Ann & David tie the knot 9/6/10 Guest List

[CharacterFan]

Ann: 22, 24 when we get married (barely) I'm a huge Disney nut. Have been all my life. Even though I tend to deny that my obsession with calling my little brother, Mickey, had anything to do with it. I've been to Disney some 25+ times. Most of those were since I turned 18. I'm currently a part time travel agent, specializing in Disney for couples.

David: 24, will be 25 when we get married. He's a Disney fan. He's been 8 times, 7 of them since we started dating. He works as a System Administrator for Kennesaw State University in of their IT departments.

[CharacterFan]

Wedding Plans:

Date: 9/6/2010
Wishes Wedding
Ceremony: Somewhere in Epcot. I'd love to use Japan facing the water, after having Pam (my consultant check out if it was possible) David wants in the parks facing a park icon...err..I loved Carrie's wedding and colors of Morocco are so great that I want to use it, but DFi doesn't want to.
Reception: We've narrowed it down to 4 options:
Living Seas...but I think it's too dark
Prop Shop...David's first choice, but I think it's too busy.
Hollywood Hideaway..David's 2nd choice, but I think the layout is odd.
Odyssey...My first choice, but everyone keeps telling me it's too big.

Guests: 30-40

Wedding Party
Best Man: I'm hoping that David will has his brother. But I'm leaving it up to him, and he's thinking about asking his friend Charlie. He's going to be Charlie's best man. It came up over the weekend and Charlie had the nerve to suggest that David have both of them, and have the sides be lopsided. I about :scared1: I can't have unbalanced sides. It would drive me crazy and I don't have a 2nd person I want to ask.
***INSERT PIC HERE***
Man of Honor: My brother, Michael. This is forever bothering Charlie's fiance. As I'm apart of her wedding, but she's not apart of mine. When I think of something that my brother would have to do, but I don't want to ask him to do. She buts in pretty loudly..."That's what Bridesmaids are for". It was kinda hinted at that I should ask her to be a bridesmaid in my wedding so then it wouldn't be lopsided and Charlie could get asked.

I know I haven't been helpful when tux discussions came up last weekend. I said what I wanted Brian to wear, and that having both the BM and MOH taller then the bride and groom would lead to some cool shots. Also, I'm more at home around guys. I don't want to have to pick out a dress for her to wear, I don't want to consider how opinions (even though she gives them still). I don't want a shower, bachelorette party, or that other stuff.


There seems to be so much drama around me wedding. I'm not even going into parent drama today...I'll save that for another day.

I'll add pictures a little later today.

[Bride-to-be]

Hi Ann, I am soo glad that you started your PJ.

I think your engagement story is really cute. I do think its special that you have an unusual picture - and you can always ask a photographer to walk back to the spot with you at your wedding. I thought DF was going to propose in front of the castle during the halloween party when we were all dressed up. I was expecting it and really bummed when he didn't. Little did I know what he had planned. You have an unusual story and a picture to boot!

After just coming back from site visits I have lots of advice.

The Living Seas is not dark at all. I was terrified that it was going to be really dark, but when we were there the lights were on full and it was really really bright. No problems there at all.

Have you ever been in the Odyssey? I walked in last year just to check it out - its HUGE far too big and its really blah inside it would need a ton of decoration. The living seas comes with candles on the tables and really doesn't need much at all. There are also already lots of fish decorations on the tables and whatnot. One other big plus about the living seas is that there are built in TVs everywher that you wouldn't realize are TVs. But you can run slideshows of pictures or video during your reception and there is no extra charge for it!

Other things I learned that you might have interest in. If you do a reception at any of the epcot locations and decide to do a dessert party the dessert party venue rental fee is waived. Something I didn't know - just an added bonus.

I think my favorite is the prop shop. I really like the space and I think all of your guests would feel like they were really behind the scenes. I just think its really cool.

One other thing too to mention about LSS - we are expecting btw 50 and 60 and I really felt the space was too big for us just because you can't rearrange the table and they suggest putting 4 people at really really big tables. DF loved the space and I liked scuba mickey which is why we are keeping it but thats just another reason why I like the prop show you could set it up so it worked with your group.

Go down for site visits - it will all be completely clear after that!

I know this post is going on forever and I am sorry - but I just wanted to add in about the corporate thing. DF isn't crazy about the castle because as cool as it would be he thinks it would be like getting married in front of a giant coke bottle at the cocacola factory and would take away from the seriousness of the ceremony. I guess now I can sort of see where you are coming from but I feel like its disney - if you are going to get married there take advantage of everything it has that only disney has.

Just my opinion - why not add charlies fiance? that way its even and everyone is happy and you can make her do all of hte bridesmaids work you don't want your brother to have to do!

Anyoo I am very happy for you because all of your plans sound great. I think you are going to have an aweseome wedding.

[Pirate's Princess]

Yay! You started a PJ! I can't wait to read more and I'm sorry about family drama.

And I'm having a Man of Honor too!!

[CharacterFan]

Hi Ann, I am soo glad that you started your PJ.
I think your engagement story is really cute. I do think its special that you have an unusual picture - and you can always ask a photographer to walk back to the spot with you at your wedding. I thought DF was going to propose in front of the castle during the halloween party when we were all dressed up. I was expecting it and really bummed when he didn't. Little did I know what he had planned. You have an unusual story and a picture to boot!

It's not an unusual story I'm happy about. When I sitting down to scrapbook it. I ended up doing 2 pages. 1 with a fake story of some sort of journey into Tomorrow together, and the other with the real story.(I still haven't finished that one)


After just coming back from site visits I have lots of advice.

The Living Seas is not dark at all. I was terrified that it was going to be really dark, but when we were there the lights were on full and it was really really bright. No problems there at all.

Have you ever been in the Odyssey? I walked in last year just to check it out - its HUGE far too big and its really blah inside it would need a ton of decoration. The living seas comes with candles on the tables and really doesn't need much at all. There are also already lots of fish decorations on the tables and whatnot. One other big plus about the living seas is that there are built in TVs everywher that you wouldn't realize are TVs. But you can run slideshows of pictures or video during your reception and there is no extra charge for it!

I haven't been inside it since I was about 4 years old. I loved it then. I walk by it every trip, and always thought of using it. I'd love to have something blank to decorate myself.
If I did use LSS I'd have to have the fish on the tables removed, if that's even possible. I like the tank there, and that it's in Epcot (my favorite park). I really think our reception location is going to come down to put the 2-3 we agree on into a hat and pull one out.

Other things I learned that you might have interest in. If you do a reception at any of the epcot locations and decide to do a dessert party the dessert party venue rental fee is waived. Something I didn't know - just an added bonus.

We wouldn't be having an Epcot dessert party, no matter what we decide to do that night. DFi and I both Hate Ilumminations. No offense to anyone that likes it.

I think my favorite is the prop shop. I really like the space and I think all of your guests would feel like they were really behind the scenes. I just think its really cool.

One other thing too to mention about LSS - we are expecting btw 50 and 60 and I really felt the space was too big for us just because you can't rearrange the table and they suggest putting 4 people at really really big tables. DF loved the space and I liked scuba mickey which is why we are keeping it but thats just another reason why I like the prop show you could set it up so it worked with your group.

Putting 4 at a table works for us. We're inviting a lot of people that don't know each other and that makes tables so much easier. I'd just have to spend the money to get all the table cloths changed and getting different table squares added.

Go down for site visits - it will all be completely clear after that!

We are going down Sept 2-7. I just don't want to look at every place on earth, even though DFi wants to.

I know this post is going on forever and I am sorry - but I just wanted to add in about the corporate thing. DF isn't crazy about the castle because as cool as it would be he thinks it would be like getting married in front of a giant coke bottle at the cocacola factory and would take away from the seriousness of the ceremony. I guess now I can sort of see where you are coming from but I feel like its disney - if you are going to get married there take advantage of everything it has that only disney has.

I have no problem with it being Disney. Our theme is Fantasmic, so we're going to have Disney all over the place, I just don't care to have an icon in the back of all my ceremony pictures. (I'm a big picture person)

Just my opinion - why not add charlies fiance? that way its even and everyone is happy and you can make her do all of hte bridesmaids work you don't want your brother to have to do!

If DFi and Charlie weren't friends, then she and I wouldn't be friends. Which is why I wouldn't even consider her. I don't feel a need to make Charlie happy. That is not my problem. Also, if I don't want my brother to do it, I'm sure I can do it. Make Brian do it, or my dad. If David picks Charlie to be his best man, I've seriously though about tell David to pick a 2nd person, because his brother is going to be my "bridesmaid". I'd be friends with Brian even if it wasn't for his brother. I'm just not sure if we would have met.

Anyoo I am very happy for you because all of your plans sound great. I think you are going to have an aweseome wedding.
thanks for following along and your comments

[Bride-to-be]

I'd just have to spend the money to get all the table cloths changed and getting different table squares added.

I just want to make sure that you are totally clear about tables in LSS, there are two big rectangle tables and a bunch of big circle ones. You can't move the tables or change them you are stuck with the exact configuration they have and you can only change the linens. I know it really sucks - b/c square tables make so much more sense for 4 people.

The good news is that the piano is on wheels so you can move that around =o)

My little sister hates illuminations too. Some parts are really long and drawn out I agree. If you guys have a fantasmic theme did you ever consider a fantasmic dessert party?

[Clarice]

...

[CharacterFan]

I just want to make sure that you are totally clear about tables in LSS, there are two big rectangle tables and a bunch of big circle ones. You can't move the tables or change them you are stuck with the exact configuration they have and you can only change the linens. I know it really sucks - b/c square tables make so much more sense for 4 people.

The good news is that the piano is on wheels so you can move that around =o)

My little sister hates illuminations too. Some parts are really long and drawn out I agree. If you guys have a fantasmic theme did you ever consider a fantasmic dessert party?

I know you can't move the tables at LSS but I was told for a fee you could change the table clothes. I think I'm going to have the piano moved into the conference room, so I don't see it.

We did talk about a Fantasmic dessert party, but the cost we weren't liking. David is a huge fan of Wishes so we're thinking of inviting everyone to MK (with their own tickets) and we'll buy everyone an ice cream and watch Wishes together. We'll get tickets for our families, but outside of that we can't afford it, and I think everyone coming down will visit the parks for a couple of days, so they'll have tickets anyway.

[CharacterFan]

Yay! You started a PJ! I can't wait to read more and I'm sorry about family drama.

And I'm having a Man of Honor too!!

Thanks for reading. I figured I should start a planning journal here. It'll be a bit of a lot of rambling thoughts for the beginning which is why I thought about waiting.

Men of Honor seem like the greatest idea. My little brother means the world to me. I see him, and I can't believe he's almost 20. I still think he's 6 and he just got his associates degree. I can't imagine how I'm going to react when I hear he's got a girlfriend.

[cuppie cake]

Engagement Story: We went down to Disney Dec 28-Jan 4. For our annual trip to WDW. David loves the Christmas stuff and the hours. I just like being in WDW. I knew he had the ring. I knew he planned on doing it that week. He belongs to a different forum and was talking to some of his friends about it. (he banned me from going over there) I knew what I wanted and I told him. I wanted the Rose Garden mid-afternoon if it had to be at MK, but I'd prefer it be done at Epcot. Dec 30 we were wondering around MK. It came 4pm the parade was over. I make sure we're in the Rose Garden area. Nope, we keep walking to ride Buzz. At this point, I ask what he has planned. He says nothing I about :scared1: and then tell him again what I really want. Come 5:30 it's getting dark and tripods are coming out. I told him if he had planned on doing it he better do it soon. We walk towards Tomorrowland and they had an extra photographer hanging out facing the castle near the Tomorrowland sign. He stops for the photo, and I'm making it known to him. I DO NOT want it done here. He doesn't listen and goes ahead and do it. I was kinda angry about it for the next few hours. When I was finally start to accept it, I asked why he did it there. His reply "It's a special spot, they don't always have a photographer there" Then I in my overly obsessive photograph needing self go, when we go back for our wedding are we going to be able to find a photographer there to a new shot? He didn't think about that. He apologized and we moved on. I was so unimpressed by the whole thing I didn't even call or message anyone that we got engaged.

***INSERT PIC HERE***

Wedding Plans in next post.


You have to be a troll in this instance. No one could be that much of a b*tch to her fiance and have him stick around. Well, unless he has issues, too, of course.

[CharacterFan]

Okay, so people aren't happy with the way I reacted to the proposal. I'm not sorry. I do love him very much. We've been dating for 5 year, and we dated on and off for 5 years before that. He spent 3 months asking me where I wanted it. Then he didn't listen and did his own thing. I wouldn't have even blinked at the location if he hadn't asked me what I wanted so much. I would have preferred it happened in Epcot, but he's a MK boy and that's fine. I didn't care about that. I really don't want to take my PJ down, but I just don't want to hear about how you think I'm some sort of b**** because I didn't get my dream proposal. It's pretty much become a joke about where it was done.

[cuppie cake]

He apologized and we moved on. I was so unimpressed by the whole thing I didn't even call or message anyone that we got engaged.




You made your fiance feel that he had to apologize on the very day he asked you to be his wife. Then, you were so embarrassed and annoyed by the fact that he ignored your wishes, that you didn't even bother to let anyone know you had just gotten engaged? Yeah, that sounds like a super-magical day!

Maybe he asked you what you wanted so often because he wanted to make sure he did something COMPLETELY different in order to throw you off and surprise you so that it would be the most special moment possible, since you already knew about the ring and that he would be proposing that trip??

I understand that there is obviously more to this story in general, but give the guy a break; maybe you should apologize for making him feel like such a jerk on what should have most definitely been one of the most special days of your lives.

Either way, the very best of luck with your wedding and marriage...

[shaylih]

You were dating since you were 12? Really? ok.

[CharacterFan]

You made your fiance feel that he had to apologize on the very day he asked you to be his wife. Then, you were so embarrassed and annoyed by the fact that he ignored your wishes, that you didn't even bother to let anyone know you had just gotten engaged? Yeah, that sounds like a super-magical day!

Maybe he asked you what you wanted so often because he wanted to make sure he did something COMPLETELY different in order to throw you off and surprise you so that it would be the most special moment possible, since you already knew about the ring and that he would be proposing that trip??

I understand that there is obviously more to this story in general, but give the guy a break; maybe you should apologize for making him feel like such a jerk on what should have most definitely been one of the most special days of your lives.

Either way, the very best of luck with your wedding and marriage...
this is going to be my last post about the "issue"

My dad and my brothers knew it was coming as well. so after the headache of a day, I didn't feel the need to call them. David didn't tell his parents until the end of February (due to major family drama), and we told his brother when we got back. If he wanted to do something I wasn't expecting he would have asked me what I wouldn't want. I told him that I didn't want it on main street or at night, and was actually fully expecting both of those.

You were dating since you were 12? Really? ok.
We met when I was 12, and we dated as much as 12 year olds could. We'd go see movies and hang out at the mall in groups. Some days he'd walk me home from school.

[irishbosoxfan]

Wow.

I don't even know where to start.

I like reading PJs to get ideas for a vow renewal but this one blows my mind.

Seriously?? Is this a true PJ or are you messing with us???

If this is a truthful account then I feel so incredibly sad for your fiancee that he had to go thru all that on what was supposed to be a special day. Forget about the fact that it wasn't special enough that the man you claim to love proposed to you and you had to lie about it in writing but that you made him feel like crap for doing so.

I find it hard to believe that any man would put up with this especially the being told who he can and can't have as his best man and I'm not sure how it's his fault you don't have another person to ask to prevent being lopsided,it sounds like it is more of an issue with you--you should count yourself lucky if he decides to go through with it after what I've read in just this short space

Nothing says "Thank You for traveling to WDW for my wedding" quite like a Mickey bar. Seriously if everything is to expensive,as you've said then why not do it closer to home then have your honeymoon at WDW?

I'm not convinced this is a real PJ and I think the OP is pulling our legs with this one.

[CharacterFan]

Wow.

I don't even know where to start.

I like reading PJs to get ideas for a vow renewal but this one blows my mind.

Seriously?? Is this a true PJ or are you messing with us???

If this is a truthful account then I feel so incredibly sad for your fiancee that he had to go thru all that on what was supposed to be a special day. Forget about the fact that it wasn't special enough that the man you claim to love proposed to you and you had to lie about it in writing but that you made him feel like crap for doing so.

I find it hard to believe that any man would put up with this especially the being told who he can and can't have as his best man and I'm not sure how it's his fault you don't have another person to ask to prevent being lopsided,it sounds like it is more of an issue with you--you should count yourself lucky if he decides to go through with it after what I've read in just this short space

Nothing says "Thank You for traveling to WDW for my wedding" quite like a Mickey bar. Seriously if everything is to expensive,as you've said then why not do it closer to home then have your honeymoon at WDW?

I'm not convinced this is a real PJ and I think the OP is pulling our legs with this one.

Last time I checked, Dessert Parties weren't required for a Disney wedding. They were an option. We don't like Illuminations, can't afford to have a Fantasmic. We're saving and doing our best to have OUR dream wedding. Relationships are about compromise. He can choose his best man, I'm not telling him who to chose, he asks my input I give it. If he wants to have 2 he'd tell me, but it's my ocd self that needs it to be balanced, and I always thought it would be my brother and I up there. It would be great to me, for it to all be family, but it's not up to me. It's his call. It's his call that he wants the ceremony facing Spaceship Earth, and that's what we're trying out best to do. I not sorry that you think I'm so sort of witch for not being happy about a proposal or that I might have some idea of what I want my dream day to me. David and I each have our own visions and we're each compromising.

I looked into getting married here in GA for about 30sec the 2 places I thought of using were more expensive then Disney. And being a Disney nut, there was no better place. Disney is a special place for both DFi and myself. For him, it's a place to be a kid again. For my it's a place for getting away from it all, and remember some of the few happy moments I had in a rotten childhood

[irishbosoxfan]

Last time I checked, Dessert Parties weren't required for a Disney wedding. They were an option. We don't like Illuminations, can't afford to have a Fantasmic. We're saving and doing our best to have OUR dream wedding. Relationships are about compromise. He can choose his best man, I'm not telling him who to chose, he asks my input I give it. If he wants to have 2 he'd tell me, but it's my ocd self that needs it to be balanced, and I always thought it would be my brother and I up there. It would be great to me, for it to all be family, but it's not up to me. It's his call. It's his call that he wants the ceremony facing Spaceship Earth, and that's what we're trying out best to do. I not sorry that you think I'm so sort of witch for not being happy about a proposal or that I might have some idea of what I want my dream day to me. David and I each have our own visions and we're each compromising.

I looked into getting married here in GA for about 30sec the 2 places I thought of using were more expensive then Disney. And being a Disney nut, there was no better place. Disney is a special place for both DFi and myself. For him, it's a place to be a kid again. For my it's a place for getting away from it all, and remember some of the few happy moments I had in a rotten childhood

I wasn't saying have a dessert party but it's kinda cheap to spring for a Mickey bar.

Compromise is a wonderful word but it's even better when actually put into action.
You like Epcot--He likes MK=You're wedding in Epcot

You want his brother as BM--He thinks he may want Charlie=He'll have his brother because you'll give him more crap if he doesn't

You don't want an icon in the background--He thinks it'd be cool to have an icon=There will be no icon because,well lets face it,if there was an icon then you would describe the wedding day the same way you did your engagement day, and that would be as a "headache".


Your brother and you on the altar?? It's hard to follow along with the details, the facts and thoughts don't flow. If you mean as your MOH,his having his friend as his BM doesn't prevent that from happening,neither does him having both his brother and his friend.

Every bride wants her day to be special but it's not just your day alone. It's the day that you let the world know that you love each other and want to spend the rest of your lives together.The day isn't about what you want,it's about so much more than that and if you don't realize that now then there's no reason to get married. Way too many women want to be a bride and put the wedding ahead of the marriage.

Many people have had rotten childhoods but don't use it as an excuse for their behavior. And while it's nice to have a wedding at WDW it's not the be all to end all (ssshhhh I didn't just say that on a Disney message board) but if you can't take your guests into consideration then don't do it somewhere they will go broke,if you want them to come to your wedding then do it somewhere that will allow you more freedom and actually be something you can truly afford.

[cuppie cake]

I wasn't saying have a dessert party but it's kinda cheap to spring for a Mickey bar.

Compromise is a wonderful word but it's even better when actually put into action.
You like Epcot--He likes MK=You're wedding in Epcot

You want his brother as BM--He thinks he may want Charlie=He'll have his brother because you'll give him more crap if he doesn't

You don't want an icon in the background--He thinks it'd be cool to have an icon=There will be no icon because,well lets face it,if there was an icon then you would describe the wedding day the same way you did your engagement day, and that would be as a "headache".


Your brother and you on the altar?? It's hard to follow along with the details, the facts and thoughts don't flow. If you mean as your MOH,his having his friend as his BM doesn't prevent that from happening,neither does him having both his brother and his friend.

Every bride wants her day to be special but it's not just your day alone. It's the day that you let the world know that you love each other and want to spend the rest of your lives together.The day isn't about what you want,it's about so much more than that and if you don't realize that now then there's no reason to get married. Way too many women want to be a bride and put the wedding ahead of the marriage.

Many people have had rotten childhoods but don't use it as an excuse for their behavior. And while it's nice to have a wedding at WDW it's not the be all to end all (ssshhhh I didn't just say that on a Disney message board) but if you can't take your guests into consideration then don't do it somewhere they will go broke,if you want them to come to your wedding then do it somewhere that will allow you more freedom and actually be something you can truly afford.


Look--I'm truly not trying to be a b*tch--I'm not. But BoSoxFan has a point. When people come to share in your marriage, the very least you can do is ensure that your guests don't feel at all put out or like they have gone out of their way to attend your nuptials.

It's a privilege when someone attends your wedding at home, at a local venue. But when someone travels many miles and pays many dollars to attend your out-of-town wedding, you really should bend over backwards to ensure that they feel appreciated and as though you want them there for everything, no matter what.

You definitely don't have to host a dessert party, but hosting a small, inexpensive welcome party with dinner would be a very nice gesture. If you stay in a DVC room, you have a stove and oven at your disposal, and could easily and inexpensively whip up a dinner for 30-40.

And if you can't afford to pay for your guests to gain admission to the MK, why don't you look into some alternate kind of celebration that doesn't cost you or your guests so much money? Wishes may be important to you and your fiance, but if you can't make it work so that it's affordable for ALL your guests, and without them having to use a day on their passes, you might want to come up with a plan that you CAN afford. After having a reception for them, you don't NEED to do anything more. BUT if you do want to do something in addition to the reception, YOU need to pay for it.

Asking your guests to pay for anything above and beyond airfare, room, and minimal spending money is beyond tacky, and you should consider moving around your budget so your guests aren't as put out.

Your guests should be one of your top concerns--EVEN if that means cutting from your wedding--so that they will be comfortable and enjoy themselves as much as possible. You should want them to know how important it is to you that they think that it's important enough to travel so far for your wedding.

I don't know how far your guests are traveling to attend your Disney wedding, but remember that it's not just your day--it's a day that those people choose to spend honoring your new marriage. Treat them as such.

[CharacterFan]

We can't afford the $25,000 MK wedding. So we didn't even consider an MK wedding. Our first two thoughts were WP or Epcot. I put WP in the mix only because I knew DFi would like to have the castle there, but he didn't want to get married in what looked like a church. So we went to an Epcot wedding. We're just deciding apon a location in Epcot. Most of the location decisions I'm leaving up to him and put in my little bit of input because that's something he really cares about. If I decide to put 3 dozen daisies on each reception table we wouldn't care.

He may not pick his brother, it is up to him. I'm not going to give him crap. It's his choice it's his side. If he decides he wants both, then I'll bite the bullet and ask someone else. I'm not sure yet, but maybe one of my good friends from high school.

There most likely be an icon. We're going to go to Disney in late summer and look at our location choices. He's a bit worried that the locations offer obstructed views and he doesn't want that. (even though I don't care) Based on the 2 locations we been told have views of Spaceship Earth I have a preference, but it's DFi's call.

My MAN Of Honor is my brother. I'm not having bridesmaids. My brother will be there standing next to me.

I'm not saying I "acting" some way because of my rotten childhood. I was using it as a reason I LOVE WDW. DIsney is a very special place to me. It's a place I can go to remember the good parts of my childhood.

Our guests are not going to go broke coming down to Disney for our wedding. We live in GA as do all of our guests. Gas nor plane tickets are that pricey. Both of our families and most of our friends will be staying at Pop. They don't like to spend lots on hotels, they'd rather be out doing things. We've only had 1 person ask to stay offsite, and DFi has told his parents no. I didn't even say they had to stay onsite. He didn't think the headache of it would be worth it.

I can't really afford the wedding I'd like here in Atlanta. I'd have to double my budget to make it even possible.

1 reason we're not planning on something for our guests that night is our wedding is at 9am, we're planning the reception to be done by 1pm, and we know at least 1/2 of our 30 guests will be leaving. They need/want to get back to their lives. One of my brother's is in his senior year in high school so he doesn't want to miss a day so early in the school year. We're planning to invite our guests to the MK that evening. Everyone already has tickets, and I know from polling friends and family that most of them were going to the parks that evening if they were going to stay the night. What are you supposed to do from 2pm until parks close? They understand that a Disney wedding is expensive and are excited to go. Some haven't been to Disney in over 10 years, and we have a friend who's never been. I'm making welcome bags, where most in them is handmade.
We aren't trying to be cheap about it. But everyone needs to try a mickey bar (DFi thinks so, I don't like them ) We are discussing the option of hosting dinner at Crystal Palace after Wishes, but that will depend on how many people plan on staying and how many would like to see Wishes.

We're not staying at DVC with an oven so cooking my own thing isn't an option. We're trying to stay as close to the $12,000 as possible. We talking about maybe inviting everyone to the rehearsal dinner, and doing the Animation Dinner that's offered at Studios, but when we polled a couple of friends and my dad we got several "We've done the sketch thing before, but I guess it might be cool to do again". So we don't want to bore our guests if they wouldn't enjoy it. Our 2nd choice is just doing a family dinner at Chef Mickey's.

I'm not buying my guests admission tickets. I'm buying my brother's ticket as one of his MOH gifts. It'll be a 4-day PH. We'll most likely do the same for the BM who ever he may be. Several of our guests will be coming down before the wedding and making a vacation out of it, one group of friends is going to use it as their honeymoon.

That is that. I'm not going to go into this anymore. If you don't like me. Please don't read my Planning Journal. I'll post pictures later today.

[livie1205]

OMG :scared1: any man I know would have put that ring right back in his pocket!!If you wanted to CONTROL all the details you should have asked HIM to marry you..

[Bride-to-be]

What the hell is going on here??? Why the f*ck is everyone attacking Ann? She doesnt' deserve this kind of treatment and you guys should all be banned from this site. I think all of her plans sound great and I really don't know why you all feel the need to criticize her??!!!!

Ok so maybe her proposal was a little bit different but every couple is different and has their own style. I don't think thats any reason to be so incredibly harsh.

FYI we plan to serve mickey bars at our wedding too - our coordinator suggested it!

[DeluxePrincess]

I'm just amazed that people actually plan out their proposal. The surprise is what makes it fun. If my DH had asked me where I wanted to get proposed, I would have told him to surprise me. I guess I'm behind the times.

[Bride-to-be]

Why can't people be nice? :confused3

As I just saw in another PJ - as Thumper said - if you don't have anything nice to say - don't say anything at all.

I don't think you guys have any clue about how hurtful you are being. Shame on you all. I think everyone owes Ann an apology.

Can we all please let her continue with her PJ so that those of us who DO want to hear her plans can?

[CharacterFan]

Why can't people be nice? :confused3

As I just saw in another PJ - as Thumper said - if you don't have anything nice to say - don't say anything at all.

I don't think you guys have any clue about how hurtful you are being. Shame on you all. I think everyone owes Ann an apology.

Can we all please let her continue with her PJ so that those of us who DO want to hear her plans can?

Thanks for the kind words, Cassie. I'm hoping to get an update up soon. I've got a lot of plans already made, and took pictures of most of them. Just have to get photobucket and my new external hard drive to work together.

[Bride-to-be]

can't wait to see the pics! popcorn::

[lizet313]

Hi I am reading your Pj thanks for sharing.

[irisbud]

Hi, just started reading!

It sounds like you have some idea of what you want, which is great! Going on a site visit will probably help you out a lot!

I may be wrong, but I THINK any event you do on the day of your wedding can be counted towards your minimum (i.e. if you treated your guests to a dinner at CP before the fireworks). I was an escape bride so I am not entirely certain of that. You may want to check on it though!

We didn't buy admission for our guests either. We did an Illuminations DP and did pay 3 viewing fees for those who didn't have tickets (the others went to EPCOT that day), but other than that they were on their own. We planned our events so they wouldn't need admission. However, we did do a lunch in Germany, and everyone was planning on going to the parks that day anyway (they all had PH tickets) so they used their own admission (it sound like this is similar to your situation: everyone is going to be there anyway!). If not, we may have done another event outside of the parks. Even with a small number of people, we couldn't afford admission for everyone. I wish we could have, but those tickets add up quickly!

If you want to watch Wishes with your group and some don't have admission maybe you could do it from the beach at the Poly? I know it isn't quite the same, but you can at least get a taste of it :goodvibes:

I was really worried about our bridal party not being even on both sides (can you say OCD, LOL?), but it worked out okay. I had 2 attendants and DH had none (cancelled at pretty much the last minute). We were both okay with that though. It is totally your call, but if it is important to your DF to have two attendants and important to you that your sides match, I think you should go with your plan of just asking someone else, or asking the girl who has been hinting at you. I understand where you are coming from, but it might be a nice comprimise!

Can't wait to see some pictures and read more!

[Bride-to-be]

any pics yet?

[CharacterFan]

Our save the date magnet:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_S-pUw-zKb2I/SZ4VGGlShXI/AAAAAAAAAfY/3IecDLpoxNQ/s288/100_3804.jpg
My Bouquet execpt it'll be sunny yellow silk with 6 hidden mickeys
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/c5bd7afac3515bffd72e72076ef8f525.jpg
my shoes:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_S-pUw-zKb2I/SgjGuDbcc2I/AAAAAAAABSY/vLY3OjYb1l4/s400/IMGP1134.JPG
what our sand ceremony will look like: base sand will be sand from the "world" then we'll use blue and some other color http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/a2a472f71c311cb9d49c61a8d1479a1d.jpg

[CharacterFan]

My dress:
When I first started looking online I wanted either:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/5432ff62.png or http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/86fd88cd.jpg
but I couldn't believe the prices. I hadn't even dreamed of spending that much on something I'm going to wear once.

So I went to David's Bridal with http://www.brides.com/images/vendor/dressgallery/bridal/davidsbridal/00_main/t9168_primary.jpg but it didn't come in either of my wedding colors, but I tried it on, and felt eh. I also tried on every other pickup dress and didn't like them either.
I'm not a girly, girl. I don't like lace, rinestones, glitter, shimmer, or anything like that. I told my consultant this, but she didn't listen, and I ended up trying 10 dresses on in my first trip. I liked 3 of them.
A
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/100_1200.jpg
B
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/100_3405.jpg
there was a 3rd but I can't find pictures of it now.

I ended up ruling out B becasue of the changes I wanted done to it, would have been annoying to do. As it was A had to be special ordered. (I'm still waiting for it to come in, so I can get pictures of it). For now the top is all I have. The back has buttons all the way down. It come standard with a train, but I knew I didn't want one, so I ordered it without. 2 months ago....it should be here in 2 months.

[CharacterFan]

and the important photos:
Me with my favorite character:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/image005.jpg
David with his favorite character:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/image029.jpg
And the proposal picture:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/image118.jpg
My favorite photo of the week:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/image146.jpg
Our Save the Date photo:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/image128.jpg

Me and my brother and man of honor at his college graduation a couple of weeks ago:
http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii84/CharacterFan/IMGP1087.jpg

[Bride-to-be]

YAY for pictures!!!

The one of David and Minnie is hilarious! I love it! Your save the date photo is also great with the castle.

I can't wait to see pictures of your dress as a whole. I am sure it will be very pretty.

So when do you decide on your venue?

[CharacterFan]

YAY for pictures!!!

The one of David and Minnie is hilarious! I love it! Your save the date photo is also great with the castle.

I can't wait to see pictures of your dress as a whole. I am sure it will be very pretty.

So when do you decide on your venue?

Thanks.

I hope to get some good pictures of my dress. David is the reason for lack of pictures. He got bored by the time i tired on this dress and was ready to leave.

We're currently planning on going to Disney Sept 2-7 and doing the site visit on the 3rd or 4th. We'll decide that day. We know the ceremony will be in Epcot and the reception will be in either Epcot or Studios. It's just a matter of getting the exacts worked out. We've been going threw google and photobucket looking for pictures of the locations we're thinking about.

We're about 90% certain that the ceremony will be in Japan facing the water :love:
It's just where is the best view of Spaceship Earth. I'd like to hold in under the arch either way, but David wants to look about 20 feet to the right of it, he thinks that has a better view.

Reception sites are expanding but it will depend all on how it looks and what can/has to be done to make it what we want.
David is hoping for Prop Shop, but understands my worry of how busy it is, but is still extra excited to see it. His back up is Hollywood Hideaway or Living Seas.

I'm hoping for The Odyssey (I'm not ready to give up hope) or Living Seas so we can keep it all in Epcot.

We also saw a few pictures of the American Adventure Parlor and like that. There is a window that looks out onto Spaceship Earth.

We realize we each have imagined what we want the day to be like, and it's funny that we have parts we agree 100% on, and then there are things we are constantly going back and forth on.

[CharacterFan]

It has been a super crazy week for me.

Wednesday evening I got the call. My dress was in...I was like OMG I was told July-August. I made an appointment to go in on Friday after David got off work to try it on and pick it up.

Thursday night I get up get my shoes and crinoline together. My other undergarments and my bridal ears. (we got our ears, because we thought they were discontinuing the headband and top hat)

Friday afternoon I realize I forgot my ears and undergarments. David offered to drive the 40 minutes home to get them, but I thought it was silly.

So we get to David's Bridal and David goes camera crazy. We leave at 45 minutes of me wearing the dress and every consultant coming over to see it and 168 pictures later. My dress needs no real alterations other then some padding up top added, so I may just get a bra that has some extra padding.

My online album of a highlight of 28 photos:
Wedding Dress Photos (http://picasaweb.google.com/CharacterFan/DressMay09?authkey=Gv1sRgCIKc2cDRr6iwMg&feat=directlink)

Then Saturday we went hiking at Kennesaw Mountain National Park. I hadn't been hiking in years. We rode up the mountain and hiked the 1.5 miles down.

Sunday, we went with our friends who are getting married next March to look at their wedding locations, and to visit the Tennessee Aquarium. I love Aquariums. David surprised me and we joined!!!! So we're planning on going back around my birthday just the 2 of us. So we won't have those who get bored moving along, and I can spend hours in the butterfly garden.

Our friends found their location at the top of Lookout Mountain. So it looks like we'll be going back in March as well.

On a wedding note:
We may be going to Disney Aug 27-30th instead of the Labor we had been planning. It gives us a little more time to decide on things before our 1 year mark, and I get a $79 gift card for my birthday!!!. If we go in August David wants to fly (I'm not a fan of flying, but I hate the 7 hour car ride) :scared1: so I'm looking at prices.

We're also planning a trip down in December for a meet with a different message board I belong to. Dec 3-6 (David wants to buy a 2nd dSLR before this trip)

Then our planning session some time in late April-mid May for Flower and Garden Festival :love: My favorite time in Epcot!

Then our wedding next September.

[irisbud]

Love your pictures! The dress is beautiful on you!

sounds like you are making some progress with your plans. Hopefully a site visit will help you to figure out exactly what you want :goodvibes:

[Sweetsus]

You're so organised - I've been looking at wedding dresses but don't think I'll be trying on anything for a long time yet!

Good luck with the plans!

[CharacterFan]

Thank you Irisbud and Sweetsus for reading.

I'm thinking of not having anyone come to do my hair and makeup. All I want it my hair to be half up/down, and straightened. (my hair won't curl) and then just do my own make-up. (I don't wear make-up though, so I'd have to buy it all, and have someone teach me to use it)

nothing really to update. We haven't finalized any trip plans. We did just get back from a weekend in Clemson, SC and for the first time in a long time, I didn't take a single picture.

I did realize last week I'm going to have to sit down with future mil becuse she thinks I'm having cinderella's coach, several other over the top things...Pretty much she found the Disney Wedding website, and thinks I'm having a coture wedding. She also thought I was having a castle wedding and David doesn't address the questions very well. Pretty much he brushs them off. Pretty much letting her think I'm having this huge princess wedding. I think if I see a hint of princess I may blow...execpt for Belle or Prince Eric. (but I was raised under the impression that Belle wasn't a princess)

There isn't anything wrong with a princess wedding, but it's not for me.

[irisbud]

I'm thinking of not having anyone come to do my hair and makeup. All I want it my hair to be half up/down, and straightened. (my hair won't curl) and then just do my own make-up. (I don't wear make-up though, so I'd have to buy it all, and have someone teach me to use it)



I think I would still do hair and makeup, or at least makeup, especially if you don't often wear it.

I don't really wear makeup either. There is definitely an art to putting it on and a professional can do amazing things. Also, you will want good quality makeup for your wedding so that it will not run, smear, or do odd things to your coloring. Good quality makeup is very expensive. It would be similar in cost to having someone come and do your makeup and less stressful if it is not something you are familiar with doing. :goodvibes Just some things to think about!

[padisneyfour]

your dress is very pretty I love the color of the sash- how exciting that is arrived early!:goodvibes

[Pirate's Princess]

Your dress is very lovely! We seem to have similar tastes. I love the idea of the Japan archway, but I'm very torn between that, the garden, china and morocco. Plus I love the LSS. We're definitely doing our reception there. I hear ya on the MIL issue. I've found the best way to handle that, is to involve her in the planning process. I show her my minds, and "listen" to hers, although I'm still going to do what I want. but at least this way she feels included.

[CharacterFan]

Your dress is very lovely! We seem to have similar tastes. I love the idea of the Japan archway, but I'm very torn between that, the garden, china and morocco. Plus I love the LSS. We're definitely doing our reception there. I hear ya on the MIL issue. I've found the best way to handle that, is to involve her in the planning process. I show her my minds, and "listen" to hers, although I'm still going to do what I want. but at least this way she feels included.

Thanks. I think we've actually decided on the Japan Archway. I'm still undecided but DFi has pretty much set. I love Morocco and it works with our colors. The Japan Gardens are lovely as well. They are all great choices. I know why it's so hard to choose. I love China if it fit the look we were going for I'd pick it.

I love LSS but I'm so worried about the lighting. When I looked at Bride-to-be's pictures it looked okay, but when I looked at Carrie's photos it looked dark. DFi is really wanting the reception at Studios so we'll most likely go that route.

After we secure our date and location I plan on sitting down with my future mil and get some "ideas" on flowers and things. But she likes to ask every couple of weeks if we've secured our date yet. Even though we've told her about the 1 year thing. So until then We'll just let her talk.

I need opinions:
We've decided to go for our site visit Aug 27-Aug 30 (My birthday is Aug 28) We're going to do the Wishes Dessert Party.

We I can't decide if I should book free dining and stay at All Star Sports or if I should book AP rate and stay at Port Orleans-French Quarter and only plan 1-2 TS and do more QS.

I've never stayed at POFQ, but it's on my list of to do someday. Beignets don't appeal to me, since they have powered sugar. We most likely will spend most of our time in the parks. So we won't use the features of the resort, water slide, and boat to downtown disney.

On the other hand, we don't need the 1-day tickets. I still have an active AP, DFi has an AP voucher. Since we have 2 more trips planned before our wedding next year. We could end up giving the tickets to family members, but we're planning on setting them up with dining packages next year, and I still have 2 1-day tickets from past free dining trips.

[CharacterFan]

your dress is very pretty I love the color of the sash- how exciting that is arrived early!:goodvibes
Thank You. I love to color too.

I think I would still do hair and makeup, or at least makeup, especially if you don't often wear it.

I don't really wear makeup either. There is definitely an art to putting it on and a professional can do amazing things. Also, you will want good quality makeup for your wedding so that it will not run, smear, or do odd things to your coloring. Good quality makeup is very expensive. It would be similar in cost to having someone come and do your makeup and less stressful if it is not something you are familiar with doing. :goodvibes Just some things to think about!

DFi has decided I'm getting someone to do my hair and makeup, even if he has to pay for it. When I told him I thought about not doing it. He didn't want me stressed about it.
I did decide I'm going to do my own hair and makeup for the MK portrait session. I'm going to get some good quality products. I'll need makeup to do my own for my friends wedding. I don't think she's having someone come to do hair and makeup for her or others.

[Sarah <3 Disney]

We're about 90% certain that the ceremony will be in Japan facing the water :love:
It's just where is the best view of Spaceship Earth. I'd like to hold in under the arch either way, but David wants to look about 20 feet to the right of it, he thinks that has a better view.

Hey there! I just read your planning journal this morning, and I love all of your current ideas! Can't wait to read some more. But in the meantime... I have a picture to share!

The view directly beneath the archway is a bit obstructed with the trees, here is a picture I took in March to show this (about the 20 ft to the right like your fiancee was wanting):

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4720/dscn1341.jpg

So there is a way to position your ceremony to get both the arch and Spaceship Earth in... as long as you don't mind being a little off center! ;) And who knows, maybe after the ceremony and before your reception, you could both stand underneath the arch with the officiant and hold a little "mock" ceremony for even more pictures. That way, he has pictures of the icon unobstructed, but you still get ones underneath the arch with the trees in the background.

Hope that helps!

P.S. - I loooooove the Alfred Angelo Little White Dress you posted in a different thread! Thanks for sharing it! I have it bookmarked already! :rotfl:

[CharacterFan]

Sarah <3 Disney THANK YOU!!

That's what DFi really wants...sadly I want it to be in the middle. I like the trees. I want to bring green into the colors and well trees are green. lol
So we'll probally pose a few shots there. Really he just needs to understand that people are not going to forget they're at Disney.

I do love the Alfred Angelo dress. I'm just waiting until I've fully decided on wedding plans to get anything.



I BOOKED MY TRIP TODAY....Sorry for Caps I'm super excited. I've already set up my site visit for Aug 28 at 1pm (On my birthday!!!!) I'm going to sit down with DFi and make a list of sites we want to see. So far we have:
Ceremony:
Japan and Italy Isola (although we can check that out on our own)
Reception:
Prop Shop (DFi's first choice location)
Hollywood Hideaway (DFi's 2nd choice location, my 3rd)
Living Seas (depending on lighting my 2nd choice, DFi's 3rd)
The Oddyseey (my first choice, but it might be too big)
American Adventure Parlor (I'm not sure how this made the list) but DFi liked it, plus you can see Spaceship earth from the front window

[Elsha]

I just wanted to say I was appalled to read some of the comments people left on your pj...I do think everyone is entitled to their opinions, but at the same time I also believe there's a time and place to say things...
To me, your pj should be a place to share what you want without having to worry that ppl will be completely and utterly catty and rude. Saying you don't agree is one thing...being degrading in any way another.

That being said, and I apologize...I needed to get that off my chest...I love your dress. It's beautiful. I agree with your DFi that you should get your make up done by a pro to eliminate any stress about it. Make up for me is eye liner, and some minor eye shadow, and even that sometimes is a pain in the a**. I only wear it cause I hate how I look without it.

I'm looking forward to your site visits...DH and I are trying to decide where to do our VR.

Keep posting please!!

[Sarah <3 Disney]

Sarah <3 Disney THANK YOU!!

That's what DFi really wants...sadly I want it to be in the middle. I like the trees. I want to bring green into the colors and well trees are green. lol
So we'll probally pose a few shots there. Really he just needs to understand that people are not going to forget they're at Disney.

I do love the Alfred Angelo dress. I'm just waiting until I've fully decided on wedding plans to get anything.

Glad I could help! :thumbsup2 I just like posting pictures... :rotfl:

And yay for planning your trip! I hope you take lots of pictures when you finally go and share them with us! Can't wait to read more!

[CharacterFan]

I will take tons of pictures. I need pictures for my blog and for planning.

We paid off our trip tonight. So it's really getting close...45 more sleeps.

We sent Pam our list of reception locations we'd like to visit:
Living Seas, Odyseey, Prop Shop, and Hollywood Hideaway. DFi will be incharge of the camera during most the sites as I'll be busy writing my notes.

Our trip plans are:
Aug 27 arrive (hopefully we'll fly, but it'll depend on costs)
MK for the afternoon/evening
Aug 28
Animal Kingdom for Donald Safari Breakfast
ride the safari and give a kiss to Mickey
Meet Pam at Franks for our site visit
Epcot for the evening
Dinner at Garden Grill to celebrate my birthday!
Aug 29
Hollywood Studios
TSM and ST
Lunch at Sci-Fi (another one of my faves)
Magic Kingdom for the afternoon/evening (got to catch the new parade)
Wishes Dessert Party (still need to call and book it)
Aug 30
MK for the morning
and the hit the road by 2pm to head home if we drive.

I'm really excited. I've ordered all sorts of new clothes and I'm thinking about ordering a new camera strap cover and some other small things. I've already put in my lens rental for the trip and hope to buy one of the lenses if I don't find it at a newly closing Wolf Camera.

[CharacterFan]

So, I reached a breaking point today. A breaking point that's makes me reconsider having a Disney wedding all together.

The Photography is one of the most important elements of the wedding to me. I don't like that I'm having to risk my photos on a "request". Tonight, I called my dad just to check in. I broke down in tears about the whole thing. I'm going to have to have a conversation with Pam to ask a few questions my dad and I came up with today.

Disney is my dream wedding, but with how important photography is to me. I don't want to risk it. If I have to consider a different location I guess that's the next step I'll have to consider. I thought about pricing out a few options of places I'd like to use here in Atlanta, and starting the seach for vendors.

[CharacterFan]

I'm kinda in a holding pattern with photography issues. My dad's getting his lawyer involved once we get the contract. We want a Disney wedding, but I have to know if I'll be okay "giving in" to the most important thing to me.

In case photography wasn't enough. David's boss invited himself to the wedding.

Back Story:
David goes to his boss to put in the request for the days off for our site visit. David's boss informs him that they have a no vacation durning the first two weeks of the semester rule. David explains why we're taking the trip. David's boss says it isn't a problem. But there was a 2 hour conversation that followed about where we were staying, eating, doing. It's a very Disney friendly office.

Well last Friday David was talking with his boss and his boss's boss. David's days off came up and it was mentioned that he was going for a wedding site visit. Then I'm told "well we'll be there, even if we're not invited we can come crash". David decided he'd have to invite him then. Well then a bigger problem arrises. There are a total of 8 people in the department. We had planned on inviting 2 of the department David's boss, and David's good friend. We decided over the weekend to just invite everyone, except the new guy who no one likes. Yesterday, David was asked who he was inviting because if it was the entire department they'd have to try to work something out because well not everyone can go.

We thought about that as well. Since we weren't planning to invite 1 and we know 1 won't be able to make it. We think we'll be in the clear. David has to be there his bosses will be there (they always go to Disney together) David will pull for his friend to be there. The other in the department we're not sure if she'll come, but did say last week how she's always wanted to go to Disney. So David is really stressed because his invite list is a lot larger then mine. Which doesn't bother me. I know people I'd like to invite, but one while he's a great friend is an ex and I know it's kinda taboo and I don't want David to be uncomfrotable.

So our guest list last week was 25-30 our guest list has grown to about 35-45. This is without guest lists from my dad, david's family, and those that I think I'd really like to invite, but don't think would make the trip. I'm really surprised at how many people are excited about coming to our wedding, and how few people are anti the disney wedding.