercam

06-17-2008, 11:08 AM

Ooops! Forgot to mention that I finally figured out how to add Sunday night to our reservation at GF. :woohoo: After calling the wrong places and talking with nice but not very helpful CMs, I finally got lucky, was given the right number and talked to the most wonderful CM EVER!!! She even gave me her direct dial number and assured me that she is there to take care of all these details and make my life easier. :love: What a darling! So, we are now set on ALL of our room reservations except our last 2 nights at VWL that I'll book tomorrow. :woohoo:

Lynn5700

06-17-2008, 11:43 AM

Aww good!!! I'm glad we got it!!!!!!!!!!!

Cam I'm glad thinga are coming all together for your honeymoon!!

keenercam

06-17-2008, 05:54 PM

Aww good!!! I'm glad we got it!!!!!!!!!!!

Cam I'm glad thinga are coming all together for your honeymoon!!

Thank you, sweetie!

Woohoo! I just looked at some information on the GF and am getting SOOO excited about staying there. I even posted a question on the resorts board asking how to get food in the middle of the night so I can have something to eat while getting ready (I think my hair and makeup appt is 3:30 a.m., IIRC). I get very grumpy when I don't eat. And that's if I'm not getting woozy. :faint: So, considering that I plan to be in bed by about 10pm, I figure I can order something from the overnight room service menu when I wake up. Otherwise, I'd be eating leftover dessert party foods! :laughing:

I just cannot believe that we are staying in a honeymoon suite. Those are all in the main building, right? :cloud9:

IndyBride

06-17-2008, 06:51 PM

How exciting! The Grand Floridian is such a beautiful hotel!

keenercam

06-17-2008, 08:29 PM

Val -- I almost, kind of wish we weren't going to be so distracted with Vow Renewal events while we are at the Grand. It would be amazing to just hang out there and enjoy the resort. But I don't think there'll be much time to do that. Nice problem to have, right? :cloud9:

Honeibee

06-18-2008, 10:45 AM

Cam - I'll be sure to pack a couple of Cliff Shots in my purse in case you need them. :rotfl:

keenercam

06-18-2008, 10:53 AM

Howard was pretty adamant that I should have the "dangly bling" that match my necklace. I had been undecided -- right up until I thought I couldn't get them on the Swarovski website anymore -- THEN I wanted them badly! :rotfl2: Turns out they've re-named the necklace and the earrings to "DREAM". How cool is that? So, in case you've forgotten just how incredibly GORGEOUS my necklace is that Howard bought me back in March, here are the pix that he took for me:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8dd02b3127ccec3fb6f6aa05700000016100Ibt3DRs2cMQ e3nw4

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8dd02b3127ccec3fa55d580b900000016100Ibt3DRs2cMQ e3nw4

And here are the matching earrings that should arrive next week:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/earrings3.jpg

Judy -- Thank you, sweetie. :hug:

DisneyFairy19

06-18-2008, 11:04 AM

WOW that necklace is STUNNING....beautiful

pjstevens

06-18-2008, 11:25 AM

Oh Cam, that is goign to be so beautiful!!!! You and Howard are so blessed to have each other. Can't wait for our 5k tomorrow!!!

keenercam

06-18-2008, 04:30 PM

Woohoo!! More details tended to! Our honeymoon is now fully booked! :woohoo: :banana:
Here is what things look like:
Pre-marathon and marathon accommodations:
Thursday, Friday and Saturday -- Beach Club Villas
Sunday (night before the VR)-- I'll be at Grand Floridian while Howard and the kids are at BCV
Monday (VR night) -- Howard and I will be at GF
Tuesday through Sunday -- Wilderness Lodge Villas

How fun! :love:

AND -- Our planning session/tasting session is ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW!!! :eek: :faint: :scared1: I just uploaded some pix to shutterfly and ordered prints to pick up at Target tonight so that I can add them to my binder for the PS. :yay:

pjstevens

06-18-2008, 07:32 PM

I just uploaded some pix to shutterfly and ordered prints to pick up at Target tonight so that I can add them to my binder for the PS. :yay:

Cam,

wish I had known, I just got back from Target, I could of picked them up for you, lol. Hope you have a good evening. See you bright and early.

29apr00

06-18-2008, 08:10 PM

Congrats on getting your Honeymooon all booked!! Sounds like a great trip!!

And BTW - if you happen to have any points leftover, I'm looking to rent at VWL for our VR in December. Ya knw, if you don't use them all. ;)

Valentine

06-18-2008, 09:35 PM

Don't worry Cam.. Judy and I will take good care of you :)

keenercam

06-23-2008, 10:33 AM

Thank you, Kathy! :grouphug: I am counting on it! ;)

WOW! I can't believe I haven't been here in a while. Lots of stuff to update. :)

BLING status -- The earrings arrived Friday and they are absolutely beautiful! Howard said they put my diamond studs to shame because the swarovski crystals are so dazzling. Jenn offered to loan me her beautiful swarovski bracelet that family friends gave her. It is really pretty but it is faceted spheres dangling from the bracelet and it has a much more delicate feel to it, PLUS I am worried about catching anything dangly in the skirt of my gown. So, I may keep looking for a bracelet. The one I purchased on ebay for less than $10 is very pretty and matches the gown skirt beautifully, but is also very delicate, so I remain undecided about that too.

CAKE TOPPER -- I had been stessing over the 3+ pound weight of the topper and finally sent Meri an email looking for reassurance or just a heads' up that it would be on the table and not the cake. I was so excited to receive an email from her that the bakery is able to accommodate the weight of the topper. :yay: I am so relieved and happy!!

PLANNING SESSION PREPARATION -- I uploaded a bunch of pix and had them developed (rather than printing color copies) to take to the PS. I am hoping this will be helpful for everyone there. I also cut off a piece of the swatch of Jenn's dress material to hand over. I THINK my list of questions is pretty comprehensive but I am keeping a runnning list so that we can address a lot of those questions on Thursday.

We are busy packing for our WDW/DCL vacation and it is so exciting to think that the next time Howard and the kids and I are in WDW together, it will be for marathon weekend and the VR. :woohoo:

Oh, and one last thing. Happy Birthday to Howard, my love and my life! :love: :lovestruc party: :cake:

pjstevens

06-23-2008, 10:48 AM

I did NOT know it was hubby's bday!!! Tell Howard to have a great one!!

:bday:

DisneyLaura

06-23-2008, 10:59 AM

First HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOWARD:cake:

Cam when do you go down for your planning session, I forgot. Yeah on the news of the cake topper, that's a relief for you, one less thing you need to worry about.

Laura

keenercam

06-23-2008, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the good wishes for Howard, Patty & Laura! I will tell him to check in here to gather up all the felicitations! :)

Laura -- Our planning session is this Thursday. :banana: We are doing the tasting session first and then the planning session. We will fly into Orlando with the kids and our friends and they will all take Magical Express to POP while Howard and I rent a car and head to GF. My DMIL arrives late Thursday afternoon.

We are excited about staying at POP for the first time ever, because it is one of our room block hotels for the VR. We'll spend Friday at EPCOT except for a trip to Carolyn Allen's in the afternoon to choose Andrew's tux and to pick shirts & accessories for him and Howard. Saturday is Magic Kingdom day. I :love: ::MickeyMo and cannot WAIT to be there! Sunday, we board the Wonder for a 4 night cruise with 2 stops at Castaway Cay! :woohoo:

Sooo much to look forward to! :goodvibes

DisneyFairy19

06-23-2008, 11:11 AM

party: :bday: Happy Birthday to Howard

BayouPrincess

06-23-2008, 11:22 AM

Great update Cam.

I LOVE :love: the bling!...I think it's a great idea to bring actual photographs to your PS...Your PS is going to be soooooo fantastic! We loved ours, it makes all the planning seem "real"!

Have a wonderful relaxing vacation.

and last, but never least...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOWARD!
:cake: :dance3: :cake:

Kewz1

06-23-2008, 02:01 PM

Happy Birthday, Howard!pixiedust: :cake: party: :bday: :wizard: :yay: :dance3: :banana: :cool1: :woohoo:

I hope you all have a wonderful time at WDW and on your cruise! Can't wait to hear all about it. And see pics!!

Kristen

figmentfan814

06-23-2008, 02:45 PM

:dance3: Happy Birthday to Howard! :dance3:

I'm so excited to hear about your planning session and cruise. I know once we went for ours it made the work for everything really start to seem real (if that makes any sense).

The cruise will be amazing; we did a 4 day one a few years ago, but we only had one stop on Castaway Cay :( Do you have any excursions planned?

Lindsay22

06-23-2008, 03:01 PM

Happy Birthday Howard!!!!

Cam have a WONDERFUL time at your PS!!! I can't wait to see you all at the half!

IndyBride

06-23-2008, 05:19 PM

Have a fabulous time at the planning sessoin. I can't wait for the TR. I can tell it's going to be great! PS-

Happy Birthday to Howard!!!!
party:

WithDisneySpirit

06-23-2008, 06:00 PM

Happy Birthday, Howard!!!!

I can't wait to read all about your PS and you could tell us a bit about the cruise too (maybe it will help the VR brides, right?) ;) :3dglasses

nucpharm29

06-23-2008, 06:06 PM

Happy Birthday Howard!:yay: Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Cam--have a wonderful trip. Just got back this morning from my girls' weekend, and I'm already dying to go back. Thought about you when we rode the monorail by the GF!

padisneyfour

06-23-2008, 06:16 PM

Lisacope

06-23-2008, 06:24 PM

Hey Cam - Happy birthday to Howard and have a great cruise!!!

pixiemama3

06-23-2008, 11:14 PM

oh my it took me 2 days to read the whole thread and i had such a range of emotions.. i loved reading it and seeing the pics of everything. Everythign is sooooo gorgous.

Happy birthday to you howard may it be magical and memorable for a geat man.

i will keep watching this thread we are hoping to do a VR at disney in feb but im not holding my breath because of short notice. I am rading everything very carefully to try and get details lol we were married 9 yrs ago and it was lets just say awful... i cryed thru it and i cry everytime i think about it not one decision was mine.. so we want ot redo it.

Again everything u have done is wonderful and gourgous...

Dancermomof1

06-23-2008, 11:20 PM

Your story is so sweet and a tear jerker! I kind of can relate to your story and I am so excited for you!!! I can't wait to read more!!! Keep us updated;)

keenercam

06-24-2008, 08:23 AM

Thank you so much for the kind words, everyone. :grouphug:
Buffy and DancerMomof1 -- it so nice to see you here. Thank you for being so kind. :hug: I feel so blessed by all the heartwarming posts and everyone's generosity in taking time to post encouragement. :)

We are really enjoying every minute of planning for our special weekend. It is going to be such a great time since we'll be surrounded by so many wonderful people. I know as it gets closer I'll be hyper-focused on training to run the half marathon, so I am really enjoying the time we have now to plan the DP and the VR.
Howard reminded me the other day that we really have to get started with our dance lessons. :cool1: How fun! We bid on an "Anyone Can Learn to Dance" package at a charity auction this spring, and we won it. It had a DVD and book of instruction and a gift certificate for 3 group lessons, 3 private lessons & 3 open sessions, or something along those lines. I am hoping that if we start kind of early (like this summer), we can decide when the package is done whether we want to take more lessons. We LOVE to dance together (we danced a slow dance the weekend we met and I have literally LOVED every second of dancing with Howard whenever we had the opportunity since then), so it may be a way of carving some time out of the busyness of everyday life.

I think my Planning Binder is completely up to date now. I have so many pictures to take to the PS and lots of lists. LOL!!! That binder is right at the top of my "do not forget" list right with our passports. ;)

KeenHo

06-24-2008, 12:17 PM

I wanted to thank everyone who posted Happy Birthday WISHes! It was a great day and part of a truly great week so far. It only gets better from here. :cool1: :banana:

I just confirmed our Carolyn Allen's appointment for this Friday to get our DS's tux ordered and to select our accessories.

Don't let all the flattery fool you all... I am the lucky one in this 23+ year relationship/friendship/marriage.

All the best! Thanks again for the birthday wishes! I appreciate it very much!

:hug:

Howard

keenercam

06-25-2008, 01:59 PM

Well, tomorrow is the big day! What an awesome way to start a WDW/DCL vacation, planning a VR!!! :banana: The morning will be kind of hectic, arriving MCO ~9:30 and having our tasting at 11 am. We'll have to swing by the resort first to check in so that the kids will be able to get into the room before we get back from TS/PS.

Yesterday, Howard found a picture of a really nice boutonniere -- 2 small pink roses (soft pink, but not pale) with a piece of ivy behind the roses. He would like some other kind of greens, and I want to add a stephanotis, and then I think we are set for the boutonnieres. I also want to ask for a hidden mickey in Andrew's stephanotis, if they can do that.

Howard also took pix of his tux, his cummerbund & his tux shirt, so that we can get similar styles for Andrew. :thumbsup2

I think we are all set now. My binder is full and organized and ready.

Oh, I guess I probably should pack the rest of my stuff besides my running outfits, dinner outfits & 2 pairs of crocs. LOL!

Will "see" you all in a week, hopefully with lots of pix to share! :yay:

figmentfan814

06-25-2008, 02:04 PM

:boat: :sail: Have a wonderful time on the cruise! Enjoy your planning session too; it is always so exciting to go into Franck's! ::MinnieMo ::MickeyMo

pjstevens

06-25-2008, 02:20 PM

Oh Cam, I am going to miss you!!!!!! Have a great time!!!

29apr00

06-25-2008, 02:52 PM

have a great time! Can't wait to hear about everything when you get back!!

WithDisneySpirit

07-03-2008, 08:26 AM

Are you home yet, Cam?? Can't wait to hear all about your planning session!:goodvibes :thumbsup2

pjstevens

07-05-2008, 08:25 PM

Hello there my friend!!!! I miss you sooooo. Waiting patiently to see those pics and hear all about your PS and your cruise! See you tomorrow! :goodvibes

keenercam

07-05-2008, 09:39 PM

Hi, everyone! I missed you all very much while we were gone and I kept making mental notes to share my fellow DISBrides boardmates! :grouphug: Yesterday was spent getting through hundreds of work emails and 384 person emails (OUCH!!) -- at some point I'll read all those sparkpeople articles and the recipes that came in in volumes while I was gone! ;) Today was the gym, then work, then a barbecue at our friends' house in NJ.

Finally, tonight, I had time to sit down and write my TS/PS trip report. Good thing I did it in word since I've had so many computer glitches tonight. :confused3

So, on to the report on our tasting and planning session on June 26:

Our tasting and planning sessions were wonderful, especially considering how little sleep we’d had and how exhausted we were. We were up at 4 am to get to the airport in time for our 7 am flight. Once we landed, Howard and I headed to the rental cars while our friends & kids headed to Magical Express. By the time we’d rented the car and driven to POP to check everyone in, the rest of our party arrived within moments! Once we checked in, we headed to Franck’s where we thought we were supposed to meet Meri, our planner.

We went into Franck’s around 10:45 and looked around a bit until it occurred to us that Meri should have been there by then, so we asked, and it turned out we were supposed to be at the GF Convention Center. The receptionist called Meri and told her we’d meet her there.

It was so great to finally meet Meri. She was adorable and had the best smile and easy-going manner.
Here is the marquee sign that announced our appointment:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02504.jpg

Funny enough, neither of us noticed that our last name was spelled wrong! My vision is so bad that I could hardly see the writing, much less ascertain its accuracy. I finally noticed the misspelling yesterday as I uploaded pix.

Meri led us back to the convention center kitchen, where we met Melanie, the Chef and Rob, our server. Here is the flashing marquee in that kitchen:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02517.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02516.jpg

It was very awkward for me to get in the high director chair kind of stool, since I am so short, but we managed to get ourselves situated at the table, where we became acquainted with some plate and napkin fold choices. It was fun to start thinking about what the table is going to look like. We had seen a napkin fold in a magazine that was not a choice on the table, but which we later saw at Franck’s, and we’ve chosen that fold.

On to the food!
We started with a veggie samosa (lower left) and spanokopita (upper right), with an olive tepanade (IIRC) and a mango yogurt sauce (upper left). All of it was delicious!
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02505.jpg

We even had the choice of butter having the GF logo or Mickey:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02509.jpg

Then, on to cheddar soup which was not quite as we’d expected. It was very thick and rich, rather than the less rich variety served at LeCellier. After discussing some choices, and in deference to our vegetarian and Kosher guests, we are going with the variety served by Melanie, but rather than a baguette, it will be served with pretzel bread.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02506.jpg
Next was the delicious Caesar salad.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02507.jpg

The intermezzo of raspberry champagne sorbet was gorgeous and delicious!
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02508.jpg

The tasting of entrees was a bit strange. There was so much food and I literally took a bite or two of each item, other than my absolute favorite (more on that later).

First was an air-line chicken with pinot grigio sauce. Melanie explained why it is called air-line, and I am hoping that I remember correctly that the name is because part of the wing and breast bone is in place, as is the skin, allowing a juicier piece of breast meat. The chicken was very good but not necessarily a “WOW” for us.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02510.jpg

Next was the duo plate of parmesan chicken (served with a mushroom sauce) and the beef. We asked to have both the blackberry demi and the red wine demi served on the side so that we could try both on the beef.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02511.jpg

We both liked the red wine demi but not the blackberry, so the beef will be served WITH the red wine demi glace on top of it. And we both LOVED the parmesan chicken. I think I ate nearly every bite of it.

Finally, was the Cinderella slipper dessert plate:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02513.jpg
We loved this, but are still very hesitant about serving a dessert when there will be plenty of wedding cake.

2 BIG disappointments regarding the entrée tasting.

1. We’d asked to try the parma rosa sauce on the chicken because we know several of our guests don’t eat mushroom anything. Instead they served the parmesan chicken with mushroom sauce on top, which we both liked, but was not something we feel we can serve ON the chicken. Since we didn’t get to try the parma rosa sauce, we are going to go with the mushroom sauce on the side.

2. We are very concerned about choosing a fabulous entrée for our vegetarian & Kosher friends and asked to sample a pasta dish with the artichoke cream sauce. Apparently, that item somehow got obscured on the list that Meri prepared and was not available for our tasting. We were both disappointed though we didn’t make a big deal about it. I’m unhappy about serving something that we haven’t tried.
When we were done, Melanie gave us a very nice gift of a special kind of salt and salt block:
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02514.jpg

Meri took a picture of us with Melanie and Rob (I realized later we have no picture of Meri. So sad!):
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02515.jpg

When we left the kitchen, we peeked into the Whitehall Room at a reception in progress. The theming of the reception was an Asian flair, with gorgeous red sashes on chiavari chairs with sprigs of yellow flowers tucked into the tie on the back of the chair. Everyone seemed to be having a fabulous time and the room was just as gorgeous as we remembered!

At that point, we separated from Meri, so that she could head back to Franck’s to get things ready for our planning session. We looked around the convention center a bit and then headed over to Franck’s.

The sky was looking ominous, so we paused for a few pix in case it was raining later.
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02519.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02520.jpg

The planning session was absolutely incredible. We met our floral planner, Laura Kidd, and I was SOOO excited to know she’ll do our flowers and décor! She had all sorts of fabulous ideas and was so excited to share them with us. I absolutely adored her and I really feel like we are in great hands. She really seemed to “get” what I like and she was fun and enthusiastic. I had pictures for her of Jenn’s gown, the same gown in the pale yellow that we want for our second color, pictures of bouquet sizes, shapes, colors; pictures of centerpiece inspiration and the inspiration for our altar piece/sweetheart table. I also gave her pix of my gown and the skirt detailing and she had some really sweet ideas about how to bring some of that detailing into our floral. She also understood very well what we want for our memorial table. We talked a lot about varieties of flowers and the colors each comes in, and what is in season. She also had some great ideas for how to decorate the pre-reception tables and loved our ideas for the dessert party. I had brought a BUNCH of pictures with me and ended up leaving almost all of them with her. She was so cute when she said “Oh, it feels like Christmas!”

Poor Meri was trying to get all sorts of other ideas on the table and help us with various decisions to be made, but I think we were all having such a great time gabbing! I cannot believe all the things Meri brought up that we hadn’t thought about considering, and she was very candid with some ideas on how to make things affordable that we might not have otherwise done. I enjoyed absolutely every moment we spent in the planning session, with both Laura and Meri.

Once Laura left, Meri went through LOTS of other details with us, and THEN it was time for CAKE!!!!
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii221/keenercam/DSC02522.jpg
We tasted:
Chocolate
Yellow
Almond
Carrot
Marble

As for fillings, we had:
Cream cheese
Bavarian cream
Buttercream
Dark chocolate mousse
White chocolate mousse
Tropical mousse
Raspberry
German chocolate
Bailey’s
Amaretto
Fresh strawberries
Fresh raspberries

Oh, my goodness!! I cannot believe HOW MUCH cake I ate!! I was feeling so sick by the end that it was hard to even THINK about cake, much less choose flavors. Frankly, we were so blown away by the carrot cake and cream cheese filling that it was nearly impossible NOT to pick that. But, for a lot of reasons, we decided to forgo that and chose:
Top layer – almond cake w/amaretto filling w/fresh strawberries
Bottom layer – chocolate cake w/white chocolate mousse & fresh raspberries

Other decisions that had to be made:
Height & number of tables for dessert party
Décor for DP tables
Audio package for DP
Height & number of tables for pre-reception
Décor for pre-reception
Menu for pre-reception
Uniform for wait staff
Attire for my main mouse
Timing for reception – for dances, toasts, cake cutting, mouse appearance

I’m sure there is SOOO much more I am forgetting, but those are the highlights!
Our tasting session started at 11 a.m. and we walked out of our planning/cake tasting session about 5:30pm. We accomplished a LOT in less than 6.5 hours. I am sure that in a non-destination wedding planning situation, there’d be many multi-hour sessions to handle all the details, but the Disney folks have everything down to a science and I feel like we were incredibly efficient and accomplished.