jennifaerie's planning journal - 3/2 - Made it on the Maggie Sottero Website!

[jennifaerie]

That's more than likely it, Jennifer. He kept saying over and over that it felt weird, and he couldn't figure out why he didn't want to do it.

[alissa2008]

Don't feel bad... Tim broke up with his bff just before our engagement, so he had no one to ask (we don't get out much) finally we decided to ask our fathers... he didn't even ask his, cuz his dad told him he wasn't coming to disney and Tim was furious... so now his stepdad is standing up and -I- had to ask. Or more likely, I told his mom that our parents were going to stand up and his stepdad found out by proxy... :confused3 men are weird.

[VillainesSheri]

Just wanted to say "Hi!" I've been lurking around these boards because I have a secret desire to be a Disney Bride, but I don't see that in the very near future. I wanted to say - I have an LJ too - and yeah no one seems to care about any of that stuff. When I got married to my DW back in 2005 - I posted all about my wedding stuff, and you know what? No one cared then, and I can gurantee they certainly wouldn't care now. :confused3
I love it here though!
I'm keeping up with your report! :goodvibes

[jennifaerie]

It's not whether or not people would care... I care. I don't allow comments in my livejournal, so it's the principle of the matter. Not what people would say. But thanks!

[jennifaerie]

I've been meaning to post this forever, but it took me months to finally get pictures.

Before I got the blurb book, I was trying to find a guestbook that fit the burgundy/gold and fall themes. But it's actually really tough when you're as cheap as I am! :) I wasn't willing to pay fifty dollars for a generic blank book.

I was also having trouble finding toasting glasses. I wanted them to match our likes and dislikes. I kept leaning toward The Nightmare Before Christmas glasses. But then I found this set, and it was less than a hundred dollars for the whole set. If I had tried to buy everything separately, forget it.

I loved the leaves.

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Favors/set.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Favors/set2.jpg

Here's the guestbook/pen set. I love the set. I wish I could still use it. I'm considering having the blurb book somewhere central in the reception, and then this maybe by the door. Then people can do the generic signature and then be detailed in the blurb book. I don't know.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Favors/guestbook.jpg

Here are the toasting glasses, and a garter. I now have two garters! Do they really hold up thigh highs?
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Favors/glasses.jpg

The cake cutter/server.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Favors/cakestuff.jpg

[jennifaerie]

I didn't realize I'd have to make decisions at the fitting. I mean, I figured I might need to choose a bustle, but that's about it. I didn't know I'd have to pick the hem length and, well, okay things. I'm not exactly an indecisive person, but if I don't have a particularly strong opinion on something, I honestly will leave you hanging forever unless you make the decision for me.

So Rob's mom, Charlene, made all my decisions for me. No biggie.

I opted for the French bustle. I think I had this misconception that the bustle I'd have would look French/Victorian/poofy. So I was a little disappointed that I didn't look like I'd have trouble sitting down. :)

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/bustle.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/bustle2.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/bustle3.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/bustle4.jpg

The corset straps will be cut to the bottom of the bustle (so about two feet above the floor), courtesy of Rob's mom's decision. :)

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/frontback.jpg

Charlene was enjoying the camera. She kept telling me to pose. If I was deep in thought, she'd tell me to smile. Then she'd tell me to look to to the side or throw my head back. It was funny.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/funme.jpg

When it came time to try the jewelry again, she was all over that. She wanted me to put the haircomb from Tigerlilly on. This obviously looks silly. It'll look a lot better when my hair is really done. My trial is September 6th.

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/haircomb.jpg

Now, onto the jewelry. Almost everyone I know really loved the pink floral necklace and the burgundy choker. The other floral necklace came in third. You'll also notice that the dress now has straps. Try not to hate them. I know they look a little weird now, but once they're... attached, they should look much better.

This time, you can actually see the necklaces with the dress.

The longer one.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/longfl.jpg

The pink floral one.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/pinkfl.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/pinkfl2.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/pinkfl3.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/pinkfl4.jpg

Choker time.

I love getting caught mid-sentence. So attractive. Try not to look at my face, though. Look at how the choker and the bow match.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/red.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/red2.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/red3.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/red4.jpg

Almost everyone who was in the store at the time came up to me and said, THAT is the one. Charlene loved the other two and was sure I should wear those, but when she saw this choker, she stopped, gasped, and said, Oh, there is NO question. THAT is the one. You must wear that to the ceremony. You can't wear any of the others.

It was nice that she said that. It's Rob's favorite too. And mine. But I still am considering wearing the others different parts of the day and the honeymoon shoot.

Now, as you all know, I am not crazy about the bow. I ordered a bunch of flowers off eBay and hoped for the best. The flowers ended up either being too big or just not matching right. There are one or two that I may end up putting somewhere on my dress so that I can say I wore them... even if they're in the back or under a pick-up. At least *I* will know they're there. But there was one flower that I got that we all (everyone in the store) agreed... no matter how ugly it may have seemed separately, it matched with the dress perfectly.

For a refresher, here's what it looks like without:
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/sash.jpg

And here it is with the flower:
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/flowerapp.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/flowerapp2.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/flowerapp3.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/1st/flowerapp4.jpg

I may sound lame, especially to someone who thinks it looks awful, but I sorta got chills looking at the pictures. I really like it. Rob's mom wants to sew it on... she wanted the other applique to be removed, but I convinced her it should stay. She's convinced the leaves should be sewn onto the dress. I don't think it's necessary. I think it works without. But we'll see. I think this may help me with the whole vertical bow thing.

So that was my fitting. :) I didn't think I looked unflattering this time (though I kept staring at my shoulders thinking, holy cow, does my back [shoulders] look big? Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. :)

[keenercam]

First of all, your back/shoulders do not look big. I was actually going to comment on how slender and narrow you are and how beautifully the gown fits your curves. Next, the gown is so gorgeous on you! It so perfectly fits the vision of what you have described as wanting your overall "look" to be. The choker looks perfect with the gown and I NEVER would have thought that flower would be perfect, but it is. :thumbsup2 I can't even believe that it didn't come with the dress since it matches so perfectly and seems like just the right finishing touch.
You must be so excited to see everything coming together so perfectly. :cloud9:

[jennifaerie]

Cam, you should write Hallmark cards! You *ALWAYS* say the right thing! Thank you so much for being such a fantastic (amazing, wonderful, and all those great, understated adjectives) cheerleader. You always help (whether you like it or not) validate all my decisions and make me feel proud!

Thank you!! :hug: :cloud9: :hug:

[WithDisneySpirit]

I will be brief or succinct, however you want to look at it! I love it all! :lovestruc I think it will be pretty with straps too :goodvibes

Oh, I went back a page and found your great set of glasses and guest book etc. I LOVE that set because it matches so much of your theme with the leaves on it!!!

[jennifaerie]

Ha ha ha! Thank you! That was perfect! :)

[DisneyBrideToni]

Ok. Here is my 2 cents.

I LOVE your dress first of all and that flower on the bow is fabulous!!! It fits your theme so well and it really sets off the dress. I think its perfect and looks like it as made for the dress.

Second, I agree with everyone. The choker is my favorite. I think it looks delicate and doesnt take away from your already gorgeous gown.

Third, I adore your wedding set. It is perfect and I love how everything comes together!!

Beautiful choices!!! I can't wait to see more.

[jennifaerie]

Toni, I'd say that was three cents at least! (Love the new avatar :) )

:) Thanks so much! Less than eight weeks now!

[jennifaerie]

Here's the blurb book we made.

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/1cover.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/2flap.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/3.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/4.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/5.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/6.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/7.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/8.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/9.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/10.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/11.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/12.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/13.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/14.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/15.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/16.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/17.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/18.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/19.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/20.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/21.jpg

[jennifaerie]

The rest...
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/22.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/23.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/24.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/25.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/26.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/27.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/28.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/29.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/30.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/31.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/32.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/33.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/34.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/35.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/36.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/37.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/38.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/39.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/40.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/41.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/blurb/42.jpg

[29apr00]

Love love love the guest book Jen!

[IndyBride]

Jennifer that book is amazing!! I really want to make one for us now!! Just beautiful!

[keenercam]

OMG! Jen, your guest book is absolutely precious and priceless! WOW! The poems and verses brought tears to my eyes. How incredibly romantic! :love: :cloud9:

[jennifaerie]

Aww, thanks Jennifer, Val, and Cam! You're like my kickbutt cheerleading squad! :cheer2: :cloud9:

[WithDisneySpirit]

You really outdid yourself on this book - what a priceless keepsake! Maybe I can do my wedding album to have such meaning :goodvibes I LOVE this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lovestruc Way to go!

[jennifaerie]

Thank you, Lisa! That's so sweet of you!

I forgot to mention that last Saturday, we had a cookout. It first started out as Rob just inviting his family, but a lot of them couldn't come, so I invited my family. Almost my whole family in the area made it (I make it sound large. That's four whole people, actually), and several members of his family (10+) made it.

Our parents met!

The world did not end!

It's a miracle.

[keenercam]

YAY!! for uneventful first meetings of parents! ;) :cheer2: :woohoo: :cloud9: LOL!

[jennifaerie]

I know! A BIG *phew!*

:D My matron of honor is hopefully receiving her gift from PinkCakeBox tomorrow. I'm a little nervous... she emailed and said she's been really sick, so she may cancel her trip tomorrow (and then unknowingly cancel her trip to PinkCakeBox). She's getting a dozen cupcakes with three-dimensional items on top of them. The items will be things that she's interested in. Her cat, television, shoes, her Mini Cooper... I'm eager to hear what she has to say, so I hope she is able to go!

My other matron of honor is getting hers next week. I'm getting her the same thing... cupcakes, but from the bakery that's making our wedding cake. Crossing my fingers on those too. But I'll be picking them up, so there's less worry about her receiving them!

[keenercam]

I know! A BIG *phew!*

:D My matron of honor is hopefully receiving her gift from PinkCakeBox tomorrow. I'm a little nervous... she emailed and said she's been really sick, so she may cancel her trip tomorrow (and then unknowingly cancel her trip to PinkCakeBox). She's getting a dozen cupcakes with three-dimensional items on top of them. The items will be things that she's interested in. Her cat, television, shoes, her Mini Cooper... I'm eager to hear what she has to say, so I hope she is able to go!

My other matron of honor is getting hers next week. I'm getting her the same thing... cupcakes, but from the bakery that's making our wedding cake. Crossing my fingers on those too. But I'll be picking them up, so there's less worry about her receiving them!
Wow! I wanna be one of your attendants! I LOVE cupcakes!! :cutie: :cake: What thoughtful gifts! :goodvibes

[jennifaerie]

Ha ha, Cam! I'll remember that :)

[keenercam]

How are you holding up, sweetie? How is the planning? Are you getting excited? Once the weather starts to feel a bit cooler, you are going to suddenly realize how close your wedding is. I am so excited for you! :hug:

Any new news? Your wedding is themed with my favorite colors so I LOVE seeing your components. Our entire dining room is those rich autumn tones.

[jennifaerie]

I think I might realize already; whenever I think about the wedding, I want to throw up. :)

Today is the due date for RSVPs, and I'm still missing a large chunk. It irritates me. Several of them are from coworkers that I see every day. A couple of them I know are coming, so why haven't they mailed them? It's a huge inconvenience. It's a woe every couple seems to experience (that I thought I wouldn't have because all my friends and family are SO courteous!). Very frustrating. So I hope there's a huge stack in the mailbox when I get home. I can't do placecards until I know table places, and I can't do that until the RSVPs come.

I'm meeting with my officiant next week, and I'm getting my final fitting. It's weird having all these appointments. Normally, I just go home and watch television every night. Now I actually have to be places!

[keenercam]

It's all fun stuff! Hey, be prepared for some of your guests to think the RSVPs need to be mailed by today, not received. Don't drive yourself crazy! :hug:

[jennifaerie]

I'm hanging in there. I think!

[jennifaerie]

.

[keenercam]

Jennifer -- You are too cute for words! :hug: I am so sorry that you were so angry at Rob when he was trying so hard to not ruin the surprise. What a darling he was! And I'm sorry for those who made "gluten free" too big a deal. But mostly, I am so happy for you that you had so many wonderful surprises. You should be so reassured about how much you are loved by all the considerate gestures from so many people. Now, relax a bit! ;)
Can't wait to see pix. Lots and lots of pix!!!

[jennifaerie]

I've learned my lesson, Cam! :) On all counts!

[IndyBride]

Jennifer it sounds like everyone was thrilled to throw a fabulous party for you! It sounds like they really tried to do something you would enjoy. I just made a memory book. The whole time I was doing it I kept thinking it's not as good as yours!! :)

[jennifaerie]

Val, you are so right! I am my own worst enemy.

I bet your book is *gorgeous!* :) If you used the pictures from your shoot alone, woooo! If you added even more than that, then double woooo! :)

[WithDisneySpirit]

I have to admit, I really do want the pictures!! I am so shallow :rotfl:

I loved reading the story without the pictures first though. It had more meaning that way! I can just imagine Rob sitting there and holding your hand - so sweet! :lovestruc I can also imagine him wandering about the driveway like this :confused: I am so happy for you that those special people made it to your surprise! :goodvibes

[jennifaerie]

No, no... not shallow! Most people are visual people, so it helps to have a picture to work with the words. I'm always the one taking pictures, so I feel helpless right now! :) But once Tamara starts feeling better, she'll pass them along to me.

[jennifaerie]

Ooh! PinkCakeBox posted the cake!

The Cake (http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/autumn-themed-bridal-shower-cake-2008-08-11.htm)

[pjstevens]

Jennifer,

Your showers sounds so nice (except the minor issues with food allergies, lol). I hope you really did enjoy how much your family and friends love you! Cant' wait to see pics also. Your cake was beautiful!

[29apr00]

Ooh! PinkCakeBox posted the cake!

The Cake (http://blog.pinkcakebox.com/autumn-themed-bridal-shower-cake-2008-08-11.htm)

OK, this is too funny!! I read my email from them this morning and thought, WOW that is cute (and the cupcakes too) and Jennifer would just love those! I saw the Autumn themed wedding cake posted a day or two ago and thought of you then too!! :rotfl:

Sounds like you had a wonderful bridal shower, except for a few minor glitches. My son has a food allergy and I never expect others to cater to his needs! That's what I'm for! I always have approiate food and snacks around for him. I'd never ask a host for something special just for him! :eek:

[keenercam]

Jennifer - Your cake was gorgeous and the story was so sweet! You have obviously made quite the impression as a darling to the people at the bakery. :cutie: Any chance someone has pix of the cupcakes you've ordered?

[DisneyBrideToni]

Your shower cake was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc

[WithDisneySpirit]

They really did capture the colors too, didn't they? What a great cake and a great friend too :lovestruc :goodvibes

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen that was a wonderful shower story!!! It has all the highs and lows you want in a story! You cake is beautiful!!! Very simple and elegant! I want to see those cupcakes though!!! :)

[jennifaerie]

Thank you, neighbor! :)

I finally have pictures of the cupcakes, both the ones for Tamara (well, some of them), and the ones for Sara.
Tamara's:
This is her car.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/PCBMini.jpg

Her cat, Snickers (I always smile when I see you talking about Snickers, Megan!)
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/PCBSnix.jpg

Tamara loves Lush products.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/PCBHoney.jpg

Self-explanatory.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/PCBSATC.jpg

She's all about fashion...
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/PCBPurse.jpg

...and cupcakes!
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/PCBMiniCupcake.jpg


These are Sara's:
http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140488.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140489.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140490.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140491.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140492.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140493.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140494.JPG

http://lunatunahead.com/2008y/081408%20-%20Cupcakes%20and%20Pastries/slides/P8140495.JPG

[jennifaerie]

So I finally got some pictures from the shower. My mom made me a little album (it was this soft, burgundy velvet). Then Tamara sent me some. It's funny, they were both essentially the same pictures. These were Tamara's.

Here is the cake before it started to bleed/melt.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/cake.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/cakedetail.jpg

Here is the room where most of the shower took place. You can see they decorated it for fall.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/redroom.jpg

These notepads were for games.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/notepads.jpg

They put some fall garland up.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/garland.jpg

A closer look at the table set-up.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/table.jpg

The chair at the end of the table is wrapped in garland. That was the "seat of honor".
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/table2.jpg

The fondue fountain.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/fondue.jpg

The food spread.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/food.jpg

Friends and coworkers-- Melinda is on the left (she was kind enough to make desserts for Rob's family). Sara is on the right. Sara is known as my twin at work. She's also the lucky owner of the second batch of cupcakes. Or was, as I think there's only one left.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/melindasara.jpg

[jennifaerie]

This is me walking into the house, oh-so-surprised. Yeah. :) Everyone yelled surprise anyway.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/mewalkingin.jpg

This is the point where I completely lost it because my friend, who is due the week after the wedding, drove all the way up (and back home in one day) to see me.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/mecaroline.jpg

This is my mom. Or the back of her.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/memom.jpg

I'm talking to one of my favorite coworkers, Becky (she lost sixty pounds on Weight Watchers and looks FABULOUS).
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/mebecky.jpg

The table closest is full of my family. I'm standing nearest to my mom. The two with their backs facing the camera are my cousin and my aunt. The woman and little girl are my brother's girlfriend, Vicki and her daughter, Riley. The people far off in the back are mostly Rob's family (they sat in different corners in the room!).
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/people.jpg

The cake portion of our program. Everyone wanted us to cut the cake together to practice. Yet, we had to stand perfectly still so they could take pictures.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/robmecake.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/robmecake2.jpg

This is the point where I'm supposed to feed him cake and said, Forget you! It's mine!
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/robmecake3.jpg

He does get to eat some, though.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/robmecake4.jpg

Here I am, with our first present.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/openingpresents.jpg

Smiling for the camera.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/openingpresents2.jpg

Everyone was playing gift bingo, so I had to holler out what I received.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/memoney.jpg

We are apparently oohing.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/openingpresents3.jpg

Becky playing bingo. I think coworkers outnumbered everyone else. The woman in the blue shirt is Sara's aunt, Elaine, and also a coworker. The woman all the way in the back in deep concentration is Rob's mom (so now you have an idea of what the moms look like).
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/beckyelaine.jpg

My brother injected some humor into the shower by sending along inflatable husband and wife dolls. Rob models the husband.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/robdoll.jpg

Modeling some more.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/robjendolls.jpg

This present was incredibly heavy. And it had fuzzy paper. I like fuzzy paper.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/jenfuzzypaper.jpg

I also really like trays, I guess. :)
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/openingpresents4.jpg

We got a really sweet, personalized apron. I had to model it for my family.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/meapron.jpg

Melinda was kind enough to make a bouquet (two, actually) for me. I had no idea that this was some tradition for the rehearsal.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/mybouquet.jpg

More hanging out.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/guests.jpg

This is what the cake looked like inside (almond with amaretto buttercream!).
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Shower/insideofcake.jpg

[29apr00]

Oh OH oh! Did you eat the fondant?? :lmao: How did it taste? You're so lucky to have a PinkCakebox cake!!

[jennifaerie]

Ha ha! Yes, Jennifer, I ate it, and I liked it. The taste was very similar to frosting, but the consistency was really nice (very soft), so it added to the flavor.

That had to be one of the best presents of the day.

[29apr00]

I knew their fondant had to taste good!

[WithDisneySpirit]

I am trying not to turn completely green - it can't be attractive :lmao: The cake and cupcakes look so fabulous!!!!!! What a great party :goodvibes

[Calrissian13]

I am absolutely loving your planning journal. All your plans look really fun and original, and those cakes look way too yummy for words.

All the best to you and your fiance, hope you have a wonderful wedding!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen your shower looked beautiful and I love the cake!! Those cupcakes you got your MOH and BM look fabulous!

[jennifaerie]

Aww! Thank you! :)

Not too much to report... just a few things.

I decided to give up on hearing from those people who refuse to contact me on whether or not they're coming, and we now have an official count. 82 adults (84 if you count us), 2 children under four.

I finally made the table name cards, and they came out *beautifully*! Rob and I keep looking at them and saying "Wow." They look really ... professional. I took some pictures yesterday, and I'll post those soon.

I also sat down and did all the tables. I thought it was going to be easy, but it's not easy when you're working with nine tables. You get the people you want together, but then you have fifteen groups. So that was difficult, but I nailed it down. So the tables are done. Then I did the placecards (they're created, but I haven't printed them yet... thought I might hold off on that). So that's done too. Those were the things I was dying to do, and they were the last "acts of congress".

I also did the room/table chart. I think our families may get upset, but I don't care. I don't want his family on one side of us and mine on the other. So we put the people we wanted to see most close to us, with our parents a table or two away. They'll live with it.

Big weight off my back now!

The only thing left is to get some gifts for people involved in the wedding (officiant, readers, etc.), and to order our chocolate favors. They wanted us to wait until the beginning of September.

I remember way back when, Cam suggested I write a poem for the centerpiece baskets to encourage people to use what's in them. I wrote it this morning:

Centerpieces are generally "do not touch"
but the fun level with those - notsomuch
Rob and Jennifer would like you to let it all go,
take these babies apart and make creativity flow
Sculpt, riddle, Mad Lib, color, or play
We want the child in you to emerge today
Whether you love to dance or you love your seat
Please be sure to have fun to make the day complete.

[pjstevens]

Jennifer,

Your poem is adorable. Can't wait to see the pics of everything.

[camara381]

hey there just catching up on your PJ. I love the poem it's so cute! the bridal shower looked like a lot of fun and the cake looked delicious... i must get me some inflatable dolls!!!!:lmao:

[WithDisneySpirit]

Aww! Thank you! :)


Centerpieces are generally "do not touch"
but the fun level with those - notsomuch
Rob and Jennifer would like you to let it all go,
take these babies apart and make creativity flow
Sculpt, riddle, Mad Lib, color, or play
We want the child in you to emerge today
Whether you love to dance or you love your seat
Please be sure to have fun to make the day complete.

Love this!!! You did a great job, Jenni :lovestruc :love: :wizard:

[keenercam]

Hey, Jennifer! Guess what?!?!? It's your WEDDING MONTH!!! Woohoo!! I am so excited for you! :banana: How are you holding up, hon? :hug:

[jennifaerie]

Aww, thank you!

I've gotten past the point where I want to throw up whenever I think about it. :) Is that a good sign?

[29apr00]

Aww, thank you!

I've gotten past the point where I want to throw up whenever I think about it. :) Is that a good sign?

:lmao: Yeah, that's a good sign!

Love the poem for your centerpieces!! Your reception is going to be so much funn!

[jennifaerie]

Thanks, Jennifer! I hope it's fun. :)

I forgot to post my programs. These pictures really don't do them justice.

You can't tell, but all the paper (except for the fall version) is textured. I wish you could see the textures... it makes them prettier.

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Programs/orange.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Programs/burgundy.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Programs/copper.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Programs/burgundy2.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Programs/fall.jpg
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Programs/brown.jpg

[DisneyFairy19]

Your bridal shower was beautiful and that cake looks DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jennifaerie]

Thanks, Christina! Looks like you had a romping good time on your trip! I had no idea there was a Sex and the City tour!

[IndyBride]

Jennifer everything looks so amazing!!! I love your updates. I can't wait to see everything together!

[keenercam]

Oh, my! Jennifer, your programs are absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! Oh, I am so happy for you that all of your theming has come together in all those exquisite colors and textures -- all of your creativity just blows me away. I am so jealous of your guests, because your wedding is going to be one that I would remember forever, especially since autumn is my favorite season and you are using so many of my favorite colors.
Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!

[WithDisneySpirit]

I agree with Cam! I adore fall and those programs are so neat and beautiful!!!! :lovestruc

[jennifaerie]

Val, thank you! I'm still swimming in awe over your guestbook! :D

Oh, Cam, you always manage to get me to tear up. You must come up here right now with your pom poms and come to the wedding. You have helped me come full circle on this. Without you, I would have been a mess. You have made me so much more confident with all your help, morale-boosting, and love. :hug: Thank you SO much.

Lisa, you are another queen of the pom pom! :) Thank you very, very much!!

I forgot I had these pictures... here are the baskets that someone (we think the kids) is going to hold to hand out items pre-ceremony. Rob wrapped the garland around them.

This is the programs basket.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Baskets/basket.jpg

The bubbles.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Baskets/bubblebasket.jpg

We're also handing out tissues too... they're Snoopy/Charlie Brown tissues.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Baskets/tissues.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Reception/Baskets/tissues2.jpg

My make-up and hair trials were today. Will be posting those soon.

[jennifaerie]

Out of all my planning experiences, today's was probably the most traumatic... the one I was dreading the most. Yet, I wanted it done right away, because I wanted to say I got past it. Happily.

The hair part went better than expected. I didn't hate it! Looking at the pictures post-experience, I'm truly impressed. I still have it in right now, and I have not gotten a migraine yet. It definitely is tight and reminds me of why I didn't want to have my hair up in the first place. But I think it's worth it. My mom will be happy too, because there is curl involved!

You may not remember, but I wanted something soft, romantic, low. I was planning on pulling some of my hair in back, maybe braiding it. Then I would leave the rest down.

My mom kept harping on me having the hair curly, because it wouldn't be dressy enough without having down curls. I was open to wave, but I didn't want ringlets.

I decided that, based on how my dress was, I really wouldn't mind an up-do that was really low... almost like a flamenco dancer. Just without the flower in my hair (though I'd love to have a flower. But it'd be overkill with the comb). I printed out a handful of pictures, all low, kinda messy and romantic. I told my stylist to do whatever she'd like in a shorter time frame (we really don't have much time to work with).

I didn't get to see it until it was done (which is good, because I would have panicked the whole time). But lots of people kept walking by and making comments about how beautiful it was and how they loved watching it progress.

It was really important to me that my "bangs" were hanging out in front. It was also important that some of the back was visible from the front. I don't like the severe pulled back look. It makes me look masculine.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/hairfront.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/hairside.jpg

This version (rather than having most of my hair down) probably works a LOT better with the comb, which found a lovely home in this plethora of hair. Ashley, my hairdresser, was stunned at how much hair I seemed to have. She had just cut off almost two inches, so I was concerned she wouldn't be able to do as much with it.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/hairbackcomb.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/hairbackcomb2.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/hairbackcomb3.jpg

The Mantilla veil I had made just wasn't working from the front. She even pinned the puckering parts on the sides of the comb, and I didn't like it. I adored the Prestyn (Hope can attest to this one) Mantilla veil. But I'm not sure if it worked with the Ivana. So another option was further in back. I was impressed at how much I *really* liked this look, as I was ready to nix the veil altogether.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/veil.jpg

It also didn't take away from the comb.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/veilcomb.jpg

I love how Mantilla veils wrap around the body. This still does it.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/veilfront.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/veilfront2.jpg

When you look at these pictures, look at these as my before pictures from the make-up trial.

[jennifaerie]

I've heard stories from brides. I remember how alarmed Rachel was when she found out her wedding coordinator was closing her business and giving her accounts to someone else. I remember other brides who found out the dress shop they purchased their dresses from (Dani, were you one of them?) closed. Hairstylists got ill. Make-up artists didn't show or swapped out at the last minute.

Make-up is one of my all time least favorite topics. I wear concealer, powder, and lipstick. I've worn the same exact concealer, powder, and lipstick since high school (I am thirty-one years old). They work for me. I have NO interest in anything else. I LOATHE eye make-up. I hate foundation.

I opted to have make-up because I hate just about every picture I'm in. Most of it is because of how my face looks. After realizing I wanted my wedding pictures to look, for me to look remotely flawless... I knew I needed to suck it up and get make-up done.

I found this place while researching airbrushing in the area. They were the only ones who did it. I booked the make-up appointments, and then I opted to have my eyebrows done.

I had a couple appointments with Linda. I really grew to like her. I trusted her. And me trusting someone with my face is huge. The whole eyebrow thing was immensely traumatic for me. She did them twice. I felt much better about it. So I felt great (as great as I could) about her doing my make-up.

Imagine my surprise when I walked in the door this afternoon and the owner welcomed me instead. She had laid Linda off and now she would be doing my make-up.

I think this is officially the only time I've panicked in all of my wedding planning. This meant I had to have someone I didn't know sculpt my eyebrows one week before the wedding. I had let them grow all the way back in because Linda knew what to do with them. This woman doesn't know them at all.

I'm surprised, but I actually expressed my apprehension over this. She kept patting and squeezing my shoulder and assuring me she wouldn't make them thin or over-sculpted. She showed me where she wanted to trim, and it was pretty much what Linda did. But I'm still in alarmed mode and probably will be until next week. Ugh.

So here I was scared about make-up, and then bam, something else to make me nervous.

She seemed to go along with my "Make me me, but with better skin" premise. With Linda, I told her I hated eye make-up, and she told me she wouldn't use mascara. Unfortunately, Theresa would not budge on the mascara. At one point, we had a ten minute discussion over how I hated mascara, but she thought it would look better for pictures. Now, after looking at all the pictures, I'm deadset against it. It still looks cheap, and I don't think it adds to my look at ALL. So when I go in next week, I'm definitely going to let her know, no matter how difficult it is for me to express my opinions in fear of upsetting the balance.

At any rate, I felt like a made up doll, but of course, it doesn't show in the pictures. I *definitely* felt more human with my glasses.

I couldn't give her any opinions of how I looked while I was there because I got a "floaty thing" in my eye, which blocked my view. Funny how, as soon as I walked out of there, it went away. Optical panic attack?

I guess I should show you some pictures, huh?

Just to remind you... this is how I looked before I got there:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Hair/veilfront.jpg

As much I loathed how I looked in the mirror, I will admit, she did the whole "me with better skin". She insisted on lip gloss to make my lips "pop". I don't like it. But it takes two seconds (read: blot) to remove and add more of my own lipstick (which she opted to use instead of her own... I was impressed on that one).

I also liked how alert I looked. She succeeded in getting rid of the blue bags under my eyes.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/woglasses.jpg

This picture sealed the coffin on the mascara issue.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/woglasses2.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/woglasses3.jpg

Look! I'm human again! Once she had me put my glasses on, I felt so much better. Until I pulled my glasses off and saw all this make-up on my glasses. Definitely going to use Model in a Bottle (I sprayed some on afterwards, but I didn't do enough today to see if it truly held up).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/wglasses.jpg

That little bit/clump of lipstick is driving me crazy. I just want to wipe it off, but I can't, dammit! It's a picture!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/wglasses2.jpg

After I looked at some of the pictures, I realized I looked too shiny still. I asked her to powder me up. She used some matte powder. It helped.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/wmatte.jpg

After we left, Sara offered to take some pictures outside, since the wedding was taking place outside. I was horrified by this picture. >laugh< Really horrified. I seriously hate the mascara. You probably can't even see it. I hate it.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/outsidewo.jpg

Ah, me again! Me. With mascara.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/Makeup/outsidew.jpg

Say no to mascara! I will allow the eyeliner, but I just can't do the mascara.

When I got home, Rob's response was, Whoa. You look so... different. I think I loved that response. He loves me as my simple, non-foundation-ed self. That made me very happy. So I realized this make-up thing was for me and the camera alone. That actually took a load off for the Roots shoot.

I took a bunch of pictures when I got home with the different jewelry choices. I'll post those soon too.

[jennifaerie]

After I got home, we took some more pictures.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/hairback.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/hairback2.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/hairbackclose.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/hairbacktop.jpg

You remember the coveted garnet choker...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/choker.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/chokernice.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/chokernice2.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/chwglasses.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/chwoglasses.jpg

The floral necklace.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/flowerwglasses.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/flowerwglasses2.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/flowerwoglasses.jpg

The pink floral necklace.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/pwglasses.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/pwoglasses.jpg

I was trying to choose earrings. I decided that I'd be wearing the garnet set's earrings and my pearls... I can't resist the pearls.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Dresses/Me/Trials/sideearrings.jpg

I ended up liking almost every picture with the glasses more. And it seems the garnet choker goes best with the hair too.

[WithDisneySpirit]

I like being a pom-pom girl :lovestruc

Can't wait to see the hair and make-up :wizard:

ETA: WOOHOO, there was another page and it was all there! How gorgeous was your hear! I love it, just love it. That comb and veil with it is soooo perfect!!!:love: :love: :love:

I am sorry to admit this to you, but I am a mascara girl. My lashes are totally colorless and it takes mascara to define my eyes. I like it on you but I bet you will also be beautuiful without because you have nice dark eyes and the eyeliner will do it all anyway. Just be firm with that lady!! :flower3: The lips were great and she did a lovely job on the foundation and blush too :lovestruc You are beauteous, Jenni :bride:

[Beep]

I think you look lovely with mascara on - it really opens up your eyes. I love the back of your hair, but if I'm being totally honest I don't think the front 'flows' as well as it could do. Could you blend the sides a little and still leave it down and to the front?

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen your hair looks beautiful! The clip and veil look perfect with that style!! I agree the garnet choker looks the best with the hair and makeup you are doing for the wedding. I honestly don't think the mascara looks bad on you but its a personal choice.

I can't believe how close you are! You must be so excited!

[keenercam]

Hey, sweetie! WOW!! Don't you look stunning?!?!?!!? :faint:
First of all,your call on the hairstyle and the placement of the veil is, I think, perfect! I think it is definitely "you" and I know all along that is what you have been striving for. You have a beautiful and unique style and it is important that on your wedding day, you are "you" but at your best.

All of that being said, I know you hate mascara. And I THINK you probably can't be very objective about how it looks in the pix because you are already disinclined to using it, BUT -- I do think it opens up your eyes beautifully and especially behind your glasses. If it is uncomfortable, then you definitely don't want to do that on your wedding day. BUT, if the only issue is that you really think you aren't a mascara kind of girl, let me just say, in my opinion, that I think you won't even notice it as mascara per se in your pix. Instead, I think you will notice the overall look of your gorgeous huge eyes.

All in all, I'd like to think the hair and makeup experience was nowhere near as traumatic as you expected and it is so nice that you have all these details ironed out now, rather than on your wedding day. You are so beautiful, Jen, and Rob is just going to be ga-ga when he sees you. :love:

[jennifaerie]

I am sorry to admit this to you, but I am a mascara girl. My lashes are totally colorless and it takes mascara to define my eyes. I like it on you but I bet you will also be beautuiful without because you have nice dark eyes and the eyeliner will do it all anyway. Just be firm with that lady!! :flower3: The lips were great and she did a lovely job on the foundation and blush too :lovestruc You are beauteous, Jenni :bride:

I won't hold it against you, Lisa! :D My mom wears mascara, and I never thought it looked bad on her. I think it depends on what color your lashes are and how you apply it. All but one of my eyelashes are really dark (I have one freak blonde one). I think, in the pictures, it made my eyes look smaller and thinner than wider. So I'd rather stick with the lack of it, the eyeliner (which I don't like either, but I'll live with it), and the concealer for under my eyes.

I was really happy when I got home because Rob wasn't all that keen on it. I think if he had thought I was drop dead gorgeous, I would have been nervous. :) But he likes regular me better. Which is a relief!

Thank you for the compliments on my hair... I think she did a great job. I had pointed out that I really loved how she made some of it come out on the sides so that I could see it from the front, and she instantly promised that the other side would be more like that on the day. I thought it was nice that she said that because it did seem like the other side didn't have as much, but I didn't mind it. I still liked it.

I think you look lovely with mascara on - it really opens up your eyes. I love the back of your hair, but if I'm being totally honest I don't think the front 'flows' as well as it could do. Could you blend the sides a little and still leave it down and to the front?

Actually, the front is exactly how I wanted it. Maybe if people took a lot of side pictures of me, it might not look right, but I wanted the "bangs" part that framed my face to be there. She offered to leave more out especially on the left side, and I specifically said no. Because of my part, more hair is on right side, and I like it that way. If you leave too much hair out, I look bizarre. So it'll stay that way. I also think my roots right now made it look a little less together. I'll be taking care of that on Saturday. But thanks for the suggestion.

Jen your hair looks beautiful! The clip and veil look perfect with that style!! I agree the garnet choker looks the best with the hair and makeup you are doing for the wedding. I honestly don't think the mascara looks bad on you but its a personal choice.

I can't believe how close you are! You must be so excited!

Thank you, neighbor!! I think I may have tossed the idea of wearing multiple sets now. And my mom surprisingly asked if she could wear one of the necklaces that I wasn't planning on wearing, so that'll take one off the market.

I'm surprised it's coming up so soon. But that must mean the next two weeks are going to be verrrrrrrrrrry S-L-O-W.

[jennifaerie]

Cam, we must have posted at the same time!

I can be pretty stubborn. When I got home, I said to Rob, Is this hair me? And he looked at me funny and said, Well, no, because you'd never do that yourself, but... I guess it looks like you. Then he stopped. Then he told me it looked beautiful. I don't think he wanted me to think he didn't like it. He did. I think I didn't word the question correctly.

I think it's a little more than I had originally intended, but I still like it. And I had the most adorable hair once I took the clips out. We took a bunch of pictures last night because I couldn't get over how cute it was. :)

I will tell you that when I was there, it wasn't about objectivity. I specifically said to the make-up artist, I don't like it, but if you think it'll make me look better, then I'll do it.

She told Sara to take pictures of me and she told me to look at them when I get home and review them. See how I feel.

I can say, honestly, without a doubt, and without ANY amount of bias, that I absolutely do not think the mascara does anything for me. At all. None. Zilch. In fact, I think it takes away from my eyes.

I want to keep saying to everyone, Look, it's not the mascara you like, it's the eyeliner! It's the concealer that covers the blue bags under my eyes. It's not the mascara!

I think the mascara makes my eyes look smaller and my lashes look too separated. It's not a flattering look for me. I didn't see my eyes as larger. I thought they looked too small. Not nice enough.

I know it may sound like I'm biased, and of course, I am. But I was able to look at these pictures and see what I liked about them. I thought I had WAY TOO MUCH blush on. But when I looked at the pictures, I realized that no, it doesn't look like that. I also thought I had WAY TOO MUCH eye make-up on. I thought it sparkled way too much. I didn't like it. But in the pictures, I don't see all that eye make-up. All I really see is that I look so much more alert because of all the concealer she used under my eyes. I also dislike the lip gloss, and I dislike how pink and light my lipstick looks with the lip gloss. But I'll let her have her way on that, and I'll take off the lip gloss (be it by my manually removing it before the ceremony... poor Rob will have lip gloss all over him, and I don't think he'll be thrilled with that or it'll come off after he kisses me), and I'll put more lipstick on. And I'll be happy.

The mascara was heavy, uncomfortable, and I didn't like it. And while I was on the fence there, I am now completely off the fence, and I know, without a doubt, that I won't wear it.

That takes a LOT from me. Seriously, a lot. I can't voice a negative opinion to anyone helping me. I can't. I had the worst time trying to tell her I didn't like it, because I feel like it comes off as a personal attack against her (must be because I'm a writer), and because she knows better than I ever will. I actually was on the verge of tears the entire time I was there because I felt so uncomfortable and didn't want to be there. So the fact that I made a decision and am going to stick with it should show how strongly I feel about it.

I think I'll feel a lot better when all of that is done. And once that's done, another worry will creep in (since she washed and cut my hair, will it not look as nice because I'll be washing my hair that day? Etc., etc.).

Good thing for concealer since I'll need it to hide the worry! :rotfl:

Thank you, Cam. I always love how you are completely honest and still the consummate morale-booster. I still need you to come and hold my hand. :)

[keenercam]

Oh, sweetie, you know you are going to be bombarded with virtual hugs and hand-holding. And there will be so many good wishes going out into the universe for you that you can't even imagine. I am so happy for you that you feel strongly about things. Many of us are so lacking in self-esteem and don't even know "who" we want to be on the day that we say "whatever you think is best" to those who are "working on us." :laughing: I think it is so much more important to do what YOU think is best -- then, when you look at the pictures of the day, you recognize yourself and you know that your look is what YOU wanted. Not what someone else thought you should look like. :hug: I have to tell you, Jennifer, I hope my DD20, Jenn, grows to have your sense of style and self-assuredness. I tell her all the time -- "gather the opinions of the people you respect and then make your decision based on what YOU think is best for you, but informed by those who love you and whom you respect. Ultimately, you are solely accountable for your success or failure, and you have to know that whatever level of success you achieve, you did what YOU believed was right and best." :goodvibes

[IndyBride]

You are so funny!!! I could hardly see the mascara! Of course, I have tiny straight lashes and without mascara my eyes disappear!! You looked fabulous!!

[padisneyfour]

you have done so much, so beautifully- I love the programs and the you looked stunning with the comb and mantilla and your hair style..... congrats you will have an amazing wedding!:goodvibes

[jennifaerie]

I am so happy for you that you feel strongly about things. Many of us are so lacking in self-esteem and don't even know "who" we want to be on the day that we say "whatever you think is best" to those who are "working on us." :laughing: I think it is so much more important to do what YOU think is best -- then, when you look at the pictures of the day, you recognize yourself and you know that your look is what YOU wanted. Not what someone else thought you should look like. :hug: I have to tell you, Jennifer, I hope my DD20, Jenn, grows to have your sense of style and self-assuredness. I tell her all the time -- "gather the opinions of the people you respect and then make your decision based on what YOU think is best for you, but informed by those who love you and whom you respect. Ultimately, you are solely accountable for your success or failure, and you have to know that whatever level of success you achieve, you did what YOU believed was right and best." :goodvibes

I never would have called myself "self-assured"... I tend to lack confidence. But I'm also very stubborn, so maybe they even each other out.

I have to warn you, though, it goes with the name, so I think your daughter will have it tenfold! :)

You are so funny!!! I could hardly see the mascara! Of course, I have tiny straight lashes and without mascara my eyes disappear!! You looked fabulous!!

I know. I'm really bad. If I don't like something, forget it! :) Thanks!!

you have done so much, so beautifully- I love the programs and the you looked stunning with the comb and mantilla and your hair style..... congrats you will have an amazing wedding!:goodvibes

Aww, thank you so much. I hope it's wonderful!

[keenercam]

Hi, Jen! I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and Rob and hoping all is going well. :goodvibes I hope you are enjoying the anticipation of your wedding and that the people around you are keeping you calm and happy. Sending you good thoughts and wishes for all good things! :hug:

[jennifaerie]

Thank you so much, Cam! For the most part, there's been a lot of support and kindness. You can't help but run into a thorn or two when you're smelling the roses, but I'm trying to ignore them and move on.

We've gotten so much done over the past few days, and my to do list has shortened significantly.

We were in a car accident on Sunday, but it looks like we both got out of it without too much trouble. We thought we'd both have a bad case of whiplash, but I only seem to be experiencing a little tightness in my neck. The car is in okay shape too. Okay, because it looks fine, but okay because it requires $1000+ worth of work because the entire back needs to be replaced because of two scratches and a minimal dent. Ah, plastic. :)

It's so hard to believe that in a week, I won't be able to say, I'm getting married! anymore...

[keenercam]

I am so sorry to hear about the accident but so glad you are both alright. :hug: In a week, you'll be saying ". .. and this is my gorgeous HUSBAND, Rob" to anyone you introduce him to. How exciting!!! I cannot wait to see pictures of your beautiful, beautiful wedding and gorgeous you!

[jennifaerie]

Hee hee... :D :lovestruc

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen I am late but I wanted to wish you a belated

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I hope your wedding was everything you dreamed!!! I can't wait to hear all about it!!

[29apr00]

Congratulations on you wedding Jen!! Can't wait to hear all about it!

the hair trial pics were beautiful! I really liked the comb!

Sorry about your accident! Hope you weren't too stiff on the wedding day!

[WithDisneySpirit]

Jen! I can't wait to hear all about it :goodvibes :lovestruc Best wishes to a special bride :lovestruc

[thatdisneygirl]

Jen! I already told you this, but I LOVE the photos that the Roots put up from your honeymoon session!!!!!

For anyone who isn't net-stalking the Roots:
http://rootphotography.blogspot.com/2008/09/favorite-shooting-day-ever-ever-ever.html

[jennifaerie]

Carly, I didn't realize you were thatdisneygirl! :) I couldn't see a heck of a lot on my phone. :)

Thanks, everyone. The wedding (aside from starting over an hour late... oops) was *FANTASTIC*. The honeymoon was almost even better!

I promise I'll post soon... we're still getting all our ducks in a row...

[keenercam]

YAY!! Jennifer is back! :banana: party: :grouphug: :cheer2: :yay:
Can't wait to hear all the details!

[29apr00]

Welcome back!! Can't wait to hear all about your trip!!

how about some sneak peak wedding pics??

[Donald'sGirl]

Welcome Back Jen! I am glad everything went great! Can't wait to hear all about it and see those pictures!

[jennifaerie]

We got the photos from the photographer who was trying to get experience (they're really nice), so I can start a wedding report. I promise I'll get on that soon. I don't want to forget any details from the wedding and honeymoon. It just seemed like such a trial, so I wanted to wait until I got back to work.

[thatdisneygirl]

Look at you, you beautiful bride! I love the picture of you guys and the tree...

[pjstevens]

Jennifer,

Your siggie pics are absolutely beautiful! Cannot wait to see more and hear all the details!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen your siggy pics are beautiful! You look georgous! I can't wait to hear all about it and see more pictures! :goodvibes

[aggiebride]

Congratulations!

[jennifaerie]

I think I made you wait long enough... :) Thank you so much for all your sweet words!

The Friday and Saturday before the wedding were a comedy of errors. Some of it felt like tragedy at the time. By Saturday night, I had a bad migraine, and I was exhausted.

We had the best men and matrons of honor over, as well a few other friends. We ordered Chinese food, took a walk in the park behind our house (Mine Falls is a deceptively large park. Most people think it's tiny and are shocked at how much acreage there is), and then we played Apples to Apples.

I think Rob and I got to bed around eleven. He kept talking about how he wasn't going to get to sleep. I felt so tired, so I thought I'd be out quickly.

Once I crawled into bed, that was that. I laid there. For hours. My mind wasn't racing. It was blank. But I could not sleep. Rob fell asleep, of course.

By the time I fell asleep, it was around three.

I woke up two hours later.

I got up and worked out (I have an elliptical) for about an hour. Put a mask on (Jaqua Pumpkin Papaya!). Put my dress back in its bag (it was hanging in the basement, all spread out). Then I checked in our flight with Southwest. Took a long preparatory shower (my showers are usually seven minutes... this was more like fifteen or twenty, so it was long for me). Dried my hair, no make-up (not even my precious lipstick). Got dressed.

When I tried to pack the car, I had a rough time, because I had the "Jen box" (this had all my necessities in it... veil, jewelry, socks, sixpence, etc., etc.), the bouquets, the boutonnieres (which I was supposed to leave for Rob, but it would have gotten screwed up either way), shoe box, the dress, a Dr. Pepper (of course!)... I needed more arms than Shiva. Rob did come and help me, but I felt like I was running late (I wanted to leave at 7:30 and didn't end up leaving until around 7:40 for my 8:00 make-up appointment).

While I drove, I tried to sing the songs I had on a CD playing. Every time I tried, I started to tear up. I kept thinking, Oh my god. It's today. It's today. I'm getting married today. Oh my god.

I got to the make-up place at 7:55. I'm not used to no traffic. It was early Sunday morning, so every road was dead.

The make-up artist was there and ready.

Little did I know that this is where my timeline began to completely unravel.

She told me she only needed about twenty minutes per person.

At 8:30, Sara and Tamara arrived, and she still wasn't done.

By 8:50, I was finished, and I opted at the last minute to pay for everyone's make-up. I wasn't planning on it, but... I don't know, it felt right. So I paid for all that, and the make-up artist gave me a hug and insisted I email her pictures. She seemed really fond of me (she wouldn't stop going on about my dress), and that was nice.

Funny anecdote (okay, not really funny, but ironic). The song I chose for my father/daughter dance was Everything I Do by Bryan Adams (sentimental history reasons). I haven't heard that song in years. It played that morning at the salon.

I was a little surprised by my make-up. Since I opted not to do the mascara, she used two types of eyeliner. She used the regular pencil and then a cream, so I had the 1960s look. My eyes were very darkly lined (on the top). It looked like I should be wearing white lipstick. :) I kept looking at Sara and Tamara for votes of approval. They both said I looked nice. God, I hope they meant it. It was like I liked it. If it had been on someone else!

I rushed out of there, because I was supposed to be at JC Penney (in another town) at 9:00. My photographer was also supposed to meet me then, so I didn't want to be late.

Again, trying to sing. Starting to cry. Oh my god. Oh my god. Getting married. Need to be punctual. Oh my god. Getting married. Wonder if Rob got his cards (great internal monologue, huh? I hid a card in Rob's suit jacket pocket... he had wanted to try it on the day before, and I yelled, No!!... also took the pair of boxers he was wearing that day and put them in the bathroom with another card. They both promised him I'd be there, walking toward him in a few hours. I don't know if he was nervous I was going to back out, but I knew various people around us (my parents, coworkers) thought I might back out, and I wanted to reassure him.

I got to JC Penney at 9:05, and found my hair dresser wasn't there. :( The place was open, and people were waiting, but no Ashley. This gave me an opportunity to spray Model in a Bottle all over my face (I tried that when I was driving the last time... not wise). This also gave me a chance to see how scary I looked in make-up. The lights at the salon were soft and dark. The lights at JC Penney were bright, bright, bright. I thought I looked like a freak show, but I kept reassuring myself that it wouldn't show in pictures (it did, but not as badly as I could see it in the mirror).

My photographer appeared a couple minutes later, and this was the first time we were meeting in person, so we talked for a little bit. I could see she had a very strong personality, and I was a little nervous. She talked about how she hated people being late. She had just told me she was waiting for ten minutes or so, so I thought she was trying to tell me she hated me. :oops:

Ashley appeared at 9:20. Calm, smiley, not seemingly aware that she was twenty minutes late. Then the hair dressers that were supposed to do Sara and Tamara's hair showed up, and they weren't too happy that they showed up on a Sunday only to find their customers weren't there.

By ten, the girls still hadn't arrived, and I had no clue when my hair was going to be done. My photographer (Laura) had left already to get reception hall shots and get the lay of the land.

At around quarter past, I heard, "We're the missing bridesmaids!" Ah, my ladies.

They had both walked in thinking that they'd get their hair blown out, maybe some straightening. Unfortunately, the girls doing their hair had different ideas. One of them came over to me and asked me how much time she had and what I wanted. I said, "We're already going to be late, so just do what you gotta do."

I guess maybe I should have said, Do what the girls WANT you to do. Because they were insistent on really styling and up-doing their hair. Considering we had forty-five minutes before the wedding, and neither of them are crazy about girlie hair, I don't think any of us were pleased with the situation, but we didn't feel like we had any control either.

Ashley finished after 10:30. She had told me she'd only need an hour. I guess that was an hour and ten minutes, but it just seemed longer. Maybe because my Special K bar and Dr. Pepper were sitting in the car, and I usually eat/drink those by 10am on weekdays.

Tamara had originally wanted me to stay and have us caravan together over to Alpine Grove, but considering the time, I knew I had to leave. I still needed to cut the flower stems (oh, I didn't mention... the ribbons were white and were supposed to be ivory... it was an eyesore. There were big bows inserted into each of them. We took them out the night before, so it wouldn't be so noticeable... good move!) and get dressed.

I went over to them and said, I'm leaving. They wanted me to do a little twirl for them to see my hair and veil. It didn't end up being as nice as my trial, which sucks, but what can you do? It lacked the hairspray and bobby pins, and after an unfortunate hug from my aunt, the bottom of my 'do quickly unraveled before the wedding. :(

I was in my car driving at 10:40. So that means at around 10:38, I was shoving a Special K bar down my throat and chugging half my can of Berries and Cream Diet Dr. Pepper. God, did I feel much better after that. At least more human.

This time, I didn't have time to sing. I immediately dialed my mom's cell phone. My dad answered, and I told him that I was on my way there (I told everyone I'd be there by 10:30, so I wasn't too late), and that I needed someone to meet me in the parking lot to help me carry stuff inside. My dad told me he'd enlist my brothers to help and they'd meet me outside when I got there.

Of course, I was stuck behind a slow person on the last leg. :) It did give me a chance (in between stewing and mentally freaking out about time) to notice trees were starting to change (yay fall!)

I pulled into Alpine Grove, and I instantly became calm (complete reverse of how I felt before the rehearsal). It was like, okay, I know now I'm on time, even if nothing else is. Actually, it was more like, I reached my final destination, no more worrying about going places.

I saw people walking around, and I saw a lot of cars. I don't know if they were all for our wedding. I didn't wear glasses there because I was trying to keep my make-up in tact (even Model in a Bottle doesn't protect 100% from glasses), so I couldn't see exactly who I was looking at.

I decided to pull right up to the building and leave the car running before to drop off stuff and then park.

My brothers and dad came right out. Tamara's husband, Chris, was already out, and he came right over too. I jumped out of the car and started to see people, including some coworkers who tapped on their watches to make me aware that I was late (like I wasn't hyper aware of that already).

I pulled out the box of flowers/corsages and gave them to Chris and told him which ones were whose. Then Brendon, one of Rob's best men came over. I instantly noticed that his boutonniere was actually one of the leaves we had put on the tables for decorations with some baby's breath. I immediately threw a thumb's up to him and said, That's AWESOME! The look of relief on his face was immense, which made me laugh (am I really that scary? ;) ).

I said to him, Forgot your boutonniere at home, huh? He had, so he made that. Which, I actually, in hindsight, wish I came up with for everyone. It would have alleviated Rob's dad getting Rob's boutonniere (I keep saying I'm going to get over this; Rob keeps saying I won't. He's probably right, because I get more and more upset every time I see pictures, especially with the two of us, since his rose was supposed to be burgundy to match my dress... at least I didn't notice that day!!).

So Brendon and Chris went off with the flowers. My brother, Mike, took my wedding dress (I think) and the bouquets. My brother, Brian came over and I told him to get in the car with me. He opened the door and saw E.T. in the front seat. He said, Aww, you still have him!

I told him, No, I got this one on eBay. I wore that E.T. out years ago. :) He held E.T., and I asked him where I should park. He said, It's your wedding day, you can park wherever I want. My response? I can? Yes. So he had me park right in front of the building (I still felt so guilty).

He walked me to a back door of the reception hall to make sure that Rob wasn't around. It was the weirdest thing. I guess I thought everyone would be outside, waiting, but they opened up the Pavilion (the room we were in) and let everyone go in and see where they were sitting and entertain themselves with the centerpiece baskets, which was fantastic. But it was so weird having everyone see me before hand.

I got ushered into the room, and everyone was staring at me, which was weird. My mom came and pulled me in to the bride's room. It was cold from air conditioning. Laura was there, taking all my stuff apart and putting things (shoes, E.T., etc.) together for pictures. A man in a large contraption was there. That was David, our videographer (how can one be unobtrusive when he has this huge thing wrapped around him that makes him look like borg?). I introduced myself. Then I bumped into Christine, my friend who was trying to become a photographer. It was great to finally meet her too.

Everyone was telling me I needed to get ready, but I remembered I needed to go to the bathroom, so I excused myself. It was locked. So I stood and waited. That's when my aunt accosted me with love and pulled out the bottom of my hair and most of my veil, so it's crooked in most of the early pictures.

My friend (and pet sitter), Paige, came out of the bathroom, and she whistled and said very naughty things to me about how I looked (she liked a lot :D). We talked for a minute, and then I ran back to the room.

Laura, David, and Christine were going to town on my dress (window shots, draped over the table and mirror shots, etc.). My mom reminded them I needed to get ready (it had to be almost eleven, the time the ceremony was supposed to start, by then... still no Sara and Tamara... just a lot of, Where are the bridesmaids? Where are the bridesmaids?). So David left, and my mom tried to help me get in my dress. Laura cut the bouquet stems (thank you, thank you!), and Christine took pictures.

Then Sharon, the wedding coordinator came in. Neither Sharon nor my mom were very well-versed in corsetry. Sharon has nails that are almost (if not) an inch long, so she couldn't really do too much. But they tried. And failed. And then tried again. They all said that my dress needed to stay loose or the corset would overlap. Laura took a picture of how it looked to show me, and I said it was fine (of course, now you can see pictures that the top looked a bit too loose, and my dress was too long, which meant the straps were not aligned the way they were when it was altered, which meant the dress wasn't tied as tightly... but I will admit, it was nice to be able to breathe!). I just wanted to be able to stand and not feel like I was going to fall over like a house of cards! :)

At some point, Tamara and Sara arrived (it had to have been around 11:30 - 11:45... yeah, egads). Tamara asked if there was some place they could get undressed without everyone looking at them. I told them to go behind the curtain (there was a curtain on the wall in the room). I was partially joking, but I think Laura and my mother both thought that was a good idea. I don't think they did. But they did get dressed (not sure how, though). We were all looking at my side of the room for picture stuff, so we weren't watching them.

There are actually a lot of pictures from this time that are funny. One of my pants around my ankles with my dress on (it looks like I'm walking around on my knees or just really short). Me showing off my legs, trying to put on my thigh highs.

I'm going to try and continue a little bit right now, as the system is going to be down for a half-hour (and hope no one bothers me in the interim).

You'll find the images that I include from my website are going to have the borders and flourish at the bottom, because if I included the originals, my post would never load.

Christine tried to take pictures of the "details" (read: everything I brought with me). Here was a close-up shot of my bouquet.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1.JPG

All of our bouquets piled together. My bouquet was mostly burgundy roses with a few orange-y ones. The girls had mostly orange-y with a few burgundy.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1a.JPG

David, Laura, and Christine had taken my shoes out and organized everything so artfully.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaaaaaa.JPG

You can see the blaring white from the bouquets. I'm really glad I opted to take the ribbons out. You couldn't really see the wrapped ribbons, since we were holding them.

This is one of *many* guest appearances from E.T.

This is a perfect picture of Tamara (one of many as well).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

After the trial it took to get me dressed, we got to more important worries! If you've been following along since the beginning, you know that I desperately wanted a dress full of flowers (a la Atelier Aimee). I wanted color, flowers, no beading, organza, no satin.

Well, um, one out of five ain't bad!

When I realized I ordered a dress with no flowers, this really bothered me. I wanted flowers somewhere. I know my hair comb had them, but I wanted three-dimensional flowers. Flowers that popped!

I ordered a bunch of flowers off eBay. You already know about one of them, the one that landed on my bow on the sash (it took me a half-hour to get it back on the dress the way I wanted it the day before... good thing I had the foresight to know I'd be too busy on wedding day and decided to do it early!). Most of the flowers I ordered off eBay were too shocking in color or just didn't go, even if they were beautiful.

At my fitting, I held up some of the yellow roses I had gotten, and everyone in the store nixed them, saying they didn't match. But I still held out hope Tamara would make it work.

So I took them out of the box and said, Can we do something with these? Can we put them in my pick-ups?

Tamara and Sara started looking at my dress, trying to find a place to put them.

For those of you who have already seen, you know that there was success. Tamara totally made it work, and I think it was one of the best parts of my dress that day. When I dropped the dress off for dry cleaning later, I was sad to take it off and made sure I could see the pin holes, so I could put it right back on. I loved it.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aa.JPG

We had two, and Sara and Tamara ultimately decided that one was enough, and I was okay with that. In that picture, Tamara was trying to decide if another one should go on the dress.

The photographer was getting antsy. She really wanted to get pictures of me getting ready and the formal "window" pictures. Christine caught this shot, which is one of the only ones of my corset. I really was looking forward to having a beautiful corset shot.

This one is nice, and I like the motion of it.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaa.JPG

I had gotten into my dress with my jeans on, and then took them off after the dress was on. There are some humorous shots of me with my jeans around my ankles that I'll be sure to share with you as soon as I get them on disc (still no disc :( ).

Then I needed to get my thigh highs on (all I could think was, It's hard enough to go to the bathroom with this dress on... pulling pantyhose up and down is just going to make it worse... as much as thigh highs don't want to stay, I hoped these would... the garters REALLY helped).

Talk about the quintessential bride-getting-ready-shot:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaa.JPG

That was me trying to get one of the garters on (I actually had three at this point, but only wore two, one on each leg-- they worked, I tell you! They actually held them up pretty well!).

What do you think of the cherub thigh highs? :D I couldn't find anything that would match my dress (gold is different from ivory, and white is obviously strikingly different), so I said, What the heck? I'll get something more me!

I don't have any shots (from Christine) of me putting my jewelry on, but when you're *really* nervous, and you never really wear jewelry, trying to put jewelry on is difficult! I ended up having to have my mom help me with the necklace, and I eventually (it probably took ten seconds instead of the usual two, but time felt so strange that day) got the earrings on.

I was finally ready for pictures.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaa.JPG

She kept telling me to look serious. It was hard. I wanted to laugh the whole time. My face was cracking. I felt like I was in a high school play, and everyone around me was goofing off, and I wanted to burst out laughing.

I don't know why photographers like the upside down bouquet. I wonder if it's anything like when you have an upside down flag. Am I stating I'm in a period of crisis? Do I need to get out of there? I've never understood.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaaa.JPG

I was having trouble following instruction. I think I must have driven Laura insane. I just didn't know what to do with myself. I had trouble looking serious even from the back! :)

I'm not sure what I was doing here. Trying to touch the trees? Trying to conjure up something mystical? Who knows? I do know I was trying desperately to listen through the closed window (and failing miserably) to hear my pre-ceremony music.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaaaa.JPG

She wanted me to sit on the bench and do bride-y bench-y things. I'm apparently very bad at it. When she had me lean against the edge of the bench, I could NOT hold myself up. Seriously. I kept falling over. I was a helpless, foolish bride. You wouldn't know it from this picture.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaaaaa.JPG

Every time I look at it, I think I look like some sort of Greek... something. Not a goddess, but the profile of my face and hair remind me of Grecian pictures I've seen over the years. Okay, maybe some of them were from Edith Hamilton's Mythology, but I'm not comparing myself to a goddess, I swear! More like a school marm!

I love the almost "sloppy" flow of the dress. I'm sure Cam will come up with a better adjective. But I just love how it spills everywhere. It's not so much billowy. It's just... liquid-y, you know? Every picture that shows my dress, I think I tend to drool. Maybe I should have married the dress.

(I guess this shows that I did, indeed, pick "*The* ONE"... which I questioned until I saw pictures of myself in it.)

Several times, Rob's mom came in. There's a great picture of her standing before me, like she was giving me one last look of approval. It's really sweet. She was instrumental in making several of the dress decisions, and she had wanted to sew the flower on my bow to have it be more attached, so I'm not surprised she came by.

Laura took all her formal bride pictures and someone (can't remember who) said something to the effect of, "How about we go get you married?" ... something like that. And I felt like we were forgetting something, but I said okay. I realized I forgot to get a couple girlie shots of the three of us. Oops. There are no real shots of the three of us together, so now everyone will think I AM Tamara and Sara. I get mistaken for Sara quite a bit already.

Everyone left the room. At one point... not sure if it was at this time or if it was earlier, but my mom touched my cheeks and told me she was so proud of me. Which elicited the whole inner monologue of "Why are you proud of me? I'm just getting married, not getting my doctorate." I never quite got that. I smiled at her, and it was a happy moment.

When we walked out, the room was empty, except for the waitstaff. I think they told me I looked beautiful and told me not to worry about the time or how late we were running. I must have apologized to them, because I apologized to a lot of people.

We walked to the entrance of the deck, and a couple times, I actually went right out onto the deck (which I wasn't supposed to because people could turn around and see me, and it would ruin the element of surprise). I saw Rob from an odd angle (we were at a slant, so I saw him outside of all the chairs and people, instead of inside, like in the aisle), and all these people. My stomach churned repeatedly. I was pretty sure I'd fall flat on my face, as I'm a klutz, and I was wearing heels, and I can't walk in them on grass, let alone pavement (or vice versa).

I realized I wasn't holding E.T. I think part of me envisioned me carrying him with me, because that's what I did when I was a kid. I said, Oh, I don't have E.T. Sharon offered to go grab him for me. She got him, but she ended up putting him on the guest book table, so I didn't see him until after the ceremony (I survived). I sent my poor mom all over creation, though, because after the ceremony, I asked her to grab my Dr. Pepper and E.T. from the bride's room (I forgot Sharon grabbed him, because I figured she forgot to grab him). She found him on the table. But I'm getting ahead of myself now...

[keenercam]

Oh, darn, Jen, you are making me cry! At work! Not that I haven't been crying ever since I first saw your pix and heard how happy you were on your wedding day.

I am so happy it was everything you dreamed of and more.
And, BTW, I would definitely have chosen liquid or fluid or milky in describing how beautifully your gown moved. The pictures of you in your gown are unbelievably beautiful. :faint: Everything came together in such a perfect Jen-fashion -- every little detail is exquisite and so perfectly you and NON-formulaic (I LOVE THAT!!!!)-- the cherub thigh-highs, the cat trouser socks, the yellow rose (I remember when you were on your quest for flowers -- I think I sent you a link to MJ Trim), the flower on your sash, that gorgeous jewelry comb in your hair, the mantilla veil that flowed down your back so elegantly, your hair & makeup, the mix of pix with and without your glasses . . . I could go on and on. But, mostly what I want to say is thank you for being so generous in sharing your planning journey with us and for now sharing all these gorgeous pictures with us. I know it is all very time- and energy-consuming, but we are a selfish lot here, and NEED all the details. So, thank you, sweetie. :hug:

All that being said -- MORE! MORE!! ;)

[jennifaerie]

Cam, too sweet, as always! I'm sorry I've been making you tear up so much lately!! :)

Okay, will make sure I note liquid or fluid from now on. Milky's a good one too!

You were the whole cause of the flowers... I was actually *this* close to buying flowers from MJ Trim (I even had them in my cart) and ended up buying the ones on eBay because they were cheaper, and MJ didn't take returns. Lana tried to convince me to drive there, and she'd go with me, but I wouldn't have had the dress, so it defeated the purpose of going in person.

Thank you again and again. I couldn't have made it through any of this without your unfailing, loving support. :hug: :cloud9: :hug:

________

More!

We last left our (sort of) heroine, as she was looking for E.T. and playing peek-a-bride on the deck.

Did I forget to mention that it was beautifully sunny, and the it was about seventy-two degrees at ceremony time (whenever that was)?

There was a lot of scurrying on the deck, as everyone made sure they were in line properly. Sharon needed to tell everyone when to go, because they were all afraid of going at the wrong time.

Suddenly, the Quilting Theme began.

Something in me just... snapped. Clicked. I'm getting married.

"Oh my god, I'm going to lose it."

Sharon told me not to, that I've been doing so well so far. But once you bring music into, it's like another part of me comes alive, and when I heard the music that I had so carefully chosen... it was magically. Watching everyone walking out to it... watching Sara and Tamara make their way out... I couldn't help but tear up. It was beautiful.

First Rob's parents walked out.

Then my mom and my two brothers walked out.

Then Sara.

Then Tamara.

Everyone looked so beautiful.

It was really happening. Wow, it all was really happening. My mind was racing. If anyone had actually asked me to talk, I wouldn't have been able to. I would have choked repeatedly on words that couldn't even form in my brain.

I'm actually crying as I write this, because it was all so beautiful.

And you know it had to be, if I'm saying it (cannot wait for the videographer's footage).

Okay, need to dry my eyes. That's better.

The music ended about ten to twenty seconds before Tamara (I think she was last) made her way to the front. It kinda felt like an eternity (watch, it was five seconds), but it didn't really matter because there my beautiful music was, and I was just transfixed. We had talked about looping the music, but I told him it might ruin the effect. I don't really regret that, I think it still went well, and I wouldn't have chosen another song.

My father was on the other end of the deck, to alleviate some of the walk and his pain.

I think Sharon told me to start walking before the music started. I can't remember. I know she told me to go, and she carried my train until I met up with my father.

At some point, The Old Woman (cued at 1:08) from Somewhere in Time started playing. That did not help my father or my composure.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/1aaaaaaaaaaa.JPG

This whole part was more about making sure neither of us went down or ripped my dress off. Both of us were stepping on my dress, and he was having a hard time walking (as was I... I never walk in heels, so walking in heels and grass was a blast).

He talked to me as we walked. I don't remember for the life of me what he said. I want to say he told me I was beautiful and that he was happy, but it's probably all in my head. I really can't remember. I'm sorry I can't. I'd ask him, but he's forgotten most of that day too. :) I think he mentioned that this was his favorite song from the movie.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2.JPG

I want to say there was a collective "ohh" or "aww" when I came walking toward the main aisle, but that could have been in my head too. Does becoming a bride make you hear voices? Maybe I'll catch that in the video. Probably not. :)

I also really wish I looked more at the people watching us walk down the aisle. I probably did look up, but I don't remember seeing anyone. Most of the pictures show me looking down, as I was still trying to make sure I didn't fall. By the time we made it to the aisle (actually awhile before we even made it there), the music had stopped, so it seemed really quiet. And yet very loud. My brain was full of noise.

I don't think I even saw Rob until we met up at the end.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2a.JPG

[jennifaerie]

I'm jealous that Sara and Tamara got to see this angle! :)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaaaaaa.JPG

Finally, we reached the end (and the beginning).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aa.JPG

There was some exchange between my father and Rob... or rather, I think my dad said something to Rob. I can't remember that, but it was something of the normal, "Okay, so this is it..." sort of deals.

Then Rob took my hand.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaa.JPG

I was still really mystified that we had all these chairs, because we thought everyone was going to circle around the gazebo, so I had no idea where to go. Sharon told us having the ceremony in the gazebo wouldn't allow for very good pictures, so I didn't know if I was supposed to go in the gazebo or stand outside it. I really felt like a scarecrow or dummy, because there was only stuffing in my head at the time!

I let Rob guide me up to the gazebo. I want to say we said things to each other. The pictures show up almost laughing, but I can't remember anything more than a "hi". Oh wait... I think he said, "Gorrrrrrrrrgeousssss...." which is what he said when we saw me in the Maggie Sottero Fiorenza dress. It had become a cute little sorta-joke (because it wasn't funny... it was utterly sweet).

When we got to the gazebo, I asked him if I was supposed to climb up, and he said yes and helped me step up and inside the gazebo. I think Tamara fixed my train.

Then Cathy gave a welcome, which if I hadn't read it, I wouldn't have known one word she said. I don't know how I heard anything that day! I was a little busy... trying not to cry and stare at Rob at the same time.

I'm really good at multi-tasking, but that day, boy... chewing gum, rubbing my tummy, and patting my head at the same time would have seemed MENSA-impossible.

I mean, come on, keeping it together is hard enough! Just look!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaa.JPG

Cathy threatened if we didn't look at each other the entire time, we'd get in trouble, but I had to look away from him from time to time. God, he was so beautiful and happy.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaaa.JPG

Parental shots:
My parents
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaaaa.JPG

His parents:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaaaaa.JPG

I noted they must have been attending the same funeral. :)

Sara looking lovely.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

We had two speakers: Christine, a friend of mine from Siemens (well, she doesn't work there anymore), and Rob's aunt, Barbara. I'll post the ceremony text in the next post, so you can see what they read.

Then after they read their poems, it was time for what we figured would be one of the hardest parts of the ceremony... our "rap sessions".

We decided we wanted vows that we repeated to each other, but we (I think me more than Rob) also wanted to free text some things. So we had a portion where we just talked to each other. Rob had been agonizing over this speech for a few weeks. He kept asking if he could run it by me, but I didn't want to spoil the surprise of hearing it at the wedding. He kept asking how many lines mine was, because he was worried his was too long. Then he was worried it was too short. Then he was just worried. He wanted to say the perfect words to me. I told him to do what I did and listen the reasons he loved me.

He didn't disappoint... people loved his speech. From what I've been told, just about everyone lost it when he read his. Partially because he was crying through it. Partially because I was crying through it.

Before it was time to read (boy, I'm jumping all over the place), I said to him, Rock paper scissors to see who goes first? Of course, everyone loved that. He opted to go first because he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to after I went.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/2aaaaaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/z.JPG

I think I was laughing here because he talked about how he loved that I still get excited when the ice cream man comes (he came yesterday while our parents were over, and I flew out the door... almost sprained my ankle in the process!).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3a.JPG

TOUGH. ACT. TO. FOLLOW. Which is what I said. Or Boy, I wish I went first! :)

In fact, when he was finished, I reached out to my mom, because I had given my mom my speech (she was carrying my little purse, and it was in it). My mom thought I was asking for tissues, so she gave me some. I said, No, the speech/rap session/whatever, and she said, Oh, I gave that to Cathy. So everyone got a good laugh, and Cathy gave me mine.

I got through mine too, which elicited quite a few giggles from the crowd (especially on the line about how I loved that he let me keep my electric blanket on high in 90 degree weather and still slept in the same bed with me). I went on about how much he reminded me of Ryan Atwood from The O.C., and I loved it how he touched my face when he kissed me.

Then it came time for the vows. Our vows were longer than most. I had written them after going through a bunch of customized vows, realizing that I really did want to write our own. Rob helped me finish them up, which was great.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaaa.JPG

I'm not sure what the order of these is... I keep trying to look at our fingers to see if we have rings on them. I don't know why I was smiling/crying here. But I'm sure it was good!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaaaa.JPG

After the vows and the ring exchange, we did a sand ceremony. Our plan was to play The Wedding Song while the sand ceremony took place, but I think it started and then Bobby stopped it quickly after.

Coolest sand ceremony shot:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaaaaa.JPG

Cathy and I wrote the sand ceremony based on other sand ceremonies we read.

After we poured our sand, Cathy encouraged everyone to give each other a sign of peace (hugging and the like). I heard and saw that the first rows did it, but it looked like no one else did. It'll be interesting to see if it got caught on video.

More of Sara and Tamara:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaaaaaa.JPG
Tamara had my bouquet at this point.

We also opted to do a rose ceremony. Cathy had one at her wedding, and the text from it was so beautiful that we decided to do it too.

I think Cathy suggested that Tamara fluff up my dress after the sand ceremony, because we had both walked over to the table to do it. Rob then proceeded to tell Tamara she was a good fluffer. Which made me almost fall over. I said, I can't believe you just said that! Tamara, Rob, and I got a really good giggle out of that. I think Cathy did too (see, more pictures I need to show you, because Laura got a great shot of me laughing).

The rose ceremony.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaaaaaaa.JPG

After the rose ceremony, Rob and I kept looking at each other, and we were both doing the same thing. Itching nervously to hear the "state of New Hampshire" part. We both felt like it took forever, and we were so scared and excited at the same time, just waiting. Waiting. Cathy, are you going to say it? Is it coming? When is it coming?

[jennifaerie]

Oh my god-- did she just say it?

Kiss? What? Huh? (My stomach is getting butterflies thinking about it.)

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/3aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Rob kissed me, and it felt like we were kissing for an eternity up there. I wasn't sure how long it lasted, but it was longer than I expected. :oops: I think I was feeling a little shy.

Note the hand! :)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/4.JPG

When we broke apart, I was beside myself. I couldn't believe it.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/4.JPG

I HAD to hug him. That instant.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/4a.JPG

And then all of a sudden, All I Want Is You started playing, and I wanted to dance, dance, dance!

Off we went!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/4aa.JPG

I have a few pictures from Laura, where I'm swishing my dress. The bubbles did come out in the photos, but there were any pictures of me laughing like Carrie (bummer!). Just swishing. I did like the swishing pictures, though.

And then, holy crap, We're married!

We had no idea how far we were supposed to walk, so we probably stopped before we should have. Then parents and aunts and uncles came over to congratulate us.

Will post ceremony next!

[jennifaerie]

I wrote the vows, found the ring exchange and poems. Cathy, our officiant added the rose ceremony, and we wrote the sand ceremony based on a couple different ones we liked.
_________________

Wedding Ceremony
September 21, 2008
Jennifer Kinney and Robert Cote

Good morning family and friends and welcome to the marriage ceremony of Jennifer Kinney and Rob Cote. Jennifer and Rob have found that special someone to love and trust with heart, mind and soul. They have found support and comfort in times of need. They have found someone special to come home to and they know that they have good reason to be happy together; as the path that leads to happiness is so narrow that two cannot walk on it unless they become one.

Please listen as Christine Holmes, friend of the bride, presents our first reading.

Habitation
Margaret Atwood

Marriage is not
house or even a tent
it is before that, and colder:
the edge of the forest, the edge
of the desert, the unpainted stairs
at the back where we squat
outside, eating popcorn
the edge of the receding glacier
where painfully and with wonder
at having survived even this far
we are learning to make fire

Barbara Cote, aunt of the groom will present our second reading.

To My Dear and Loving Husband
Anne Bradstreet

If ever two were one, then surely we.
If ever man were loved by wife, then thee;
If ever wife was happy in a man,
Compare with me, ye women, if you can.
I prize thy love more than whole mines of gold
Or all the riches that the East doth hold.
My love is such that rivers cannot quench,
Nor ought but love from thee, give recompense.
Thy love is such I can no way repay,
The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray.
Then while we live, in love let's so persevere
That when we live no more, we may live ever.


Rob and Jennifer would like to share some stories of their lives and relationship with us.

[I might post these in my wedding recap...]



VOWS
(Jennifer and Rob please join hands and face each other.)

Rob do you take Jennifer to be your wife........ I do

Jennifer, I take you to be my wife, my partner in life, and my one true love.
I promise to cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.
I promise to grow with you, to encourage and inspire you, and to laugh and cry with you.
I promise to stand beside you always, facing everything life gives us, together.

I promise to try to be understanding and to trust in you completely.
I promise to find the magic of our love in both darkness and in light.
You are my best friend and I will love and respect you always.
These things I give to you today and throughout the enduring seasons of life.



Jennifer do you take Rob to be your husband .......I do


Rob, I take you to be my husband, my partner in life, and my one true love.
I promise to cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.
I promise to grow with you, to encourage and inspire you, and to laugh and cry with you.
I promise to stand beside you always, facing everything life gives us, together.

I promise to try to be understanding and to trust in you completely.
I promise to find the magic of our love in both darkness and in light.
You are my best friend and I will love and respect you always.
These things I give to you today and throughout the enduring seasons of life.


Exchange of Rings:

Jeffrey please give Rob Jennifer’s ring.

Rob please hold Jennifer’s left hand and repeat after me.

With this ring, I give you my promise, that from this day forward,
you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter,
and my arms your home. May we walk together through all things.
With this ring, I give you my heart.


Brendon, please give Jennifer Rob’s ring.

Jennifer please hold Rob’s left hand and repeat after me.

With this ring, I give you my promise, that from this day forward,
you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter,
and my arms your home. May we walk together through all things.
With this ring, I give you my heart.

SAND CEREMONY

"Jennifer and Rob, today you are joining your separate lives. The two separate vessels of sand represent all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As you pour these sands together, you will be joined together as one. Take your separate glass of sand and united, repeat after me:

You are my love for eternity. I blend with you. My heart is like these grains of sands, merging with yours. I am yours. You are mine. We are together forever like the sand, like the wind. We are one."

As the Jennifer and Rob intertwine their lives together please offer each other a sign of love and peace welcoming each other into this extended family.

[We were "sanding" so I don't know how well this went.]


ROSE CEREMONY

"Your gift to each other for your wedding today has been your wedding rings - which shall always be an outward demonstration of your vows of love and respect; and a public showing of your commitment to each other.

You now have what remains the most honorable title which may exist between a man and a woman - the title of "husband" and "wife."

For your first gift as husband and wife, that gift will be a single rose.

In the past, the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant only one thing - it meant the words "I love you." So it is appropriate that for your first gift - as husband and wife - that gift would be a single rose.

Please exchange your first gift as husband and wife. In some ways it seems like you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding one small rose - and now you are holding one small rose.

In some ways, a marriage ceremony is like this. In some ways, tomorrow is going to seem no different than yesterday. But in fact today, just now, you both have given and received one of the most valuable and precious gifts of life - one I hope you always remember - the gift of true and abiding love within the devotion of marriage.

Jennifer and Rob, I would ask that where ever you make your home in the future - whether it be a large and elegant home - or a small and graceful one - that you both pick one very special location for roses; so that on each anniversary of this truly wonderful occasion you both may take a rose to that spot both as a recommitment to your marriage - and a recommitment that THIS will be a marriage based upon love.

In every marriage there are times where it is difficult to find the right words. It is easiest to hurt who we most love. It is easiest to be most hurt by who we most love. It might be difficult some time to words to say "I am sorry" or "I forgive you"; "I need you" or "I am hurting". If this should happen, if you simply can not find these words, leave a rose at that spot which both of you have selected - for that rose than says what matters most of all and should overpower all other things and all other words.

That rose says the words: "I still love you." The other should accept this rose for the words which cannot be found, and remember the love and hope that you both share today.

Jennifer and Rob, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and it is by love which your marriage shall endure."

For as much as Rob and Jennifer have consented together in marriage before their family and friends and exchanged loving vows and rings, I, by the authority vested in me as a Justice of the Peace in the State of New Hampshire, pronounce you husband and wife. YOU MAY KISS YOUR BRIDE.

It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you Mr. Rob and Mrs. Jennifer Cote.

[I was thrilled that she introduced us with both our names. I get really frustrated when I just hear "Mrs. Rob Cote"... I'm more than that. I'm my own person. I have a name. I never refer to Rob as "my boyfriend-signficant other-fiance-"... he's always Rob. And it'll be like that now... so it was great that I was named as well.]

[keenercam]

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. And I too love when Howard holds my face when he kisses me -- it is the ultimate loving and romantic gesture, I think --that connection. The picture of you laughing suddenly while Rob is reading his vows to you is the BEST! And the hug! AWESOME!! That says so much about how you were in the moment and so into each other and not at all concerned about what was supposed to happen next, just a celebration of the joy of being married. GORGEOUS!!

[29apr00]

What a beautiful ceremony!! So full of love and hope for your life together!! congratulations!!

[IndyBride]

Jennifer that was such a beautiful ceremony. I don't think I have ever gotten so emotional reading someone's ceremony on these boards. And i LOVED the rose ceremony. I think I'm going to do one. It was so beautiful, you were so beautiful!! And I agree, the dress was milky! Thank you so much for sharing your day with us.

[Lynn5700]

Aww Jennifer everything is so beautiful!!!!! The colors are amzing, love it. Congrats girl :)

[Lynn5700]

Your dad is so cute btw!!

[WithDisneySpirit]

Oh my goodness, Jennifer!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have loved everything you have written - what a glorious day so far! :flower3: I even read the vows and sometimes I just skim them but yours were so meaningful and beautiful to me :lovestruc You always put so much love and down to earth-ness into your posting too, it was such a wonderful pleasure to read - AND you looked so beautiful :bride: :love: I can't wait to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes

[alissa2008]

yay!! Everything was gorgeous! OMG girl talk about drop-dead-hottie!! You looked phenomenal!! I love your hair color for sure! I can't wait for more!

:goodvibes

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen your wedding was so beautiful! I got tears in my eyes! You and Rob look so happy and in love! The setting was so perfect for you and you looked stunning in your dress!!

[WithDisneySpirit]

I was just looking at the pictures again and your hair looked great (loved the comb :lovestruc ) what are you talking about that it fell??

Also, your mom's dress was so great too! Tell her I thought it was magnificent as well :goodvibes

[dstevens]

oops, hubby was still signed on. sorry

[pjstevens]

Jennifer,

Wow, I am sitting here crying. Your ceremony was so beautiful and you and Rob both look stunning! I loved the flowers on your pick ups!

[jennifaerie]

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful. And I too love when Howard holds my face when he kisses me -- it is the ultimate loving and romantic gesture, I think --that connection. The picture of you laughing suddenly while Rob is reading his vows to you is the BEST! And the hug! AWESOME!! That says so much about how you were in the moment and so into each other and not at all concerned about what was supposed to happen next, just a celebration of the joy of being married. GORGEOUS!!

Thank you again, Cam. I tried to keep everything light that day, and I think the high school drama club person came out in me. When I'm in a nerve-wracking situation, I tend to have this sense of humor. So a lot of improve ensued. :) :cloud9:

What a beautiful ceremony!! So full of love and hope for your life together!! congratulations!!

Thank you so much, Jennifer! And you gave me lots of help on the sand ceremony. :) Thank you for that!

Jennifer that was such a beautiful ceremony. I don't think I have ever gotten so emotional reading someone's ceremony on these boards. And i LOVED the rose ceremony. I think I'm going to do one. It was so beautiful, you were so beautiful!! And I agree, the dress was milky! Thank you so much for sharing your day with us.

Val, thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I had only heard of rose ceremonies for mothers and lost relatives. This was completely new to me, and I really liked it a lot. We did end up picking a spot at home and left our ceremony roses there (and they survived the honeymoon, despite having four cats who might have mauled them while we were gone! :) ). :hug:

Aww Jennifer everything is so beautiful!!!!! The colors are amzing, love it. Congrats girl :)

Aww, Lynnie, thank you!! I'm going to have to tell my dad you think he's cute. He's having surgery today!

Oh my goodness, Jennifer!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have loved everything you have written - what a glorious day so far! :flower3: I even read the vows and sometimes I just skim them but yours were so meaningful and beautiful to me :lovestruc You always put so much love and down to earth-ness into your posting too, it was such a wonderful pleasure to read - AND you looked so beautiful :bride: :love: I can't wait to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :goodvibes

Thank you, thank you! I'm all teary reading your comments! I try to write as I speak so that it's easier for people to get into. I'm glad you enjoy it. :D :lovestruc :hug:

yay!! Everything was gorgeous! OMG girl talk about drop-dead-hottie!! You looked phenomenal!! I love your hair color for sure! I can't wait for more!

:goodvibes

Woo! I told Rob you said that, and he said, Hell yeah! :rotfl: :) Thanks, Alissa. :D

Jen your wedding was so beautiful! I got tears in my eyes! You and Rob look so happy and in love! The setting was so perfect for you and you looked stunning in your dress!!

Thank you! I was expecting you to crash! Where were you? ;) I'm still having trouble taking compliments, but it's getting nicer and nicer to hear. After being so worried it wasn't the right dress... :cutie: :cloud9: :)

I was just looking at the pictures again and your hair looked great (loved the comb :lovestruc ) what are you talking about that it fell??

Also, your mom's dress was so great too! Tell her I thought it was magnificent as well :goodvibes

The left side of it kept coming out. In some pictures, you can actually see the bobby pin hanging by a lock. And my veil was off-kilter. But my photographer caught the veil and fixed it. My mom and I tried to fix the hair, but it was pointless; it kept falling out. You can tell the time of the picture, based on how much hair from the bottom was coming out. If it looked steady, it was at the beginning. If it was all trickling down my neck, it was toward the end! :)





I will tell my mom you liked her dress... she was nervous about it. I actually just saw pictures from another wedding where the maid of honor wore the same one! :)

Jennifer,

Wow, I am sitting here crying. Your ceremony was so beautiful and you and Rob both look stunning! I loved the flowers on your pick ups!

Patty, thank you so much!! :hug:

[Donald'sGirl]

Thank you! I was expecting you to crash! Where were you? ;) I'm still having trouble taking compliments, but it's getting nicer and nicer to hear. After being so worried it wasn't the right dress... :cutie: :cloud9: :)

:lmao: Damn! I completley forgot to do that! Well you are just going to have to get married again, maybe a VR, and I promise to crash! :rotfl2: You were just up the street too! Guess what?? I was reading who was doing your hair for the wedding and that is my DF's hairdresser at JC's too!!! I was like I know Ashley! DF got a kick out of it too!

[jennifaerie]

Oh, that's funny! Small world. I've been meaning to call and make an appointment. Ashley is the only one I trust, and she always does a great job.

[megveg]

ahhh im sitting here balllinggggg<3 absolutely lovely <33 congratsss :-D!

[Donald'sGirl]

Yeah she is the only who can get DF's hair just the way he likes it! Too funny! My son goes to another girl there but for the life of me I can't remember. :rotfl2:

[jennifaerie]

The wedding was over, so supposedly that meant I could relax. I think I may have a little, though that word is not in my vocabulary.

There are a ton of pictures post-wedding that are in the "professional bin", but I still don't have the disc yet.

I was very thirsty from all the talking, so I asked my mom to go run and grab my Dr. Pepper and E.T. (after all the congratulatory hugging and kissing). She came back about five or ten minutes later, because E.T. was moved to the guest book table, and she was looking everywhere but.

I made a big boo boo when I drank that Dr. Pepper. I must have thought there was less in the can, and I tipped it back a little too quickly. Only to have it spill.

Yeah, go me.

So I immediately dropped my upper half down (i.e. I bent over very quickly) to see if it would fall to the ground instead of my dress.

Alas, I did get soda on my dress, but my dress was 100% polyester, baby, so it came right off the pick-ups. I think my bodice got a little stained, but you couldn't see it because the stitching and beading distracted people who like pretty things. That was good.

Of course, we told the bridal party no formal shots (and they were very relieved). So they were a little taken aback when this occurred:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/4aaa.JPG
Left to right: Brendon, Tamara, Jeff, Sara

Oops!

Sara had a rough day because she (like me) wears glasses. But hers are Transition lenses. So if she had worn them all day, they would have been dark. So the poor girl squinted all day instead. :(

Everyone went off to the reception, while Tamara grabbed my boots and socks, and Sara carried the train.

Tamara was loved by the camera all day.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/4aaaa.JPG

We were trying to figure out where to take pictures first (well, before that, mayhem ensued while I tried to change into my boots while standing up. I have NO balance... so this was amusing... but those pictures are still not here yet, unless you look on the pictage website).

We wanted to take pictures on the bridge, but Rob also wanted pictures of us playing miniature golf (yes, there was miniature golf). So we stopped there first.

More kissing. Jeez, these guys should get a room.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5.JPG

On top of all the other decisions I had to make for that day, I was also charged with choosing the color ball we played with. My brain was fried. Rob chose red. It was appropriate. And E.T. helped too!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5a.JPG

Whee!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5aa.JPG

No E.T.'s were injured during this photo shoot.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5aaa.JPG

You can see the reception hall behind us.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5aaaa.JPG

Laura asked if we would stop in front of the building. I didn't realize it at the time, but now looking at the pictures, I realize it was right in front of the "bride's room" because the lamp is showing through the window (that you can't see right here).

Of all the pictures of the day, these give the best contrast. Love, love, love them. I love the look on my face. Probably because I don't look like a monkey.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5aaaaa.JPG

One of the best photos of the day.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/5aaaaaa.JPG

If you're keeping track or playing Where's E.T.?, he's in this picture. :)

Then it was time to head to the bridge.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6.JPG I felt bad about Sara carrying my train everywhere, so I tried to carry it. Almost successfully.

We were so nervous that we would behave badly for the photographer. We wouldn't listen. We'd do stuff wrong. Our smiles would look forced. But both of us were either really tired, really happy, or both, so we did whatever they asked (which would explain some of the bra shots and me lifting up my dress a lot... imagine if I had had anything to drink!!).

We told Laura we wanted walking shots. Us walking together, her photographing from the back. We also wanted to carry E.T., hand in hand.

The logistics of it never occurred to me.

See, most stuffed animals have stuffing evenly distributed.

But E.T. has a HONKING big head (no offense, little guy). His head was heavier than the rest of his body. So when Rob and I held his hands, he just fell backwards.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6a.JPG

Okay, that one didn't look so bad.

But most pictures came out like this.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aa.JPG

I had wanted pictures with and without my glasses. I realized I had no formal pictures (outside of when we "played" golf) with my glasses on. I would have loved these to be glasses-ful. I think my eyebrows look weird. I know, I know.

Come on, E.T., we're not THAT bad!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aaaa.JPG

I think he's misbehaving on purpose.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aaaaa.JPG

There are some great "aerial" or should I say, "groundial" shots of us here that were done by Laura. She focused upward. Not only did it make my pick-ups look cool, it showed the height of the trees, which you couldn't necessarily get from just these.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aaaaaa.JPG

See what I mean about being willing to do anything?
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aaaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aaaaaaaa.JPG

I don't know if it's all happiness or wedding day-ness, though. I may just be an exhibitionist-- I lifted my dress quite a bit for the Roots too!

I am sad about not getting a shot of my hair without the comb, but Christine did catch this nice shot with the veil. It was outside, so she got the glow of my hair too.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/6aaaaaaaaa.JPG

Only now do I understand why all my coworkers call me a redhead.

Laura asked if we were willing to sit on the bridge. I was like, I'll do anything for the camera!

So she had us sit and get in this bizarre position that looks comfortable, but it's obvious that our parents slipped Laura a five to punish us for not taking formal pictures.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7.JPG

Stop looking at my eyebrows! Oh, I see you scrolling up and saying, What? They look fine! I know! I'm watching you!

>cough< Ahem.

This is when I become delirious from lack of sleep.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7a.JPG

Funny how in most pictures, only one of us looks right. Like, I'll have this gorgeous look on my face, and Rob will look like he needs to pee. Or I'll look delirious (as evidenced above), and he'll look all pensive and beautiful.

SOMETIMES, we can pull it off together.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7aa.JPG

We also skipped the whole "hand" thing... so this is one of the few pictures where you can catch our rings. Thank goodness, you saw close-ups of them, so you know about the oak leaves.

We really wanted to get shots of our rings on a leaf. But that never happened. But Rob took some excellent shots of our rings when we got back from our honeymoon, so don't let me forget to show you those.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7aaa.JPG

I love this picture. It's "milkiness in action"! The red at the bottom is my bouquet. I note this because you know how photographers like to get that shot of the bouquet on the dress? Well, the bouquet was on my dress, and NOT ONE photo has it. Oops!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7aaaa.JPG

[jennifaerie]

Thank goodness that the camera (or Photoshop) hides all the blackness on my pick-ups, because I'm pretty sure sitting on the bridge made my dress filthy (though I didn't notice most of it until we got home that night).

It was time to stand up and take pictures of us... standing. On the bridge.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7aaaaa.JPG
(E.T., I see you!)

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7aaaaaa.JPG
E.T., I see you there too! But this is the very first time I noticed you!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/7aaaaaaa.JPG

When I'm showing people these pictures, I like to play a game. I go back and forth on the last to shots, over and over again. It's like videography! You can see the motion of us kissing. Woo!

Seriously! Get a room!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8.JPG

I thought my bouquet looked sad... like it didn't have enough roses in it. But these pictures show me (sometimes I need someone to smack me... or show me pictures) that it was fine. Beautiful, actually.

I never thought I'd be okay with wearing a veil like this either, and it looked lovely.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8a.JPG
Note: This was the shot we sent to the newspaper. It was the only vertical shot where you could see both of us nicely. But still no frontal shot.

There were several shots in front of the frog pond. Rob wanted to take pictures at this gazebo, but there are always chairs sitting in the gazebo, and we didn't want to move them.

As we were wrapping up, I asked if we could take pictures with the trees. I wanted us to be standing in front of the separate trees and peeking around them. Well, we got one of them! :)

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aa.JPG

This is our favorite picture (of pretty much all pictures we've gotten from that day).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaa.JPG
I submitted this one to Maggie Sottero.

We do have a lot of pictures of us looking at the camera...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaaa.JPG

Just separately!

And then there are the fun ones...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaaaa.JPG

And by god, more kissing!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaaaaa.JPG

Guys, didn't I tell you to get a room?

I'm posting this because I seem to be posting all of them. It's not one of my favorites. I don't know what I was doing or thinking at this time. But based on my eyeballs, I'm guessing I'm widening my eyes to stretch them, like you'd stretch your legs. I'm very tired, you know.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaaaaaa.JPG

We spied on these guys a bit too.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaaaaaaa.JPG

Tamara got to be my almighty purse keeper.

I was told to wiggle my butt a lot. I don't know if this is before or after Sara, Tamara, AND Rob all worked together to bustle my dress.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/8aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Then we wandered around the building (I'm sure more happened, but it's hard when I don't have those professional shots to show you... did I forget to mention that part?), and it was time to get ready to be introduced. I'm sure people were starving by now!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen your pictures came out beauifully! I love the shots that have E.T., that is so cute!

[pjstevens]

Oh my goodness, no tears today, except maybe for laughing so hard. You are so funny! I love the way you just KNOW we are going to scroll back up to see those eyebrows, lol. And ET is adorable in those shots (especially when he's hidden and you have to look for him), lol.

Can't wait to see more! :goodvibes

[WithDisneySpirit]

How wonderful that you got the pictures you wanted from your photographer. I really love all the pictures: I think the tree shot may very well be my favorite too :lovestruc :cloud9: :love: :goodvibes Can't wait for you to share more!!!

Oh, and be proud of those beauteous brows - I have to fill mine in with brow liner ;) :rotfl:

[jennifaerie]

Jen your pictures came out beauifully! I love the shots that have E.T., that is so cute!

Thanks! It's funny how no one batted an eyelash at him. Or anything that day. People know me! :)

Oh my goodness, no tears today, except maybe for laughing so hard. You are so funny! I love the way you just KNOW we are going to scroll back up to see those eyebrows, lol. And ET is adorable in those shots (especially when he's hidden and you have to look for him), lol.

Can't wait to see more! :goodvibes

Oh, I'm so glad there was laughter! I like making people laugh. E.T. must too, because I actually had fun trying to find him in each picture as I was writing.

How wonderful that you got the pictures you wanted from your photographer. I really love all the pictures: I think the tree shot may very well be my favorite too :lovestruc :cloud9: :love: :goodvibes Can't wait for you to share more!!!

Oh, and be proud of those beauteous brows - I have to fill mine in with brow liner ;) :rotfl:

Well, be prepared-- there are over nine hundred more pictures! :rotfl: I probably won't show ALL of them. Only eight hundred ninety-nine! :)

My eyebrows were almost double the size they are now at one point. There was one part of one that was "missing", and when I got them waxed, my make-up artist told me to make sure I let it grow in (of course, this was a week before the wedding). She filled that one section in to show me what it would look like, and it looked much better. But she missed filling it in that day. Oops.

[29apr00]

Beautiful puics!! I love ET! He's so cute in there! And you're right, your bouquet was just beautiful! I love the orange and red colors!

[jennifaerie]

Thank you so much, Jennifer!! :)

As we were getting ready to be introduced, I got to meet one of Rob's friends. We've always talked about getting together, but he works a lot of hours, so I've never had the chance. That was a nice break from wedding craziness.

I kept telling Tamara that the music I chose for the bridal party entrance was for her. She didn't want me to spoil the surprise, so I didn't tell her what it was. Bobby was going over who was going to be introduced when, how their names were pronounced (there's a fantastic shot of Bobby with his clipboard... you can see that he writes everyone's names phonetically so he won't mess up the pronunciation). He went over Tamara's name four or five times. We were making bets about whether or not he'd mess it up. Then he reviewed what would happen during our first dance (if we felt weird, I'd give Bobby a nod, and he'd introduce the bridal party and their dates to join us on the dance floor; he actually asked about inviting the parents too, but with my dad in so much pain, I nixed that idea).

It felt like a lot of time passed at this point, but it probably was just ten minutes or so while we waited for our parents to make their way outside to get in front of everyone.

While we were waiting, Christine shot some of the excitement that was going on inside.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9.JPG

Well, *I* thought it was exciting. How many times do you see a box of crayons at a reception table and they're actually meant for you?

One of the items in the baskets were sticker sets. The center of the set would be the main "canvas" to work on. So it'd be a face or an animal or a fishbowl. Then the stickers around it would be a mustache, glasses, fur, or fish. I had a lot of these, so I'd say most of the baskets got maybe six to ten pages in their baskets.

Little did I realize that people would think outside the box (or sheet) and make everyone around them their "canvas"!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9a.JPG

Everyone was wearing these stickers. Some toast glasses had them. Some tables had them. Plates. Napkins. You name it, and these stickers were everywhere. I almost wonder if this was the single most influential item in those baskets.

The Maori-looking boy above is my boss's son, Trevor. There was a concern he might be bored. I don't think he was. :)

She also caught more pictures of the cakes and table. Which I can't help but show, because you know how much I loved these cakes.

Our cake "artillery". :) Or cake killer weapons.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aa.JPG

Neechee speeding through the reception.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaa.JPG

I swear when I see his little face, I really do see Neechee.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaa.JPG

I cannot wait to have that top tier. When we were trying to remove Emily from the top, cake came with her. I ate it. I admit it. :)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaa.JPG

Am I the only one who thinks the painted trees look like Bob Ross paintings? They're happy trees!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaaa.JPG

Look at his face... aww...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaaaa.JPG

Bobby was telling people that the little hunks of chocolate were bits of cat poop. :)

Love this picture.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaaaaa.JPG

We've had several of these around our house since we made the baskets way back when. Rob loves to play with them, especially when the cats are involved.

When it became time to start introducing everyone, the music began. It was Diamond by Klint, which is a song from the movie Snatch.

Tamara immediately turned around and looked at me and laughed. She loved it.

Parents got called in.

Then Tamara and Jeff.

Bobby pronounced her name wrong. We all won. Does a bet count if no one bets against? ;)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Then Brendon and Sara. I think that's how it went.

Then the theme from the Kids in the Hall started, and we were introduced. I couldn't stop smiling. It's so weird walking through a crowd of people. Already, it happened twice that day, and on the third walk, it was still really strange.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaaaaaa.JPG

There's a great picture (again one of Laura's) where Tamara is giving me the thumbs up. More than just a few people recognized the Kids in the Hall theme, and they all thought it was really cool.

Rob and I spun around. People were still cheering and clapping.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/9aaaaaaaaa.JPG

And it was like from zero to sixty in two seconds... we were laughing, and then we heard our first dance song, and suddenly, somber (somber is probably the wrong word, but we were serious and on task!).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10a.JPG

[jennifaerie]

Our first dance was bizarre.

I say bizarre because when you watch them in movies, the room is darkened, and a spotlight goes on the couple alone. And very similarly, in a lot of real wedding, the same thing happens. But our room had lots of windows and was bright, and everyone was standing really close to get pictures of us. We thought the whole world would go away, and it'd be just the two of us.

But it didn't feel like that.

It felt like the two of us. Plus eighty. Maybe a hundred eighty.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aa.JPG

I kept touching his head. It wasn't just his face. It was his head. This was one of the normal touching pictures.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaa.JPG

And this one showcases that, yes, Jennifer can clean up and have pretty nails. For two seconds.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaa.JPG

Rob looked at me, and I swear at one point he asked, When can everyone else come out? So I went looking for Bobby, and he wasn't near his equipment. We circled. I looked for him again. He was standing right in front of me. I didn't realize he had a microphone and that he was walking around the room. So I nodded to him. He asked the bridal party to bring their dates onto the floor to dance. They obliged (the dates grudgingly!).

Though there were smiles! We have proof!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaa.JPG

Once the dance finished, I think Bobby told us to go up and eat. Rob said he didn't want to, so Bobby started one of the tables to go to the buffet. But I told Rob we really should eat, even if we weren't hungry. So we were made to cut the line (sorry, guys!).

This was an interesting time, because people started coming up to me and telling me very interesting things. One of my coworkers came up with her boyfriend and told me that he said I looked like... I can't remember the exact term, but it was something like Laura Ingalls Wilder on crack. Which I loved. Yeah, big Little House on the Prairie fan. Read all the books, loved the show. So I thought that was great. She knew I'd like it too.

Then another coworker introduced me to her boyfriend, and the first thing he said to me was, That was sweat! I was hot and sweaty [to explain why his eyes were "wet"]. He was awesome. Apparently, since the wedding, he's really been pushing her to get married. We'll see! (I just love that the day may have sparked some deeper connections... they've been together for over twelve years and aren't married yet, so... it feels kinda magical.) She also grabbed my arm and told me she had to tell me a secret. It included expletives, though. :) She (cleanly) told me she loved a man who cries. So Rob, who neglected to fix her window in her office after many requests over the years, is now on her good list. :)

We grabbed food, and I ate it. But I barely tasted anything. It was like forcing paste down my throat. I felt like we needed to get the ball rolling, and I just didn't want to eat. But we were told that the food was delicious. Bobby recommended that we get up and start visiting tables.


I've watched people at weddings, and I don't really understand the logistics of visiting tables. How much time do you spend? I felt like we spent way too little time at each table, but we really wanted to get the show on the road, and it was tough. We felt very rushed. It wasn't any particular person, but we knew we were running over an hour late and wanted to get the dances going and have cake and whatnot.

So we very quickly visited most of our tables. Unfortunately, we missed visiting the bridal party tables, which didn't just include the bridal party but other guests. Thankfully, they stopped by our table or said good-bye to us, so we at least got to say something to them. But I felt bad. You want SO much to spend time with your friends and make everyone a priority. Even with eighty people, it was impossible to spend more than one or two minutes with everyone. And there were one or two people that I didn't even say anything to, and I felt really bad about that. But we just were never in the same place at the same time.

[jennifaerie]

Some highlights, though:

- Meeting Peter, Christine's (the amateur photographer who doesn't seem so amateur) husband. I went right up to him and said, You must be Peter, because I have no idea who you are! We all got a good laugh out of that one. But I truly had no idea who he was, so by process of elimination, I figured out it was him. He was awesome. I can't go on enough about how much everyone loved him. Great dancer, excellent sense of humor, and he said some of the kindest words I heard that day.

- Seeing all the artwork that people did. Bobby told everyone that they were going to receive a prize for the most creative table AND there was going to be a coloring contest. That got everyone in the spirit. We went to the Christmas Tree Shoppes and bought a few fall decorative items for prizes. We also got a $10 gift certificate from Barnes & Noble, and that was the dance party prize. People were working SO hard to be creative. Laura's photos showcase everyone with their heads down, working. It was like the SATs. Less anxiety, I hope. The use of Play-Doh and everything else in the basket was just unprecedented. Amazing, amazing work. As far as Rob and I were concerned, every table should have won, and I wish we had prizes for everyone.

- People thanking us for inviting us. When I was in high school, I became very close to the math/sciences director. This is hilarious, because I hated math and science. But I loved him. He came to every momentous occasion in my life. He attended my high school and college graduations and the parties that followed. He's seen every adult rite of passage. So I had to invite him to the wedding. He's family. He and his wife were so touched that I seated him with my parents. But my response was, How could I not? He also is a big Snoopy fan (like me), and he wore a Snoopy tie to the wedding. Made my day. He emailed me the other day and told me the wedding was wonderfully organized. That was just the biggest gift hearing that from him.

- Seeing how happy people were, how much fun they were having.

A shot of my parents:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaaaa.JPG

This is Riley.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaa.JPG

My brother, Mike, and Vicki.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaaa.JPG

Bobby was having a rough time trying to figure out how we would judge the contests. We decided for the coloring contest that everyone would pick the best from the table and bring it up to the bride/groom table. Everyone would drop a crayon on the one they liked the best. There was a tie, I believe. Rob's sister, Michelle, won, as did my coworker, Corinne. They got their prizes and got to have their picture taken with us. Woo woo. :)

So that one was easy.

But the most creative table, not as much. Someone recommended that the children vote. We thought this was a great idea. We wandered around from table to table to look at the artwork. The children tended to go where their parents told them to, except for two, who opted for other tables. So every table that was voted for only got one vote.

I think this is during the voting.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaa.JPG

This is one of the entries... my brother, Brian.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaaaa.JPG

My brother's birth certificate actually said "Brain". He was a scarecrow. Or impersonating me. :D

Here is Paige, our friend and pet sitter, trying to bribe the children with money. Peter is in the background.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaaaaa.JPG

Some entries:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaaaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12a.JPG

Remember Cooties? This is one of those. Or a recreation.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12aa.JPG

This was my coworkers' table. I noticed they stole my toss bouquet. They said it added to the presentation.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12aaa.JPG

Michael explains what their entry was, while Laurie looks on (isn't that what people always write in captions when someone isn't doing anything at the moment?).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/13.JPG

Rob's parents' table.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12aaaa.JPG

My lovely bridesmaids' table. They didn't work very hard.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12aaaaa.JPG

I think this was Rob's siblings' table. This was awesome. And they spelled my name right!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/12aaaaaa.JPG

I don't even remember how it was resolved.

[jennifaerie]

I don't even remember how it was resolved.

Once that was done (I feel like I'm cutting out so much, but it's hard for you to tell what's going on without pictures), it was time for first dances.

I chose the song Everything I Do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams. I know I've explained this already, but for those of you who might just be joining... When I was younger (probably around twelve or thirteen), we went to a neighbor's wedding (odd anecdote... the place where the reception was has had many incarnations... it was a reception hall, a funeral home, AND a restaurant... I believe there's a Pizzeria Uno there now). My father kept asking me to dance. I was too cool, so I didn't want to dance with my father. He kept asking me to go, and I didn't want to. That song came on, and I don't know how it happened, if my mom made me or what, but I finally went up and dance with my dad.

He told me that he wanted to dance to this song with me because he wanted me to know he'd do anything for me. So I took that info, stored it in my head, and told myself whenever I got married, this would be the song we'd dance to.

Four or five months before the wedding, my mom asked me to dance to some Tim McGraw song. I flat out said no. She was taken aback that I wouldn't dance to this song with him because she told me it made him cry, and he always thought of me when he heard it.

Then I told her that story.

She started to cry.

I got her blessing. :)

When we started dancing, I told him the story.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaaaaa.JPG

As I was finishing up the story, he pulled away from me to look at me. Christine caught this fantastic picture. This was when the story clicked, and he remembered the moment.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

He was so moved by my reason.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaaaaaa.JPG

I don't really remember the words he said to me at that moment, but I knew he loved what I said.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaaaaaaaa.JPG

I told him anytime he was ready to sit down, we could stop. Bobby and I had already worked out cues because we knew he wouldn't be able to last long.

He asked me if I was sure, and I said, Of course. I wanted him comfortable.

He said a few parting words... and again, I can't remember. He must have told me he loved me, and I think he apologized again for not being able to stay up.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/10aaaaaaaaaaaa.JPG

I helped him to his chair, and What a Wonderful World began.

I had a hard time picking this song. I didn't want a song that everyone else had used. But Rob didn't have any songs from his childhood that reminded him of his mom or that they shared as something meaningful.

But his mom is a huge lover of nature (as is Rob), and this song is all about nature, so I figured it fit more than anything else out there.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11.JPG

I think it worked.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11a.JPG

She actually didn't remember what they danced to... we had talked about it last weekend, and we had to tell her. I think she was too busy being happy to listen to the music. Rob's like that too.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/11aa.JPG

[pjstevens]

Jennifer, you did it again!!! I'm crying reading about your wedding. All your photos are so beautiful. Loved the story about your song with your dad. Didn't see ET in these pics, was he hiding (or I wasnt' looking to well), lol.

[jennifaerie]

Aww, sorry, Patty! :hug:

E.T. spent the rest of the day on our sweetheart table, being regal. Well, as regal as E.T. could be!

Thanks, Diane! We're very proud of the cakes. :D

I forgot to show this picture the other day. Bobby was holding one of the coloring contest entries.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/13aaa.JPG

You know, I didn't mention the toasts, but I don't know when they happened.

Both best men had written their own speeches, thinking they were going to give the toast. When they found that out, they both opted to give a toast.

My ladies did not. Though I heard they were worried once both Jeff and Brendon went up that I would be upset they didn't love me enough. I honestly didn't mind.

The speeches were brief and nice. I can't remember what Jeff said, but I do remember that Brendon commented how a year or two ago, it was close to Thanksgiving, and we invited him over for a turkey. Then, a few days later, we invited him over for a completely new turkey. He thought it was nice that we would involve him in that and how nice it was that we liked to cook. Or something like that. He also mentioned how much fun he had making kitty cupcakes with me. We're all about food!

:)

After our dances with our parents, we knew the scary time came. As soon as the song from the Muppets started, I stiffened.

I did not want to be a murderer.

It was much easier to cut into the bridal shower cake because that one didn't have creatures on it. It wasn't a living, breathing hiking trail.

Okay, maybe this wasn't either, but it was still incredibly difficult.

A lot of people keep saying to me, HOW did you cut into it?! How COULD you? Hey, it's not easy, but I knew that I could remove the cats, and if we didn't cut into it, it'd be cake gone to waste, and I wasn't going to have that.

So I begrudgingly headed over to the cake.

Rob is the almighty slicer. I generally should not be trusted with knives. If I successfully cut something, I will most definitely cut myself while cleaning the knife (as evidenced when we had our wedding photo party at work... we brought the grooms cake in, and I cut myself while trying to clean the knife... it's like I think it suddenly isn't sharp when it's cleaning time). So I kinda wanted him to cut.

I was the one who put my hands on top of his. He picked a spot and cut into it. It was the almond cake/amaretto buttercream/chocolate fudge truffle layer.

It was quite tasty.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/13a.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/13aa.JPG

I don't remember what we did at the bridal shower... I want to say we fed it to each other with a fork. We definitely did it at the wedding. I was told by several it was the first they had ever seen it happen like that.

I don't think either of us even considered feeding by hand because the buttercream (especially the part we cut into) was colored, and we would have had black and blue fingers. My dress was dirty enough. I didn't want to spread the dirtiness.

Rob and I ate more cake. Then I think I got the first and only drink (a sprite) we had the entire reception.

While we were eating the cake, Bobby started a game to get the dance floor open. I can't remember exactly how it worked, but people at each table gave money, and it went around the table, and whomever had the money when he said Stop would be the table captain. They were responsible for naming who was wildest at the table. Then that person brought us the money (we made $85! Wait a minute. There were nine tables!! Who's the cheap one?!). Then he played the theme song to Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and called everyone out to the deck.

[jennifaerie]

I believe this is when the group photo was. We had everyone get together to take a big group photo so we'd at least have everyone in one place at one time. Of course, many people had left before this was taken, but that's okay. I think they turned out nicely.

I think this may have been caught during the big group photo we had.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15aaaaaa.JPG

Christine focused on us instead of everyone else:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16a.JPG

This is when I realized Rob and I were destined for divorce.

Yep, you heard it here.

The "dance pahty" portion of our reception was really brief. Maybe two hours. Most receptions are four or five hours, but because of running late and the "creativity" portion of our program, we only had a couple hours. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing (we just didn't get to hear all the songs we wanted to).

But almost the entire dance portion revolved around one very determined little boy (not Rob :) ).

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14.JPG

That's Garrett. He's Rob's nephew. On every occasion I have seen him, he's been interested in me as much as, well... the wall. Which isn't a whole heck of a lot.

But for some reason, he was mesmerized by me. He wanted to hold my hand all afternoon. When I was dancing with friends or coworkers, he'd stand behind me, watch me, and then grab my hand when he saw an opportunity. Even his great aunts and uncles would try to pry him away, and he would have none of it. He just wanted to be with me.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaaaaa.JPG

People loved watching.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14a.JPG
This is his mom, Jenn, and great aunt Barbara and great uncle Al.

My mom thought it was hysterical.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aa.JPG

She kept having to pull me aside and say, Did you see him? Do you see him? He loves you!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaaaaaa.JPG

I did find a little time to spend with Rob...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaa.JPG
Though I'd imagine if we zoomed out, Garrett would be there. :)

But he was never far behind...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaaaaaaa.JPG

In all of the professional pictures, he's somewhere.

So now, I'm going to have to leave Rob to be with my future husband. Once he's of legal age. :)

[jennifaerie]

Some other pictures...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15.JPG

In my native dancing habitat. Which isn't so native.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Michael and Becky, dear, dear friends and coworkers of mine.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaaa.JPG

Rob's aunts and uncles get down!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Saying good-bye to Aunt Barbara and Uncle Al.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15aaaaaaa.JPG

At one point, I was standing next to my dad. I think it was right before they left. Christine asked me to go over to my dad.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15aaaaaaaa.JPG
She promised once she figured out how, she'd photoshop my sweat out! :D

[jennifaerie]

We did a dance called The Stroll. It was big in the 50s and 60s. Men would get into one row, women in the other. A man and woman would meet up in the middle and dance down the center of the rows and go back to the end of the line. There was a song for this way-back-when, but Bobby jazzed it up a bit and used a more recent dance song. It was one of the more bizarre moments of the afternoon. I hope to god we have that on tape, because we did some of the most interesting dances. Ever.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaaa.JPG

Bobby and Laurie showing who's boss (not sure who yet).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaa.JPG

Bobby charming Rob's mom.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaaaaaa.JPG

Brendon and his girlfriend, Kerri.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aa.JPG

Jeff and his girlfriend, Brenda.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaa.JPG

Rob's dad
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15aaaaaaaaa.JPG

We also did a conga line. I know I mentioned this, but we did it to Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, which is the first song you hear in Lilo & Stitch, and it's also played at 'Ohana a lot. We actually took the idea from the breakfast there. They get all the kids in the restaurant to march around with maracas to the song. The kids seemed to love it. So I got maracas and leis from Oriental Trading.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17.JPG
(Note Garrett is behind Rob... plotting his demise. It's like Where's E.T.)

The thought was, if you were given a lei, you had to join in. Not everyone did. Like the videographer. Not like he could... poor David. I "lei'd" him, and I found his video camera was wearing the lei the next time I saw him!

They were bad do-bees.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaaaa.JPG

Pretty do-bee.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaaaaaaaa.JPG

Other people took part in it like good do-bees!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaaaaa.JPG

Peter totally kicked butt. (Would you believe he has a lot of tattoos and is in a punk band?)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaa.JPG

Stud do-bee.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaaaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Other people, like me, were lost. I was leading the line, but Rob felt I was going too slow, so he took the line and left the area, while I was dancing, all on my own, trying to hand out leis. I turned around and no one else was there. Oops!

Husband-bee?
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/17aaaaaaaaaaaaa.JPG

Rob and Jeff danced together too.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaaaaaaa.JPG

Disheveled me. You could tell I was boogie-ing with the best of them.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/14aaaaa.JPG

I believe this was caught when my friend, Glen, played a short set. He's a musician (he sings and plays guitar). I asked him if he wanted to play a set at the reception. I think he was planning on playing a handful of songs, but everything got cut, so he played a song we wrote together many years ago (he wrote the music; I wrote the words). I sang the song to Rob and remembered all the words.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/16aaaaaaaa.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15a.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/15aa.JPG

Glen also played a medley of Paula Abdul songs (mostly Straight Up, with a few others parts thrown at the end). He does the best cover of Straight Up. Ever.

I mentioned that toward the end, Bobby played Anyone Else But You by the Moldy Peaches. This song is from Juno, and we just love it. I wanted to serenade Rob (or have us both sing to each other), but he was feeling a little nervous about it. So we never ended up doing it. But even better... Bobby had everyone circle around us while we danced.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/18.JPG
We sang the whole song to each other.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/18aaaa.JPG

And it started to dawn on me.

Oh my god.

We're married.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/18aa.JPG

This is our reception.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/18aaa.JPG

It's going to be over in less than ten minutes.

I haven't fully cried ALL day.

And the heaving started.

And the crying started.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Photographs%20by%20Christine%20Martin/slides/18a.JPG

When that finished, everyone clapped, and The Edge of the Ocean by Ivy (our last official song) started. And everyone joined in.

Rob asked me if I wanted to dance with Glen, so I went and danced with him, while he danced with one of his sisters.

And with that, the magic of the day dissipated, and then came the struggle of the cakes. But let's just stay here for a minute and enjoy the beauty of the day.

It definitely was a gorgeous, amazing, wonderful (and all those other cliched adjectives) day. The best day of my life.

[lpizzuro123]

Just wanted to chime in here. Everything is just wonderful from your dress, hair makeup and accessories to the flowers and tables and all those great ideas for games.

Looking forward to reading more.

Linda

[keenercam]

Magical, Jennifer, absolutely magical! Thank you for taking us on the journey of your memories of the best day of your life! I have laughed and cried during this whole recounting, but mostly what I've done is feel incredible joy for you and Rob as you make your life together. :hug:

[29apr00]

What a beautiful day Jen!! I love the creativity contests!

[WithDisneySpirit]

How did I miss when you started this again - the weekend definitely got in the way of my "Jen's wedding recap" reading!!!!!

First of all, your cake was completely awesome! I showed it to DS16 and he guessed that Ace of Cakes made it :goodvibes I just loved that cake - I hope you got a ton of pictures of it from every angle!

I also loved the play-time you created with your centerpieces - what great fun!

Finally, the last dance you did with Rob, Anyone Else But You, really pricked the tears to my eyes too. Although, I am a very loving friendly person, I really don't cry that often about happy occasions - usually only sad ones. So, that is saying a lot about your glorious day and your lovely telling of said day :lovestruc :worship: :love:

Thanks, as always, for sharing with us (me)! :hug:

[jennifaerie]

What a beautiful day Jen!! I love the creativity contests!

High praise from the crafty one! Thank you!


First of all, your cake was completely awesome! I showed it to DS16 and he guessed that Ace of Cakes made it :goodvibes I just loved that cake - I hope you got a ton of pictures of it from every angle!

I also loved the play-time you created with your centerpieces - what great fun!

Finally, the last dance you did with Rob, Anyone Else But You, really pricked the tears to my eyes too. Although, I am a very loving friendly person, I really don't cry that often about happy occasions - usually only sad ones. So, that is saying a lot about your glorious day and your lovely telling of said day :lovestruc :worship: :love:

Thanks, as always, for sharing with us (me)! :hug:

Aww, Lisa, thank you! Tell your son it was Jacques Pastries. They're kinda like the old school Ace of Cakes of the Northeast. :) We have more pictures than we know what to do with.

That's so sweet. I'm glad you cried happy tears, and it means a lot to me that you could be there in spirit and enjoy it all along with me.

It's officially been a month today! :)

I do have more pictures. A friend of mine took some, and I've put them up on my website. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites.

I never got to show you the tables or even the favors, and Jenn provided me with those.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9142.jpg

http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9143.jpg

The reception hall.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9144.jpg

Handing out programs.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9159.jpg

Yay! Someone read them!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9160.jpg

Handing out bubbles. You can see that tissues were handed out too, and my coworkers made sure to grab theirs.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9161.jpg

I *love* this picture.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9163.jpg

Our favor bags.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9197.jpg

The contents of those bags.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9198.jpg

The sand ceremony items were brought inside and put on the guest book table.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9203.jpg

Coloring contest entries.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9225.jpg

My coworker's table.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9236.jpg

Jenn's table.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/IMG9231.jpg

If you'd like to see the rest...
You can gohere (http://www.lunatunahead.com/OurWedding/Jenn%20Sekelsky/index.html).

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen all I can say is WOW!!!! What a beautiful wedding!! :cloud9: I am at work here with tears in my eyes from the story about your dad! It was so touching and to see the pictures with it! I am so happy you had a perfect fall day for it! You and Rob look so happy and in love with each other! Absolutley Incredible!!!

[jennifaerie]

Thank you so much! I can't tell you enough how much it means to me that I could tell the story well, so much so that you could be a part of it (since you didn't crash ;) ).

[29apr00]

Everything came out great! the programs were beautiful, and the little leaves on the bubbles are so cute! The favor bags came out so good and i just love the table decorations! You did an awesome job on you wedding Jen!! :worship:

[jennifaerie]

Okay, now I feel like I'm -- :cloud9:

I really do see it as high praise coming from you. You're so artsy and crafty; I feel like anything I do pales in comparison (you paint a Picasso, and I do macaroni art!).

So thank you, thank you!!

[Tink_Kel]

popcorn:: I'm wanting the Honeymoon TR! :banana: This thread has been wonderful, you truely had a magical heart-felt wedding!

[pjstevens]

Jennifer, I LOVED the rest of your wedding now! NOW time to start on your Honeymoon TR (and photos with Roots)!

[jennifaerie]

You're totally right, Patty. I owe you!

We have been a little busy... we got a puppy. So all our time has been either dealing with him or me being bedridden with migraines because of the lack of sleep. :)

But I did start editing pictures. I hope to have it done soon.

[pjstevens]

You're totally right, Patty. I owe you!

We have been a little busy... we got a puppy. So all our time has been either dealing with him or me being bedridden with migraines because of the lack of sleep. :)

But I did start editing pictures. I hope to have it done soon.

Jennifer,

As a fellow migraine sufferer, I know the pain you are in, it sucks, sorry. What kind of puppy did you get? Our furbabies are such an important part of our family.

[jennifaerie]

Patty, we got a German Shepherd cross-- his name is Captain Awesome. :) He's a rescue, but we think he's a cross between a Shepherd and a Doberman. He seems to have all the best qualities of both, and this is coming from someone who's not a real fan of either breed.

I finally got my honeymoon pictures up... so I started my trip report! It's not much, but it's something!

I'm sorry it's taken my so long to get to this point, but I need to get the pictures up, and between my father's health, work, and getting a puppy, there's been very little time to do anything else.

Where we last left our heroine -

Putting away cake, opening cards and presents, and packing last minute items forced us to stay up until midnight.

Our flight was after six in the morning, so that meant we needed to get up around four to get out of the house on time.

I was exhausted, but I had trouble falling asleep again, so I only got about three hours of sleep.

I woke up, and in robotic form, I took a shower, got dressed, packed the rest of my toiletries, and brought the suitcases downstairs.

Rob got up (after much nagging), and he got ready. We fed the cats, medicated Sammy, and we were off.

We got to the airport, parked, made note of the parking space (which we still messed up, even though I had it in my phone), and dragged the luggage to the door.

Do you sense a very low, boring tone to this entry?

There's a reason for this.

As most of you know, I get chronic migraines (I'm actually in a two-plus week period of them right now). When I don't get enough sleep (or too much), I'm going to get one. I made it through our wedding day without one (a miracle!), so I knew I was screwed that day.

Between the lack of sleep, the tension in my body (traveling), and the oncoming migraine, I was a very unhappy girl that first day. I was practically comatose. Everything I did was methodical-- very little thought involved.

We checked (or tried to) our luggage and found one of our suitcases was too heavy. Thank god we had nice Southwest people, and they guided us as to what to move from suitcase to suitcase to make everything weigh under the 50lb limit. They checked our luggage and sent us on our way.

When we got to security, the woman manning the metal detector got a good chuckle out of our bride and groom shirts (they were little stick figures with top hat and veil). She asked us all sorts of questions. When did you get married? Did she make you wear that shirt? Was your hair that color for the wedding?

Usually, the metal detector person's attitude is something akin to the troll under the bridge, so this was a nice change. We answered all her questions, and she congratulated us. It's funny how people kept looking at us (read: our shirts). Some people just looked and... that was that. Other people (usually younger women) smiled brightly at the shirts. It's all like a big sociological experiment.

Rob grabbed a coffee and some breakfast (when you get up early, you get hungry earlier. I'm used to eating breakfast around 10am; it was before six, and I was ravenous. Hashbrowns and an egg and cheese help (why is it that I don't like eggs, I don't like cheese, and I don't like English muffins, but you put the three together, and it's like heaven?). :) We started to eat, and then the plane was boarded.

We got on the plane, and we got the first row! We were very excited, but I'm not crazy about the first row anymore because you have to put all your carry-ons in the overhead bin because of not having a row in front of you. The flight attendant seemed very... ornery. I thought, But I'm wearing a cute shirt!

Another flight attendant noticed our shirts and smiled. She asked us when we got married, and we told her, "Yesterday." She had a few questions for us too.

The flight felt like an eternity (it's only about three hours). I was intent on writing thank you cards and mailing them. I had pulled up theknot and all the gift listings from people (and left them on my desktop), so they were there, even if I didn't have internet. But I forgot that all the addresses were separate, so I couldn't address any of the envelopes.

But I felt so exhausted that it was really difficult to even muster the energy to get through writing the cards. I wrote maybe fifteen, and I decided, I'm going to go to sleep.

HA HA HA HA HA!

I can't sleep on planes. I'll doze off every once in awhile, but it generally lasts five minutes, and I'm up again. I just laid there. I couldn't sleep. I was a mess.

Then I realized we didn't have our requisite flight pictures.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220573.JPG

Do I look thrilled or what?!

Let's try that again.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220574.JPG

Blurry, but better.

The first Southwest flight to Orlando we ever took was our most enjoyable. The flight attendants sang and joked and made all sorts of cute Disney World comments. We always hope it'll be the same every flight. It never is. The ornery flight attendant did have a sense of humor, however, and she made several jokes after we landed.

Then she said, Okay, I have to embarrass you. What are your names?

So she announced to the flight that we (Rob and Jen [I was so tired, I think actually did say Jen... or Rob answered them]) were newlyweds, and people clapped and cheered, and I turned bright red (I'm sure Rob did too, but the blaring of redness from my face blinded me from seeing anything else).

We got off the plane, and I thought I'd be in better spirits. We hopped on the tram/train/thingie. Took our requisite picture there.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220576.JPG

You can see Rob's groom shirt (which he picked out-- I did tell the security lady that at the airport too!).

We headed to the Disney desk. Checked in with them (got the jokes we heard a lot on the trip... "Now let me guess... you're celebrating something..."). Got on the bus.

Spirits usually lift by the time we're on the bus.

All I could do was cry.

I know, an awful start to the honeymoon, but I was so, so, so tired. You know how you think about your wedding, and all you want to do the day after is sleep? That definitely applied to me. I was desperate for sleep. I kept saying to Rob, I don't want to be here; I want to go home.

It wasn't even that I missed the cats (of COURSE, I kept thinking of Neechee, but that wasn't it). I just wanted to curl up in bed and get a couple hours of sleep.

Our room is always ready when we get to Disney World. Even when we arrive at 9:30 in the morning.

Of course it wasn't ready this time.

We were greeted by a newbie (the day before was her first day) and her trainer, and they checked us in. They gave Rob two leis and told us that it was custom that he put the lei around my neck and kiss me. So he did. Then the trainer said, We have to go get that thing. The thing. Before we forget. (Very elusive!) So they disappeared behind the secret door and came back a few minutes later with one of Lana's goodie boxes (thank you, Lana!). We were so touched.

They told us the room wasn't ready, but it was a good one, worth the wait. They gave us a card with a number to call later to check on it. They wished us a great honeymoon, and we slumped on the bench right next to the check-in counter. I opened Lana's box a little to see what goodies were inside, and then we decided to go to Epcot, since we had a lunch reservation in less than two hours.

I ran to the bathroom and changed, and then we checked our carry-ons at the valet desk.

We wandered around the resort, trying to get our bearings straight. We were trying to get to the TTC, so we kept wandering in that general direction, hoping we'd find it. But then I noticed some hammocks out on the beach near Tahiti. We laid on one, and I started to bubble.

I forgot to mention that from the start of our honeymoon, whenever Rob and I would think of the day before, we'd both start tearing up. Once I start crying, I usually cry off and on all day. It's like I've turned a switch on that just won't go off.

So when we made it to the hammock, I started to think of all these questions. And I HAD to know.

What were you thinking?
What were you feeling?
What did you think when you first saw me?
When did you first see me?
Were you scared?
Did you worry about whether or not I'd show up?
Did you get my cards?
What did you feel when you read them?
What did you feel when you did this? Did that?

I was a typical girl, and he was a typical boy:
I wasn't really thinking.
I wasn't really focusing on what I was feeling. I was just... in awe of the day.
I don't remember this. I don't remember that.
La la la.

So I kept asking the same questions over and over again. Crying all the while.

I can't help it. I NEEDED to know.

:)

But I realized we better get going, as we only had about forty minutes before our Le Cellier reservation.

We got to the TTC and got on the monorail and off to Epcot.

[29apr00]

:hug: i'm sorry you were so tired, and the headaches i'm sure didn't help matters!! I hope you were able to get some rest and hopefully your honeymoon was wonderful and memorable! :love:

[jennifaerie]

When we got to Epcot, it was one of those deals where you have too much time to wait before your reservation but can't really do anything in the interim either.

We got a lot of congratulations from cast members as we walked around (we had our Just Married pins on, but couldn't wear hats yet, as mine was packed, and Rob didn't buy his yet).

We made it to Le Cellier, where we met our waiter, Joel for the first time. He was a very nice gentleman. Asked us about the wedding.

If you've ever eaten at Le Cellier, especially as a twosome, you know that there's a row of tables in the middle of the restaurant where you're relegated to. All the tables are very close together, so you basically are eating with strangers, because it'd be impossible not to eavesdrop.

The couple next to us was celebrating their anniversary. They asked us about our wedding and gave us tips on getting goodies. They were staying at the Polynesian as well. Nice company.

We were really hungry, so of course, we started the trend of forgetting to photograph our food. We both got the filet mignon. I at least remembered to take a picture of the side I got.

Their mashie taties.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220577.JPG

Rob got a side of something scary. I can't remember what it was. It had to do with mushrooms, I believe. I'm too scared to look it up.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220578.JPG

After we ate, I needed to run to the bathroom. I suggested Rob call to see if our room was ready so we could run back. That way, I could try to lie down and nurse the migraine that was in full swing after we ate.

When I got outside, he said he had just talked to lurkyloo!

She was nearby in Britain and wanted to get together. Oh, and our room was ready.

I have a tendency to flee when social interaction and migraines mingle, but I knew we only had one or two chances to see her, and I promised we'd take her to the Siemens VIP lounge, so I wasn't going to back down.

And she was on her way to get us. :)

I knew her as soon as I saw her (the big hat didn't sway me!). I gave her a hug, and she asked about the wedding. I think I pretty much told her that it was wonderful, though over an hour late. I told her I wasn't feeling well, and she offered to cut things short, but I insisted we mosey along. We went to one of the shops in Britain to meet Patrick (where I saw a Snowman doll!).

We all introduced ourselves and wandered toward Spaceship: Earth. We told them we hadn't seen the refurbished version, so Carrie suggested we take a ride before we go to the lounge.

On the way, we needed pictures!

As you can see, we're so famous, the paparazzi couldn't stop!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220579x.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220580x.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220581x.JPG

After we were done with our snazzy photo shoot, we made our way onto Spaceship: Earth, where it was announced (to all maybe five people in the room) to make way for the newlyweds.

I am especially grateful that we got a chance to ride it, because I never would have known that, in the future, I'd be a big fan of argyle and would enjoy living in a treehouse.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220583.JPG

They actually swapped our heads, because in the vision they "gave" us, Rob was wearing the argyle. Though he looks quite dashing in the purple.

After we had oodles of fun making fun of ourselves, we made our way to the *s*e*c*r*e*t Siemens VIP lounge. I made sure to stress to them that this was very Mission: Impossible and to make sure they paid close attention to the door (you have to be there to truly appreciate the drama).

I typed in my *s*e*c*r*e*t pin (which lurkyloo already gave away as being 123456789). And then, swish, went the *s*e*c*r*e*t door, and then we were inside.

I wonder what the receptionists do all day. Because it seems like a very boring job sitting at that desk, waiting for people to show up.

Rob was very careful to take pictures AND protect the innocent at the same time!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220584.JPG

You OBVIOUSLY cannot tell it is us enjoying free beverages!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220585.JPG

The woman at the front desk was very sweet-- she came over and gave us ponchos (now I have a SIEMENS poncho! Could life get any better?!) because she said it was supposed to rain. (RAIN?! Come on. Not a chance. Enter torrential downpours a half-hour later... Thank you, Siemens lady).

Then she gave us (read: Rob because he was sitting closest to her) a special VIP pass to the GM Lounge! Woo! Two secret lounges in one day! I am obviously the coolest friend you could possibly have. Ever. (Right.)

Since carriatrick had a reservation at Le Cellier later, we rushed (read: walked at a reasonable pace) to the s*e*c*r*e*t GM Lounge.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220586.JPG

The woman stuck at the desk at the GM lounge had us sign in and told us once we were ready, we could go in the s*e*c*r*e*t entrance to Test Track.

There's quite a view of where we just were.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220588.JPG

Rob enjoyed himself, looking at GM products...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220589.JPG


...including a shot of his very own dash.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220590.JPG

He also took pictures of very hush hush pictures that may blind you if you look at them.

Don't look!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220591.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220595.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220594.JPG

Then he showed how strong he was.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220592.JPG

Showoff.

He got a little tired, though, so I came to help.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220593.JPG

After all that heavy lifting, it was time to ride Test Track (or so we thought).

We had to take pictures to prove how cool we are (in case you were non-believers).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220596.JPG

I think we might have been too tired of being supah cool.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220597.JPG

I had trouble stopping the giggle fit (read: SLEEPY!).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220598.JPG

But I felt I must show just how VIP I was (read: wasn't). So I gave my best VIP face.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220599.JPG

Yep. So not a VIP!

Yet another secret door!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220600.JPG

We had to go through this big maze of staircases and paths with arrows pointing us in the opposite direction. When we finally arrived, we realized we were on the side of the ride with the OTHER riders! We suddenly didn't feel so VIP anymore.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220601.JPG

Until we realized they put us right up front, next in line. Yay!

But it seems to be our lot in life not to ride Test Track.

Alas, just as we got in line, they suspended the ride due to inclement weather (Siemens lady was right!).

We waited in line for twenty minutes or so and then eventually conceded that our dream of riding Test Track would not be fully realized. (Okay, we rode Test Track once a trip or three ago. But we got fast passes and still needed to wait in line for forty minutes because the ride broke.)

Carriatrick went off to their Le Cellier reservation, and we stood and watched the torrential rain, wondering if even our ponchos would save us.

Time to go lie down!! Yay!

It was then I received an email from Lana, asking us where we were.

Oops. We rushed to Club Cool, where I could get another free beverage, and I took migraine medication (why I didn't do this sooner, I don't know). Thank you... Argentina? for your refreshing, fruity beverage. I think.

By the time we made it to Club Cool, Lana was waiting for us at... guess, guess! Spaceship: Earth!

This was apparently our home for much of the day.

[jennifaerie]

The rain seemed to subside a little bit. It must have been because two Disney brides were at Epcot at once (thanks lurkyloo and ellebren!!).

We met with Lana. See? She does exist!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220602.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220603.JPG

And we chatted for a little while. Her family arrived at Epcot, and she had to meet up with them to attempt the Soarin' line. It was good to see her, but it went by too soon.

They had a reservation at Kona Cafe that night, and we made plans to meet afterward. We bid adieu, and THEN we headed to our room!

Sort of.

I'm sure you've heard stories of honeymoons going horribly awry, especially at the beginning. Migraines suck, yes, but I come to expect them, and all I can do is medicate and wait (hey, that rhymed). So that may have been bad, but I can live with it (them).

When got off the monorail at the TTC, I went to put my glasses on.

Wait.

Where are my glasses?

I had my sunglasses (which are prescription also). But no regular glasses.

Oh god. I lost them.

I was pretty sure I lost them as I was trying to get my poncho back on (it started raining again) after we met with Lana. It was either there, or ... nowhere.

We had about two hours before our dinner reservation at Epcot. We both desperately needed to go to our room and at least feel like we had a home base. We wanted to change too.

But you've heard that the first twenty-four hours of a child gone missing are the most critical... the first hour of glasses gone missing is the most critical.

We got back on the monorail. Ran in between groups of people. Got back in the park. Rob retraced our steps, while I raced back to Spaceship: Earth.

The irony is... look to the bottom of this picture of Lana and me.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220602.JPG

Look at the plants. Look at my glasses in the picture.

Every time I saw something burgundy, it was the stupid center of each plant and NOT my glasses. I kept thinking, Oh! I found them!

Rob met me, and he had had no luck. We went to Guest Relations, and we kept talking about where they could be. This nice couple in front of us told us they had lost glasses on one of their trips to Disney World. I think someone had found them. They wished the same luck for us (as a couple was filling out forms for missing items to the right of us... sigh).

The woman at Guest Relations was not helpful.

I want to say it's because she delivered information that wasn't helpful, but she didn't even seem the least bit concerned. In fact, she was more surprised that we reported them missing within forty-five minutes of them disappearing. Like we were screwing up even more by reporting it so soon. She proceeded to tell us that we needed to keep checking all day, every hour, until the end of the day, where then we should go to the lost and found for all of Disney World which is outside Epcot. Then, the items would be removed after tomorrow.

Great.

I was feeling very hopeless at this point. My head was pounding. I couldn't see that well.

Rob said, Let me go check the stores.

Why check the stores if I lost them here? Wouldn't someone bring them to Guest Relations?

Let me check.

Don't bother. If you check Mousegear, you're going to have to go to every counter, and they're not going to have them.

He ran off.

I wandered aimlessly about the Spaceship: Earth area, trying to find them. I looked like a homeless person, as I came very close to shuffling through the trash. People looked at me sadly. Maybe they thought I was looking for my missing Groom in the trash, as my shirt specifically said I was a bride.

I heard, BEAN!

I turned around and immediately looked at Rob's hands. He was holding his glasses.

Why is he holding his glasses?

I look up, and he's wearing MY GLASSES!

He checked three gift shops in the area. The last one he checked had them. Rob told the cast member at the counter that I'd want to hug him. He seemed nonplussed. I would have, except a. Rob told me he really didn't seem to care, and b. we wanted to get back to the room before going to the Rose and Crown.

That whole ordeal, though quick in print, lasted an hour. So we had an hour and a half before our reservation. Not much time to go the the room and change.

Rob never wrote our room number down, so he couldn't remember it. He suggested a number, and since the TTC was closer to our building (Tokelau) than the Great Ceremonial House, I figured we should just try the number.

Thankfully, luck seemed to swing our way, and it was the right number! We were finally in our room!

And only two out of our four suitcases were there. Oh crap.

Oh wait!, they hid two behind the door (WHY, Magical Express, WHY?!). Ah, you're testing my sanity.

Rob ran to the valet to get the luggage we checked when we got there. I decided to change into pants and keep my bride-y shirt on. I unpacked some.

Rob got back with our stuff, and he tried to change our reservation. There were no availabilities. So we decided to keep our reservation. Never know what you might miss!

By then, I was beyond exhausted (I need a new word. DeadDOGGONETIRED... how's that?). So when we got to the Rose and Crown, all I wanted was a quick meal and then back to the hotel.

Our meal seemed to take forever. Our reservation was at 7:20, and I don't think we got our dinner until after 8pm. Since Disney is always quick to rush people in and out of their restaurants, I was a little perplexed.

We also (again) forgot to photograph our food. Oops. But once you've seen fish and chips... you've seen most. I can't remember what Rob got. I remember it was a tie between two dishes... probably pork or veal, and our waiter (ah, that British accent) recommended one, so he got that one.

We ate. Ordered dessert, which also seemed to take forever. I kept thinking, Maybe I'm just being impatient. But I'd look at my watch. I don't think we ate dessert until around 8:30. Painful.

But I have to say, my dessert was one of the best of the trip (I remembered to photograph this baby!).

I got the frozen vanilla custard. They said the fruit was blackberries (maybe British blackberries look like blueberries). And the nifty brickle thing again. It was delicious!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220605.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220609.JPG

Rob got the sticky toffee pudding.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220606.JPG

I could just drink that sauce.

Rob quickly gave it his sign of approval.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220607.JPG

Okay, one more shot.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220608.JPG

After we quickly finished our dessert, we waited more. And more. And more.

Our waiter appeared with yet ANOTHER dessert! This one, even more delicious than the last (it was, by far, the BEST dessert I had the entire trip. Don't ask me what it was.)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220610.JPG

More of that cookie stuff! And it tasted like a pudding or custard of some description. And the fruit on it was wonderful.

As the waiter gave us our dessert, he called to the restaurant to give us and the couples next to us (they were all on an anniversary trip together) a Hip hip hooray. They yelled it a few times. It was embarrassing and lovely. Ah, that British accent.

And then he told us that he reserved tables for us to watch Illuminations outside.

AH! So THAT'S why our meal took forever! They were dragging it out so they could let us sit outside. I had toyed with staying for Illuminations, but decided I was too tired. I don't like fireworks (I'm afraid of the noise... lightning accident as a child), but I really do like Illuminations-- it's my favorite night show at Disney, and I promised myself I'd watch it in its entirety since we were staying at a monorail resort and didn't need to rush to the bus stop before it ended to make it on the first bus out.

When you're offered an opportunity like that, boy, do you take it!!

We ate our dessert. Or, rather, rushed, because it was almost time to go out for the 9pm show.

Rob kept saying, No, I can't eat anymore. And I kept saying, Are you insane?! It's free! And good! Come on! Look at that goodness!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092208%20-%20Epcot,%20Epcot,%20More%20Epcot,%20Carrie,%20and %20Lana/slides/P9220611.JPG

Our waiter told us we really needed to get outside, so we took a couple more bites (he said it'd be there when we got back, but we really wanted to head out afterward and were full anyway), and sat outside. They had a table for two right in the center (it was so centered, there was actually a pole right in front of us, so we both sat to the side of the pole to watch.

It truly was wonderful. And it was a perfect ending to what was a bit of a traumatic day. Now THAT'S why you wear Just Married pins and tack what you're celebrating onto your ADRs.


When we got back to the Polynesian, we stopped at the Kona to say good-night to Lana. We were just too tired to stay up and wait for them. I met more of her family and apologized for interrupting yet again.

Then we went back to the room. I did unpack a little more before we got to bed, but I eventually was able to let my brain shut down, and we went to sleep.

[jennifaerie]

Thanks, Jennifer! It did get better! :)

[Donald'sGirl]

Holy Cow Jen that's a long plus the way you were feeling, I would have passed out long before you did! Go you! :thumbsup2

Those desserts look yummy!! Awesome free stuff you got and on your first day! WooHoo!!

[WithDisneySpirit]

We spent our complimentary night at the Poly. I was so tired the night of our vow renewal that I was past thinking clearly. The glorious thing though is our bed there was so wonderful - it just enveloped me in a sweet warm cloud and I slept so well...I hope you did too :goodvibes

[pjstevens]

Jennifer,

I am so sorry you were feeling that bad your first day. I hope that things looked up after you got a good night sleep. Can't wait to see more.

[keenercam]

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry you had such a headache your first day in the World. What a darling Rob was to go to all those gift shops to find your glasses. See? I told you. You are married to someone who is always going to take care of you and put your needs before anything else. Those little gestures of consideration are the true indicator of how he'll always be kind and considerate. I am so happy that everything worked out so well, that you got to see Carrie and Lana, that you got to go to 2 VIP lounges, found your glasses, free dessert, prime viewing location for Illuminations. So cool. Lots and lots of pixiedust: Thank you for sharing the experiences with us! :hug: :love: :lovestruc

[jennifaerie]

Holy Cow Jen that's a long plus the way you were feeling, I would have passed out long before you did! Go you!

Thanks, Laura! You make me feel strong!

We spent our complimentary night at the Poly. I was so tired the night of our vow renewal that I was past thinking clearly. The glorious thing though is our bed there was so wonderful - it just enveloped me in a sweet warm cloud and I slept so well...I hope you did too :goodvibes

I think I tend to have high expectations of myself. And I also assumed that the Disney "magic" would sweep me off my feet like it always does when we travel. But alas, weddings trump the magic! :)

Jennifer,

I am so sorry you were feeling that bad your first day. I hope that things looked up after you got a good night sleep. Can't wait to see more.

It got much better, I promise!

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry you had such a headache your first day in the World. What a darling Rob was to go to all those gift shops to find your glasses. See? I told you.

He has his moments. :) Not all the time, but this was definitely one of those times I needed it, and it was very much appreciated!

DAY TWO

Don't forget you can see the pictures (in full view) on my website (http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon)!

I can't remember if I slept well the first night. I know I felt better compared to the day before, but I think we were both still exhausted.

A weird feeling came over me, though, and I was in probably the most relaxed state I've ever been while on vacation. I normally rush us out the door for rope drop at every park (sans the first day since we don't make it in time), but I actually did NOT rush us (too much), and we didn't get to Animal Kingdom until after TEN, a full hour (plus) after they opened!

We also did something completely different-- we ordered room service.

We never order room service, though we talk about it. It's two meals on the dining plan (for the same cost as a one table service meal or less), so it's not exactly worth it. Off the dining plan, it's pricey too, because of delivery charges/service fees. But we figured we were on our honeymoon, we should go for it.

Rob ordered the fruit "plate", which was more like a fruit pineapple.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230575.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230574.JPG

There was so much fruit that he wrapped it up and snacked from it for days after.

I, of course, had to continue my love/hate relationship with Tonga Toast (banana stuff sourdough French toast that is offered fried or grilled; this version is fried).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230576.JPG

It was this day that I realized that Captain Cook's makes only a mediocre version of this, and I will never have it from there again. Theirs is greasy. And it lacks strawberry compote, which is actually the best part of this delicacy. You wouldn't believe it, but it actually makes it less sweet. The ham they serve at Captain Cook's taste more like Canadian bacon, whereas this actually tasted like grilled ham.

It was crunchy, sweet in all the right ways. And I almost didn't get sick from it (I have a tendency to get over-sweetened by Tonga Toast. I thought the ham might help, and it did a little bit.

Mmm... compote...

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230577.JPG

Nothing like seeing it at multiple angles to get you hungry.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230578.JPG

This was the view from our room (Tokelau row house). We loved it.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230579.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230580.JPG

The goofy newlyweds decided to take some pictures before they left. You'll notice we are wearing our Hello I am the Bride/Groom shirts. People got a big kick out of those.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230583.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230584.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230585.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230586.JPG

[jennifaerie]

When we got to Animal Kingdom, I did what I always do-- ask Rob where he wanted to go. It's a dumb question. We always want to go on the safari. So, of course, we headed that way. And just like always (now that we're not looking for him), Lilo and Stitch were hanging out on the way.

We passed by without stopping, and we made it to the safari.

The first time, they put us in the first row because we were newlyweds. We usually get put in the first row anyway. But we still felt special! We love the first row.

We didn't get too many exceptional shots of the safari, because we tend to focus on the cats portion, where it's tough to get any good pictures.

Besides, I think Rob was a little unfocused... or at least a little more focused on another subject.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230596.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230597.JPG

Baby giraffe!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230602.JPG

Baby elephant!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230603.JPG

I want to show you what we're up against. I'm completely convinced that, like those ostrich eggs, the cheetahs are fake. They are in the *SAME* flippin' position every time we go through.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230622.JPG

I'm so onto you, Disney!

The lions, as usual, were asleep, but we got a funny view.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230626.JPG

Just like Sammy!

This was the trip, I believe, where this family would not stop standing up on the ride. The driver actually had to stop the ride at least five times because they were not listening. The driver would say something like, I can't tell you anymore to stop standing up, and Rob would say, Yes you can! Rob was amused, not at the family standing, but by the fact that, since we kept stopping, we got a better look at the animals.

We had grabbed Fast Passes for the safari before we got on, and we had ten minutes or so before they were valid. We decided to take a walk on the path right next to the safari.

We got to see this guy, who decided living with the meerkats was cool.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230634.JPG

Then we hopped back on the safari, and we were thrown in back this time, which was a complete change for us. I don't think I want to ride the back again. It was... bumpy.

Homage to my other favorite on the ride... Hello, Tommy!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230639.JPG

More baby elephant.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230646.JPG

We ended our ridiculously bumpy ride and decided to head toward Asia. We had a reservation at the Yak & Yeti and figured we'd visit the shops and have lunch.

While we were walking, I asked him if he wanted to go on Everest. Neither Rob nor I really like this roller coaster. But there is enough space in between the trips to forget just how much we don't like it. Actually, *I* remember, but will go on it for Rob, because *he* forgets.

We were kind of at the point where we decided not to decide.

As we were walking through Asia, a cast member stopped us (this was before I started really taking names and pictures) and told us we were a cute couple and offered us the opportunity to be first in line on Expedition: Everest.

Jennifer's response? SURE!

>laugh< If it's free, I'll take it!

She was adorable. She told us about living here the past couple months and how the climate here was very similar to the climate where she lived (I believe she was from Indonesia or a neighboring country).

When we got to Everest, she walked us right up to the front of the line, say good-bye and congratulations, and was on her way.

We liked her.

Until we rode the ride. :D

I love how we're the only two trying to stretch our arms and necks like we're eighty years old.

Time for lunch!

This was the first time we went to the Yak & Yeti. It was more for Rob than for me, but I did find things on the menu that seemed edible (for my peasant palate).

Of course, I love anything (well, not anything) that's fried, so I got the fried green beans.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230659.JPG

And Rob... did not.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230660.JPG

We continued with our theme of forgetting to photograph our meals, but that's okay. They weren't all that great. We much preferred our appetizers and desserts.

I got the cream cheese wonton and pineapple kabobs with vanilla ice cream.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230663.JPG

Rob got the sorbet trio. The raspberry with coconut tasted like orange when you had a bite of both. Interesting! :) The middle was lemon, and the last was mango with raspberry sauce. His dessert was quite tasty!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230664.JPG

Rob also gave this his seal of approval.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230665.JPG

[jennifaerie]

After we finished lunch, we toyed around with the idea of staying at Animal Kingdom or visiting the pool at the Polynesian. We had two or so hours until our photo shoot with the Roots. We decided, rather than rushing around (which we seemed to stop doing that day), to go back to the room and get ready for the shoot. Which was probably the best thing we could have done, since Disney transportation seems to take forever (another ongoing theme this trip: taking cabs!).

When we got back to the room, our love affair with Clara Brown (Mousekeeping!) began.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230668.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230671.JPG

It was so great to see that Snowman (my other traveling companion) had a friend to visit with (Big Red!-- No, Wilson, I won't let Big Red or that storyline die). Another theme-- all of Clara's artwork.

I was starting to get migraine-y, so I opted to wear my hair down. Which was good, since I don't know how to put my hair up! I tried to put a few wavy curls at the bottom, but, for the most part, it was straight, like usual.

Rather than busing ourselves all over the place, we opted to take a cab to Saratoga Springs, where we were supposed to meet Nathan and Jensey. It was our first time getting a cab, and we were nervous. There were only vans, and we didn't want to take over an entire van when someone else might need it. But the driver took us anyway. Vans seem to be more popular around Disney World, which makes sense.

Rob realized as we pulled away, he forgot to wear his ring. He was really upset. I told him we could turn around, but I didn't think we'd end up focusing on our rings anyway. He agreed, but still felt bad and tried to hide his hands the entire shoot.

As we were pulling into Saratoga Springs, the driver asked us where we needed to go, and we didn't know the name of the main building, so we just told him "the main building". Ironically, though, I looked out into the parking lot, and there were Nathan and Jensey looking right back at us! We both waved to each other at the same time (I had shown them our wedding website, so they must have gone to it and saw what we looked like), and that was the start of two of the best hours of our trip.

Rob and I were really nervous. On our wedding day, I was exhausted and kinda punch drunk happy, so I was willing to do whatever. But that Tuesday, it was like we were meeting rock stars or going on a job interview. We were terrified they were going to hate us. :)

They explained their way of photographing (basically do anything, and we'll take pictures), and we had a difficult time with this. At first. We liked direction, so I think we both panicked when Nathan said "do anything". I think he picked that up, so he had us sit in the grass and told us to do a few things.

Then we walked around the rest of the resort, while they took pictures along the way. The reason I had picked Saratoga Springs was the pool, but we ended up not taking any pictures there. Which was fine, because we went to Celebration and... an overpass on the side of the highway, and I know those pictures came out MUCH better!

Once we got to Celebration, and Rob took his coat off and rolled up his sleeves, we were both much more comfortable and in great spirits. We essentially had a blast with Nathan and Jensey. They were fun, had great sense of humors (senses of humor?), and we joked the entire time.

But then they had us get into their car.

And they headed to the highway.

Pulled on the side of the road.

And told us to get out.

I was thinking, Oh god, we're going to have to walk back to Disney World.

But no, this was one of their amazing ideas... they took pictures of us on an overpass! It's an excellent anecdote for anyone we show the pictures to. No one can believe it. What (a) great eye(s) they have.

There was a guy who was apparently hitchhiking and seemed to think we were all bizarre. Maybe we were! But we had fun!

This was our favorite part... Imagine being in your wedding dress, running through a field, your arms up in the air, the wind blowing. It was amazing. So freeing. In fact, at one point toward the end of our shoot, Rob was looking at me, the sun was setting, and we were at the top of a hill (read: the overpass), and I just started crying.

A very, VERY moving experience.

We made their blog (http://rootphotography.blogspot.com/2008/09/favorite-shooting-day-ever-ever-ever.html), which was super cool (that goes into Day Three and how I was up at five in the morning, downloading their pictures onto my phone).

Most of you have seen these already, as you've seen the blog.

This was taken in a back stairwell in one of the buildings at Saratoga Springs.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Roots/0379.jpg

These were taken on the overpass.
http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Roots/1668.jpg

http://lunatunahead.com/Wedding/Roots/1563%20copy.jpg

We have a disc on the way to us with all their pictures, but for those of you who want to see them NOW NOW NOW:
Our Slideshow (http://clients.rootography.com/jenniferrob/)
Our Photos (http://rootography.instaproofs.com/collection.php?event=77255)
There are different categories, but to see all of them, scroll down to Photos [Password required], click on the hyperlink.
Password: cote

When we got back to our room, I decided I didn't want to change for dinner. I loved wearing the dress, and it was dirty already, so why not? Rob opted to keep his dress clothes on too.

We were probably going to be late if we took the monorail to the Contemporary, so we, again, grabbed a cab (ooh, so fast!).

Because I had read so much about their mashie taties, we ate at Chef Mickey's.

When we checked in, the person at the front desk said, Are we celebrating something tonight? (You see, we weren't wearing our Just Married pins, and the wedding dress might not have given it away!)

People kept thinking we were dressed for the Halloween party. I'm not sure what we would be going as, but I guess maybe I looked like a princess and Rob like an upstanding quasi-stockbroker. :)

The food was all right, and we didn't take pictures this time because the food wasn't exactly prettily displayed like when you're eating at a non-buffet restaurant. We did, however, take pictures of ourselves!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230673.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230674.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230675.JPG

We seem to have trouble getting us both with the same expression in the same picture. So he'll look serious, and I'll be grinning. I'll look serious, and he'll be smiling. Oops.

We just so happened to sit next to a cast member and her family. It was her first week back from maternity leave. She was a front desk person at one of the value resorts. She said it was great to see and work with adults again. :)

Her husband was kind enough to take our picture with Goofy.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230676.JPG

I wasn't exactly prepared for Mickey and friends' reactions to how we were dressed. I don't speak "mime", so they'd ask me questions, and I'd have no idea what they were trying to say. But I did get my hand kissed quite a bit, and Rob got several thumbs up (if they had thumbs).

We also got celebratory place mats and cupcakes. Why do all the restaurants bring you dessert AFTER you've already eaten dessert?
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230677.JPG

I don't think I ate the cupcake(s). I think I just ate the frosting off them. :) It was good. Whipped cream, maybe? I love when restaurants use whipped cream for frosting instead of that thick, sugary close-your-throat frosting.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230679.JPG

After we ate dinner, I had to stroll around the fourth floor concourse. I absolutely *loved* swishing around in my dress, walking through the stores. The cast members kept stopping us to find out what the special occasion was. We had several people ask us if we had gotten married at Disney (when you tell people "no", it's an instant conversation killer. You either get the sad "ohh" or people truly stop talking to you :) ).

Rob and I discovered that we missed a bunny in the mosaic at the Contemporary. We had to get pictures of him!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230680.JPG

Even if I'm blurry, he's still cute!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230681.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092308%20-%20Our%20First%20Room%20Service%20Experience,%20An imal%20Kingdom,%20and%20Chef%20Mickey%27s/slides/P9230682.JPG

I was going to say I couldn't remember how we got back, but I just remembered we took the monorail because we bumped into the cast member and her family again on the train. A little girl told me my dress was pretty. :)

We didn't make it in time for the Electric Water Pageant (another theme!), but we heard the music! By the end of the trip (and still now), I keep singing in my head about how everyone does the "dinosaur".

We were both pretty happy and content. It was a fantastic day.

[padisneyfour]

Oh its so cool you wore your dress to chef mickeys and got pic w/goofy. I like the pic with the bunny mosaic:goodvibes

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen that was an awesome day 2! Those pictures with the Roots are stunning!!! Where did you find that bride top hat?? I didn't know they made them. Love the Goofy pic!!

[pjstevens]

Jennifer,

Oh my goodness, you photos are absolutely gorgeous! :faint: You and Rob are so in love. I am so glad you got to wear your wedding gown to dinner. Sorry people thought you were going to MNSSHP though, how dare they. Loving your TR. :goodvibes

[jennifaerie]

Oh its so cool you wore your dress to chef mickeys and got pic w/goofy. I like the pic with the bunny mosaic:goodvibes

Thanks! We love the bunnies! :)

Jen that was an awesome day 2! Those pictures with the Roots are stunning!!! Where did you find that bride top hat?? I didn't know they made them. Love the Goofy pic!!

Thank you so much! Now you know why we're such big Roots fans.

Rob made the hat for me. We both expect to see them being sold in the next six months, because so many cast members asked about them and said they were better than the other ears! If they do come out, Rob will know he was the inspiration!

Jennifer,

Oh my goodness, you photos are absolutely gorgeous! :faint: You and Rob are so in love. I am so glad you got to wear your wedding gown to dinner. Sorry people thought you were going to MNSSHP though, how dare they. Loving your TR. :goodvibes

Thank you, Patty! I thought it was pretty cool going out in the dress. It definitely was funny that people thought I was dressing up in costume, though. I got a few giggles out of that.

[29apr00]

beautiful photos!! I'm so glad day 2 was better!! Hope the rest of the week there are no more migraines!!

[alissa2008]

Oh my gosh, I'm finally catching up and boy am I smitten with you two! :lovestruc You both are so gorgeous and look SOOOO incredibly happy in all your pictures...despite migraines, lost glasses and other bizarre happenings. I can't wait for more...

:banana:

going to check out your website photo galleries now, cuz I just can't get enough! :)

ETA: and where did you get that white top hat? I heart it.

[IndyBride]

Jennifer you're pictures are AMAZING!!!!! I abosolutly love the ones in the stairwell!! You look amazing!! Of course I've only seen like 6 pages so we'll se what happens when I see them all...

ETA: the one's on the hill with the beautiful sky- also amazing.... let's be honest- they are all great!!!!

[jennifaerie]

beautiful photos!! I'm so glad day 2 was better!! Hope the rest of the week there are no more migraines!!

Thank you!! There were more migraines, but nothing like Day One, I promise.

Oh my gosh, I'm finally catching up and boy am I smitten with you two! :lovestruc You both are so gorgeous and look SOOOO incredibly happy in all your pictures...despite migraines, lost glasses and other bizarre happenings. I can't wait for more...

:banana:

going to check out your website photo galleries now, cuz I just can't get enough! :)

ETA: and where did you get that white top hat? I heart it.

You were kinda busy, you know! :) Don't overdose on us! I don't want to be responsible for any injuries or casualties because you've had way too much of Robifer.

Rob actually made the top hat/ears! Isn't he crafty?

Jennifer you're pictures are AMAZING!!!!! I abosolutly love the ones in the stairwell!! You look amazing!! Of course I've only seen like 6 pages so we'll se what happens when I see them all...

ETA: the one's on the hill with the beautiful sky- also amazing.... let's be honest- they are all great!!!!

Val, thank you!!

They get better and better... the ones at the end are the best. I know what you mean about the sky; it really was beautiful. All the robust colors. We couldn't have asked for more.

[alissa2008]

I'm with Val! Your pictures are awesome. I'm really diggin the ones in the forest. LOVE IT!! :lovestruc

And...I think I missed something -- what's with ET? :confused3 :laughing:

He sure is adorable though! :banana:

[jennifaerie]

:rotfl:

Alissa, in our guest book, there's a picture of Rob as a child with an E.T. tote bag. On the opposite page is a picture of me as a child with my E.T. doll.

I wore two of them to bits when I was a child, but I found one on eBay (neat anecdote... bid on it using a Contemporary Resort computer... paid for it on my phone while boarding the Disney Wonder a day later!).

I thought it'd be a nice personal touch if I brought it to the wedding... show the little girl in me coming out. :)

[alissa2008]

:rotfl:

Alissa, in our guest book, there's a picture of Rob as a child with an E.T. tote bag. On the opposite page is a picture of me as a child with my E.T. doll.

I wore two of them to bits when I was a child, but I found one on eBay (neat anecdote... bid on it using a Contemporary Resort computer... paid for it on my phone while boarding the Disney Wonder a day later!).

I thought it'd be a nice personal touch if I brought it to the wedding... show the little girl in me coming out. :)

For sure!! I love it!! :lovestruc

[Tink_Kel]

Amazing photos Jennifer. I think the ones of you two with a line of trees on either side of you, is simply stunning!! Where in the world was that taken?!

We've booked a Honeymoon Shoot with Nate & Jensey for May. Nate suggested Celebration, instead of WDW property. I think your photos sold me on the idea. They are great!!

You guys look so happy, I can't wait for your next installment! :yay:

[jennifaerie]

Amazing photos Jennifer. I think the ones of you two with a line of trees on either side of you, is simply stunning!! Where in the world was that taken?!

We've booked a Honeymoon Shoot with Nate & Jensey for May. Nate suggested Celebration, instead of WDW property. I think your photos sold me on the idea. They are great!!

You guys look so happy, I can't wait for your next installment! :yay:

Thank you! They were taken in a park in Celebration. If you mention the trees to them (which they'll probably end up taking you to anyway), they'll know exactly what you're talking about.

They definitely have *the* "eye"... and May is going to be beautiful!!

[Mama of Indybride]

Wow! I finally caught up with everything!

You were an awesomely amazingly beautiful bride, and the both of you look so happy!

Lots of Pixie Dust seemed to be coming your way, I can't wait to see what else will happen!

[MiaBella05]

popcorn:: subscribing popcorn:: How did you find out about the secret rooms at epcot?

[jennifaerie]

I work at a hospital, and we use Siemens software for registrations, orders, and scheduling.

Generally, at most VIP lounges, you need to be an employee of the company or work with that company on a daily basis.

:)

I know I owe new installments, and they are coming. I promise! :)

[jennifaerie]

Okay, we're long overdue now, and I apologize. I've actually had to do work at work.

Day Three - Wednesday!

Day Three was probably the worst day we had (well, if you don't factor in day one) while we were on our honeymoon. Tuesday ended on a real high, so it would have been next to impossible to top it.

Unfortunately, we were silly and hoped it *would* get topped. Oops.

I woke up around five to go to the bathroom, and I checked my email. I received an email from Nathan with a few selections. Here I was, sitting hunched over on the toilet (didn't want to disturb Rob with the light), trying to download these big pictures on my little phone. I was dying of anticipation.

When I saw them, I actually gasped. I was completely moved. So much so that I decided to wake Rob up after all and have him look at them.

We were both taken aback that we could look THAT good! And we were so touched by what Nathan and Jensey posted on their blog about us. The feeling was definitely mutual.

After we stared at the pictures some more, we got ready to head out.

We started with breakfast at Kona Cafe.

Rob trying to look pensive.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240683.JPG

Me trying to look... blurry.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240690.JPG

I opted to be wild, and I got an omelet (for me, that's crazeeeee!), which was very good, but WAY TOO BIG.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240691.JPG

Rob got what I believe was called the Samoan (it's not listed on the menu on allears anymore).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240692.JPG

I think it was some sort of hash dish.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240693.JPG

Rob had to run to the bathroom after we ate, so I went outside to call my mom to have her look at the Roots' pictures. It must have taken five minutes alone for her to get the web address right, but you could tell when she did, because she gasped too. :)

From that day on, my mom became a Root-blog-junkie (she actually said to me on Thanksgiving, Did you see where they are today? What a life! >laugh<).

Rob came out, and my mom was still going on and on about the pictures, so we walked to the monorail, while she talked.

Imagine our surprise that while we were talking about Nathan and Jensey, they appeared in front of us! With lurkyloo and Patrick! Mid-sentence, I said to my mom, Um, mom, they're here, gotta go, and I hung up on her. (Sorry, I was excited!)

So we talked with the four of them while we waited for the monorail, and we Disney brides/our men got our pictures taken. Then we hopped on the monorail. Nathan showed lurkyloo some of the pictures from the shoot. Everyone oohed and ahhed. :)

Then we hopped off the monorail at Magic Kingdom, and suddenly had to say good-bye.

Truth be told, that was the highlight of our day. The rest of it seemed rather blah. At several points, we said, I wonder what Carrie and Patrick are doing. I wonder what Nathan and Jensey are taking pictures of.

We tried to spot them, but as it turns out, they spent most of their day on the opposite side of the park from us (we smelled).

As usual, we raced to Tomorrowland. It's our favorite part of the park. As usual, it was Space Mountain first, and everything else second. I am sorry to report that we only did the Laugh Floor once, and it was that day. We generally try to do the Laugh Floor three or four times on our visits, but it was either closed or we were headed elsewhere, so we missed out.

Here's Rob on the Astro Orbiter, a ride that I seem to have missed out riding except for our last two trips. So I like to ride it as much as I can.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240694.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240695.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240705.JPG

Then I was lucky enough to spot my favorite little (big) guy!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240707.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240708.JPG

We rode most of the rides at Tomorrowland, and then it was time for lunch at... you guessed it... Kona Cafe!

We opted to take a boat back to the Polynesian, because we'd never done it before.

We liked it, as evidenced here!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240712.JPG

I took many pictures of the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian on our trip back. But I'll spare you from those.

We decided to stop off at the room before we went to lunch, and this is what we found:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240727.JPG

Snowman and Big Red had a friend! Little Red!

While we waited for our table, I took some pictures of the Great Ceremonial House.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240729.JPG

Then we, again, forgot to take pictures of our lunches. Oops. But I remembered in time for dessert.

The new banana chocolate creme brulee (the caramel version was much better).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240734.JPG

And Rob got the coconut cream pie (or tart).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240736.JPG

Sadly, the most amusing anecdote of the day was Rob trying to determine what the white fruit was on his plate and me saying, I wonder if it's lychee... and finding out I was right (I told you it was a depressing day). Whee!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240738.JPG

We did receive a magical moment, though, thanks again to our Mousekeeper, Clara Brown. We came back to the room after lunch and found this:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240739.JPG

That's actually edible sugar paper.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240741.JPG

So this is where life gets really interesting (not really).

We had a reservation for Jiko that night. Animal Kingdom had EME hours, so we decided to go to Animal Kingdom before our reservation to kill some time. At the time, we had about three hours before it closed.

We went to the bus stop and waited.

The family who was sitting across from us had already been waiting over twenty minutes for the Animal Kingdom bus. This happens from time to time, so we figured it'd be there any minute.

Twenty minutes later, there had been multiple buses from DHS, Downtown Disney, and even Magic Kingdom (which doesn't usually stop there)! But no Animal Kingdom.

Rather than waiting there any longer, we opted to head to Epcot instead and got up to walk to the TTC.

Guess what happened!

As we were walking away, a bus for Animal Kingdom drove by us. So we ran back to the bus stop only to find the bus drive RIGHT BY.

At that point, we were a little disgusted, so we started back to the TTC.

Guess what happened then!!

The monorail to Epcot was DOWN! Yep. So we waited there for another twenty minutes, as announcements kept being made about them switching tracks, and they'd be back *any time*. Sure.

We turned around and walked over to the buses at the TTC.

Turns out there was one for Animal Kingdom waiting there! So we hopped on. And waited another ten minutes for it to leave.

By the time we got to Animal Kingdom, we had about an hour and a half left before we had to head out to make it to AKL in time (remember, we started with three hours!). Very, very frustrating.

When we got to Animal Kingdom, most people were leaving because it had closed for regular visitors. We really didn't have time to ride anything, and we were relatively dressed up, so we wanted to stay clean (no Kali for us!). We just walked around and Rob took pictures with his camera. And I played Jensey and took pictures of him taking pictures.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240745.JPG

I did stop to take this one.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240746.JPG

It seemed like we were finished almost as soon as we got there. We made our way to the bus stop and were dropped off at AKL.

I have to say our experience at Jiko kind of went along with the day. We felt slightly under dressed (even though I was wearing a skirt and Rob was wearing cargo pants). It seemed too nice a place for us. The menu was a little too adventurous for me, though I had already planned on getting the filet mignon and mac and cheese, so I didn't have to think *too* much.

Everything rubbed us the wrong way, though. And it didn't help that a group of men were seated behind us. You know the type... hairy, manly men who were here on business for a conference. Loud men who felt it was okay to talk about the size of women's chests in not so glowing terms.

They were seated about five to ten minutes after we were. In the course of our entire meal, they managed to only have drinks and were finishing up their appetizers. They were rude, obnoxious, and they really ruined our dinner. One of the men (was the ringleader for inappropriate language... I wouldn't mind swearing, but he was just using unsavory body part terminology that just shouldn't be shouted out at a restaurant) kept staring at me. He almost seemed amused that I was sitting there as he talked about stewardesses he'd... yeah. I mentioned to Rob that he kept looking at me, and that made Rob mad because he could hear all the things he was saying (I'm sure everyone could). Rob never gets upset about anything, and he was half-tempted to get up and tell the guy to shut up. He asked me a few times to switch seats, but I didn't want them to garner any satisfaction in frustrating us.

We had talked about mentioning it to our waitress, but she sort of vanished. Which was fine because she weirded me out and made me feel like the bumpkin I am.

The meal was not exactly fantastic either. The mac and cheese had no flavor, and the filet mignon tasted like every other filet mignon at Disney (which I shouldn't be surprised about at this point, but was).

We did enjoy our desserts for the most part, and of course, remembered to photograph those.

I got the peach crumble with the white peach sorbet (yum) and ginger ice cream (not so yum). It's one of the more interesting looking desserts I got while on our honeymoon. I thought it looked like a fish. Or a turkey. :)

Rob got the allspice cake.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240753.JPG

It looks a lot better than it tasted (though it still was good).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092408%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Jiko/slides/P9240754.JPG

After we finished dinner, we decided we didn't want to take a bus to DTD and then go back to the Polynesian, so we opted to take a cab back to the room. We told our driver all about our Jiko experience. He was surprised that the staff didn't do anything on their own accord because of how loud the men were being. I think we were a little as well.

He dropped us off, and we went back to the room because we, again, missed the stupid electrical water pageant (doh!).

I know, not the greatest report, but I promise, the next day is much, much, MUCH better!

[lurkyloo]

Imagine our surprise that while we were talking about Nathan and Jensey, they appeared in front of us! With lurkyloo and Patrick! Mid-sentence, I said to my mom, Um, mom, they're here, gotta go, and I hung up on her. (Sorry, I was excited!)

So we talked with the four of them while we waited for the monorail, and we Disney brides/our men got our picture taken.


Which looked like this...

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Planning%20Journal/001_0008_cp.jpg

:cutie:

[Tink_Kel]

Ahhhh, I'm so sorry the day didn't turn out how you wanted! :sad1: It's cool that you met Lurkyloo and Patrick with the Roots! Love the pic! (BTW Lurkyloo, absolutely love the colors you guys are wearing, you look wonderful!)

[adisneygal]

Great pic of the four of you! I heart the Roots!!!

Jennifaerie, where did you get those "My name is shirts"? so cute!

And we have the snowman too. Super soft and cuddly. My kids love that movie and I love to sing that song to them really loud and out of tune. I cannot believe I just admitted that....:rotfl:

[jennifaerie]

Great pic of the four of you! I heart the Roots!!!

Jennifaerie, where did you get those "My name is shirts"? so cute!

And we have the snowman too. Super soft and cuddly. My kids love that movie and I love to sing that song to them really loud and out of tune. I cannot believe I just admitted that....:rotfl:

We got them from Cafepress. I just looked up bride and found an insane number of different items.

I love The Snowman! This is actually probably the tenth version of him I've had over the decades. I tend to snuggle them to death. :) I think it's great that you sing the song... You would really need quite the falsetto to NOT sing it out of tune! :)

[keenercam]

Oh, sweetie, I am SOOOO sorry that those jerks were anywhere in your vicinity. I LOVE the scene in Notting Hill where the guys in the restaurant are talking about Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant goes over and says something to them. I'm glad you didn't give them the satisfaction of knowing they'd made you uncomfortable and I am glad you didn't let Rob get into a fuss with them. UGH! Your waitress probably took off because she was uncomfortable. :(

LOVE your pix, though. You always look so gorgeous. You and Rob are so photogenic and the picture of you and Carrie and Patrick is awesome! Carrie -- Thank you for posting that! :hug: You and Patrick look wonderful (as always!)

[lurkyloo]

(BTW Lurkyloo, absolutely love the colors you guys are wearing, you look wonderful!)

Awww... :goodvibes I now try to work our wedding colors into every aspect of my life - you should see our formerly white cat! :rotfl:

Carrie -- Thank you for posting that! :hug: You and Patrick look wonderful (as always!)

You're so sweet - thanks! :cloud9:


We now return you to your regularly scheduled Jennifaerie Trip Report.... pirate:

[jennifaerie]

Thanks to Carrie for posting the picture and thanks to Cam for being sweet as always. :)

[WithDisneySpirit]

Great installment although I am angry for you that you had to suffer through dinner near those awful men :headache: :hug:

Love the pic of the four of you :goodvibes

[Lynn5700]

Hey Jennifer! Great update!

I love Kona cafe!!! So good.

When we eat at Jiko I'm going to try that dessert. It looks soooo good!

[jennifaerie]

Great installment although I am angry for you that you had to suffer through dinner near those awful men :headache: :hug:

Love the pic of the four of you :goodvibes

Aww, thank you. It just goes to show that poopy people can show up anywhere, but you just need to let it go! Which I am very bad at doing. :)

Hey Jennifer! Great update!

I love Kona cafe!!! So good.

When we eat at Jiko I'm going to try that dessert. It looks soooo good!

Thanks, Lynnie! I'm a big Kona fan too (as you can tell). I hate breakfast, but Kona Cafe makes me rethink my opinion every time I go!! You made me fall in love with Tonga Toast all over again!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen I am so sorry you had such a bad day that day! What a bunch of jerks! I would have said something to the manager, no one should be subjected to that ever!

Can't wait to see how day 4 turns out! Waiting paiently! :surfweb:

[DisneyBrideToni]

Wow I was behind on your TR!!! I just caught up. I am sorry some things didn't go well for you. I hope everything else turns out better for you two! I LOVE your Roots pictures. They are very talented!! How cool that you kept running into Carrie and Patrick!

[WithDisneySpirit]

Yes, I feel I have to add that you may not realize it but you were definitely subjected to sexual harassment. What he did to you was against the law. As a 48 year old woman who's experienced things like that, I would have made his life very uncomfortable because I would have called him on it to his face. Then it would have been him squirming in his seat wanting to leave everyone's gaze...

I was almost 40 though before I gained this ability to really stand abusers down...

[jennifaerie]

I am so sorry for getting distracted and not continuing, but life got in the way! With Captain Awesome, migraines, Christmas, work... I found very little time for else, including the trip report.

Now, I have to go back and refer to things in order to figure out what the heck we did! :)

Day Four - Thursday

I believe we ordered room service again. It was just too much fun not to, and with Magic Kingdom having extra magic morning hours, we wanted to be on our way early. I don't have any pictures, but I imagine Tonga Toast was involved. There was one day where we split a breakfast, and this could have been the day. If you've seen one picture of Tonga Toast, you've seen them all.

Since we had spent so much time in Tomorrowland the day before, we decided this would be our Big Thunder Mountain Railroad day. Of course, with EMM, that portion of the park is closed, so we, yet again, started our day off in Tomorrowland. Rob can't get enough of Space Mountain. I can't get enough of... that whole area.

I think this was the morning we got off Space Mountain, and someone in the arcade gave us a free racing game. Rob and I raced against each other, and at the last second, I won! When you win, I guess you get a free game, but I gave it to Rob, since he likes racing games more than I do. While we were playing, they made us a certificate for being super duper racers! :)

I could go on and on (read: make up things because I can't remember), but honestly, what matters is what happened once Big Thunder Mountain Road was open.

We rushed over and rode, rode, rode!

Ever since Carly had her shoot with the Roots, I've had ride envy. :) So Rob and I decided we'd try to take pictures of ourselves instead.

Some came out nicely...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250757.JPG

Others... notsomuch.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250758.JPG

I became obsessed with getting a picture of the bobcat...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250761.JPG

... as well as still being obsessed with ride pictures.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250762.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250763.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250765.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250766.JPG

By showing you all these pictures first, I'm leaving a lot out of the story.

Since the park was still rather quiet, we decided to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad consecutively several times. We'd get on, then get off, then get back on again.

To the point that the cast members on the ride would joke with us... AGAIN?!

At one point, as we were walking off, they ushered us back in through the exit and let us wait on the exit side to get on again. They had everyone cheer for the honeymooners.

Each time, they let us choose which car we wanted to go in, so we now know what to expect from the front, the back, the middle, an d everywhere in between. The cast members would argue over which was the best seat to make sure we got the best ride.

After riding about four or five times (or maybe more!), we won Dream Fastpasses!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250772.JPG

The funny thing is, we talked with the Dream Squad without even knowing who they were (I'm sorry, I was on a mission... how could I spend time noticing what they were wearing and doing?!), as they were setting up.

It has always been my dream to win Dream Fastpasses at Magic Kingdom. We won them at MGM (it was MGM at the time), and we were already done for the day, but even so, we only used one off it.

But with Magic Kingdom... wow, the possibilities were almost endless (or as many nubbies are on the card).

We were very excited.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250773.JPG

Guess what we did to celebrate!

Yes, ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

As we were reaching the end of our tour (lunchtime reservations were stopping us from riding until close!), the cast members really had become family (they teased us and everything! I was scolded for cheering when I was only told to raise my hands). I didn't want to leave. One particular cast member was super cool, including sneaking us through the exit again to ride one more time... His name was Chris.

He LOVED us.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250774.JPG

:)

We were just stopping to say good-bye because we had to make our reservation, and he said, Well, do you want to ride again?

Um... YES!

So he brought us through.

And then we were told not to get off after the ride ended!

WOO!

I know what you're wondering... how many times did you ride?

I've probably built it up now, so you'll be like, That's IT?!... but we managed to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that morning eleven times. Whee!

At Mickey's Not so Scary Halloween party, we managed to ride it five more times in a row (migraine stopped us from riding more :( ), so we rode it sixteen times during out stay.

The record (depending on who you talk to) for consecutive rides is thirty-four (or thirty-five). If we hadn't had lunch reservations, we probably still wouldn't have been able to make that. After awhile, it kinda got routine. We knew exactly what to expect through every nook and cranny... what fun is that (apparently a lot!).

As we were leaving the ride, a cast member stopped us. He had been working Big Thunder Mountain Railroad for some of the time that morning, so he wanted to know how many times we rode. We started talking about the party, and I mentioned that we went to the first one last year (now 2007, so two years ago), and he said, Oh god, it rained so hard that night!

It was weird to talk to someone about a party we had been to over a year ago, and he knew exactly what happened that night. It was awful... it almost swore us off going to the party again. It was way overcrowded, the candy sucked, and of course, the lightning and rain kept us stuck at Cosmic Ray's (where Rob will never go again) for hours. He said people complained to high heaven.

Disney may be wonderful, but it can't control the weather!

He said he'd be at the party this year, and maybe we'd see each other again (we didn't :( ).

When we won our Dream Fastpasses (sorry for going all over the place), we both decided we needed a snack, so we actually ran over to Adventureland for a few minutes before we ran back to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to continue our quest.

The stop had Jack Skellington cookies!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250769.JPG

As expected, a skeleton doesn't taste all that great.

I also ordered one of the soft serve/orange sherbet swirl drinks that seem to be impossible to find (which now will make us stop at this place every time we go). Rob got something too... I can't remember what. I don't think it was a Dole Whip. I think it might have been a float. Whatever it was, we got all of it for free! I kept saying, Are you sure? I mean, it's one thing to get a free cookie, but everything we got totaled $10. I was really touched. Made our day. As if Dream Fastpasses and eleven times on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad weren't enough!

We had lunch at Tony's Town Square. We always end up wandering Magic Kingdom, frustrated because we get stuck in a parade along the way and can't find a place to eat in the mob. I had gone through the menus at allears, and it was a toss up between Liberty Tree (we're eating there this Friday, so we'll still get to try it out!) or Tony's (not a big Winnie the Pooh fan so Crystal Palace is out... I know, I know). We opted for Tony's this time. We had heard not-so-great things, but it wasn't too bad.

They were decorating our table as we were being seated.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250775.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250776.JPG

Little did they know they gave Rob something to do the entire time we were there. He had to decorate and write words with the Mickey confetti.

I took pictures of the restaurant, because I liked all the harvest-y things they did for fall.

There's Rob!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250779.JPG

Rob got the Flavors of Italy antipasto plate appetizer, and I got soup, but we neglected to take pictures of those.

Our waiter was interesting. I want to say his name was Paul. He was bluntly honest with us about everything, and I sometimes had trouble deciphering if he was being sarcastic. I ordered a Shirley Temple, and I didn't realize they needed a bar for that, so I struck out on that way. Then I asked if he had to choose between the baked ziti and the chicken parmesan, he flat out told me the chicken parmesan (I barely finished my question before he answered). He told us the baked ziti was old. Not that it sat for days on end, but they didn't make it fresh daily, so he wouldn't recommend it to anyone (bluntly honest, see?).

He was ultimately very nice, but again, I was thrown off guard by his not being all "Everything is perfect at Disney World!" attitude. It actually was refreshing.

Our meals:

The chicken parmesan.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250780.JPG

Rob got the eggplant stack.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250781.JPG

What's left of the Flavors of Italy.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250782.JPG

For dessert, I can't remember what I got! I know Rob got the spumoni. I think I may have gotten the pistachio creme brulee. But I might have gotten gelato. We don't have any proof. We were slacking again.

Since we had our dream fast passes (I forgot to mention that we used the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad one already :D), we went back to Tomorrowland to ride Space Mountain again. We stopped at Buzz Lightyear, and we stole this Carrie/Patrick move, as we are cheap!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250784.JPG

As we were leaving, we saw a couple trying to take a picture in front of the castle, so I offered to for them. In turn, they offered to get a picture of us:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250785.JPG

(Be sure to visit here (http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey) if you want to see the whole pictures. :) ).

Next up, visiting Downtown Disney!

[jennifaerie]

After we finished at Magic Kingdom, we went back to the room and were greeted with this:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250788.JPG

We had originally planned to visit a water park, but neither of us were feeling the water love, so we opted to go to Downtown Disney. I had seen some shirts on other people, and I was trying to find them, so we thought World of Disney might be a good place to look.

Rob got to see Wall-E.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250789.JPG
(We thought it looked cuter sideways.)

Rob wanted to play Life at the toy store.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250791.JPG

I just wanted to eat the castle.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250792.JPG

The Lego family was a new addition since the last time we had visited.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250795.JPG

Hey, is that Captain Awesome?
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250797.JPG

Rob loved the man with the video camera... or rather, he loved the video camera itself.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250799.JPG

While I didn't buy them, I thought these guys were cute.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250807.JPG

We visited my favorite store at Downtown Disney... though saying it's my favorite is really bittersweet. I love the art store, but it doesn't love my wallet.

I had to get a picture of this painting that was hanging (or at least part of it).

Cogsworth!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250808.JPG

More of the painting.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250809.JPG

What I *really* wanted was this...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250810.JPG

Since they were selling prints of it, Rob did the next best thing he could and tried to get a good picture of it.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250811.JPG

I did get a Wall-E print, but it wasn't nearly as lovely as the original artwork they were selling (of course not).

After we were done at Downtown Disney, we went back to the room to watch more of The Bunny Show.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250813.JPG

That's Godiva. She doesn't move around much. She's more of a grazer.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250814.JPG

Well... Until she's not.

Digital zoom isn't always fantastic, but it gives you an idea of what you're looking at.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250820.JPG

That night, we were booked to go to the Spirit of Aloha luau. We had heard negative things about this as well, so we were pleasantly surprised. The food was hot and fresh, our waitress was fresh too (she had everyone in our section stitches).

When we checked in, a man was demanding his money back because he was seated in the worst section of the room. He was very grumpy, and he was taking the attention of most of the people there.

We found out later that he was [supposed to be] seated at a table next to ours. We had fantastic seats. We were all the way in the back row, and I think it allowed you to see everything perfectly. The room is small. So I don't know what his problem was. The guys who were sitting next to us (a sweet, sweet gay couple on their first trip to Disney World... aww...) said he threw a hissy fit and was swearing very loudly, to the embarrassment of his children. (Classy.)

We had a much better time without him!

We, including our monkey, of course.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250573.JPG

Some of the menu.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250574.JPG

More of the menu...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250575.JPG

Our dessert, which was destined to give me a migraine, but I ate it (and disliked it) anyway! The sauce was very good, though!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250576.JPG

The couple next to us made us go out for the dance with the newlyweds (thank god it was just a nice slow dance), and then they took pictures of us. One without flash...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250577.JPG

And one with...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092508%20-%20Magic%20Kingdom%20again%20and%20Downtown%20Disn ey/slides/P9250578.JPG

You can't see it, but I actually wore a dress that night... I have this dress I think I bought for five bucks at Sears on clearance, oh, seven or eight years ago? It's fluorescent green and yellow (flowers), and I always bring it with me when I go to Disney World. I thought it was the perfect occasion for it.

We had a really nice time, and I wouldn't mind going again...

It was even better that we got to walk back to our room from it!

Next up: Day Five - Epcot!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen I am so happy you started up your TR again! I love reading about you and Rob's trip. I can't believe you rode BTR 16 times!!! :rotfl2: I would probably do the same thing for Buzz or Pirates though if I had the chance!

You too are so cute! Congrats on winning the dream fastpasses, that is so cool!!! pixiedust:

Keep it coming!

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

I just found your journal and you are keeping me up!!!
I am just up to your centerpieces and I AM SO JEALOUS I am considering throwing playdoh on my tables now!!!!
I cant wait to keep reading!!! Congrats...and your ring is beyond beautiful!

[jennifaerie]

Jen I am so happy you started up your TR again! I love reading about you and Rob's trip. I can't believe you rode BTR 16 times!!! :rotfl2: I would probably do the same thing for Buzz or Pirates though if I had the chance!

You too are so cute! Congrats on winning the dream fastpasses, that is so cool!!! pixiedust:

Keep it coming!

Thank you Laura! I'm sorry it took me so long.

I just found your journal and you are keeping me up!!!
I am just up to your centerpieces and I AM SO JEALOUS I am considering throwing playdoh on my tables now!!!!
I cant wait to keep reading!!! Congrats...and your ring is beyond beautiful!

Oh, thank you so much! Everyone had so much fun with those centerpieces. We had absolutely no idea how much it would reach the inner child in everyone!

Thank you again! :) I'm all blushy. :rotfl:

Day Five - Typhoon Lagoon and Epcot

We put that Friday aside for Seaworld, but we ended up not wanting to go. I'm not really sure why, other than we were feeling the Disney love and didn't want to go "off campus".

We still hadn't visited any of the water parks. After our last trip, we had decided we wanted to go to Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon every day. Oops. It wasn't nearly as hot and humid as the last September, so we just didn't feel like swimming all the time (I can't remember when, but we did go swimming at the Polynesian pool... a couple times, I believe. But the heater was off one day, and the next day, it really wasn't much warmer, so we were weenies... too cold for us!).

We had a reservation at Kona Cafe, and then we were off to Typhoon Lagoon.

Sorry, no breakfast pictures, though I'm sure it was good... I think that morning I opted to get the steak. Almost all the waitstaff knew us by then, so we chatted with all of them. One man that worked there was from Lowell, which is about ten minutes from Nashua, so we had lots to talk about.

After breakfast, we ran back to the room for a quick moment, and then we went to the bus stop. And as most of you already know, our friends, Carrie and Patrick were there! And she took a picture of me in my snazzy Victoria's Secret pajama shorts that I opted to wear as regular clothes, and will now do it every time I see Carrie because she likes them so much. Except the bow, once washed, died. So there will no longer be anymore poof. Sorry, lurkyloo!

If it weren't for Carrie snapping that picture, I wouldn't have remembered we even went to Typhoon Lagoon that morning.

I'm an... I don't really know how to put it... over-and-done-with-no-nonsense type person...? So I go somewhere, I get something done, and then I want to leave. Rob is more of a laid back, take your time type (I believe scientifically, that means I am Type A, and he is Type B. Or I'm a pain in the ***. I'm not sure). When we go to the water parks, I'm usually ready to leave after an hour.

We did the Crush n 'Gushers (all three) a few times (we like fruit!). The Photopass guys got some *lovely* pictures of us that I'm relieved to know have expired. I mean... really. Who wants her picture taken coming off a water slide? They never get you when you're having fun. They get you after, as you're rubbing your eyes, trying to alleviate the chlorine burn. Ooh, that's exciting to look at.

We are a fan of any slide that lands in a pool. That means we hate the direct, steep racing slides. I don't exactly appreciate getting a wedgie from riding something. And if I'm going to lose something, I'd like to adjust it UNDER the water. Not in front of every one as I try to walk elegantly (read: tripping over everything in sight while peeling my bikini bottom out of my bum) across rows of slides.

So we skipped the racing slides, did anything with an inner tube, and then we did our favorite slides, the three that are sorta different. But not really. That's helpful, huh?

Since I hate the wave pool (too many unpleasant memories of burning my bum), I told Rob to go visit while I got cleaned up and dressed. The wave pool was not functioning, though, so he hung out for ten minutes, hoping it would start up again, but gave up.

We went back to the Polynesian, took showers, and then we opted to go to Epcot. We don't have too many pictures from this day, but we did get some at the beginning.

We were lucky and got to sit up front on the monorail. The driver, Rod, told us it was our lucky day.

Rod
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092608%20-%20Epcot/slides/P9260580.JPG

Rod and Rob had lots to talk about, because I guess both of them are used to being called each other's names.

Rod has an interesting story. He is in the military and just got back from another tour. He and his fiance work at Disney World, but have bought a townhouse in... I believe it was, Chelmsford, Massachusetts (another place that's minutes away from here).

He told us they got it backwards and were moving up north to retire. He was cool.

The view:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092608%20-%20Epcot/slides/P9260582.JPG

We sat up front with an older couple.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092608%20-%20Epcot/slides/P9260583.JPG

Rob (in case you didn't realize)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092608%20-%20Epcot/slides/P9260579.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092608%20-%20Epcot/slides/P9260587.JPG

We really didn't have any plan; we just wandered around. I think we stopped at Sunshine Seasons, because I need to look at the pastries that are there every time we're at Epcot.

It was nice that we didn't have a plan, though, because we bumped into... you guessed it! Carrie and Patrick! They were roaming the Food and Wine Festival, so we opted to walk around with them for a bit.

It was probably the hottest day we were there, and I was wearing long sleeves. Go me!

This is the uber-abridged version.

Carrie and Patrick were going to the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy show, so we parted ways in time for them to get a seat, and we wandered a bit more (read: I can't remember what the heck we did before we went back to the room... maybe that's when we went to the pool!).

We had a dinner reservation at 'Ohana that night, so we got ready for that (I'm pretty sure we went swimming before), and went to dinner. I don't have any pictures of that either. I don't know what was wrong with me that day. Though I do have a picture of what we we had in our room when we got back!

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092608%20-%20Epcot/slides/P9260597.JPG

Guess who was at 'Ohana?

Yep! It's the Carrie and Patrick show, co-starring, Rob and Jennifer! :) We actually swapped reservations so they'd have more time to stay at Epcot for the show, so we knew we'd all be there. Patrick stopped by (more like swooped in, but you get the idea) when they arrived.

We liked the meal there, though I'm allergic to shellfish, and Rob hates shrimp. So getting offered shrimp every two seconds and steak only once was kind of a downer. I know lurkyloo hated the noise, but it didn't bother me much (I must have not had a migraine at the time). I think the luau might have had a better selection of food, but we *loved* the dessert.

We stopped by their table after we were done, and we tried to entice them to watch the Water Pageant. As it passed by us. Damn that water serpent! We raced out only to see it sailing away. Stupid. It's like Susan Lucci not getting the Emmy over and over again.

We stayed at Sunset Point(e) to watch the fireworks. Guess who watched them too? :)

We chatted (I never use the word "chat"... until now) for awhile, and then parted ways. Time to go nigh-night!

Next: Disney's Hollywood Studios

[camara381]

I thought I would come out of the wood work to tell you I am loving your TR!!! Can't wait to read the rest.

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen that is hysterical you met people from up here. I grew up in Chelmsford and I have family (DGM) who lives there! It is such a small world! :rotfl2:

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

Im afraid you are now going to get me fired at work lmao
I just read through the rest of your pj and

I wanted to BEAT those guys up. Sorry, it's the brooklyn/military girl in me. Plus having a old fashioned non-cursing df didn't help the matter much.. ewww... I would have so "accidently" fell with my soda.... ON THEM

Okay enough about that...

you are making me so jealous though with all your bride wear. Where did you get the HELLO MY NAME IS BRIDE shirt?

I am trying to come up with crafty creative BRIDE wear...but I've come up negative lol

[29apr00]

your trip sounds like so much fun!!

[inkedupmomma]

Hi Jen, Idk if you remember me from the wedding boards (not that I ever did get to plan anything ;/) . I am enjoying your tr and your wedding pics are fab!! congrats!

[thatdisneygirl]

I love your BTMR pics!!! You guys did so good considering you were shooting yourselves! Kyle and I actually aren't a huge fan of ours because we're all squinty and chubby-cheeked in them, so I'm jealous of you now!

[jennifaerie]

Jen that is hysterical you met people from up here. I grew up in Chelmsford and I have family (DGM) who lives there! It is such a small world! :rotfl2:

It's definitely a small world. We've met people from Derry, Londonderry, Lowell, and Atkinson. No Nashua folks yet.

I wanted to BEAT those guys up.

you are making me so jealous though with all your bride wear. Where did you get the HELLO MY NAME IS BRIDE shirt?

I am trying to come up with crafty creative BRIDE wear...but I've come up negative lol

:rotfl: I normally have quite a temper, but I was uncomfortable to begin with. I have a tendency to keep quiet because I know I'll go all out. No one wants to watch me explode. Well, maybe some people!

The bride/groom shirts were from cafepress.com. They have a BOATload (okay, many boatloads) of shirts. You will not have any problem trying to find shirts. You'll just have problems trying to narrow it down!

your trip sounds like so much fun!!

It truly was, Jennifer! I think it helped that we knew we were going back soon after. Two more days!

Hi Jen, Idk if you remember me from the wedding boards (not that I ever did get to plan anything ;/) . I am enjoying your tr and your wedding pics are fab!! congrats!

Of course I remember you!! It's nice to see you around again. Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it.

I love your BTMR pics!!! You guys did so good considering you were shooting yourselves! Kyle and I actually aren't a huge fan of ours because we're all squinty and chubby-cheeked in them, so I'm jealous of you now!

Woo hoo! :) Thanks... it was tough emulating you two. I don't think you look chubby-cheeked at all. I still adore those pictures. I think we might try to make it a habit of getting pictures of us on rides... or at least that one!

[jennifaerie]

Day Six - DHS and Epcot

I can't remember what we did for breakfast that day (consulting Outlook tells me Captain Cook's/Room Service/Kona Stand). So maybe we got room service again. I don't recall getting room service so much though. It bums me out that I can't remember now.

At any rate, we opted to go to Disney's Hollywood Studios because of EMM hours. We made it for rope drop and got to stand there for awhile, as they got the crowd excited. We always stand to the left so we can run around people to get to the Rock n' Roller Coaster, so we were on the left side.

When the rope dropped, I was very confused as everyone ran forward instead of turning right.

This, of course, helped our mission, so we really didn't need to run. We apparently hadn't caught on that Toy Story Mania was THE hoppin' place in town, and the Tower of Terror/Rock n' Roller Coaster area was... so 2007.

Which meant Rob was really happy, and my stomach was turning.

Several of you know that I have a love/hate relationship with the Rock n' Roller coaster. I love the loopies (if you're riding with me, you'll hear me yell out LOOOOOOOOOOOOOPIES! throughout the ride), but I hate the take-off. It sometimes ruins the ride for me, depending on where we're sitting and if I've pulled the restraints down hard enough (note to self: the more uncomfortable it feels, the safer I will be and won't bounce all over the car).

I am not a roller coaster fan (which is why I like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad). I love rides that go in circles or go sideways. Loops, to me, feel like I'm going sideways, so they don't bother me.

Drops, to me, are like being engaged in a trust fall that never stops and involves no trust. (For reference, to have this make sense, I hate doing trust falls. Jennifer has major trust issues.)

I have a different experience every time I ride this, so I dread getting on it. I get nauseated and even can get a migraine just from my blood pressure jumping so quickly while waiting in line.

I used to love it, but the refurbishment, in my opinion, ruined it for me. It looks all cheesy/black-light-y, and I swear there's a loop missing. I distinctly remember three loops, and now there are only two. I could be wrong. If I am wrong, then the loops were previously longer or more... loopy. At any rate, it's not the same.

I also hate sitting through the intro, because all I keep thinking is, Yes, we need a bigger limo, let's get this done before I throw up!

Ultimately, I go on it every time Rob asks me to (then again, I go on Everest every time, and I don't like it), and I do enjoy myself if I can just get past that first part.

So when he asked me if we could go on it again after the first time, I went. The added complexity of what to do with our hats was upsetting to me too. I was convinced my hat was going to fall out as we were going upside down. Rob worked so hard on it (so hard that we're bringing our hats again tomorrow) that I don't want to lose it. It's actually sitting on display in our living room because I love it so much.

No story to tell, though (sorry!). We rode it twice, I didn't lose the hat. Actually, there is a story. For the first time ever, I forced myself to keep my eyes open at the beginning, even though I can't stand the bright light.

As a result, we got this:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270599.JPG

You can't really tell, but my eyes are WIDE open. Like, scary wide open. Serial killer wide open. And that smile? Completely forced. :)

Oh, I'm a barrel of laughs!

After we finished our second trip, we went to Toy Story Mania. Or rather, we wandered around the park FOREVER, trying to find it. Doing a really piss poor job (why is it so hard to find anything in that park?).

We had to ask a wise guy for directions, and he gave us all sorts of flak for asking for directions. I HATE asking for directions anyway, so when I get told no, I meekly will walk away with my tail between my legs.

He did give them to us eventually, but I felt stupid. (Jennifer is also a wilting flower.)

When we got there, I walked in through the FastPass line and got yelled at.

I'm sorry, but there is no clear way to tell where you're walking in. The FastPass line is normally split up so that the entrances are on two different sides, or it's clearly marked. It wasn't clearly marked (the next day, I did the same exact thing).

The wait time was listed as forty minutes, which generally causes me to walk away from a ride (I'm such a line snob), but we knew this was probably a good thing and got in line.

Honestly, this is the first time I had to wait in a line where I was utterly intrigued (okay, Space Mountain did that for me in 2000). I took pictures of *everything* (I'm going to spare you that, especially since the pictures get cropped here... but if you want to look, go here (http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/).

It was like being in my childhood (except not in my childhood because I really didn't have any of these things... but I played with them a bit in preschool). The life size aspect of it was just amazing. It blew my mind. So I loved looking at everything, studying every detail.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270614.JPG

I really liked the ride, but needless to say (for those who have been on it), my fingers hurt afterward!). I also don't like losing, and I always lose to Rob. But I had better accuracy!

We spent so much time in line, and the FastPasses were for around the time of our lunch reservation at Le Cellier, so we decided we would come back again another day.

We stopped at some of the stores (I think this is when we got a Dory cookie... god those things are good!), and then we decided to take the boat to Epcot, since we had never done it before.

This was about the time I got an email from TV Guide that Paul Newman died. Sad how you can't remember what you had for breakfast, but you remember something like that. It didn't say how he died, but when I told Rob, two guys waiting in line in front of us looked it up on their phones (which had better, faster internet apparently) and told us. They were both shocked when I said it (as shocked as I was, I imagine).

The boatride was not the most time efficient method of transportation. There were several times I thought maybe we should just get out and walk. Stopping at each of the Epcot/water resorts and the Boardwalk seemed... silly. But, no, I *forced* myself to enjoy it. :)

Rob and I are goobers, so we are big fans of The Land. It would have never occurred to me that I would be, since I used to be a big astronomy buff, but Future World doesn't have enough... informational space-y stuff to hold my interest. Our favorite ride is Living with the Land (we love the Behind the Seeds tour), so we had to stop by there... and I as I mentioned before, I love looking at the Sunshine Seasons pastries. Stop giving us big cookies, and give me a fruity tart! Munch! :) (That's the bad thing about being allergic to chocolate... a lot of the free desserts Disney gives are at least partially chocolate... and how do you turn it down if it's free?)

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270646.JPG

Someone saw us trying to take that picture and offered to help.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270647.JPG
I think he missed that we were trying to get us in front of the sign.

We rode our ride and then headed to lunch at Le Cellier.

Who should we meet but our old server, Joel (Joe-el)! He remembered us, so it was like seeing an old friend.

I loved Rob's smoothie the last time, so I opted to get it this time.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270649.JPG

Rob got a vanilla milkshake. Which I drank as well.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270650.JPG

Token breadstick shot.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270650.JPG

Rob got the spicy sausage appetizer.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270652.JPG

I didn't want an appetizer, but Joel talked me into getting the tomato stack. You're right, Joel, it wasn't all that bad.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270654.JPG

I got the filet mignon again (big surprise).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270655.JPG

I also ordered a side of mac and cheese, because I heard it was good.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270656.JPG

Rob's lunch:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270657.JPG

As you've heard (and know if you've done it), the dining plan makes you feel obligated to get dessert. We were both full, but I insisted... so we shared the s'mores. Very, very interesting... to look at AND to eat.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270657.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270659.JPG

Since Joel had become part of the "Kinnote" clan, we asked if we could get a picture of him. A fellow cast member tried to take the picture, but had trouble and kept putting her finger in front of the lens.

However, she did manage to catch one of the most interesting photos possibly in Disney history... I do believe Walt might have been present... or at least sent Mickey along to watch...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270661.JPG

There's definitely a ghost image in there... see it?

A much better (less haunted) shot of the three of us.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270662.JPG

We were sad to say good-bye to Jo-el. We kinda hope to see him during the trip. We're not sure if his time is up, though... it was ending around the end of January.

[jennifaerie]

Afterwards, Rob made a comment about children at Disney World. They're either laughing, crying, or unconscious. That day, we saw many crying children. Whenever they didn't get what they wanted, they were doing this:

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270663.JPG

When they really should be doing this:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270664.JPG

Silly children.

Now Rob and I make the face whenever we hear someone crying. We're mean, I guess. :)

When we got back the room, Clara had done it again!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270665.JPG

At that point, we had a whole menagerie of visitors:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270668.JPG

We never did make it to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. That's okay.

We had a reservation at the Yachtsman, and I was very excited and nervous about how it would be. When we got there, they told us it was going to be quite a wait. We went to the bar and were buzzed five minutes later. Oh wait, that sounded wrong. The beeper/blink-y thing went off. Oops.

Not too bad of a wait at all.

We adored our waiter (at least I did... I think Rob liked him too). Zach was a college student in the area. The group next to us didn't like him, so that made me very protective of him (it also got him a higher tip, as I had to compensate for what they probably gave him!).

I was afraid that cast members there would be snooty, but he was extremely down to earth and friendly, joking with us. They gave us honeymoon menus, and I was overly astounded that we got to keep them. He kept pointing out that the top had roses and "honeymoon" on it, so they really didn't want to keep it. We all laughed.

I also was goofy and ordered a Shirley Temple, and he brought one back with one of the glowing Tinkerbells, so he was just scoring points at every angle.

For an appetizer, I got the scallops (yum!).

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270672.JPG

Rob got some tomato salad thing that wasn't scallops.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270674.JPG

My glowing Shirley Temple (that sounds dirty):
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270675.JPG

We didn't order our main course until after we got the appetizers, but we didn't mind. Our meals didn't take long, and we enjoyed Zach and each other's company.

I got the filet mignon (of course)... but I had trouble taking a picture before I started eating it!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270677.JPG

Rob got... something.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270678.JPG

We also received chocolates that I really couldn't eat. :)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270680.JPG

But helped anyway.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270681.JPG

I also ordered the apple crisp.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270682.JPG

Rob ordered the Year of a Million Dreams dessert.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270684.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270685.JPG

All in all, it was a great meal.

We asked Zach if we could have a picture. He said sure and tried to take our camera. We said, No, with you! Me?! Why?!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270686.JPG

(Is he not utterly adorable? I want one. Get your mind out of the gutter. I want him more like a pet. Hey, I told you to get your mind out of the gutter. I mean it!)

When we got back, we had to stop at the store to pick a package up, so Rob got a picture of me with something Stitch-themed, as I love him (more than Zach, though).
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092708%20-%20DHS,%20Epcot,%20and%20Yachtsman%20Steakhouse/slides/P9270687.JPG

Next Up: Day of Many Parks

[lurkyloo]

I am so glad we are going to all the places your food pictures came from soon because they are making me ravenous! :goodvibes

I love your BTMR pics!!! You guys did so good considering you were shooting yourselves! Kyle and I actually aren't a huge fan of ours because we're all squinty and chubby-cheeked in them, so I'm jealous of you now!

Hey, at least your BTMR pix didn't turn into a peep show (http://s157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Root%20MK/?action=view&current=277_0959_cp.jpg) the way ours did!....:rotfl:

[jennifaerie]

Lurkyloo --- HUBBA HUBBA!

Day Seven - Everywhere but... home?

Sunday was a crazy day. We managed to visit all four parks!

We had our standard breakfast at Kona Cafe (Rob told me that he'd be happy if we didn't eat there so much again :) ). We watched The Bunny Show on the way.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280692.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280694.JPG

I opted to get the macadamia nut/pineapple pancakes. I don't like macadamia nuts, and I'm allergic to pineapple, but the butter was so amazing that I got them anyway. Oh, and pancakes make me feel bloated and disgusting. But I STILL got them. Ooh, that butter.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280696.JPG

Rob got them too.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280697.JPG

Our Sunday morning was up in the air. We've never stayed at Disney World so long, and we had already visited every place twice, so I asked Rob what he wanted to do.

Guess!

He wanted to go on Toy Story Mania again!

We went to DHS, but didn't make it for rope drop this time. The wait time was over fifty minutes. The FastPass machines weren't working correct, so it was eating some people's keys or spitting out invalid slips. I had to try a couple times to get it to work. Eventually, I did get us tickets, but the time had already gone up fifteen minutes (they were sellin' like hotcakes!).

We figured we'd get in line to ride it once, and then our FastPasses would be valid. We got in line (this time, the line carried all the way outside), and were instantly pulled out of line (oh no, what did I do this time?!).

A cast member said the newlyweds got to go right in!

So he sneaked us in a secret entrance that connected to the FastPass line, and we got to go on right away! Yay!

The downside was that one of the screens wasn't working, so we shot at nothing. But that meant Rob couldn't beat me (I bet he did anyway)!

Since we still had plenty of time, we wandered around and had our lives shattered in a matter of moments.

We stopped at the Muppets (well, half-Muppets) shop. I wanted to get Rob a shirt. He never gets anything. I thought maybe he'd like a Beaker shirt. I asked him, and he finally said okay.

When we went to the register, an Imagineer was training another cast member.

He decided to give us a tutorial on Chip and Dale.

Disturbing, I tell you.

First, he asked how you could tell which was which. We both had a handle on the main ones... the red versus black nose, the eyes... then he went into other ones. And THE one. Dale has eyelashes.

Do you know why Dale has eyelashes (lurkyloo, be quiet)?

Dale is a GIRL.

I apparently missed that memo. Rob did too. And we've argued with other people about it, so I don't feel AS bad for not knowing. But I spent thirty-one years of my life thinking Dale was a boy, and suddenly, the rug got ripped out from underneath me.

We went spent twenty minutes with this guy. He had all sorts of questions for us about New Hampshire and healthcare and what it was like up here. It was an interesting conversation, but troubling, nevertheless. Sigh.

We managed to find a new friend that wasn't Carrie and Patrick.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280701.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280702.JPG

Dejected and shattered, we walked back to Toy Story Mania. I bought a little green men shirt from the shop across from the ride.

Then we used our FastPasses.

Since we really didn't want to do anything else there (and didn't want to wait another hour in line), we decided to leave. As we were leaving, we saw the Animal Kingdom bus was there, so we hopped on. You can never ride the safari too many times!

I will spare you from too many pictures, but since it's a giraffe baby...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280703.JPG

More fake cheetahs.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280706.JPG

Great lion picture.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280707.JPG

We didn't really feel like doing too much else there, so... we went to Epcot!

[jennifaerie]

Waiting for the monorail...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280718.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280719.JPG

Since we hadn't gone in awhile... (I was a huge Ellen junkie at one point, and I was so excited to go on this...it was one of the first things we did when Rob went to Disney for the first time.)
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280720.JPG

Me!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280721.JPG

Then we did something we had talked about doing for ages, but never had done before...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280723.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280724.JPG

A cast member saw we were newlyweds and stopped us. He told us he wanted to give Rob a Muppets pin, but someone had just traded for it.

He took our picture.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280726.JPG

We decided we didn't want to be there either, so it was time to go back to the room to get ready for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party!

But we had to stop and get some pictures of the stars of the resorts.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280732.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280734.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280735.JPG

Before the party, we had reservations at ...

KONA CAFE!

I know, shocking.

We both had smoothies.

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280742.JPG

We neglected to take pictures of our meals, but I remember how disappointed I was that the filet mignon was taken off the menu that I was too depressed.

Well, not too depressed to take a picture of the cheesecake!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280745.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280746.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280748.JPG

[jennifaerie]

Then, it was off to the party!

The party was everything I had hoped it would be (and probably more). Since we had such an awful time last year (or 2007 now), I though it would be just as bad.

Important rule of thumb: DO NOT attend the first night. EVERYONE thinks it will be dead because it's the first one. Not so.

Also attend on a Sunday night, if you can help it, because it's a school night for local kids.

So the park was empty, the candy was plentiful (and actually good this time), and everyone was in good spirits. It didn't rain!

We rode Big Thunder Mountain Railroad FIVE more times. Unfortunately, I was starting to get a migraine, and the bumping around on the ride wasn't helping it.

Neither was the party. We were still roaming around during the fireworks, so I know we stayed until at least ten. We stopped in the shops (we had asked to put a big rice krispie Mickey aside to pick up later, so we needed to do that). We had a nice conversation with a girl in the jewelry shop. We were talking about being in cold weather (she loves the snow, so she couldn't wait to go home... I think she was from New York) and how different she was from other cast members because she couldn't smile all the time. :) I liked her. She was cool.

I bought a pressed coin book, so now I'm screwed and will become an addict. I was only getting ones I liked (Stitch, Monster's Inc., resorts I love, etc.), but now I'm going to have to get ones I don't like just to fill it! :)

Here we are, sad to say good-bye to Magic Kingdom.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280751.JPG

Guess what we saw on the way back to the resort?
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092808%20-%20DHS,%20Animal%20Kingdom,%20Epcot,%20and%20Kona% 20Cafe%20(again!)/slides/P9280753.JPG

That little bugger was sailing away from me again!

That day, we weren't left anything cool in our room. Clara was off (I had left her a note, and the response was that she wasn't on today. The note also asked about bounceback offers, and the girl had no idea what a "bounceback" was). Bummer. So that was the last of her goodness. She was so awesome.

That was officially our last night at Disney World... the last night of our honeymoon. We were both feeling sad, happy, and decadent, so we canceled our Kona Cafe reservation for breakfast the next day and ordered room service. :) I'm sure it involved Tonga Toast. :D

I packed. Very exciting stuff.

The next day, we had our room service, and I made sure we were all packed and ready to go.

I took pictures of what made us so popular during our stay...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290754.JPG

I can't tell you how many people stopped us, asking where we got the white hat. Even cast members were asking where in Disney we could have bought that. Two imagineers stopped us in Epcot one day and told us it was a fantastic idea, and they loved our style and attitudes (boy, did they not know us! :) ).

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290756.JPG

People loved them so much, we're planning on bringing them tomorrow when we go back. I can't see my hat collecting dust on the bookshelf in the living room anymore!

The bunnies must have known we were leaving. We got one more Show...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290757.JPG

We stopped at the Great Ceremonial House to say good-bye... Rob took another art picture for me, while I kept watch.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290760.JPG

Rob wants to be Patrick when he grows up.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290761.JPG

http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290765.JPG

Our trip was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. By far, the best trip we've ever had to Disney World. I can't get over how attentive people were... how nice. And the Polynesian was wonderful! I can't wait for the opportunity to stay there again.

I wanted to stop at Downtown Disney to try and find something, so we decided to take a trip there. We brought our luggage to the front and had it checked. Mousekeeping had already been to the room, trying to find out when we were leaving.

We went to the bus stop. I suddenly realized I had no cell phone. Uh oh.

I knew exactly where it was... it had fallen off my shorts when we were getting ready to pull the suitcases out. I'm not sure why I didn't pick it up then.

I RACED to the room (Rob ran the other way to trace our steps, just in case). I put my card in the door, and it magically opened. Mousekeeping was working on the room already, and he had my cell phone in his hand, poised to hand it to me. He knew I'd come back. PHEW!

We did make it to Downtown Disney, but between waiting for the bus, the ride itself, and how long it took to get back... we spent ten minutes there and the total trip was an hour and a half. We almost missed our Magical Express bus. And we found out two of our suitcases were over fifty pounds (Rob asked if he could use their scale). So there we were in front of the Great Ceremonial House, pulling our luggage apart, trying to move things from suitcase to suitcase.

It didn't work, because when we got to the airport, one was still over fifty pounds. The Southwest attendant was extremely nice, though, and she helped us move stuff.

After the trip, I found the suitcases were full of paper. They were new, and I apparently hadn't emptied them completely. That probably would have brought them all down, considering how much I found.

We sat at the airport for awhile, and they boarded our plane with no problems. Normally, our flight home gets delayed at least an hour or two because they lost the plane or don't have a drink cart (true stories).

The person taking boarding passes noticed we were newlyweds, so when we got on the plane, he told the flight attendants about us.

We were presented with this:
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290768.JPG

They told us it was "the cheap stuff"...
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290769.JPG

They made everyone cheer and clap for us... one of the flight attendants told the passengers they could do better, so it was even louder the second time.

We heard someone behind us say, I'm married, that's why I DIDN'T clap.

Still happy!
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290772.JPG

When we landed, I felt like, Oh, this is so sad... it's over. But we heard people throughout the airport say, Aww, newlyweds... our hats were a good tip-off, I guess.

It made it last a few minutes longer before we made it to the car and had to go home...

And hopefully now, we'll live happily ever after! :)

[lurkyloo]

Great trippie! Although I am shocked - SHOCKED - to learn that Dale is a girl.


Rob wants to be Patrick when he grows up.
http://www.lunatunahead.com/Our%20Honeymoon/092908%20-%20The%20Polynesian%20and%20Going%20Home/slides/P9290761.JPG

:rotfl:

Here's an advanced move he can practice at home:

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Free%20Dining%2008/1a67ca0b.jpg

[jennifaerie]

I don't know... that might be tough!

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

You guys just made me:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: i think i may pee a little:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: those are hysterical pictures of your men!!!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen that was a fantastic trip report!! I love all your pictures! You and Rob are so cute! I am going to miss reading it! You need to go very soon so you can do another one! :) :rotfl2:

[jennifaerie]

You guys just made me:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: i think i may pee a little:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: those are hysterical pictures of your men!!!

No peeing! Not allowed! Well, unless you're in the bathroom.

Jen that was a fantastic trip report!! I love all your pictures! You and Rob are so cute! I am going to miss reading it! You need to go very soon so you can do another one! :) :rotfl2:

How about tomorrow?! :D

[Donald'sGirl]

How about tomorrow?! :D

Seriously??? but ok! :)

[jennifaerie]

Seriously! We leave in less than twelve hours. I should be sleeping!

[Donald'sGirl]

OMG That is so awesome!!! You lucky girl!! Well then have a great time, take lots of pictures and go get to bed! We want a full TR with loads of pics when you get back! :)

[megveg]

ohh hurrrayy! i loved yout trip reporttt! now if i can just convince the DBF to propose in may:rolleyes1 maybe ill get to be as classy as you and mrs lurkylou:goodvibes princess: :bride:

[lurkyloo]

...You mean classy like "drinking soda straight from the dispenser in the Siemens VIP lounge" classy?


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Free%20Dining%2008/a545e4af.jpg



:rotfl:

[keenercam]

Jennifer -- What an amazing trip report! You have such an awesome writing style. Now I'm COMPLETELY intimidated about writing mine! LOL! Luv ya, honey! :hug:

[megveg]

...You mean classy like "drinking soda straight from the dispenser in the Siemens VIP lounge" classy?


http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t63/lurkyloo/Free%20Dining%2008/a545e4af.jpg
:rotfl:

thats the exact type of classy i was imagining! how did you know? :rotfl:

[jennifaerie]

Oh, Cam, you're such a darling.

Lurkyloo is slightly classier than me... not sure if that's saying anything, though. :)

Cruise was wonderful (though the Florida portion was rather chilly). Can't wait to go on the seven-day. I now understand why people say four-nights are too short!

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen your back! How was everything?? We need a trip report!!!

[jennifaerie]

Hey Laura! I am back. It was pretty cold in Florida, but we had a great time at Disney. The cruise was wonderful too. The trip report may need to wait, though, as I have to go away again, this time for work. :(

[Donald'sGirl]

:sad1: ok.


:rotfl2: Jk take your time. Good luck on your work trip.

[irisbud]

Jennifer, I didn't read everything yet, but I saw your ears in your siggy and you said you got back on Feb 1st after a cruise. Were you on the Jan 25-29 Wonder cruise? If you were, judging from your wedding ears, I think you were standing right next to us in the front of the ship on deck 10 when we left Port Canavrel!

[jennifaerie]

Are you serious? How 'bout that?!

You never posted in the cruise thread, did you?

That was definitely us. :)

[irisbud]

No, I didn't. Too bad I didn't know! We would have said hi!

[jennifaerie]

Amazingly small world! It was a great cruise. I'm sure you were glad to hit the Bahamas... the temperatures at WDW were quite chilly!

[bengalicious1]

Jen, we are planning to be married in our church in Daytona and then move the whole crew to Boardwalk for an extended weekend party with our families. An Epcot dessert party will be our "reception". I have so enjoyed your planning journal and love your distinctive style. I also have 6 Bengals, so your cake really caught my eye!

[jennifaerie]

Jen, we are planning to be married in our church in Daytona and then move the whole crew to Boardwalk for an extended weekend party with our families. An Epcot dessert party will be our "reception". I have so enjoyed your planning journal and love your distinctive style. I also have 6 Bengals, so your cake really caught my eye!

Oh, that sounds like fun!

When I saw the ID bengalicious, I wondered if you had Bengals. I think two is a handful! I don't know how you have six!! :D

[bengalicious1]

Easy, nothing breakable and no sleeping beyond 8:00 am, ever! When we go away, my sister in law goes in twice a day to feed them and give them attention. The wedding trip will be hard because my family will go also, gotta find someone to come in. Even if I could find a kennel to take 6 Bengals :( , I have visions of being called on day 2 to come get my bad cats.

[jennifaerie]

I meant more mentally than physically! :rotfl:

[jennifaerie]

Just out of curiosity, I checked the Maggie Sottero website tonight.

For those of you who might be curious if they really do post pictures of real brides on Maggie Sottero's website... I can attest! (http://www.maggiesottero.com/viewBride.aspx?Id=4637&backUrl=%2fdress.aspx%3fkeywordText%3divana%26keyw ordType%3dany%26page%3d0%26pageSize%3d12%26style%3 dS5018) Woo!

[irisbud]

Just out of curiosity, I checked the Maggie Sottero website tonight.

For those of you who might be curious if they really do post pictures of real brides on Maggie Sottero's website... I can attest! (http://www.maggiesottero.com/viewBride.aspx?Id=4637&backUrl=%2fdress.aspx%3fkeywordText%3divana%26keyw ordType%3dany%26page%3d0%26pageSize%3d12%26style%3 dS5018) Woo!

Wow, that's cool!

[WithDisneySpirit]

:goodvibes Wow!!!!!!!! And you look so much better in your dress than the model did :lovestruc :worship:

[jennifaerie]

Wow, that's cool!

Super cool! I had emailed them a few months ago, and I checked maybe last month, and there was nothing. I figured they didn't like the modifications I made to the dress. So I'm glad that wasn't the case!

:goodvibes Wow!!!!!!!! And you look so much better in your dress than the model did :lovestruc :worship:

If I had actually gone by the picture, I never would have gotten the dress. After I ordered it, I'd show people and say, It really does look better than this... I swear!

[lpizzuro123]

That is so wonderful. I never would have thought to submit my dress to the designers website. The dress was just perfect for you and I love the way you "made it your own". All you photos are just great.

Linda

[jennifaerie]

Thank you, Linda! :lovestruc

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

Just out of curiosity, I checked the Maggie Sottero website tonight.

For those of you who might be curious if they really do post pictures of real brides on Maggie Sottero's website... I can attest! (http://www.maggiesottero.com/viewBride.aspx?Id=4637&backUrl=%2fdress.aspx%3fkeywordText%3divana%26keyw ordType%3dany%26page%3d0%26pageSize%3d12%26style%3 dS5018) Woo!


OMGG NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THAT IS SOO AWESOME HOW DID YOU GET THAT!!!!!!!!!

I just bought a maggie destinations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG thats sooo cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jennifaerie]

If you look on the Maggie site, there's a Maggie Brides section. At the top of the Maggic Brides section, they have a link to submit your own picture/story. So you'll be able to too!

[Angela0917]

That is so awesome you're on the website!!!! :banana:

[jennifaerie]

That is so awesome you're on the website!!!! :banana:

Thank you!! :love:

[Donald'sGirl]

Jen that is fantastic! Congratulations!

[DisneyBrideToni]

OMG now I can say I know a famous model!!!!!!!!!! You look so much better than the maggie sottero model! You look FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jennifaerie]

Jen that is fantastic! Congratulations!

Thank you, Laura! I owe you a PM... will send that now.

OMG now I can say I know a famous model!!!!!!!!!! You look so much better than the maggie sottero model! You look FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, Toni, stop! You made me blush. Cut that out. :) :lovestruc

[adisneygal]

You SO made that dress and deserve to be on the site. :cheer2:

[keenercam]

Jen, my sweet friend, NOW do you believe me when I say you are truly one of the most gorgeous and stylish brides I have ever seen? :hug:

[Starwater]

Re. your Jiko experience:

"Which was fine because she weirded me out and made me feel like the bumpkin I am."

I'm glad I'm not the only one who can be made to feel like a bumpkin in a restaurant like that. :rolleyes1 :)

Sometimes nice restaurants aren't worth the stress of the experience. I keep thinking (hoping) that the older I get, the more poised I will become in those situations... but so far, not yet!

Anyways, great PR & TR!

And thanks to you and Carrie, I may now have to invest in Roots pictures of my bf and I the next time we're in Disney...

:goodvibes

[KatGarcia]

Ok I just spent my friday night reading your TR while my DH played video games.... so how's married life for you?

GREAT TR!!!! ANy future trips in the works?

You guys are really cute together and I really enjoyed reading along!

[pink_tink8i8]

congrats on making it on the website. I love looking at the brides in their dresses on that website! :thumbsup2

[VillainesSheri]

Yay! I wanted to congratulate you for making the website too! Awesome! :cool1:

[Disneymoon0909]

Hi,

I absolutely LOVE your wedding PTR and TR, lol. Not only am I a hometown girl (born and raised in Nashua, now live in Manchevegas) but I am having my own fall wedding in VT in September this year! Also, I am promptly celebrating with a Disneymoon (5 days at WL and a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise on the Magic)! I was wondering where you got your assortment of married tshirts...i would love to get them! Thanks in advance!

Holly

P.S. I was born at Memorial (now, SNHRMC) and worked there as a volunteer for a couple years!