Amanda & Steve's Planning Journal 11/01/09 SBP/ADH Back from our PS!!! Pics up soon!!

[managirl]

So I have been a lurker for about a month and i decided it's time to start!!!

How We Met:
Around the time that we met, there was a club that we frequented named Tequila Joes's. T.J. for short. Living in Northern Jersey means that the clubs are closed during the summer. So, whenever the club's re-opening night comes around in September, my friends and I would take a limo there. On the opening night in 2005, we rolled out in full fashion. My friend who had booked the limos had a few extra friends coming who would be going in the second limo. Where my future DF, little did i know, would be riding!! We arrived at the club and headed, in a sickeningly large group, inside. I, upon entering, started to talk one of the girls that i had known for a while when my future DF approached us. It turns out he knew her and had come with us in one of the limos. He asked if we would like a couple of drinks. Of course we said yes!!:banana: I would have said yes to anything he asked; He was so gorgeous. As he leaned over the bar to order the drinks, i felt an overwhelming urge to grab his butt.:rolleyes1 So I did. An hour later, we kissed and danced the night away. The rest is history!!!

As it turns out we had so much in common it was hard to deny. We were both ex musicians trying to get our lives back on track. Both had, well, not the easiest of lives and both were currently bartenders. It was crazy but i think we both knew that this was it. That we had found our true love.

The Engagement:
For awhile before hand, i had been asking (semi joking), when we would be getting engaged. My DF kept telling me that he was not ready yet. That he would eventually, but he just needed some time (2 freaking years). I was ok with that because as long as we were together i was still the happiest woman alive. So, My DF had brought up the idea of a WDW vacation. I was ok with the idea, but I must say that I was not 100% enthralled. I was never much of a Disney fan. He on the other hand is a fanatic.:mickeyjum He had been there over 14 times and was like a kid talking about going back. It never crossed my mind he would be proposing and he covered it up quite well. He even invited our 2 best friends to join us on the trip. He manage to get me excited about the trip with weeks of indulging in disney movies.So i digress.

The morning of the trip had come! We headed to the airport, half awake and half excited. As anyone from NJ knows going through Newark Airport Security can be some what hellish. For some reason, Steve took an exceedingly long time coming through. He said that because he had all our electronics they wanted to search everything. As i was told later, He had the ring in his camera case and wanted to make sure his cover wasn't blown. So, he showed the security guards the ring, so they knew not to say anything, and the lady guard went crazy. Screaming about it and telling everyone. Thank god, i was out of ear shot.

I can't believe he held the ring till almost the end of the trip. On the friday night of our WDW vacation, we had planned to go for a nice dinner. This was nothing out of the ordinary, we always have a nice dinner at least once on our vacations. I was complaining all night about my shoes. Walking around the parks all day then wearing heels did not work well for me. We, after a few failed attempts to get reservations, ended up at Spoodles.:worship: Thank god. We hurried over from our room at the YC to dinner. Which was actually the best dinner we had our whole trip. My DF was insistent on seeing illuminations. I still had no clue so i complained that i wanted to change my shoes. I said we could just see it another night. After a few compromises, I agreed to change them after the show. We walked around to a spot in France after our first attempt to get one in the Lower UK failed. We watched the show and afterwards he began to profess his love for me. I still had no clue. He is such a softy he always does that. Yet, standing by the water, music in the background, love abound, I was still clueless. He then said " You know i love you and i always will. I think its time we take the next step." I didn't understand until he dropped to his knee and pulled out the ring. I almost fell over the railing I was so shocked. He then said "So you gonna be my wife or what"? These were the same words he used to ask to be his girlfriend "Are you gonna be my girl or what"? I was so breathless i almost for got to say "Yes". Lucky for us we have it on tape. Our friends coyly got it all on film.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC010991.jpg
Before The Question
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01111.jpg
Enjoying The Night After The Question

[Lynn5700]

Hi!! what a nice story!!!! YAY for another SBP bride..you will love it :)

[alissa2008]

:banana: Welcome! You guys are too cute together!

[DisneyFairy19]

WELCOME ABOARD:dance3: :woohoo: :banana: :cool1: :goodvibes

[DecemberBride]

Welcome! Can't wait to read all about your big day!

[Ticky Toria 78]

AWWWWH I love your engagement story! Welcome to the boards, it's very addictive!

[PrincessBride010103]

Alright now miss, if you'd like to stay around these parts you are going to have to change your name. There really is only room for 1 Amanda around here. :rotfl2: JK

Welcome to the boards!

[DecemberBride]

Alright now miss, if you'd like to stay around these parts you are going to have to change your name. There really is only room for 1 Amanda around here. :rotfl2: JK

Welcome to the boards!

I swear, you crack me up! :rotfl:

[Mama of Indybride]

Welcome Welcome!

Can't wait to share your planning and see all of your choices!

How exciting!!! :cool1:

[inkedupmomma]

you guys adorable!!

[newyearsbride]

Omg you two are adorable. I loooove that you pinched his butt! :rotfl: Go girl! Can't wait for more!

[managirl]

So, We decided with our Disney themed engagement to follow suit with a Disney themed Engagement Part and eventually wedding. After kicking a few other ideas around it was the only thing that felt right! We decided to do every table & centerpiece in the fashion of a different Disney movie. It took a while to gather and create the right theme for each table but it was all worth it.... E-Bay rules. We took the base for each table off of a large snowglobe /musicbox collection i have and make the start from there. We decided to go with our favorites for our wedding parties, mickey and minnie for us, and a trickling down for family and friends. Here is the list:

We started with Our Groomsmen Table being the crazy pirates they are. That Pirates of the Caribbean was the only way to go. For each table my wonderful DF made table cards for every table to tell them where they belonged.

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01468.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/PiratesOfTheCaribbean.jpg

Next was our Bridesmaids and My favorite movie is Alice in Wonderland (Considering I have to Alice Tattoos).
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01467.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/AliceInWonderland.jpg

Then came the family tables in the form of Beauty and The Beast & Snow White
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01469.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/BeautyTheBeast.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01470.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/SnowWhite.jpg

Then respectively our friends and coworkers had:
The Little Mermaid
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01473.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/LittleMermaid.jpg

The Nightmare Before Christmas
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01471.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/NightmareBeforeChristmas.jpg

Toy Story
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01474.jpg\
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/AToyStory.jpg

Our Table was simple yet perfect
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC01472.jpg

All in all we had an amazing night and everyone agreed.

[DecemberBride]

I absolutely LOVE your tables! You did an awesome job... really great ideas!

[managirl]

MY DF is the biggest Disney Fan i have ever met!( Considering I haven't met any of you!):rotfl: :rotfl: When he was growing, his family would drive to Florida every year with ALL FIVE KIDS!!! God Bless his mother!!!!! He always describes it as the best times in his life!!!

Me, Well, I am, I should say WAS, an avid Disney fan. I went there once when I was 7, but I dont really remember. (I do remember crying when i met Mickey because i was scared of him, go figure!) And then two other times in my adult life.

After our Disney engagement, My DF and I started talking about where we would have the wedding. We are the kind of people that go over the top for EVERYTHING!!! We had a $5000 Halloween Party!!! Complete with full cemetary and Slaughterhouse in the Garage!!! I'm ramling

We knew everyone would expect something out of the ordinary from us. Now I dont know how many of you all are from NJ/Tri state area, But the reception halls around here run pretty steep and are very extavagant. Not really our style. So we sat down and did pros and cons. We did the Disney list first. The only con besides the $$ was me not knowing if my Mom would come. (she is a homebody, she barely ever leaves the house, nevermind getting on a plane!!!) I would have to drug her like B.A. Barracas!!!!:faint: Also, I was concerned that no one would come, so I took a poll of friends and family and I think were more excited than I was!! Then we got the the Jersey list and we couldnt think of one place we would want to have our ceremony. (We are not Church people) So the choice was obvious! I had to run it past Mom first because if she wasnt going to come than I wasnt going to do it. At first she said no. So I had My bro do a little coersing. She is still not happy with the idea and on the reg tries to get us to change or minds!!!

On to our choices:
We chose SBP because i have always wanted to get married outside. And after our engagement trip we fell in love with the Boardwalk Area.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/C0V12DIEDE.jpg

We love the theme of ADH!! We love to dance and drink and it is just awesome in there. Very our style.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/brdwlkd.jpg

[shasess]

I love your EP tables. Those are so awesome. Great theme!

[Manda_Lizabeth]

I really like the idea of using the disney movies for table ideas. The Alice in Wonderland table and Pirates table are awesome!

[Manda_Lizabeth]

where did you get the graphics for the table cards?

[alissa2008]

:love: I can't thank you enough for posting your engagement party table photos. I was having a nervous breakdown yesterday and about to scrap all the hard work I've put into our reception table ideas. Originally I wanted to do this, have a different movie for each table, but yesterday something inside me totally snapped and I was about to ebay all of the stuff I bought and go with a more traditional centerpiece/theme. But, after seeing how gorgeous your tables turned out, it's back on!! :woohoo: Thank you so much! I was afraid it would look too childish and too kids-birthday-party... But your tables were gorgeous! I'm sending all of these photos to my mom (if you don't mind) to give her a better vision of my ideas. thank you so much - I don't think you'll ever realize what a life saver you are!!! :cloud9:

(PS, if any of you are debating a board on the knot - don't...this is what instilled my complete lack of faith in myself and my creativity. I'm so glad I found this pj to talk me off the ledge!)

[PrincessBride010103]

Yay for ADH...it's an awesome reception site :thumbsup2

[PhilHarMaestro]

It all sounds great!!
Don't worry your mom will come around when you start planning everything and she see's how beautiful Disney makes it. Mine was totally against it, although she'll now tell you differently. She even told me I couldn't have a shower and "how dare I expect everyone to go to an amusent park and ride roller coasters for my wedding," but now she calls everynight to see if i've found a tierra yet for my princess wedding!:rotfl: Can't wait to read more!!

[IndyBride]

Your engagement party looked so great! I loved the Snow White table! Beautiful, beautiful centerpeices!

[jessesgirl-080708]

Everything looks great!! Congratulations and happy planning!!

[DisneyBrideToni]

Welcome and congrats on your engagement!

I just read your PJ and everything sounds great I can't wait to hear more. By the way, I love that you grabbed your DF's butt and that is what started it all! :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[managirl]

:love: I can't thank you enough for posting your engagement party table photos. I was having a nervous breakdown yesterday and about to scrap all the hard work I've put into our reception table ideas. Originally I wanted to do this, have a different movie for each table, but yesterday something inside me totally snapped and I was about to ebay all of the stuff I bought and go with a more traditional centerpiece/theme. But, after seeing how gorgeous your tables turned out, it's back on!! :woohoo: Thank you so much! I was afraid it would look too childish and too kids-birthday-party... But your tables were gorgeous! I'm sending all of these photos to my mom (if you don't mind) to give her a better vision of my ideas. thank you so much - I don't think you'll ever realize what a life saver you are!!! :cloud9:

(PS, if any of you are debating a board on the knot - don't...this is what instilled my complete lack of faith in myself and my creativity. I'm so glad I found this pj to talk me off the ledge!)

So Glad we could help you out!!!:banana: I took us a while to get all the stuff but it was so worth it. Dont get discouraged. One of the tables we figured out like 2 days before the party!!



Thank you all so much for your kind words!!! Tomorrow is my last day of school.( Yes Im a teacher) So I will have more time to plan and post!!

[managirl]

where did you get the graphics for the table cards?

My DF did them. He is way more computer savvy than I am. I know he did them on photo shop but not sure where he got the pics from. Ill let ya know. Thanks for reading.

[alissa2008]

So Glad we could help you out!!!:banana: I took us a while to get all the stuff but it was so worth it. Dont get discouraged. One of the tables we figured out like 2 days before the party!

:rotfl: It's good to know I'm not alone! ... Do you have any things you'd want to sell? Obviously the music boxes and snow globes will stay a part of your collection - but if you have anything collecting dust, you just let me know! :thumbsup2 :rotfl:

[29apr00]

Love the engagement party theme!! So creative!! How are you going to top that!!??

[newyearsbride]

I know it's been said already, but I love love love the EP theme and the tables! Too awesome!

[Donald'sGirl]

Congratulations and Welcome to the boards! :cool1:

Your EP tables were fantastic! I love the Toy Story (one of my very favorite movies) and your table! I can't wait to hear more!! popcorn::

[Lynn5700]

Alright now miss, if you'd like to stay around these parts you are going to have to change your name. There really is only room for 1 Amanda around here. :rotfl2: JK

Welcome to the boards!

Amanda I love you lol,you always crack me up LOL


your engagement party was really neat!!!!!!!!!!!! The theming worked out great!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love the Ariel table:lovestruc

[Goldeelox9]

Love your Engagement Party Tables! AWESOME!!!!!

[padisneyfour]

the tables and centerpieces look great- looking forward to hearing more of your plans!!! Welcome!

[managirl]

Thank you for all the good wishes!!!

Ok So a few decisions have been made.

first, I decided to let the bridesmaids choose their own dresses. I am not fashion forward and they are all too different to made them all happy with one dress. The color will be black satin and pretty sure it will be jordan for the designer.

My MOH found the Best Flowers EVER!!!! They are anenomeas (sp?). Our colors are black, white and red. The white anenomaes have large black centers. they look really cool!!
http://media.theknot.com/ImageStage/Objects/0003/0028035/large_image.jpg
Also I found these awwesome brooches. they are mickey ears. I figure since the BMs are wearing different dresses it would be a way to identify them.

http://www.collectibles-n-jewelry.com/Merchant4c/graphics/00000001/2007/swar-872509.jpg


We also purchases our favors. I know its a little early but we wanted to get it done.!!!!! They are going to be mixed Cd's but they look like records and they are going in metal tins instead of jewel cases.


But the most exciting news is my dress came in!!! It looks great!!! Exactly how i thought it would look. I didnt actually get to try on my dress fully because i had to special order the dress. But its great!! I dont even have to get it altered.( unless i lose some weight!!!:rolleyes1 )

Unfortunately i cant post a pic of the dress here because DF sometimes looks at this page.!!!

Ok thats all for now.

[managirl]

Yay!!!! So it's official!!! We got our date!!! November 1, 2009 @ SBP @ 5 and ADH @ 6. It so exciting. We were very worried because we know ADH is very popular. We didnt even have a back up!!! We would have had to change the date altogether. I talked to Diane and she said she would send a contract. But we cant really make any plans til March 1st!!!!! That stinks!!! It's like giving a kid candy and then taking it away!!!! :laughing: Anyway. MY DF has been bugging me to start Buying stuff for the wedding. I think he is more excited than I am. So yesterday I bought Personalized Matches. And Ribbon for our favors. I also Adore this Bout!!! Very Simple yet dark!!!http://media.theknot.com/ImageStage/Objects/0003/0023545/large_image.jpg

Dont want to bore you too much. Ill leave you with some Halloween Pics!!!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture078.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture050.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture015.jpg

[managirl]

Ok. It has been a very long time since i have made any updates. Lets see. DF has a new job. He is now a manager at Applebee's!! He used to work for Bennigan's but they went bankrupt. So here we are. Since Christmas he has worked at three different stores!!! It has been stressful on us but, we seem to be managing fine. I am in the full swing of the most busy time of year for me. I coach rowing for a H.S. in NJ. So my weekends are completely full. We have been trying to get as much done as possible since we have been so busy. I just got my contract two days ago which i am very happy about.:woohoo: It felt like a long time that i was just waiting for something to do. So let me tell you about some of the work i have done.:thumbsup2


I have had a problem finding invitations that i liked. eh hem.... I mean WE liked. I liked one, DF liked another. We could not agree. Then I found the perfect one in Modern Bride Magazine. They look like this.http://kenziekate.com/images/invites/palmsprings1.jpg
only in Black and red and white. i liked them because they reminded me of the Boardwalk because of the stripes. They only problem is that that for 80 invites with reply cards is.... Drum Roll Please.......$1600!!!!!!:scared1:

No offense but there is no way i am paying that much for paper!!! So my MOH searched web near and far for me and found these.
http://www.alannahrose.com.au/images/prods/full/boutiqueweddinginvite2p.jpg.jpg

They are from a company in Australia and are about $600. Although i still think that is steep. I like them very much.

Here are the favors. We have had them done since like November!!! We wanted something that was easy to transport and that really said something about us. We decided that a CD was the best choice.
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC02728.jpg
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/DSC02729.jpg

[managirl]

Here is the song list for the cd. They look like records with a metal case.
Everything - Michael Buble
Where is Your Heart At - Jaime Cullum
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
Just The Way You Are - Billy Joel
Love - Matt White
I'll Follow You Into The Dark - Death Cab For Cutie
Stolen - Dashboard Confessional
Something - Jim Sturgess (Beatles)
If You Could Only See - Tonic
God Only Knows - Joss Stone (The Beach Boys)
At Last - Etta James
For Once In My Life - Stevie Wonder
My First, My Last, My Everything - Barry White
Caught Up - Usher
Sugar, We're Going Down - Fall Out Boy
Just Like Heaven - The Cure
I'll Be Here A While - 311
I'm Yours - Jason Mraz
Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley
Footloose - Kenny Loggins

These are all songs that meant alot to us through out our relationship.. Getting tired.. TGIF... Later i'll post more.

[managirl]

They got our contract today!!!! Should be getting a planner in a week!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

[pink_tink8i8]

that is so exciting!!!! LOVE your engagement tables!

[MegKate]

They got our contract today!!!! Should be getting a planner in a week!!!:banana: :banana: :banana:

WAZOO Congrats!!! :goodvibes Let us know who you get!

[tiggersam00]

subbing, I am an ADH bride as well! Can't wait to hear more of your plans:goodvibes

[managirl]

Hey everyone, so here are some things that have been going on. We got assigned a new planner because apparently Celeste "no longer works for Disney Fairytale Weddings". Our New planner is Diane. I have heard lots of great things about her. We also booked our PS trip for the third week in June, right after school ends. The sad part is we are only going for three days!!!! Booo!!!!!!! What a tease!!! My DF cant take off more than that because he is using his two weeks vaca for the wedding. So this will be strictly business. Do you have any suggestions on things we can do outside the parks?

In other news. I had a freakout about my dress. I havent seen it since August and i wasnt sure if I still liked it!!! :scared1: The dress is at my FMIL's house. so I ran over there to try it on. whew...still love it!!! Thank god!!!

Other than that, I have been super busy. I coach crew. Rowing for all the laymen. the season is almost over, so then planning will be in full swing.

[29apr00]

yay things are moving along! Congrats on your planner, i've heard good things about Diane! LOL about your dress, i do that too and mine is in my own closet!

[managirl]

6 MONTHS!!!!!

Today is six months till the wedding!!!! Freaking out!!! I feel like i have so much to do!! DF is freaking out about money. We havent saved as much as we thought we would have by now. Last night i suggested cutting out some things from the wedding to meet the budget and DF freaked out!! I thought i was supposed to be the one freaking out!! I know everything will work out.

[managirl]

Ok. first of all. Its five months till the wedding!!!!!!!:woohoo::banana::scared:
I cant believe it! DF and I have been engaged since january 2008. I feel like we have been planning forever! Speaking of planning, or planing session is in TWO WEEKS!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!! I have everything in a big envelope on my desk. I so envy all of the disbrides that are so artsy and creative and make time to make scrapbooks and binders and bulletin boards. That is totally not me. I have pics of table settings i like and cakes and a menu. What else do i need?

Any way DF and I have made lots of purchases this week. here are some items....
http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture161.jpg

crystal mickey broach for My mom and steve's mom

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture131-1.jpg

These are DF's tie tack and cuff links. Cute right. He picked them out without my help!!!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture113.jpg

This is our wedding rings. DF's is tungsten which i think is really cool!!!

DF and I also bought custom converse chucks. They havent come in yet. I am really excited about that. Ill post when they come in!!

Oh yeah, here is a pic of the matches we bought. DF is giving his groomsmen cigars at the reception so we thought that would be a good idea. since our reception is at ADH we figuered they could go out on the balcony and have fun with them!!!

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture168.jpg

Cant wait till the PS!! Will post more soon......

[managirl]

Getting so excited!!! Next week is the last week of school and our PS is in 11 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!:cool1::banana::yay::dance3: Im freakin out!!! Do i have everything i need? How are we getting to the airport? What do I need to pack? AAHHH!!!!!! :scared1:

ok thats the end of my rant. Seriously, what a great way to end a school year? With a trip to the happiest place on earth!?! Since we are only going for a short trip, 3 days:sad1:, we will not be going to the parks. We are going to spend some time at the pool and exploring the resorts. It seems we never get to do that on our longer trips!!! How do you find the time? Cant wait to post pics from the PS........

[managirl]

My shoes came in today!!!! Or should I say sneakers. I have been wearing Converse since I was 14. I am 5'11" and DF is also the same height if I wear any type of heels I will be taller. Also I have terrible feet. Wearing any type of shoes for a long period of time kill my feet. I had custom made Converse made!!!They are awesome!!I am so happy. DF ordered them too. His should be in next week. The little boys in the wedding are wearing Cons too so we will all match !! Here they are.http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture187.jpg

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm230/managirl64/Picture188.jpg

[managirl]

We leave for our PS trip in the morning!!! Im so excited!! I spent the whole day making sure our planning binder is organized and in good condition.I really wish we could stay longer but DF has to be back to work. I on the other hand am off for the summer!!!:banana::banana: OK. Be back wednesday with lots of pics.

[tiggersam00]

Hope you had a blast, can't wait to see pics! Oh and I love the shoes! I wore my pink converse for our e-pics!

[managirl]

We are back from our PS!!! We such a good time. It was way too short. I will post a full report tonight. It really seems real now!!!

[Chickkypoo]

4 More Days!!! You must be so excited!!! I have 12 Days to go, and I've been bouncing off the walls :)

[Disneylover79]

I enjoyed reading your PJ...you are getting married so soon.. I am excited for you... I am planning a SBP wedding but I am stumped as to where to have the reception so if you don't mind to post a few pics of the ADH that would be more than great.... I wish you luck and have the time of your life...:love:

[Boston Disney Bride]

3 days! I'd be jumping out of my skin! I am already and I still have 7 months!! Have a beautiful wedding and just make sure to take in every second of it..CONGRATSSSSSSSS