Kim & Mark's 6/15/09 Escape PJ & TR - UPDATED 9/9/09 - Reception!

[Luvmyfam3]

Hi! My name is Kim and this is probably the most last-minute planning journal known to man! Haha! But, I have been lurking on this forum for the past 4 - 5 months (before I was engaged) and I cannot tell you how valuable a resource these planning journals have been. I have no doubt that if it hadn't been for all of you sharing your planning processes and experiences there's no way that I would be able to put together this whirlwind fantasy I'm living right now. So, here it goes…..

Love Story

Mark and I met, of all places, on eHarmony. And I suppose that our relationship at that point went like most… we were intrigued by each other's profile, we started communicating and eventually met. I could tell immediately that Mark wasn't your average guy…extremely intellegent, funny, thoughtful, interesting. He was definitely goofy, but not in a weird way. Haha. But, it wasn't until our third date that I started taking this guy seriously. Sure, I thought he was interesting to talk to, but no "heart-fluttering" attraction. Then, during our 3rd date, at Starbucks, while we were both relaxed and talking…not trying to entertain each other or say things we think the other person wants to hear….I started to feel this pull towards him and at that point started to really hope he'd kiss me (for me, that would be the telling sign!). Sure enough, while walking me to my car, he did. My knees were jelly while getting in my car! While driving home I kept saying "Wow" and had a silly grin on my face... I could feel it. The rest is a magical history….well, not exactly, but you get the point. We had both been married before and have children, which totally brings a new element of complexity to our relationship. But, a fun one too! That meeting was almost exactly 2 years ago from our scheduled wedding date….we met June 19, 2007 and we're going to be married June 15, 2009. Here is a picture of us:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db33b3127ccec74c57de2ede00000060O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
And here is a picture of us with our gang….
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b8ce36b3127ccec53689914bde00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Left to right (Me, Caitie (17), Pluto, Mark, Allie (17), Mia (4) and AnnaGrace (15) The 3 teenagers are mine and the little one is Mark's. I cannot tell you how blessed we feel to have this family of ours.

Engagement Story

Mark and I discussed marriage quite a bit after about a year or so of dating. With our situation, it was critical to make sure that our expectations were in line. Anyway, towards the end of March things were started to fall in place. One Friday evening while we were all out to dinner, Mark said that he needed to talk to my girls. So, while Mia and I went picking flowers (actually flowering weeds in other people yards) Mark talked to the girls on the front porch. Then, later that week, come to find out, Mark took my parents to lunch. So, I had a feeling something was coming….

March 27th, Friday morning, was the beginning of "our" weekend…a weekend when neither of us has our kids. I kind of had a feeling that he might propose during this weekend. Little did I know…. Around 8:30 that morning, the receptionist calls me to say that I have a "special package" downstairs in our lobby. I go down to find a huge bouquet of gorgeous red roses. The card stated, "A reason is NEVER needed for a gift from someone who cares. However, in this case there IS one, and to learn it you will have to meet me downstairs. Love, Mark" Wow. A flood of thoughts and emotions overwhelmed me. In a daze, I go down to our building lobby. Incredibly, it's completely empty except for Mark standing there. And it was there that he asked me to be his bride. Unbelievable! Then….we went back to work! Haha!! We met (with my parents) for lunch at the restaurant where we first met. Here are a few pictures from that day…
Here's my ring (isn't it GORGEOUS?!?):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da01b3127ccec6bcf6ecda0900000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Here are my roses:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da01b3127ccec6bc81241b5200000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
And here we are that evening celebrating:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da01b3127ccec6bd8daa3b9600000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
We proceeded to be in a joyful daze all weekend. Everyone we told asked if we had set a date. We had already decided that we wanted a simple destination wedding. We really felt that coupling it with a vacation would help to bond our family and involve our girls more. After considering many beach destinations, we had most seriously discussed Disney. I have a timeshare there and my girls consider Disney as the "happiest place on earth". So, my first order of business: go to my favorite Disney resource! The DIS…..well, actually, I had already been on this forum for a few months pouring over Planning Journals and Trip Reports to see how everything worked. Before our engagement, I felt kind of guilty going on this forum…like I didn't belong. But now, I'm really glad I did!! I had told Mark I couldn't get married next summer because my twins would be graduating from high school…I didn't want to take that special time away from them and it would be too stressful to plan everything surrounding them and a wedding! So, we started looking at this summer. We already had a Disney trip planned this coming June and thought, "Why not?" So, that's what we're doing! And I couldn't be happier…

Wedding Plans

We decided on Monday, June 15th…it's closest to a weekend without being the weekend. We did that just in case we needed to bump it up to a Wishes. We didn't want that higher minimum!! Thankfully, I think we're going to be able to keep it an Escape. We are planning to be married at Sea Breeze Point at 10:00am. I told Mark, "You do realize that the girls are going to want to be in the parks by 2:00 that afternoon." His reply, "Are you kidding?!?! I'll want to be in the parks by 2:00!!" Haha! I really had my heart set on the Attic, but we just couldn't justify the minimum which is triple the amount of a Boardwalk ballroom. But, I think that with our small group, the ballroom will be best. That way we can have one long table instead of separate tables scattered. I'm still really attached to the Attic, but I’m trying to look at the bright side!

I have much more that I'll share shortly! I'm truly excited about all this and would love ANY input on coordinating a small wedding with children, conservative Christians and loud fun-loving Italians! It's going to be quite an adventure!! :banana:

[Ann117]

Congrats your wedding is very soon!!! Good luck with everything!

[Raecheal]

Congrats! I can't wait to read the rest of your pj!

[Luvmyfam3]

Invitations

First of all, thank you Lurkyloo for introducing me to the wonderful world of Etsy.com!! I'm sure it's common knowledge, but I didn't have a clue about this site! I have found so many things since then! Not the least of which are my invitations!

Here are the ones we really liked, but they're not in my colors:
http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.31519404.jpg
http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.31519427.jpg
Kelly from Staccato was SO helpful! She suggested the following to fit with my colors...I can't wait to see them! Unfortunately, the picture keeps coming out really bad....but I think you get the idea!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da01b3127ccec6bd48ebfa1d00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Luvmyfam3]

I forgot to add my jewelry to the Etsy group!
http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_430xN.61547190.jpg
http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_430xN.60745712.jpg

I also found these cufflinks for my nerdy fiance as a surprise...they're Star Wars Falcons (whatever that is....)
http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.65775455.jpg

I'm hoping to show you my dress and the girls dresses next.... I'm having a difficult time with the David's Bridal website....

[princess22]

Congratulations!

I just have to say you don't look old enough to have 3 teenagers. Your family is adorable though. I'm looking forward to reading more!

[DISNEYMAGIC2005]

Congrats! Your day is coming up really soon! I got frustrated with the Davids Bridal site too! I ended up googling a pic of my dress from an ad. Can't wait to read about the rest of your details.

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Congratulations! Your family is beautiful and I can't wait to hear about all the plans! Your excitement is definitely infectious!

Standing by...:surfweb:

[padisneyfour]

welcome and congrats! looking forward to hearing more of your plans:goodvibes

[Luvmyfam3]

Congratulations!

I just have to say you don't look old enough to have 3 teenagers. Your family is adorable though. I'm looking forward to reading more!

You're so sweet! I assure you I'm plenty old enough! :rotfl:

Congrats! Your day is coming up really soon! I got frustrated with the Davids Bridal site too! I ended up googling a pic of my dress from an ad. Can't wait to read about the rest of your details.

You're a genius! I did that and was able to get pictures of my dress! I'll post pictures soon! Thanks!

Congratulations! Your family is beautiful and I can't wait to hear about all the plans! Your excitement is definitely infectious!


Thank you! Heidi, I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading your PJ's and TR's. Facing my challenges of time and distance are nothing compared to what you faced...twice! Both of your weddings were beautiful! We are also planning to have Rev. Day officiate our wedding, so I was interested to hear what you had to say. I'm hoping everything will go fine!

welcome and congrats! looking forward to hearing more of your plans
Congrats! I can't wait to read the rest of your pj!
Congrats your wedding is very soon!!! Good luck with everything!

Thanks! More coming soon!

[DisneyBrideToni]

Congrats!!!! Your ring is beautiful! I can't wait to see more of your plans!

[Bride-to-be]

How exciting! Congratulations!!! I am sure the boardwalk ballroom will be perfect!

[Luvmyfam3]

Dresses
When we first went shopping for dresses, I kind of let my girls loose. We picked a color and I told them they could get whatever dress they chose in that color. I have to admit that was kind of a mistake. Caitie immediately found a long, sequined prom dress in the "right color". Caitie kept saying, "But I'll look like Ariel! It looks like a mermaid!" I was hoping she was kidding...but she wasn't. Allie went and found a similar sparkly, low-cut, long prom dress.

Just to give you a laugh, here's the dresses they wanted to wear...:rolleyes1
Caitie (in a blue/green color)
http://www.prettypromgowns.com/products/big/20/50203.jpg

Allie
http://images.nearbynow.com/productimages/davidsbridal/49/06173649_360x360.jpg

I felt like I was quickly losing control.... And then....my David's Bridal attendant was ready for me! So, on that note, I went to go try on wedding dresses! :rolleyes1 Although I have pictures of all the dresses I tried on, I'll spare you... Here's what my girls fell in love with...
Here's the model...not me...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bfe195e28300000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Here's me with the petticoat...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf0aab236000000050O38AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf8d34632400000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Here's without the petticoat...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6be15ea43fa00000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Here's the back...which I love!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bec43403d400000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf2b8963ca00000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf4187e2c100000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D60/ry%3D60/

I was a little concerned about wearing a traditional wedding dress...being married before, and with children and all. But, we brought my mom, sister and grandmother the next day and they all loved this dress as well. I tried wearing evening gown-type dresses, but they just didn't look right on my short body. If it's possible, they made me look even shorter! So, that's my dress! :lovestruc I do love it...I'm a little concerned about the "trumpet" skirt though. That's never been my favorite style...but, the top and the back won me over. It'll be interesting to see how it looks in my size. I'm still deciding on the petticoat. The petticoat seems to make the skirt more "trumpety" (new word!), but it may look a little funny without one. Suggestions??

Next, was to settle on the girls' dresses. After a "back to reality...it's a freaking wedding!!", they ended up all liking the same dress! So, this is what they're going to wear in the mermaid color:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bedcf3822f00000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
(Hey, is this Allie pouting because she doesn't have her "show my tummy" prom dress on?!?!:rotfl2:)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf6954633600000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Unfortunately, they didn't have any dresses in the mermaid color for Mia. So, we're going with this flower girl dress and a mermaid sash. She looked so cute! But, for some reason I didn't get a picture of her. I think because I was too busy chasing after her twirling around in her dress! :rolleyes1
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6be0183c2a900000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Congrats on your upcoming wedding! Your dress is beautiful--I like it with the petticoat. I think it gives it a nice shape. Can't wait to here more.:goodvibes

[Luvmyfam3]

Just found out that DF's mom and brother probably won't be coming to the wedding. :confused: Mark told me his step-mother said, "I don't think anyone is coming!" It makes me feel really bad because not only are all my family coming (we only invited parents, siblings and their families), but my cousin and her husband are planning their annual vacation around this wedding...and they weren't even invited to attend! (in order to meet the 20-person maximum requirement). We encouraged them to come to the reception though! I guess they can come to the ceremony now, but I just feel bad because that means even more of my family will be there. It looks like only his daughter, father and step-mom will be coming. I'm feeling guilty. Anyone else face this?:sad2:

I must say, he's being a real trooper. He said, "You know, I think you're taking this harder than me." :hug:

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Kim, I just realized your info said you're from Houston. My parents live out by Sugar Land (where I grew up) although I obviously live in Germany now! Small world!

Anyway, I LOVE your dress (and your tale of trying to corral your teenage daughters!:rotfl2:) I have to agree with you, though...way to reign them in!!!

We didn't have any parents decide not to come, but DH's dad and step-mom were literally there for the ceremony and about 1 1/2 hours of the reception. And they DROVE from South Dakota! And their son was on his R&R from Iraq!!! Whatever. You can't control everyone and you can't spend your time trying to make everyone happy. I can't say "let it go" because you can't, but try not to worry about it too much.

[Luvmyfam3]

Kim, I just realized your info said you're from Houston. My parents live out by Sugar Land (where I grew up) although I obviously live in Germany now! Small world!

Heidi, it is indeed a small world! I was born and raised in Houston! I went to college up in Oklahoma, lived up in Chicago for a couple of years and moved back home as soon as possible! I actually grew up on the southwest side of Houston (Sharpstown - back when it was safe! lol), but I now live on the northwest side. We're experiencing "Chamber of Commerce" days around here! Beautiful, sunny, low humidity, high of 80's. :sunny:

[Luvmyfam3]

Okay, I have the craziest story that I just had to share with you guys! My engagement ring was a little big, so a co-worker suggested I go to a jeweler she knows that's very honest and reputable. So, I drop of the ring with him and discuss the resizing process. He calls me the next day to say it's ready. I go to pick it up and he pours my ring out of the envelope, looks at it and says..."Funny, I don't remember your diamond being yellow." :eek: My jaw drops and I stomach feels like it's been punched... I say, "It isn't yellow!" We start to analyze it and sure enough, it's yellow! He tells me that he has worked with his diamond guy for over 20 years and he's never seen anything like this! He starts to question me where Mark got the ring and wants to see the diamond certificate. Well, of course I don't have it! I am starting to cry and he keeps assuring me that we're going to get to the bottom of this, but he insists that he wants to see a copy of the certificate. I am imagining telling Mark and asking for the certificate and I just feel so sick to my stomach. So, I leave with my yellow diamond and drive back to work. Thankfully, I happened to have the certificate at work because I was originally going to send my ring back where we got it to have it resized. We didn't because I didn't want to go without it for 1 - 2 weeks. Anyway, in the original box was the certificate. So, I fax and scan and email the certificate immediately. I called the jeweler to make sure he received it and was asked to bring the ring back to the store. They want to try cleaning it really well...but you can tell that it's not something on top of the diamond. So, I leave work again (thankfully, it's close to my work!) to take it to them to clean. While driving, I decide to document this experience and whip out my camera (a picture of my original ring is in my first post of this thread):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da05b3127ccec6a51c02193800000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da05b3127ccec6a55f04d8b700000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
The jeweler takes me back into his work office and shows me how to use a hoop to analyze it once more. He decided to try the bath thing. About 10 minutes later he came out and said, "Don't freak out". He had taken the diamond out of the setting. My ring looked perfect everywhere but underneath the setting. It looks tarnished. He told me that he thinks the epoxy they used to help hold the diamond in the setting must have turned yellow in the heat of the resizing. He also put the diamond under a microscope and showed me how the bottom of the diamond looked like it had a film on it. So, he told me that I would have to do without it for another day so that he could clean off all the epoxy.

Yesterday, I went to get my ring. I was so anxious driving there! But, thankfully, it's perfect again! And it fits perfectly as well! Yea!!!:yay: What a relief! The jeweler apologized, but I told him it wasn't his fault. I'm just glad it turned out okay! I think I definitely grew a few gray hairs during this experience though! :scared1:At least now I have a story to tell!! :rolleyes1

[tiggerrifficheidi]

That is a crazy story! I'm glad everything is okay, but I can imagine being terrified and upset!

And I remember when Sharpstown was safe!!!

[MainStMandy]

Kim your story and plans are just wonderful. I absolutely love the dress you tried!! Glad to hear you fixed your ring dilema too!!

Can't wait to read more!

[Bride-to-be]

Just reading the story I was terrified that they swapped your diamond... I am so glad it turned out ok. I would have had a total melt down, if it had been me.

All of the dresses are so pretty!!

[CinderelliT]

Congratulations on your engagement!

WOW! That's crazy about your ring. I have never heard of that happening to anyone. I had visions of them swapping it out for some piece of junk! Or hoping that they had maybe traded it for a very expensive and exotic diamond! LOL.:rotfl:

I'm glad that everything worked out well.

I have to tell you when I went dress shopping, I think I tried on your dress - or something very similar. It looks so pretty on you! On me, it made me look really short and wide. (Which I am, but it really exaggerated it!)

Isn't funny how different dresses look on different body types?

I can't wait to read more of your plans.

[Ann117]

My DF family is a little different. The only person I know is coming for sure is his sister. I don't think his parents will be very excited to see Mickey Mouse at our wedding so maybe its for the best they are not coming. We do not need any party poopers. But we are having a reception at home once we get back. You could always have a little picnic or something to celebrate your marriage so those who could not make it to the wedding can celebrate with you.

[Bolanette87]

Really enjoying reading about your plans... I freaked out slightly when you were telling the story about the diamond 'turning yellow'.... :eek: Glad it all turned out okay! :thumbsup2

Bob xoxoxox

[Luvmyfam3]

Bridal Party Jewelry & Hair
I told my girls that they could pick their own jewelry to make their own "look" if they'd like. I bought everything on Ebay. This is what they chose:

Caitie wanted to look like Jasmine. So, she chose to have a circlet (never knew what they were called before this experience) and an arm band.
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/370186988661.jpg
http://i9.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/7f/3a/0cfa_2.JPG

Allie wanted to look like Cinderella. So, she chose a tiara and rhinestone choker.
http://www.wahfai-international.com/ebay/A45B/A45B_01.jpg
http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/pict/200332338172.jpg

AnnaGrace isn't really into the princesses, so she chose to have a "vintage" look. She's going to borrow a strand of long pearls of Caitie's and she wanted a fascinator.
http://i14.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/fe/e6/17d3_2.JPG

We decided Mia would love to have a little crown. I'm trying to get this one:
http://i16.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/2d/02/3961_2.JPG

After all this, I still haven't figured out what I'll have in my hair! Haha!! But, I do have some ideas of how I want my hair:
http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4883475/154716-main_Full.jpg
http://www.wedding53.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/wedding-hairstyles2008.jpg
Good luck with that humidity, huh? Oh well! I know Mark would want my hair down, so Le Jeune will just have to use tons of hairspray! :rolleyes1

Photography/Videography

I forgot to share this little drama.... When we chose our wedding date, I immediately started contacting the photographers I had seen here on DIS. Of course, the ones I wanted were all booked. :mad: So, I spent a couple of weeks scrambling around. Video was easy....STVS. They're reasonable and I like the work I've seen. In the end, I narrowed it down to Gary Fox and Sunshine Photographics (Derek Smith). I was in such a quandry for a while. I won't share my concerns, but I will say that it was an extremely difficult decision. Mark realized that I was being much pickier than he so he left it to me. I forced my sister (8 1/2 months pregnant...but a professional photographer) to help me with my decision. In the end, Sunshine Photographics won. I'm a tiny bit nervous, but I like what work I've seen and they were closer to our price-range than some others I've found on here...(::sigh:: love Root Photography!)

[tiggersam00]

Hi Kim! Just popped over and read through your PJ, 1st of all in the pic of your whole family it took me a minute to figure out which one you were, you look just like you daughters! You guys will make a gorgeous family, and the little one is too flippin cute!

Everything with the wedding looks great so far! I love the dress you picked and the BM dress is very nice too (although your DD's did look like they were dying for the prom dresses lol) The BM dress is actually the other one my BM's picked too! But we found one for 1/2 the price so guess what they chose lol!

The ring thing is crazy! I can't belive it turned yellow! You could have always said it was one of those pircey J-Lo Yellow Diamonds that all the celebrities have I guess lol! :lmao:Glad it got back to normal though

I bet you guys will have an amazing day in June, can't wait to hear the rest of your plans:goodvibes

[Luvmyfam3]

Kim your story and plans are just wonderful. I absolutely love the dress you tried!! Glad to hear you fixed your ring dilema too!!
Thanks! I'm excited about my dress too! But, it's been so long that I'm starting to question my taste...:laughing: I am anxiously awaiting them to call me to say it's come in! I think it'll make me feel better!

Just reading the story I was terrified that they swapped your diamond... I am so glad it turned out ok. I would have had a total melt down, if it had been me.

All of the dresses are so pretty!!
You know, I'm so naive that I didn't even consider the possibility of diamond swapping until a co-worker mentioned it. That's part of what made me freak out inside while it was happening. Then, the jeweler showed me the rings he normally works with...3 and 4 carat diamonds...so, why would they mess with my little ring?? But, it's so perfect for me. I truly wouldn't want it any larger or different!

I have to tell you when I went dress shopping, I think I tried on your dress - or something very similar. It looks so pretty on you! On me, it made me look really short and wide. (Which I am, but it really exaggerated it!)

Isn't funny how different dresses look on different body types?

Yes, it is funny how our builds totally affect the fit of a dress...even in small ways. You know, I've still been going over and over in my head if the dress really looked okay.... I'm ready to try it on again to calm my doubts!

Really enjoying reading about your plans... I freaked out slightly when you were telling the story about the diamond 'turning yellow'.... Glad it all turned out okay!
Thanks! Me too! That experience made me appreciate my ring even more! I've already become so emotionally attached to it. My fiance said he would have bought me a replacement diamond if it hadn't turned out well, but I'm really attached to this one. Silly, huh? :lovestruc

[Luvmyfam3]

The lady who is making my invitations just sent me a picture of the front of them finished. I think they look great! But, I'm really curious to see the inside...
http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.68129807.jpg

Funny thing...yesterday, I was checking out these fans on Etsy thinking how the color of blue is perfect and would be nice since our wedding is outside in June. I emailed the lady and she said she would change out the ribbon to orange. Well, today when I went to go in and purchase my invitations, I accidentally purchased the fans too! :laughing: Thankfully, they're not expensive! Mark suggested we put "Love is a breeze" on them. :)
http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_430xN.59164803.jpg

[pink_tink8i8]

I love everything so far! Your dress is so pretty and your ring...to die for! :goodvibes
can't wait to hear more!

[Luvmyfam3]

I have a question for you guys... I've been thinking about an idea for a placecard/favor: Keep in mind that we're going to have a total of about 20 to 22 people at our reception, including us...so it'll be small. Do you guys think it would look good/be appropriate/whatever if I used little frames and put a picture of the guest with either/and Mark and I in there. All of these people are family members so it shouldn't be hard to find pictures. Then, I put that picture where they should sit. I could make it known that that's what they need to look for at the reception to find their seating. What do you think? Strange idea?

http://www.exclusivelyweddings.com/catalog/Detail/112-2617.jpg

[Bride-to-be]

I really like that idea!!! I think its really neat and original.

[missy0107]

Do you have information on the room at the Boardwalk that you have reserved for your brunch? which room is it, do you have photos and manu samples with prices? thanks!

[Luvmyfam3]

I just spoke with Rosie today! She's awesome!!:worship:

We have the St. James Room in the Boardwalk. Here is the website to see the configuration of the room. http://adisneymeetings.disney.go.com/media/dwm/en_US/media/tools/vsi/VSI.html
I am so thrilled we have this room! We have windows!! :woohoo:

If you want to PM me your email address, I can send you the menus that were sent to me. We're going with the Tinkerbell Brunch which is $25/person. But, we requested to substitute the smoked salmon with Mickey waffles, so it's only $22/person.

I'll write soon about my conversation with Rosie! :)

[Pirate's Princess]

Congrats on the engagement. I love your story together! What a beautiful dress. LOL on your daughters wanting the prom dresses...oh teenagers. Gotta love 'em.

Love your colors btw, and etsy. Oh and the millenium falcon cufflinks!!! We're both huge sci fi geeks.

[missy0107]

I just spoke with Rosie today! She's awesome!!:worship:

We have the St. James Room in the Boardwalk. Here is the website to see the configuration of the room. http://adisneymeetings.disney.go.com/media/dwm/en_US/media/tools/vsi/VSI.html
I am so thrilled we have this room! We have windows!! :woohoo:

If you want to PM me your email address, I can send you the menus that were sent to me. We're going with the Tinkerbell Brunch which is $25/person. But, we requested to substitute the smoked salmon with Mickey waffles, so it's only $22/person.

I'll write soon about my conversation with Rosie! :)

Thanks for sending me menus! you say here that the brunch is $25 but the menu you sent states $55?!? :confused3

and did you have to meet the 25 person minimum?

[Luvmyfam3]

Thanks for sending me menus! you say here that the brunch is $25 but the menu you sent states $55?!?

and did you have to meet the 25 person minimum?

I'm so sorry! It must have been my blonde moment! Yes, it's $55/person, but $52/person when we substituted the smoked salmon with Mickey waffles. Sorry about that!

We have more people coming to our reception than our ceremony so I didn't check on the 25 person minimum....

Kim

[missy0107]

I thought that sounded a little too reasonable!! ;)

[Luvmyfam3]

No kidding!! I guess it was just wishful-thinking on my part...:rotfl:

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Sounds like your plans are coming along great. I like the idea for the pictures in the placecard holders. We tried to do something similar for a photo collage that we displayed by our guest book but I kind of fizzled out on findng a pic with every guest so we ended up putting in as many pictures as we could with our guests at their weddings.

[Luvmyfam3]

Sounds like your plans are coming along great. I like the idea for the pictures in the placecard holders. We tried to do something similar for a photo collage that we displayed by our guest book but I kind of fizzled out on findng a pic with every guest so we ended up putting in as many pictures as we could with our guests at their weddings.

Thanks! I keep wondering what I'm forgetting to plan.... :confused3

My DF kind of balked at the idea of trying to find pictures of him with his family, which kind of took the wind out of my sails.... Then, when I tried to find the frames I wanted they were literally sold out on every website until July. I finally found a website where I could purchase them, but they emailed me the next day and told me they were sold out until July as well. Then, when Rosie emailed me the chocolate placecards they offer, I took that as a sign to refocus my energies to other things (like worrying about why the heck my dress still hasnt arrived! :scared1:) I really do like the idea though.... :sad1:

[Luvmyfam3]

Well, it had to happen....putting together a wedding in 2 1/2 months means there had to be some snags, right? Well, yesterday I called David's Bridal to find out if my dress had arrived. When I bought the dress, I was assured that May 15th would be the absolute LATEST day it would arrive. I knew it was a gamble, but I wasn't quite sure what my other options were.... Well, it's not there. I asked when it would arrive and they transferred me to the manager. He told me that it's showing that my dress won't arrive until June 3rd. :scared1: Uh, my wedding is June 15th and we're leaving for Florida on June 11th! Honestly, May 15th made me a little uncomfortable, but June 3rd sent me over the roof. I really tried my best not to become Bridezilla and I have to admit that the manager did an excellent job...he never got defensive or condescending. He was very apologetic. He explained that he'll have more information in 48 hours (which I have no idea why he will know anything more...) When I bought the dress, the salesman explained several times that there were no refunds. I asked the manager, since the dress is coming in MUCH later than I was told, if I could be released from this contract if I choose. He told me I could. Soooooo........ crazily enough, I'm going dress shopping this weekend! Unfortunately, I think it's going to be best if I stick to David's Bridal because they are the only ones I know of that carry petites. Since I'm only 5'1", I think it'll be best to find a petite already in the store so that there are as few alterations as possible.

Strangely enough, I'm not super-stressed about this. I probably should be. I suspect the reason why I'm not so distraught is because I had a few reservations about my dress to begin with. The mermaid skirt wasn't the most flattering...I didn't feel. But, everyone else with me thought it looked great on me. But, I am concerned about finding something in stock...

Let the fun begin! ;)

[Luvmyfam3]

Oh my gosh! I just checked out my ticker...it's down to DAYS and it's in the 20's!!! How awesome is that!?!?!? :yay:

Anyway, about my dress... my daughter and I went to various David's Bridals around Houston. We found 2 that we strongly considered....

Here's my original dress:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf4728e26d00000050O38AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D3/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9da00b3127ccec6bf2b8963ca00000050O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Here's dress #1
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db39b3127ccec770cca69ab500000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db39b3127ccec7706bdbda0300000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Here's dress #2
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db39b3127ccec77026e41bb200000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db39b3127ccec77061555bb800000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

So, after much debate, we called in reinforcements....my mom. I have to say I am SO blessed. My mom literally dropped everything while in Walmart and drove 45 minutes to come help me decide. Also, my daughter, Caitie, needed to get to work so Mark was a true prince and said "Of course!" when I called to ask him to come get Caitie and take her to work.

My mom liked my original dress over #1. There are certain things I like about it, but I had a few reservations as well.... But, when I tried on dress #2, my mom liked it even better than my original dress. I was truly torn. I think part of it was because it had been a few days since I had seen myself in my original dress. So, we decided it would be best if I tried on both dresses. So, the next day, I commandeered my best friend to go with me to try on both dresses...the original and #2. I was hoping that the store that was holding a little larger size of my original would also have #2 dress. Well, they had it in a larger size, but we thought we'd give it a try.

I tried on my original dress (my best friend hadn't seen either one before...and I really trust her judgement) and she really, really liked it. She thought it was beautiful and we discussed it for a while. But, when I came out in dress #2, she said, "Wow.....That other dress was a beautiful dress, Kim. But you truly look like a bride in this one. It's so you."

And it's true. I truly felt that it fit "me". I feel so funny saying this about something as mundane as a dress, but I feel so much more at peace about this dress than my original. Long before this deadline issue came up, I would ponder my dress and whether I made the right choice. Now, I don't do that. I truly know that this was the right choice. My biggest concern with this dress is that it is SOOOOOO heavy!! It is by far the heaviest dress I tried on! So, I'm sure I'll be sweating like a pig at SBP in June, but I love the dress so that's okay. You know, for some reason, long before I looked at dresses I had an image in my mind of an all lace dress with a fuller skirt. I just really didn't know if it was appropriate. I really tried to keep with dresses that were simpler and understated. This one is that to me, but in a different way than what I had originally planned. I like the fact that it's all the same throughout. I think that's better for my short stature. And it's such a classic look...to me. Anyway, I'm so excited about it and I have no reservations about my choice!

I know there's been a lot of mixed reviews about David's Bridal on this forum, but I have to say in my instance they were superb. When I showed up at "my" David's I was greeted by a lady at the front desk I hadn't met yet. I started telling her my story and 5 seconds into it she stopped me and said, "Are you Kim? Oh yes, I know all about you...." And when I was in the dressing room taking off #2 dress, I asked her if I could just get the dress from the other David's Bridal that had "my" dress in the correct size she said, "Normally I would encourage you to order, but I know you don't want to do that. Ma'am, we will do anything it takes to make you happy." I realize this situation wasn't their fault, so it made things much easier. And they've been very accommodating in my instance...

Anyway, I'm so excited about my dress! And I can't wait to see it when it actually fits!

[PrincessShea]

Oh Kim you have much more patience that I in dealing with the dress situation. Glad to hear it's working out though! You would've looked great no matter what you picked :goodvibes

[Luvmyfam3]

I thought I would add a few more updates...I'm way behind!

I realized that I never put pictures of my actual invitation on here! The travesty! I had these made by a lady on Etsy. I swear, I'm addicted to that website! I also included an itinerary and map of the Disney property...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db06b3127ccec76225a28d6900000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db06b3127ccec763d33e2cf200000070O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Okay, on to the updates! I have to say that my wedding coordinator, Karen, and Rosie are awesome! We've been able to work some things out that I'm really excited about...

I found this bouquet on Theknot.com and fell in love. I talked with Rosie about making it with only orange Gerbera daisies and blue hydrangea. She really liked the idea and said it may not even cost extra!! :banana:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db06b3127ccec762b014cd0d00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I was going to have the girls carry rose wands, but Rosie suggested that the wands have daisies instead. I didn't even know we could do that! I think that's going to look great! Rosie also suggested that the girls have a little sachet of rose petals to carry down the aisle to throw up if they'd like. Well, that fits my girls perfectly! Three of our girls want to be called "Flower Girl". I told them I didn't care what they wanted to call themselves! The other one, (the red-head...go figure) wants to be "The Maid of Honor". Whatever! LOL

After Rosie sent a few views of the decorated archway, we decided that the view and architecture could stand on it's own. Instead, I'm going to have more rose petals (orange) scattered down the aisle. Plus, our sand ceremony table is going to have so much color that I think it'll be fine. I need to take pictures of the containers I have! My mom and I found them at an antique festival (I LOVE antiques!). They're science beakers that have the little lines and numbers on the side. And I found an old jar and lid for the container. It fits me and my decor perfectly, so I know I'll be able to use those beakers later around the house.

Reception:

We're going with the Modern Deco cake. And we were just informed by Karen yesterday that the bakery will be able to make it as we requested: blue background with orange design on top. It'll be bright and fun!

Here was my inspiration for centerpieces: But with oranges and aqua ribbons..
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db06b3127ccec7626ac7cdb300000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

Rosie emailed me that she's going to have these jars for the oranges:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9db06b3127ccec76259988d6d00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I think that going to work great!! I couldn't believe the price though.... $70 per centerpiece!! For borrowed jars, oranges the kitchen could use later and ribbon!?! :scared1: Oh well! I told Rosie I'll just make sure everyone takes an orange as a souvenir! :rotfl: She also suggested I take the ribbon afterward and use it for gifts and the girls hair. Great idea, Rosie!

Now, for the best news!! Karen emailed me this morning saying that after a "lengthy discussion" with the photography manager, he's agreed to let a Disney photographer come to our wedding as well!! The Disney photographer will only do journalistic and candid shots. He won't take any direction from me. Fine by me! I was wanting tons of journalistic and candid shots! This will ensure that whatever Derek doesn't get, hopefully the Disney photographer will get! Also, that means I get the photos and album that comes with the Escape package! :woohoo: We are so psyched and appreciative of Karen's help on that!! :thumbsup2

Well, I think that's about it! It's getting so close I can hardly stand it! I still have a few things that aren't done... I still don't have shoes and neither do any of the girls. They want ballet shoes. I was planning to order them online in the hopes they'd be cheaper, but at this point I think I'll just take them to a dance store and buy them. For me, I am strongly considering wedges...
http://www.bridalpeople.com/high-heel-wedding-shoes/images/20235.jpg
http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/yhst-83646425155672_2052_269799833
But, I really love these shoes...
Pretty shoes that I can't get a picture of... (http://www.dsw.com/dsw_shoes/catalog/product.jsp?index=48&category=cat20064&prodId=190428&brand)
But, I'm afraid that between the weight of the dress and the planks on the boardwalk, it's a disaster waiting to happen. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Okay, well, I'm sorry this is so long! I really need to be better about keeping this up....

[Pirate's Princess]

Kim all those dresses look lovely! And I love the centerpiece idea. I heart etsy too!

PS you are such a lucky duck! Under 20 days!! :banana:

[Luvmyfam3]

PS you are such a lucky duck! Under 20 days!!


I know! In some ways, I feel like I'm not ready! But mostly I can't wait for it to be here!! :banana:

[Bride-to-be]

I am so glad you have your dress figured out - what a drama. I really like number 2 too. Its also great to hear good things about DB, I really like some of their BM dresses but was scared to go look at them. Maybe I will take a gander.

I really like the oranges because they are so original and florida is known for its oranges so it all ties together very nicely.

[PrincessShea]

Woohoo Kim! Your plans sound great. Rosie is beyond fantastic isn't she? I loved working with her...definitely someone who was born to work for Disney.

[Luvmyfam3]

I am so glad you have your dress figured out - what a drama. I really like number 2 too. Its also great to hear good things about DB, I really like some of their BM dresses but was scared to go look at them. Maybe I will take a gander.

I really like the oranges because they are so original and florida is known for its oranges so it all ties together very nicely.

Thanks! I'm really excited to go for my 2nd dress fitting on Sunday! The best thing about DB is that they have such a large inventory right at the store. Since my wedding was such short-notice, they really were my only option...

I'm excited about the oranges! I honestly thought they would be cheaper...you know, the whole Florida thing. When I squawked a little at the price, Rose jokingly said, "Well, you know, the price of oranges are so high here!"

Woohoo Kim! Your plans sound great. Rosie is beyond fantastic isn't she? I loved working with her...definitely someone who was born to work for Disney.

I completely agree!! Her customer service skills are incredible! And she really comes across like she enjoys what she does!:thumbsup2

[Boardwalk_bride]

I just found your pj.....you get to go soooo soon!! YAY:banana:

I thought your ring story was so funny. I actually really love yellow diamonds! I told DF I wanted one, but he thought I would regret it in the long run :rotfl:

Can't wait to hear your full report!

[Luvmyfam3]

I just found your pj.....you get to go soooo soon!! YAY

I thought your ring story was so funny. I actually really love yellow diamonds! I told DF I wanted one, but he thought I would regret it in the long run

Can't wait to hear your full report!

Thanks! I'm glad you could join the party! :banana:

Yeah, I thought my "yellow diamond" looked kind of cool....for a while. I knew eventually I would want my sparkly white diamond back though! :)

Well, I know you guys have been dying to know which shoes I went with.... what can I say? Vanity won over and I bought shoes #3. The non-wedge ones. I had two DSW Rewards certificates, so they turned out to be much cheaper than the others. They're actually more comfortable than I thought they would be. I would love to hear from others saying that wearing heels along the boardwalk in a super-heavy dress is NO BIG DEAL!! :cool1:

For some reason, I've been feeling more stressed the past couple of days about everything than I have before. I have to say, I'm really disappointed in myself. I saw myself as this cool "older" lady who has their crap together and didn't let little things "get" to her. Unfortunately, I'm not living up to my self image...haha. There's so many little details flying around in my head, they're like little mosquitos constantly flying around buzzing and irritating me...:sad2: At this point, I'm hoping that once I leave for this trip, I will release a lot of this tension and be back to my super-cool, laid-back self! :cool2: :rotfl: Yeah, right!!

[tiggersam00]

oh yay! Glad you found your dress, it looks amazing on you Kim! So sparkley and bride-y! I agree you have much more patience then I could ver hope for Kim!

[MiaBella05]

popcorn:: joining in popcorn::

[Luvmyfam3]

joining in

Welcome, MiaBella05! Engaged at the Grand Floridian! Too cool!!

Well, I've been busy packing and such so there's not much to update you on...But, just in case you haven't seen enough pictures of me in my dress:rotfl:, here's a picture a friend took at the final fitting. So, it actually fits! :banana: (I've decided that I'm going to stand sideways in every picture so that my hips won't show....lol :rotfl2:)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d828b3127ccec7074cdf7f3c00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I received an email from Shutterfly where they went in with David's Bridal to offer me a free 8x8 book! Cool beans! So, I put together a book of Mark's and my dating journey. I was going to make it a surprise for Mark, but decided to let him see it before I ordered it since it's "his" book too! :) He almost started crying, he loved it so much. It really made me feel good that he appreciated it. I wish there was some way to put the book in here. I guess if I was really good I'd take pictures of it....maybe some day :rolleyes1 Anyway, I included our answers from our eHarmony profiles to show what we first saw about each other. I also included pictures of flowers he had sent to me and quoted what the cards stated (the cards were just as cool as the flowers...he has such a gift!). Anyway, I just received the book yesterday. It looks awesome! I'm going to have them put the book on the table with the guestbook pages to give our guests something to do while waiting for us to get our pictures taken.

The girls and I leave Thursday morning!!! :yay::woohoo::dance3:

Mark told me yesterday that he can't wait until Monday when he'll be a part of our family, and that he is really looking forward to calling my girls his daughters... :love: Is he awesome or what?!?!?

[Mrsdisneyb2b]

Just found this thread hun!!
I couldnt believe the diamond story but I LOVe the first hair pic!!

Cant wait to see more pictures! Its getting close!

[tiggerrifficheidi]

I can't believe how close you are! I can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories! YAY!

[Luvmyfam3]

Just found this thread hun!!
I couldnt believe the diamond story but I LOVe the first hair pic!!

Cant wait to see more pictures! Its getting close!

I love that first hair picture too! I'm just a little worried about reality... :rotfl: I have pretty thick hair, but it's really fine. I'm just going in there armed with pictures and a hope and a prayer that LeJeune can work their magic! :goodvibes

I can't believe how close you are! I can't wait to see pictures and hear the stories! YAY!

I can't believe how close it is either! We leave the day after tomorrow!! :scared1: :woohoo: At this point, I'm just ready to get this party started!! :cheer2:

[Luvmyfam3]

It's finally here!!!! We are leaving super-early tomorrow morning for Florida!!!! :yay::yay::yay:

Whether you gave me advice or you posted your own planning journal or trip report, you've helped me along my journey of making this wedding very special for us! And for that, I say a huge "Thanks!!"

I am planning to bring my computer, but I'm not sure I'll post anything while we're in Disney or on our cruise. But, I'm definitely planning to post a trip report when I return....(although, I'm not even ready to think about it being over yet....:sad2:)

Thanks, thanks, thanks!!!

Kim

[auntpunkin]

Happy Wedding Day!! :love:

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Happy Wedding Day! I'm so excited to see pictures and hear all about it!!!

[figment fan21]

Crap I'm a Day late!!!

HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

[BecBennett]

Hope you had a great day! Can't wait to see how it all went!

[princess22]

Hope your wedding was everything you expected and more! I'm sure you were a beautiful bride. Can't wait to read all about it!

[Luvmyfam3]

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get back on here! Things have been so crazy!

First off, everything was absolutely incredible! I was so happy with how everything went! We had such a fantastic time!

Before I get to the vendor reviews, I'll just let you know that our Disney pictures (which we love) are up:

http://www.collages.net/disneyweddings

Mercer / Berneti Wedding

Also, our sneak peek video is available on the STVS website under "Mark & Kim". We haven't received the final product yet, but we were pleased with the Sneak Peek.

Unfortunately, our photographs from our outside photographer were taken off his website as proofs as soon as he sent us our DVD of the pictures. We were pleased with them. As you can tell, Disney did a lot of post-processing with our pictures which really makes them stand out. Derek didn't do that. But, I'm looking forward to going in there and playing around with our pictures myself. I'll post some later. The disc is at home.

Well, back to work. Feel free to ask questions in the meantime!

Kim

[Bridie1996]

First, your pictures are great. They make me feel much more comfortable with the thought of going with Disney photography. And, I love your bouquet! I'm also considering asking for gerbera daisies instead of the standard escape bouquets. Did they charge you for the change?

[Luvmyfam3]

Vendor Reviews

Disney - A
Karen Serrette was our coordinator and she did an excellent job over-all. Mark arrived at the Boardwalk first and couldn't find her or anyone there to direct him for a while. But, when I arrived, she was right there and as far as I'm concerned everything went perfectly. They had everything set up exactly as I requested.

The guests were very impressed with everything, but especially the FOOD! I am still getting comments on how great it was! The staff at the Boardwalk for the St. James Room were GREAT! Extremely friendly, helpful and truly seemed happy to be there, which makes such a difference to me!

Rosie - A++++
Just like every one else, I LOVE ROSIE!!! She was so good to work with!! The flowers were PERFECT! I loved my bouquet so much I kept staring at it for days. (Btw, I didn't have to pay any extra for that bouquet either!) I made Mark carry it with us to each resort! LOL The girls loved their wands too! The cake looked great! It came out exactly as I envisioned and they didn't charge us for that change either. The centerpieces came out great, but MAN they were expensive! I really thought it would be cheaper to have a bowl of oranges over flowers, but they were like $70 apiece! We took those oranges back to the room and kept the ribbon! They looked so colorful and beautiful!

Patricia LeJeune - A+
I truly can't say enough good things about her and her assistant! I don't know if you can tell in the pictures, but each of my girls wanted something completely different than the others. It was no easy task, but they were very friendly, professional and made each of us look EXACTLY as we asked. I received SO many compliments on my hair and makeup. When you see the pictures taken outside keep in mind that it was already SWELTERING. So, especially the pictures taken with the red background, I had been doing some MAJOR sweating by then. I was concerned that my makeup would look like crap. But, it didn't! Also, I told Patricia that my hair doesn't hold curl very well, especially in humid weather. As she was taking the curlers out of my hair she said, "Okay. I took every precaution to make sure your hair would stay set, but I can tell you right now that your hair DOES hold a curl!" They even considered pulling it down because it was so curly! LOL All I can say is: it was WELL worth the money!!!

Sunshine Photographics - A
Derek and his wife were VERY friendly! They discussed every detail with me and then just got out of the way! I had written an email prior to the wedding detailing a few shots I would like to get. He brought that sheet and tried to do every single one of them. One of which was to get our whole group out on the beach for a group shot. I thought they turned out great. He took TONS of pictures and many of them were fantastic. I will try to post some when I have access to them.

Disney Photograhy - A-
Amy was our photographer. I really, really liked her! She stayed out of our way, but came up with some amazing shots! The reason I give them an "A-" is for their pricing. Mark and I were blown away that it's $650 for a disc of the pictures...the same price for the Cinderella D package which includes the disc. We still thought that was incredibly high. I'm disappointed that we'll probably just get the $100 lo res cd of the pictures and put them on our digital picture frame for now. :sad1: I really would have preferred to have more of them in larger sizes.

STVS - A-
Stan and Bonnie are GREAT! Bonnie was always so prompt in responding to any questions I had! Stan seemed fine to me. He just stayed out of my way. But, Mark and a couple of other people commented that he was a little "gruff" with them. Also, we were so excited to see our Sneak Peek and kept checking for it, but it still wasn't there 2 weeks later. I finally emailed them to find out where it was. Stan said it was ready, just not posted. I was disappointed about that because I really wanted to send the link to many people that didn't attend before our honeymoon. Still, I think the video will be wonderful. :)

Men's Wearhouse - C
Mark's tux shirt sleeves were SO long that he looked like a little boy. He did try it on before bringing it back to the resort, but he used the buttons instead of the cufflinks and said it fit fine. But, when the cufflinks were used, his sleeves fell over his hands. We didn't figure this out until that morning and had no time to make changes. Oh well...

Rev. Jack Day - A
Rev. Day was wonderful! He was very personable and friendly. Even though he was reading from a script, he really made it seem personal. I think other people were oblivious to the fact that it was so scripted. Also, it helped that we wrote our own vows, which I STRONGLY recommend. I was a little hesitant about that, but now I'm so glad we did it! Anyway, Rev. Day really incorporated our kids in the ceremony as well, which I loved. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

I would recommend each and every one of these vendors! They are a big part of the reason why our day turned out so great! Each of them took what I envisioned and made it happen. That's true magic!!

Please let me know if you have any questions about any one of these vendors.

[malibustacey]

Hey

Im not good at the internet stuff and i tried to go on to see your photos and it wont let me?

It says password and user name??

I think your photos are gonna be fab- your dress is just LUSH!!!

[MegKate]

I love the video Kim! I love how the girls came down the aisle! That was cute! :cutie:

What did you think about Rev. Jack?

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Congratulations!!!!! Everything looked beautiful and you were a stunning bride! I love your colors, wow, your bouquet was so pretty. :goodvibes

[Luvmyfam3]

Im not good at the internet stuff and i tried to go on to see your photos and it wont let me?

It says password and user name??

I think your photos are gonna be fab- your dress is just LUSH!!!

I'm sorry. I wasn't very specific in my instructions. The user name is: Mercer / Berneti Wedding The Password is: 1971 (same password for all Disney pictures). Thanks about the dress! I am so glad I had that fiasco with my dress earlier! I couldn't be happier with my dress! In fact, even after everything was over I didn't want to take it off! I just kept walking around our room in my dress until Mark finally said, "You better change! Everyone's ready to go to the parks!" :bride: Haha!!

I love the video Kim! I love how the girls came down the aisle! That was cute!

What did you think about Rev. Jack?

I know! I love how they came down the aisle too! That was TOTALLY their idea! I was surprised the 4 year old went along with it, but she did! :yay:

You're right! I completely forgot to review Rev. Day! I'll edit my post and add him! But, he was great!

Congratulations!!!!! Everything looked beautiful and you were a stunning bride! I love your colors, wow, your bouquet was so pretty.

Thanks! I am so glad I went with the colors I did! Everything was so bright! It was awesome! And, I LOVED my bouquet! I was one of those that thought it would be silly to preserve my bouquet. Afterall, where would I put it?? But, I was kind of regretting my decision since I loved my bouquet so much!

[Boardwalk_bride]

WOW!! Your pics are amazing....you are one gorgeous bride!

I really love your colours....I was going to go with blue and yellow, but now I don't know!!!

I can't wait to read more!!!

[Goldeelox9]

I just found this....read the whole PJ instead of working. I can not wait to hear all about the trip!

You looked amazing and the girls looked so cute!

[Goldeelox9]

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get back on here! Things have been so crazy!

First off, everything was absolutely incredible! I was so happy with how everything went! We had such a fantastic time!

Before I get to the vendor reviews, I'll just let you know that our Disney pictures (which we love) are up:

http://www.collages.net/disneyweddings

Mercer / Berneti Wedding

Also, our sneak peek video is available on the STVS website under "Mark & Kim". We haven't received the final product yet, but we were pleased with the Sneak Peek.

Unfortunately, our photographs from our outside photographer were taken off his website as proofs as soon as he sent us our DVD of the pictures. We were pleased with them. As you can tell, Disney did a lot of post-processing with our pictures which really makes them stand out. Derek didn't do that. But, I'm looking forward to going in there and playing around with our pictures myself. I'll post some later. The disc is at home.

Well, back to work. Feel free to ask questions in the meantime!

Kim

I had amy for my Magic Kingdom Pictures and she was GREAT! Your pictures are wonderful....I don't know how you arn't egtting the CD....LOL Could you switch and get the package that includes to CD?

[figment fan21]

WOW! I have to be honest and tell you that i've been going back and forth with picking an escape wedding but after seeing how beautiful you made it i've totally made up my mind! :goodvibes
I loved your colors.
you are such a pretty bride!
Everyone looked like they had a great time!
Your dress was amazing and your bouquet was so unique!

Ok i Loved everything :rotfl2:

I can't wait to see more and read about your wedding day! popcorn::

[Pirate's Princess]

Your DPS pictures look wonderful! It makes me feel more comfortable about having them. I love the colors and your jewelry! You made such a beautiful bride. And I love the photos of Mark holding your shoes. DF saw and he does NOT want me doing that. I have to get comfy shoes, hehe.

And I :lovestruc the Erlenmayer flasks, hehe.

[tiggerrifficheidi]

Beautiful pictures! I think Amy did an excellent job!! Congratulations!!

[Boardwalk_bride]

I know your probably enjoying your new husband......

but please tell us more about your trip. Details please !!:goodvibes

[MainStMandy]

I don't know how I missed your pictures before now, but I did!! You made a beautiful bride and couple!!! Your pictures are just lovely!!

[tinkerbell 766]

I am assuming from the pictures that you had your cake cutting/champagne at the St James room rather that at SBP. Is that right? I want to do this but wasn't sure whether I could or not

[Wish on a Star]

I LOVE EVERYTHING!
Where were the pictures taken with the bright red background- those looked amazing!

I cant wait to see pictures of St. James room- I am using it in a few weeks!

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

congrats! your pics are stunning! i esp love the ones where mark is carrying you shoes! too cute!!! oh and our dd will be 4 next month and also wears glasses!

[Luvmyfam3]

I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to get this trip report started! I have been wanting to start this for a long time, but I also wanted to include some pictures that I didn't have yet…. So, I'm really excited to finally begin my tale of one of the absolute best days of my life! (btw, my 4 year old dd said yesterday, "I wish we could have the wedding day again! That was fun!" I couldn't agree more, Mia… :lovestruc

Day 1 - DO WE HAVE TO TAKE 2 HOURS TO EAT LUNCH???

My girls and I were so excited to get started! I swear, they would have left at 4:00am if I'd agreed. And I would have done that, especially since I decided to be brave and drive straight through from Houston to Orlando. But, my parents were sweet enough to take the drive with us. It was awesome because they could help with all the stuff we had to bring and the girls could split up and spread out a bit. But, my parents aren't quite the commandos my girls and I tend to be…. They thought we were meeting "super early" by agreeing to meet at 6:30! As you'll see, there were many pros and cons to this situation…. Here's me looking frazzled already at about 6:00…
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d926b3127ccec7dbeb8e24e200000050O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Too much stuff!
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Let's go to Disney!!
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Btw, Mark traded in his sports car for a family mobile, the Ford Flex, which he calls the "Cutie Mover". We love it! Mark let us take this car to Florida and, let me tell you, it was awesome. Leg-room galore!!!

Anyway… we had planned to meet at a donut place, but we were unfamiliar with the area we were meeting at so we couldn't find the donut place. We met at a Walmart instead, but then my parents wanted to stop for breakfast. I would have been completely happy throwing the kids a couple of granola bars and bottled waters I had brought and been on our merry way. But… my parents wanted to stop. So, two short hours after beginning our journey we find ourselves at a packed Waffle House. I have to admit I was a little antsy and kept texting Mark my frustrations (he and Mia were planning to fly in the next morning…. As a little aside, I'll explain why Mark and Mia were flying out later.... Long ago, when we first started planning this trip, we weren't even engaged yet. Well, my girls saw the writing on the wall with Mark and I so they requested that the four of us go to Disney by ourselves. My compromise was to suggest that we drive out earlier and spend a few days to ourselves and then have Mark and Mia join us later. Well, all hell broke loose when we got engaged and decided to make this regular family vacation into a "Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious Vacation" complete with a wedding. Unfortunately, Mark's flights were non-refundable so they just bumped up their flight and met us out there. It's probably all for the best. So, we finally get back on the road again…here's the girls helping me out with the driving….
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d926b3127ccec7db04c1644200000070O18AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D1/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
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Notice Caitie singing? The Flex came with satellite radio. We've never had that before! It was great! We switched between Sirius Top Hits and Radio Disney. AnnaGrace and I counted that we heard "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus NINE times that one day! I wish I had taken a picture of Caitie singing that song. She added arm movements and everything! I love that song, but seriously!! LOL!!!

Here's AnnaGrace trying to sleep through yet another rendition of "The Climb"!!
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d926b3127ccec7dbb9cb248e00000050O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

By 12:30, by parents were hungry again. So, of course, we couldn't just go through a drive-thru. I felt relieved that I talked them into a Quizno's. But, we still took about 2 hours between gas, drug store stop and eating in the restaurant. You know, regardless of all the stops along the way, we actually made better time than I thought we would. I can't imagine how much faster it will be when we drive by ourselves. We arrived at a Holiday Inn on International about 11:30pm. Not as bad as I thought it would be… tomorrow -- Royal Pacific Resort (at Universal) and Universal Studios!!! Woohoo!!!

I promise the next day will be much better!

[figment fan21]

YAY!!! An update!!!!

Love the pics! And how sweet of your little one to ask for another wedding day.

Can't wait to read your next installment!

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 2 - SCREAMING 4 YEAR OLD ON "The Simpsons Ride"

As I stated before, this trip was originally a regular family vacation with my girls and me spending a few days just the four of us. We had agreed that we would spend those couple of days at Universal since my girls are true thrill-seekers. As my special treat for them, I got us a one-night stay that night at the Royal Pacific. Although the room was awesome, our true motivation was the fact that you get "Express Passes" for all the rides if you stay at their resort (I realize you can pay for this, but the expense is cheaper for me for the hotel room since I have 4 people). The cool thing is that even for one night, you get this Express Pass for the day you check in AND the day you check out. So, we checked in and checked out our room….
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See this counter? That's where I leave the tickets...:sad1:
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The view from our room...
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And went on to the park!
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Eventually, my parents met us…
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We were very disappointed that the new Rip and Rock-It ride wasn't opened yet, but we rode the Mummy, MIB and the Simpsons ride before my parents and my cousin and her husband even get there. Did I mention that I love the Express Pass?

Now comes the not-so-great-part…. During the course of this day, Mark has been texting and phoning about his adventures of flying with baggage and a 4-year old by himself. He also took a Mears cab to get to our resort. He wasn't very thrilled with me when I told him I was in line to ride the Mummy with my family and that I'd just meet him at the front gate when he arrived (he was hoping I'd meet him at the resort). Thankfully, Caitie decides to come with me to meet him at the front gate while the rest of my family went to Finnegan's Bar & Grill to get a table and we agreed to meet them there. So, I'm standing at the entrance looking for Mark and Mia's tickets and I can't find them anywhere. Then, I realize that I must have left them at the resort. So, I tell Caitie to wait for them there while I literally run the whole way to the resort and back. Let me tell you, it's no short jog! Thankfully, they were on the counter in our hotel room. I'm still mad at myself for doing that, but it's so difficult to remember everything for everybody!!

So, we walk to Finnegan's and, incredibly, the waitress let my whole family sit at the table and wait for us to arrive. What an angel!! Mia was in rare form and hating everyone and everything at this point… Mark is completely frazzled and we're barely speaking to each other. The food here was really very good. I highly recommend it (sorry. No food porn pics) Mark was really ready to relax and enjoy himself, so we went on the Mummy, Shrek 4D, Twister (Mia was fine…no problems!), Jimmy Neutron, (Mia loved it until the giant chicken came out), and then…the dreaded Simpsons Ride…. As you know, this the Back to the Future Ride revamped. Once the huge snowman (or something like that) came to life, Mia lost it! She's screaming to let her off and we keep trying to distract her with other things, like the silly carnival rides. But, after that fiasco, she refused to ride any more rides. The funny thing is, at the end of the day, Mia states that that the Simpsons was her favorite ride! Go figure! Anyway, so while everyone else went on the Mummy (again), I took Mia to the Woody Woodpecker play land. She had a great time!
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Our first family picture on this trip!!!
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We were all tired and decided to go eat at the Hard Rock Café at City Walk. We joked about how our waiter couldn't be bothered with us…he just sets our drinks on the table and asked us to pass them down (it wasn't a situation where he had no room to move around us). Actually, he did that with our food as well. But, we did get a great picture from there (we thought it was kind of silly that they made us all stand by the wall to take our picture when they called our name to be seated...then we ended up buying it! So, I guess I know why they do that! lol)
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Anyway, we were all exhausted and ready to head to bed….except for Allie and Caitie. I swear those girls are super-troopers. They went back to Universal Studios and rode just about every ride they could until closing. Me? I'm exhausted and fall into bed and crash…ready for Islands of Adventure tomorrow!!

[Boardwalk_bride]

It sounds like you had a hectic first day!! It looks like everything worked out alright though :goodvibes

Your girls are so beautiful, and the six of you together look so adorable! I really like how you are adding in the studios to your TR as well...we keep debating about going there, so it's nice to read another persons view. Can't wait for more

[figment fan21]

Awe poor Mia!!! I started laughing when i read that she later said the simpsons ride was her favorite! Kids!

Even though is sounded like a crazy first day it still looked like everyone was having a good time. I love the pic of your girls with the sponge bob hats on! DF yelled at me on our last trip because i kept making him take pics of me with crazy disney hats on! I love doing that!

I can't believe you had such a stinky waiter at Hard rock! We were there three years ago and i remember eating there but i dont really remember how the service was but as a retired waitress you should never tell a group of people to pass down their drinks and food! TERRIBLE!

Well i can't wait to read more!!

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Great updates! Your girls are so cute. My parents are just like you described when we travel together--we barely get started and they want to take a break.

[Luvmyfam3]

Not that y'all were just DYING to see the Hard Rock picture, but I was finally able to get that one posted... (the key is to scan the picture on your home scanner instead of at work where they like pdf... :cool1: That's what I get for doing my personal stuff at work! :surfweb:

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 3: "JUST THINK -- WE'RE HAVING THIS WONDERFUL DAY BECAUSE YOU ASKED ME TO BE YOUR WIFE"

My girls and I are the types that really strive to be at the park right when it opens…this trip, it just was NOT meant to be. Take this morning for instance… we get there when it opens, but family members are calling saying that they're close and to wait….and wait….and wait. Oh well! We gathered a few family members and headed over to Seussland. Aawww…look…another family picture on this trip!
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Mia was still on her "No Rides" phase at this point. I don't have any pictures of her on these rides, but I wish I had. Her scowl on each ride was great… lol. But, eventually, she warmed up to all these rides and truly loved them.
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I LOVE THIS PICTURE
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My parents, my brother, his wife, and my other brother met up with us eventually. I can't tell you what a joy it was to spend this day with all of them. Even though we all live in the same city, we tend to do our own thing except when we have gatherings at my parents' house. So, to do something like this with them was truly a day I'll cherish! And at one point while I was feeling like everything was right in my world, I told Mark the quote that's the title for this day. Warm fuzzies all around!!

I wish I had a picture of this, but when we decided to go on the Hulk my 71 year old father said he wanted to go. Wow! I have to admit that I insisted that I sit by him. My protective instincts came percolating. Isn't that amazing when that happens for your parents? Like the tables have turned… Anyway, he handled it smashingly! But, he bowed out of Dueling Dragons. I think the Hulk took a lot out of him. Oh, and my mom rode Dr. Doom's Fearfall, so I think I know where my girls and I get our thrill-seeking side from…

Anyway, I love my youngest brother, Jeremy, but he can be a bit of a whiner. So, when we discussed riding Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls, he was going to bow out at first. We talked him into it and I told him he would probably get a "little" wet. Well…. All I can say is, let the whining begin!! ("my shoes are wet", "my feet are wet", "my hair looks bad"…you get the picture). My cousin bought the pictures. See the middle guy in blue waving his hands? No wonder Jeremy got so wet!! Silly boy!
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I love this picture of the 5 of us...Look at Allie hair in the back! :lmao: I'm actually waving at my parents and Mia watching us. Little did I know that I would be kidded incessantly about how I was waving to my fans....whatever.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d911b3127ccec7e9c75d378a00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Okay, I saw this sign while waiting in line for Dueling Dragons Rollercoaster….really?? Is this such a problem they have to post a sign for this???
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AnnaGrace and I are really big fans of Harry Potter so, of course, we're super-psyched about the Harry Potter World coming to Islands of Adventure!!!
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Cool Cats…
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At some point, I started getting antsy to check into Old Key West. So, while Mark went to go pick up his tux, AnnaGrace, Mia and I went to check in. AnnaGrace and I spent so much time lugging stuff up to the room from the car, but I was thrilled with our room..
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Full laundry ROOM -- I fell in love with OKW all over again...
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Let me explain our dining reservations at Disney… they sucked. Well, not really, but since everything in Disney terms were "last minute" especially for such a large party, there really wasn't anything available that we usually eat at. For instance, this night I didn't make reservations because I couldn't find anything available. So, we finally found Portobello's, which turned out good, but we were there for literally 2 1/2 hours for dinner. Thankfully, we are such great company for each other…
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Bed time!! Yea!!! Magic Kingdom Tomorrow!!! Btw, I know you guys are all in this for the wedding. I promise, I'm getting to it! Let me know if I'm giving you too much detail on the trip, but, for me, it all ties in together to make my wedding day so much more special....

[pezaddict231]

Sounds like you had a great trip! Your wedding pics were great! =)

Great tip about staying at Universal, we're definitely going to plan a day there since Harry Potter World should be open when we're there for our wedding! I'm so excited!

[MainStMandy]

Oh great update!!! You guys look like you had so much fun. And good for your father for riding!! Lol That was great!

[Luvmyfam3]

I really like how you are adding in the studios to your TR as well...we keep debating about going there, so it's nice to read another persons view. Can't wait for more
Thanks! It was hard to know for sure whether I should include that part or not...
I love the pic of your girls with the sponge bob hats on!
Thanks! Actually, we took the same picture the last time we went to US, and when the girls saw the hats they insisted I take their picture because it's "tradition". :laughing:
My parents are just like you described when we travel together--we barely get started and they want to take a break.
Yeah, I know it was especially frustrating for my kids, but I was just so glad to have them there I was more than happy to slow it down for them. Plus, they were sweet to watch Mia for a lot of the big rides which made it fun for Mark and me!
Great tip about staying at Universal, we're definitely going to plan a day there since Harry Potter World should be open when we're there for our wedding! I'm so excited!
We are DEFINITELY planning to go back when Harry Potter World opens up! I'm really curious to see how they do everything....
And good for your father for riding!! Lol That was great!
I know! But, honestly, he would say that even scarier than riding the Hulk was our first dance... I'll explain further when we get there....:)

[figment fan21]

Don't be silly!!! I love reading your TR! Its awesome!!!popcorn::

I love that your mom and dad go on rides with you guys! Super cool!

I really like OKW too... i've stayed there a couple times and even though its not one of the more popular resorts i really really liked it! :goodvibes Its very calming!

Its good to read that you all had such a good time.... i'm hoping that the family members we invite to our wedding will be able to let loose and have fun with us... but we'll see :rolleyes1

I can't wait to read more!!! :banana:

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 4: TABLE OF 15…..AND 2

We finally made it to Disney World! I usually like to save Magic Kingdom for our 3rd day or so since it's my girls' favorite, but I had some family members that were planning to leave the day after my wedding, so I wanted to make sure that they experienced this park if nothing else! So, my first order of business was to introduce my family to the wonderful world of Photopass and Fastpass! And let me just say that I LOVE Photopass!! Unfortunately, I think they're getting pretty popular because many times we had to wait in line to get our picture taken. I've never experienced that before! But, as I'll show you later, many photographers were awesome about taking a lot of pictures at one time with different groups, etc.
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I won't bore you with all the details, but we had such a great time! And, I have to admit that I'm not a huge fan of being the tour guide for such a large group with so many diverse interests, ages, energy levels, etc. But, we had an awesome time! Since we didn't get there at park opening (shocker). The lines were pretty long. Fastpasses all around!! We used Fastpasses for Splash Mountain and Thunder Mountain Railroad that day. And with Child Swap passes with Mia, it was super-sweet! I was really disappointed when I found out months before about Space Mountain and TTR were going to be closed. They're two of my favorite rides there! But, we did Dumbo, Carousel, PoC, HM, Goofy Rollercoaster, etc.
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I just had to throw this one in there... Mark looks all excited to be "chained" to me for life...and I'm just happy and oblivious! LOL
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My one regret is that we didn't get to do Philharmagic. I think that's their best 3-D show and I really wanted them to experience it. Oh well!! Everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves. Although my SIL's favorite ride so far on the trip was Cat in the Hat, she was impressed with all the ones we went on. I was glad because she's never been to WDW. I didn't make reservations for lunch, so we all went to the Harbour House for lunch that day. It was great! While every place else was SUPER crowded, Harbour House had hardly anyone…especially upstairs. I strongly suggest this place!

Btw, Mark, me and the kids were on the Dining Plan, which I love. My kids love it too! It just helps all of us to relax and order whatever we want without trying to encourage everyone to order cups of water and share entrees. Plus, my kids LOVE dessert so this makes it seem even more like a vacation to them to have dessert with every meal! But, since none of my other family decided to stay on Disney property, they just paid cash for every meal. Well, let me tell you, we were handing them over our leftovers every meal because we always ended up with way too much food! While at the park, I got A LOT of questions about the Dining Plan and Fastpasses. It made me feel good that everyone stated how glad they were to be with someone "in the know" about all this stuff. :cloud9:

Anyway, we all go back to our rooms and prepare for the "Rehearsal Dinner". Since ours was an Escape wedding, we didn't have a rehearsal. But, of course, I still considered this as our "Rehearsal Dinner". I had made reservations at the Grand Floridian Café. When I checked in, I explained that we were only a party of 17 instead of 24 (my original reservation) They said, "That won't be a problem." So, imagine my dismay when they led us to our "tables". Incredibly, they had made one long table to accommodate 15 people, but then expected 2 people to sit separately at a different table. It's difficult to explain the configuration, but there was no way to put this extra table on either end. Also, they had crammed all 15 chairs so much that there was no way to add 2 chairs either. I was creeping scarily close towards the edge of a Bridezilla moment, while calmly trying to offer solutions that they wouldn't accept. It also really got to me that while we're discussing this issue, another party of 15 was seated right next to our crappy situation. Their table could have easily accomodated another 2, but the CM's refused to ask them to switch. So, we all traipsed out of the restaurant and they gave us another buzzer promising to let us know when another party had left. So, we all went and hung out in the gardens….
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Except for the fact that we were starving, everyone seemed to have a really nice time talking. We had been joined by another sister of mine (sort of adopted by my parents) and her husband and Mark's dad and step-mom. I was so glad to finally get to this point!

The food was wonderful! Everyone raved on and on for days about how much they enjoyed the food there!
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The Dessert Sampler is awesome!!
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Except for my commando twin daughters, my brothers and my sister-in-law who insisted on going back to the parks, we all went back out to the gardens of the Grand Floridian (everyone was VERY impressed with this resort!) and noticed that Wishes was just starting! So, we made our way to the dock and watched the rest of it. It was great!
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Then, we made our way back to our resort. Patricia would be arriving about 5:30 so I needed my beauty sleep! I was excited and exhausted at the same time! It was a good way to be because I actually slept! Finally, we get to the good stuff!!:woohoo:

[figment fan21]

Wow you are fast missy!!!

Another great installment! I'm glad you were able to keep your bridezilla moment to a minimum because lord knows i wouldn't have been able to. That was such a terrible set up! But i'm glad it all worked out for you in the end!

Cant wait to read about the wedding day!! yay!!!!!

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 5: LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Yea! We finally made it! Although, when the alarm went off I seriously felt like I had just gone to sleep. But, no fear! The shower helped my body and my brain kick into gear! I was quickly stressing about timing, not forgetting things, etc.

I rounded up the girls and they slowly started moving about… Mia was sleeping with her dad so that we could wait until the last possible moment to wake her up.

Patricia and her assistant (I wish I could remember her name) showed up a few minutes late, but they quickly kicked into gear. Patricia wanted to do mine last so that I would still look fresh (I need all the help I can get!). As I stated before, each of the girls wanted to have different "looks".

Caitie wanted a Jasmine look:
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Allie wanted a Cinderella look:
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AnnaGrace wanted a "vintage" look (not really into the princesses):
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And, well, Mia just wanted to look cute (not hard!):
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Surprisingly, Mia, when asked, stated she wanted her hair straight and not curly. I wish I had encouraged her to have it curly. Plus, she's growing her bangs out and I felt that they didn't really "anchor" back her growing bangs very well, so we were constantly repinning her hair. But, all in all, all the girls loved their hair! They were very specific on how they wanted it, and Patricia and her assistant created that look to a "T"!! They also chatted a lot with my girls and made them feel really comfortable. While the girls got their hair done, I ironed their dresses (note to self: should have done this earlier…but when??)

Patricia personally did both my hair and my makeup. I showed her a picture of what I wanted, and she ran with it! She asked me if my hair held a curl very well. I told her that it didn't at all! Living in Houston, I'm very familiar with flat hair in the humidity! So, I knew what she was up against. Well, later she said, "I took every possible precaution to make sure you hair wouldn't fall, and I can tell you right now your hair DOES hold a curl!" Haha! They even discussed "pulling it down" a bit because the curl was so tight! But, in the end, it seriously could not have been more perfect. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!
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Also, my makeup turned out really well too. She really knows how to make your eyes "pop"! If I thought it would do any good, I would even consider buying Mac. But, I have come to realize that in some cases how you apply it is just as important as what you apply…and I fall short on the application.

Anyway, during this time, Mark is stuck in his bedroom. I had the girls offer him a Poptart or granola bar. Just as Patricia was finishing up, Derek, the photographer, and Stan, the videographer showed up. As soon as Derek arrived, I gave him the cuff links I had ordered for Mark and asked that he give them to him (I wanted to get it on film).
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While that was going on, the girls and I started to get dressed.
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Soon thereafter, the flowers arrived! Seriously, after that, it was pandemonium in our rooms! Then, and it was time for Mark and some family to go to the Boardwalk. After he left, Derek took a few more pictures.
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After a while, Derek suggested that he go ahead and go to the Boardwalk to get pictures when I arrive. So, we waited for the limo and chatted. Btw, WHY-OH-WHY did the Boardwalk decide to paint the railings right outside my room early that morning?? We had to take detours coming and going to ensure that we didn't end up with blue paint on our bums. While we're waiting for the limo, Derek takes pictures at the Boardwalk. I thought these were kinda cute of my brothers "beating" up Mark.
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Then Mark takes a few by himself...
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Anyway, the limo arrives and we all pile in the car. For some strange reason, at the last possible minute, my dad decides that he wants to drive his own car. WHY??? Who knows…control issues? I don’t know. It worked out okay, but I just felt that my dad should have been with us in the limo. Oh well.
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This picture was taken in the lobby and I just love it!
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Karen (my Disney coordinator) and Amy (Disney photographer) were in the lobby when I arrived. Karen immediately started rattling off how everything was going to go and asking where my dad was… "uh, he's parking the car". In the meantime, people are staring, yelling congratulations and generally making me feel like a true princess. I instantly tuned Karen out except for the next step coming up. I seriously didn't want to know step #5, #6, & #7. At that point, I could only handle step #1 and possibly #2 if it was super-easy. Anyway, Mark and I had told Karen that we would like to arrange a "First Look". None of us had any idea how Mia would handle the ceremony and I didn't want to add the stress of wanting to make sure Mark was totally focusing on me for that first look and not on Mia. Selfish? Probably, but, hey, this is the day to be that way, right? So, Karen told me that Mark was upstairs waiting for me and showed me where to go. I was kind of surprised that they didn't have Mark turned around. He was facing me as I walked up. I wish that there were words or even the pictures could capture that moment. The pictures are good (Amy's are better), but no picture can truly capture that moment. I felt this wave of goodness, "home" kinda feeling, and assurance that this was exactly where I wanted to be.
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I just thought of this moment during our "First Look" this morning and I had to share because it was so poignant (to me)... After that first hug, I pulled back and looked and Mark and said, "Can you believe we're finally here?" And Mark looks back at me with his warm brown eyes and says, "Yes, I can, baby....yes I can."

So, after the hugs and a few little tears, I turned to everyone else and said, "Let's get this party started!"

[Boardwalk_bride]

I was just wondering about whether or not you have updated.....and as soon as I opened my email, your thread came up!!!LOL

I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything. All of you looked so beautiful! I really love your flowers! I hope you don't mind, but I copied the pictures of the wands and bouquet (I really want the same ones, but with red and blue!!!)

Your first look made me tear up!! Can't wait for more :goodvibes

[figment fan21]

Awe i just got alittle teary seeing you with your girls getting ready and then the first look!
I think we're going to do a first look because i get really emotional and i'd rather get that out of the way in a special moment between us as opposed to being infront of everyone.
I can't wait to hear about the cerermony!

[Luvmyfam3]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE everything. All of you looked so beautiful! I really love your flowers! I hope you don't mind, but I copied the pictures of the wands and bouquet (I really want the same ones, but with red and blue!!!)

Your first look made me tear up!! Can't wait for more

Thanks! Copy away! I LOVED, LOVED my flowers!! I even emailed Rosie pictures of them the other day to let her know what a great job they did!

I actually just added a little blurb at the end of our First Look because I just thought of that moment this morning. And it probably explains why I'm giving him that look in that last picture! :hug:

Awe i just got alittle teary seeing you with your girls getting ready and then the first look!
I think we're going to do a first look because i get really emotional and i'd rather get that out of the way in a special moment between us as opposed to being infront of everyone.
I can't wait to hear about the cerermony!

I am REALLY glad we did the first look. Mia was great during the ceremony, but that moment was really special with just us. I can definitely understand your concern about being emotional! I don't consider myself an emotional person, but that day really puts that to the test!!!

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 5 - I DO

Everything is in place and it's time to get down to business!
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I emailed Rev. Day a few weeks before the ceremony and asked that he just wear a suit instead of robes to officiate. It wasn't that big of a deal, but our church doesn't have officials wear robes, so I just felt that it would make things more comfortable for us. Heck, he could have worn khaki's and a short-sleeved button-down shirt! But, Rev. Day never responded to my email and he showed up in robes. No biggie! I didn't even really think about it at the time!

Rev. Jack Day did a wonderful job of discussing everything with not just Mark and me before the ceremony, but he also talked to all the girls and let them know what to expect. I highly recommend him.
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Honey, pay attention! I'm sure what Rev. Day is telling you is very important!

After Mark and Rev. Day walked to the front, but before the girls started their "performance" my mom stood up and gave Mark a hug. It still brings a lump to my throat when I see this. My family are all conservative Christians, and my divorce was the first and only one anywhere in my family. So, it was very difficult on them and on my relationship with my family. This action was one of many things that make me so thankful for their constant outpouring of love and support...since it hasn't really always been that way.
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Caitie asked Mark and me every few months while we were dating if she could be the flower girl. So, after we were engaged, I told them they could be whatever they wanted! LOL! Allie, Caitie and Mia chose to be flower girls. AnnaGrace chose to be the maid of honor! Haha!! It's so fitting! Anyway, my girls begged me to let them dance and twirl down the aisle. I said, "of course!" We decided they would dance to Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo. When I told Rosie their plan, she suggested that I give them all little pouches of orange rose petals to throw while they're doing their thing. They loved it! I was thinking that this may not really work out in the end…Mia may decide to be shy or something. So, I told Caitie a couple of times during our trip to talk to Mia about it (she offered to go with Mia) and to even practice with her so that she would be prepared. That seemed to really work because when the time came, there was no hesitation….
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Look at us in the background watching...love it!
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Now, it was time for me and my dad. We were both just chatting about stuff and laughing the whole way. Just the way I had envisioned.
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Look at that smile.....
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Dad giving me away…
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Yuck, I need to fix that shiny face!!

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We wrote our own vows. Rev. Day kept warning us that at some point he's just going to turn it over to us. During the ceremony, he asks who wants to go first. Knowing Mark and how poetic he can be, I hurriedly volunteer to go first! I have to warn you that my face looked horrible in all the pictures…especially when I was reading mine. Ugh. I wish my face wasn't quite so telling when I was getting emotional.

Mark, you are the most generous, loving, unselfish person I know. You are my constant friend, my rock and my faithful partner in life. My respect and admiration for you knows no bounds. Because of all this and more, I feel so blessed that you have chosen to share your love with me, and I'm excited about the home we'll create together for each other and our children. I know there's nothing we can't work through together.
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It's a miracle to find the kind of peace and happiness you've given me. In honor of that miracle, I pledge here before our family to honor you, care for you, and be faithful to you, from this day forward and for the rest of our lives. Today, it is with happiness and without reservation that I choose you for my husband, Mark. I love you truly, fiercely and completely.
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My darling, this wonderful day has finally come. I have so awaited this moment, this opportunity to tell the whole world about the two souls standing RIGHT here, face to face, professing their love for each other. SO, what CAN I say about them?

Well, I will start with what I see about him.

I see that he will never fully know how much he cares for the woman standing in front of him, for each day he realizes he is more in love with her than the day before.

I see that he has discovered the long elusive proof of everlasting happiness, undeniably displayed right before him in her beautiful smile.
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I ALSO see so much about her and what she means to him.

I see that she is his song, the rhythm that paces his heartbeat, the melody he hears in his thoughts every day, and the lullaby that plays softly for him as he falls asleep.

I see that she is his muse, inspiring him to be a better man and to always search for ways to further express his love for her.

I see that she is his strength, whose essence has so fully entered his heart that he knows not where his soul ends and hers begins.

I see that she is his meaning, and will be the very last thought that will go through his mind when his old tired eyes close for the final time. (I almost lose it here....)
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I can also see the battles each of them have fought individually trying to find their way through life, and how they will never have to face those struggles EVER again on their own, for they have found a partner standing right beside them.

You know, I see SO much here today, that it is an impossible task to capture it all.

So I guess that all I can say is what I REALLY see, is ME, with my heart bursting with love as I say these words:

Kimberly, my sweet and wonderful soul-mate, I DO.
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[MainStMandy]

Ok as usual your pictures are just beautiful. And you made me tear up at work!!:rotfl: I really want to do a First look because I get so emotional but Df has vetoed me and doesn't want to see me before I walk down the aisle. He doesn't know what's coming to him!! LOL.

Your wedding is just beautiful. I can't wait to read more.

[Boardwalk_bride]

Oh, I love how they danced and twirled down the aisle! And I think the song is really fitting! Too cute :goodvibes

[disneygal922]

Hi Kim! I don't know how I managed to miss your PJ and TR all this time but I'm all caught up now! :goodvibes First of all, I would like to say that you do NOT look like you could possibly have 3 teenagers. I hope I look half as good as you after kids! :goodvibes Secondly, your dress is gorgeous! Patricia did such a beautiful job on your hair! It really does look perfect. My hair doesn't hold a curl very well either (it's very fine and there's a ton if it).:laughing: So it's nice to know Patricia can work with it! :thumbsup2 I also love that the girls danced down the aisle. Such a beautiful family you have! Can't wait to hear more about your day!

[figment fan21]

I LOVE how your girls danced down the aisle like that! so fun!

The vows you two wrote were beautiful I can't wait to read more!!

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Beautiful ceremony!!!

[polynesianbride]

I just stumbled in as well and wow everything is gorgeous! You have such a beautiful family and you all just glow in the pictures with love and happiness- congratulations! Can't wait to read more!

[PrincessShea]

Wow Kim, so beautiful. The girls are absolutely precious too. Tell "Jasmine" that I love, love, LOVE her style. How creative with the headpiece and arm band. :cutie:

It looks like everything was totally perfect. Can't wait to read more.

[figment fan21]

Hey Kim I had a question for ya,

I LOVE how you had gerber daisy wands instead of the rose wands. I want to get those for my sisters (M'sOH) Are they the same price as a rose wand or are they cheaper? (if you dont mind me asking) I read somewhere that gerber daisies are a more budget friendly flower to use but i didn't know if it was true or not.

Thanks and i can't wait to read more!!!

[figment fan21]

Hey Kim I had a question for ya,

I LOVE how you had gerber daisy wands instead of the rose wands. :lovestruc I want to get those for my sisters (M'sOH) Are they the same price as a rose wand or are they cheaper? (if you dont mind me asking) I read somewhere that gerber daisies are a more budget friendly flower to use but i didn't know if it was true or not. :confused3

Thanks and i can't wait to read more!!!

[pezaddict231]

Congrats and thanks for sharing your wedding with us! You have a beautiful family, and I love how the girls skipped down the aisle, so cute. We're doing a first look too, I think it will help us both be calmer for the ceremony and will be a really great moment.

Can I just say wow, your DH really has a way with words! Those are some of the most beautiful vows I have ever heard, and most of those have been from movies, so that's really saying something!

Can't wait to hear more!

[tinkerbell 766]

Your wedding was so beautiful!!! The happiness just radiated out of all the family!! Congratulations - I know you will be exquisitly happy.
By the way, who did your fans? Was it Impressions?

[Luvmyfam3]

Ok as usual your pictures are just beautiful. And you made me tear up at work!! I really want to do a First look because I get so emotional but Df has vetoed me and doesn't want to see me before I walk down the aisle. He doesn't know what's coming to him!! LOL.

Your wedding is just beautiful. I can't wait to read more.
Thanks! You know, I read on here all the time brides saying how it was "perfect" and now I know how they feel about having a truly "perfect" day!

Oh, I love how they danced and twirled down the aisle! And I think the song is really fitting! Too cute
I know! I can't wait to see the video! Bonnie from STVS promises that it's coming soon...

Hi Kim! I don't know how I managed to miss your PJ and TR all this time but I'm all caught up now! First of all, I would like to say that you do NOT look like you could possibly have 3 teenagers. I hope I look half as good as you after kids! Secondly, your dress is gorgeous! Patricia did such a beautiful job on your hair! It really does look perfect. My hair doesn't hold a curl very well either (it's very fine and there's a ton if it). So it's nice to know Patricia can work with it! I also love that the girls danced down the aisle. Such a beautiful family you have! Can't wait to hear more about your day!
Thank you! Yes, Patricia truly works miracles! I was a little concerned going in but her work surpassed all my expectations!

I LOVE how your girls danced down the aisle like that! so fun!

The vows you two wrote were beautiful I can't wait to read more!!

I know! I'm so glad they did that! I think it made the ceremony more fun and relaxed...for us and the girls!

Beautiful ceremony!!!
Thanks! I'm hoping to add more today!

I just stumbled in as well and wow everything is gorgeous! You have such a beautiful family and you all just glow in the pictures with love and happiness- congratulations! Can't wait to read more!
Welcome! Thanks! We truly feel blessed by our wonderful family! It's never boring around our house! :dance3:

Wow Kim, so beautiful. The girls are absolutely precious too. Tell "Jasmine" that I love, love, LOVE her style. How creative with the headpiece and arm band.

It looks like everything was totally perfect. Can't wait to read more.
Thanks. Caitie definitely has a style all her own. I wish I had her self esteem at her age!

Hey Kim I had a question for ya,

I LOVE how you had gerber daisy wands instead of the rose wands. I want to get those for my sisters (M'sOH) Are they the same price as a rose wand or are they cheaper? (if you dont mind me asking) I read somewhere that gerber daisies are a more budget friendly flower to use but i didn't know if it was true or not.

Thanks and i can't wait to read more!!!
The gerber daisy wands were the same price as the rose ones. I figured that daisies were cheaper, but they also put quite a few on there and it was a substitution so I felt happy paying the same price! Also, I don't know if you can tell, but they also sprayed the wand flowers with some shimmery stuff to really make them pop. The girls LOVED them!!

Congrats and thanks for sharing your wedding with us! You have a beautiful family, and I love how the girls skipped down the aisle, so cute. We're doing a first look too, I think it will help us both be calmer for the ceremony and will be a really great moment.

Can I just say wow, your DH really has a way with words! Those are some of the most beautiful vows I have ever heard, and most of those have been from movies, so that's really saying something!

Can't wait to hear more!
Yes, he does have a way with words! Whenever he sends me flowers, I can't wait to read the card... it usually ends up meaning more to me than the flowers! And I still carry all of them in my purse every day. So, you know why I didn't want to follow that! :lovestruc

Your wedding was so beautiful!!! The happiness just radiated out of all the family!! Congratulations - I know you will be exquisitly happy.
By the way, who did your fans? Was it Impressions?
I actually found a lady on Etsy who made those fans. They were super-cheap and she made them exactly how I wanted them. She's called "abbeyandizziedesigns". I highly recommend her!

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 5 - Wedding Ceremony Continued….
I think everyone is ready to move on….
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Okay, enough of the mushy stuff! Let's move on to….uh….more mushy stuff (isn't that what a wedding ceremony is chock full of??) Anyway, we go to the rings..
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Then, we get to a part I love… it's where Rev. Day talks to all of us as a family and even asks the girls questions. I can't remember exactly what they are (it's been so dang long and I STILL don't have my freaking video!) but I really liked it.
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Then, we get to the fun sand part. Mia has been looking forward to the dancing and pouring sand for weeks!
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But, when it came down to it, she got upset because she still had sand left in her cylinder. So, Mark said, "Just pour it on top!" So she did!
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Then, AnnaGrace (the competitive other "baby of the family") said, "Well, I will too!" So, this is what we ended up with!
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Poor Rev. Day then tried to pick it up to make a point….red sand going everywhere! Haha!
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We are finally announced "Husband and Wife"!
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Yea!! We get to the good part….KISS!!!
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And time to leave…
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and hug our girls…for about 3 minutes….
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To return back again….
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[MainStMandy]

Awww I love how your ceremony ended. Your family looks beautiful and you look so happy!!

[rachy]

Wow you look absolutely stunning! Love your colour scheme!

Rachel
x

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 5 - Wedding Glamour Shots!
After the ceremony, it was time for photographs! I won't bore you with all of them, but honestly, there are so many that I liked….
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I LOVE this one with Mark and Mia! (Although, I like the one Amy took even better...)
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I sent an email to Derek (Sunshine Photographics) beforehand telling him what shots I really wanted. One of the ones I requested was our whole group on the beach. Even though everyone was sweltering at this point (and not especially thrilled to go out from under the shade of SBP) they were troopers! We all walked over to the beach and I barely heard a groan or whine…or maybe I couldn't hear them from my Cloud 9! It was here that I took off my shoes and didn't have them on again for quite a while….
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My family acting silly while Mark's family acts totally normal...LOL!
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Our "new" family....
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The real us! LOL!
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Then, I wanted some on the dock by Yacht & Beach Club. Let me say that this wasn't too far from the beach, but when you're in barefeet on the HOT concrete it was VERY far! But, I was so happy I really didn't care! Anything for the sake of getting great pictures of the most incredible day of my life!
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I love these with SBP in the background:
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And I specifically asked to have one (if possible) where we were sitting on the dock with our feet in the water. We were a little unsure, but we found this part of the dock where I think they usually dock the little boats you can rent out. No one was there and it wasn't locked up, so we took that as a sign that it was fine! (I seriously burned my feet walking on the metal dock towards the water…lake water never felt so good!!!)
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Okay, I have to admit that one part didn't work out quite the way I envisioned. I asked to have a few pictures taken in the photo booth. No one quite seemed to understand where I was coming from, so they turned out pretty cheesy….by the way, the hot metal was HOTTTT in the booth! We were sweating SO bad while they took these pictures!
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One picture that I totally forgot to ask for was of us by the wall by the Atlantic Dance Hall. Thinking about it still gives me a sinking feeling in my stomach so we'll move on!

These shots by the red tent were Amy's (from Disney) idea. Btw, Derek even commented to me later about how great she was by not getting in his way or anything. This was the only thing she asked for and I'm so glad she did! Hers (and Derek's) turned out really well! I love the contrast!
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[Luvmyfam3]

Wedding Glamour Shots, continued....

Okay, I noticed on Sunshine Photographics website that Derek tends to do this thing where the bride walks along an invisible "runway" with the groom in the background. I was never super-thrilled with these shots, but I went along with it. I wish I had pictures by Atlantic instead….grrrrr…… but there are some pretty cool ones
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Mark likes this one...
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[MainStMandy]

Kim I love these!! I think my favorite is the one with your feet in the water, lol. Too cute!!!

[Boardwalk_bride]

Your pictures are so amazing!!! I'm definitely going to request a lot of the same pics that you had!!

[LLLBelle]

I'm so glad I stubbled on your TR. You pictures are gorgeous and you have such a beautiful family. I love the colors you choose, they are stunning. Your daughters dancing and twirling down the aisle is too cute.

Your vows were beautiful.

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Beautiful pics!:goodvibes

[CassIS300]

Your wedding is gorgeous! You are gorgeous!! I love your wedding! It looks like we have the same ring too...You have good taste :)

[figment fan21]

Kim i LOVE your pictures they came out awesome! You and Mark look so happy!

[Luvmyfam3]

Kim I love these!! I think my favorite is the one with your feet in the water, lol. Too cute!!!
Thanks! I love that one too!

Your pictures are so amazing!!! I'm definitely going to request a lot of the same pics that you had!!
Thanks! That's a big reason why I posted these. I loved looking at the professional shots on this forum to get ideas!

I'm so glad I stubbled on your TR. You pictures are gorgeous and you have such a beautiful family. I love the colors you choose, they are stunning. Your daughters dancing and twirling down the aisle is too cute.

Your vows were beautiful.
Thanks. You're so sweet! You know, we FINALLY received a draft copy of our video the other day and it was so cool to watch those moments again!

Beautiful pics!
Thank you!

Your wedding is gorgeous! You are gorgeous!! I love your wedding! It looks like we have the same ring too...You have good taste
Don't you love that ring?!?!? I still find myself staring at it sometimes! :love:

Kim i LOVE your pictures they came out awesome! You and Mark look so happy!

Thanks! We are all just one happy, crazy family! :dance3:

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 5 - Party Time!! (or as some may call it….reception)

I tell you what, Disney knows how to throw a party! Our guests were overwhelmingly impressed with the service and food at our reception!
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Karen met us right outside the ballroom and graciously tied up my bustle (french). I also spent a few minutes just cooling down. It was only about 10:45 - 11:00 and it was already SWELTERING out there!

Anyway, while Mark and I were off on our photo shoot, the guests could relax with drinks, danishes and fill out our guestbook pages.
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Didn't Rosie do a great job with the centerpieces?? I love them, but DANG they were expensive! I thought oranges in Florida would be cheaper than flowers….I think I was wrong!
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Time for our grand entrance…
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They immediately directed us over to the cake for the toast. Uh oh. We didn't think to ask anyone beforehand to make the toast. So, Mark announces to everyone, "Someone want to give the toast??" Classy. Well, I pretty much insisted that Mark's dad do it. My family was so overwhelmingly represented at this ceremony I didn't want my clan to "take over". I thought this would be a good way to get his parents a little more involved. I'm glad I did because Mark's dad did a great job! He officially welcomed me into their family and then spoke of the joining of both our families together. It seemed especially fitting since our families had just spent a few days together getting to know each other.
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Then it was time for the cake-cutting… btw, isn't the cake too cool??? I was so pleased with it!!
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Look at me licking my fingers! That cake was GOOD!! I made Mark carry that cake around to EVERY hotel we stayed at! LOL
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Next comes the dancing!!

[LittleStinkerbelle]

Your reception looked beautiful, love the table decor, the cake--very pretty!

[Luvmyfam3]

Day 5 - Reception - Pull out your dancing shoes!

Then, we were directed for our dance. Mark and I picked out "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat to dance to. We spent quite a while picking out a song....we don't really have an "us" song, per se. But, we both love the beach (this song has an "islandy" sound to it) and really wanted a song that was kind of fun, light-hearted and loving. I'm not sure if I've already posted the lyrics, but here they are. I love them….they're so "us"….

Do you hear me,
I'm talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I'm trying
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d932b3127ccec7cfbb73cfc100000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
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They don't know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I'll wait for you I promise you, I will
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d932b3127ccec7cf85c2cf6f00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
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And so I'm sailing through the sea
To an island where we'll meet
You'll hear the music fill the air
I'll put a flower in your hair
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you're all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d932b3127ccec7cf008a8ffd00000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
I'm lucky I'm in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I'm lucky we're in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d932b3127ccec7ced96eefa100000040O08AYtmjFq3btw e3nwQ/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
Ooohh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Ooooh ooooh oooh oooh ooh ooh ooh ooh

Time to eat! Mark and I took Carrie's (Lurkyloo) advice and offered the brunch. I'm so glad we did! It was great!!! Man, I wish I was hungier that day! The food was incredible, but I really just couldn't eat that much!
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Btw, I've heard some differing opinions on having someone walk through the line with the bride and groom. I personally thought it was a nice touch and really liked the gentleman who accompanied me.
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Everyone really liked our ceremony and everything, but the most compliments I heard about the whole thing was the food! What a relief! Mark's parents are Italians from New York. All their family are there and they have HUGE, elaborate weddings/receptions. Maria would go on and on about whether the food was good or bad whenever she returned from a wedding. All this really got me a little more focused on that area than I normally would be. Well, I shouldn't have been concerned. She loved it!

Okay, well, here the pictures deteriorate and diminish quickly….our photographer left. It wasn't a problem….we had plenty of "photographers" in our crowd!

Anyway, after eating, I decided it was time to put my dad through his torture….the "Father/Daughter Dance". Let's get one thing straight - my dad has NEVER danced. I grew up in a family where NO ONE dances….mostly because of religious issues. I was allowed to go to school dances and such, but it was never encouraged. Anyway, a few months beforehand I was on the phone with my mom and something about dancing came up. I told my mom, "Hey, would you kinda start preparing dad to dance with me at the reception?" She immediately yelled, "Charles!!! You're going to dance with Kim at the wedding!!!" Uh, way to go at it all subtle-like mom….. But, I tried to placate him by saying that we're dancing to "Unforgettable". It's old, so he recognizes it and it's really slow so it's easy to shuffle to….

So, I tell dad it's "that time"….. He walks up to me at the dance floor with his eyes HUGE. First thing he says…."Where do I put my hands??? I don't know where to put my hands!!!" He puts them on my hips and I tell him that's fine. Then, we start the shuffle. I try to tell him things like, "See? This isn't so bad, is it?" Then, we just start talking. I can't tell you how much those few moments mean to me still. I will cherish that time always. He started telling me how proud he is of me, how much he loves me, how much he really likes Mark, etc. I gotta stop talking about it or I'll start crying….
http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3B%3A%3Enu%3D32%3C8%3E5%3A4%3E6%3B 6%3EWSNRCG%3D3278%3B8966%3B335nu0mrj
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Emotional....
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Then, he says, "Do you think Mark would ask your mom to dance? I think she'd really like that." Again, my parents don't dance…never have. So, I think he wanted her to have the experience without him actually having to do it! LOL

As soon as we finished, Mark danced with his step-mom. They are really very close and it was sweet to see. I know there's pictures of this, but no one has sent them to me yet.... :confused:

Then, someone just put the iPod on Shuffle and people got up to dance as they liked…. I leaned over to Mark and asked him if he'd ask my mom to dance. He was like, "uh….okay". I then explained that my dad asked me to ask him and that did it. He immediately walked over to my mom and asked her to dance. She was hesitant, but it was a slow song… Besides, my mom can't stand to disappoint anyone, so it was pretty much a given she'd say yes for fear she would hurt Mark's feelings. My mom immediately started crying while dancing. It was such a bittersweet feeling. My mom, of course, kept apologizing to Mark…"I'm so sorry. I don't know what's wrong with me today." In the end, I think that dance meant a lot to both of them.

Okay, well, the reception is now winding down. I'll leave you with a few wild dance shots! LOL Mark and my girls had such a good time "gettin' down". Haha! This first one is my favorite shot. I love seeing the girls dance with such abandon while Mark and I are in the background enjoying the moment.
http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp8%3A%3B%3Enu%3D3283%3E348%3E256%3E23 74348347244ot1lsi
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http://images1f.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp936%3Enu%3D32%3C8%3E5%3A4%3E6%3B6%3E WSNRCG%3D3278%3B9%3B845335nu0mrj

[KSchwagg86]

your cake is awesome!

[LLLBelle]

Your reception looked beautiful. I love the cake and the colors, that is a lovely song.

[MainStMandy]

Kim the reception looks beautiful!! You made me tear up talking about your first dance with your father. How cute!!

[RadnerBell]

UR wedding was so beautiful...I loved the colors and the dresses... i have one question ...was the seperate ballroom a lot cheeper than the attic...I am contemplating this for my wedding in Nov. But....Love love ur wedding

[Luvmyfam3]

UR wedding was so beautiful...I loved the colors and the dresses... i have one question ...was the seperate ballroom a lot cheeper than the attic...I am contemplating this for my wedding in Nov. But....Love love ur wedding

Thanks! Yeah, I love the colors too! It really made the pictures pop!

Well, they don't charge for the actual room, but there are food minimums for each place. The minimum for the St. John is only about $685, whereas the Attic is about $2,000! :scared1: As much as I love the Attic, I just couldn't justify the added expense for our small group. The St. John worked out just fine though...:love:

[RadnerBell]

wow that is great....I am going to end up with 40 people for the mini reception and the planner mentioned something just like u had. I loved ur room and just was so inspired by it that i can not wait to see what they can do for me. And ur quote about the food killed me....My family is from NJ and rates the wedding by the food... So i want it good just like u said... Ur family is so sweet in all the pictures.
Thank you so much for the great ideas....

[jess98ac]

I just found this today...what a GORGEOUS wedding and family. And that dress...it's perfect. I know firsthand - I wore the same one (in ivory) when I got married!!

[princess22]

I just caught up on your whole TR. It's great and it looks like you guys had an amazing time.

I love your wedding pictures. You guys make a beautiful family!

congrats again! :goodvibes

[Luvmyfam3]

your cake is awesome!
Thanks! I love that it was so colorful! I can definitely attribute that inspiration to Carrie (Lurkyloo) as well! Her's was one of the first planning journals and trip reports I read when I came on this board and reading hers really started me on my path towards what I envisioned for our wedding/reception.

Your reception looked beautiful. I love the cake and the colors, that is a lovely song.
Thanks! You know, everytime we hear it on the radio now Mark and I comment on how glad we are we picked that song. We like it more and more everytime we hear it!

Kim the reception looks beautiful!! You made me tear up talking about your first dance with your father. How cute!!
Thanks! I tear up everytime I think about it! My dad was such a trooper that day!

wow that is great....I am going to end up with 40 people for the mini reception and the planner mentioned something just like u had. I loved ur room and just was so inspired by it that i can not wait to see what they can do for me. And ur quote about the food killed me....My family is from NJ and rates the wedding by the food... So i want it good just like u said... Ur family is so sweet in all the pictures.
Thank you so much for the great ideas....
You know, I guess you'll need to calculate it out but for 40 people you may be getting close to the minimum for the Attic.... Just a thought... Either way, you can't go wrong! And the brunch is awesome!

I just found this today...what a GORGEOUS wedding and family. And that dress...it's perfect. I know firsthand - I wore the same one (in ivory) when I got married!!
How cool!! I cannot be more thankful for that huge wedding dress debacle in the months before! I really think I ended up with the right dress for me! I honestly didn't want to take it off when it was all over, I loved wearing it so much!

I just caught up on your whole TR. It's great and it looks like you guys had an amazing time.

I love your wedding pictures. You guys make a beautiful family!

congrats again!
Thanks! What an awesome day! Oh, and we just received our video of the wedding. I need to make some changes to STVS Video's review.... I'll do that soon.

[Ann117]

Everything looks amazing!!! I love the center pieces so different and yes you would think oranges would be cheaper then flowers but its Disney:goodvibes

[princesslauren6]

Hi Kim,
I only just found this, so glad i did!

I absolutley love the colours you chose, the looked so good in the sunlight, really bright and pretty!!

your dress is beautiful i love it so much, and your girls all looked lovely too, i love the flower wands they had, its made me totally decide i want those for my bridesmaids!!

i also love the shot of the 2 of you on the dock with your feet in the water, another must have shot for me!!

thanks for sharing the report of your wonderful day!!

[Luvmyfam3]

Princess Lauren,

Thanks so much for your lovely comments! You know, I have the picture of our family on the beach (the one where we make the weird faces) on my desk. And every morning I glance at it and I get the best feeling! You're right. I love the way the colors of the blue and orange really make the picture pop! What an incredible day! I'm still trying to think of a reason to put that dress back on!! :lovestruc We had such a good experience with Disney that I really think that my husband would be willing to do a Vow Renewal ceremony!

Can you believe we're coming up on our 1 year anniversary?!? During that time, we'll be on a trip to Vero Beach Resort (a Disney DVC property) and then on a celebratory graduation cruise for our twin daughters.

Good luck in all your wedding planning! My husband and I were just talking about how much easier this trip we're going on is to plan than last year's! I'm still amazed we put that whole thing together in two months! That is a true testament to Disney, because there's no way it would have been near as magical without them!!

Good luck with the water shot! I think we were lucky on that one and there wasn't a cast member around to stop us from going on the dock...

Kim

[Bride-to-be]

I love your pictures!! Looks like everything was amazing!! I would have never thought to use oranges for a centerpiece - what a fun idea!!

[pink_tink8i8]

aww your reception look so nice and i love the decor

[Luvmyfam3]

I love your pictures!! Looks like everything was amazing!! I would have never thought to use oranges for a centerpiece - what a fun idea!!

Thanks! Yeah, I saw a centerpiece of lemons and it gave me the idea...thinking that it would be cheaper. I'm not so sure that was the case! The nice thing is that we took all the oranges and ribbons with us. We certainly didn't eat them all, but it was really nice of the workers to box them up for us!
aww your reception look so nice and i love the decor

Thanks! I really strived to make it unique, personal, intimate, yet colorful. I'm working on my Shutterfly book and it's been fun going through these pictures and reliving the details! What a great experience! Disney really made the whole reception (and experience) top-notch! I can't recommend them enough!