Michelle & Ian - WP/SCP 5th May 2010 (wishes) - update

[Michelle2010]

Hi all,

I have been lurking on this board for some time and have picked up loads of useful information so I thought it was about time I introduced myself.

My name is Michelle and my fiance is called Ian, we live in Yorkshire in the UK. I don't actually have an engagement story, we have been together for 11 years and just decided that it is the right time for us to get married. It didn't really come as a great surprise to our friends and family but they were shocked when we announced we were eloping to Walt Disney World!

I have been to Disney World a few times with my family, the last time was in 2004, so we chose to get married in the happiest place on earth and have a fantastic holiday at the same time! Ian has never been to Orlando but we went to DLR Paris a couple of years ago and he enjoyed that (even though I dragged him round for almost 11 hours!:scared1:) My parents and brothers will be the only guests attending the wedding, they were VERY excited when I announced we were going to Disney World.

Ian doesn't have any close family (his mum passed away a couple of years ago and he is an only child) and we can't ask our friends to pay for a huge holiday just to attend our wedding. Instead we have booked a reception back in the UK a couple of weeks after we return from Orlando so all our friends can join our celebration. For us it is the best of both worlds - a small, quiet wedding ceremony and a get together with friends and family afterwards.

Since there is such a small wedding party we had originally planned an escape wedding but when we looked at all the enhancements we wanted to add it actually reached the minimum for a wishes wedding so we decided to swap and get all the benefits of having a wishes wedding.

We have booked the Wedding Pavilion for 5pm on the 5th May and have requested Sago Cay Pointe for the reception / dessert party :cool1:

There are lot of details still to decide on, my mum and I are taking a planning trip to orlando in October :woohoo: and I'm sure you will all be really helpful and inspirational.

I will update this PJ more later, I have lots of purchases to show you!
Michelle x

[padisneyfour]

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

[DisneyMoB]

Hi Michelle

Well done on getting started with your PJ and welcome to the 2nd best happiest place on earth!

[Boardwalk_bride]

Yay!! A new pj!

I am doing the same as you...having both the reception and dp at Sago Cay! I will be there a few weeks before you! Yay, we can be planning buddies :rotfl:

Best of luck with all your planning, and congrats!

[Bolanette87]

Hello and Welcome!! My Fiance is from Yorkshire (Barnsley boy!)- Small World! Can't wait to read more of your plans!

Bob xoxoxox

[ghoulish delight]

Yay!!! A fellow May 2010 disbride! Welcome! :hug: Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

[Cleofish]

Wahay!! Another UK bride!! Congratulations and welcome! We're from Teesside, so not that far from Yorkshire, and I can't wait to hear all of your plans!!

[malibustacey]

Hello!

My Fiance is from Sheffield! Its great that your are having your wedding at Disney, no matter how many people attend- you have what wedding you want!!

Look forward to hearing all your plans! x

[emilymad]

Hi! Yeah for another May bride! :cheer2: We are hoping for May 10th!

[Michelle2010]

Hi all,

thanks so much for the warm welcome :grouphug:

I don't know how to quote your replies - if anyone can tell me that would be great.

I just wanted to say hi to all the Disney Brides who are getting married in May next year or have similar plans to me, I am looking forward to sharing all our plans.

It's also really nice hear from all the UK brides (especially those marrying Yorkshire lads!) it makes me realise I'm not that weird getting married abroad!

[Michelle2010]

I have just worked out how to add photos to a post (I'm very new to this!) So I thought I would show you photos of my 'at home' reception venue...

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/lbags_phototour40_s.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/lbags_phototour01_s.jpg

It is called Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club, the building and grounds are beautiful and should make for some good photos. Unfortunatley I can't find any pictures of the room at the moment, it is a ballroom where we will serve dinner and dance. We will also have a champagne reception on the patio beforehand (British weather permitting!)

We will be inviting about 60 guests, this means we will be able to celebrate with close family and friends but not have to invite distant relatives we haven't seen for years!

We have booked the reception for just over 2 weeks after we return from Florida which should give us enough time to return to normality and get everything ready. It is on a Sunday but it is a bank holiday (national holiday) here so it shouldn't cause any problems.

It will be nice to have something to look forward to when we return from honeymoon and have to face going back to work :scared:

[Michelle2010]

I have just posted these on the main board but thought I'd add them to my PJ too.

This is my save the date card for the UK reception, we wanted to give people plenty of notice because it is on a bank holiday weekend. My mum made all these herself which has been a massive help (I guess she thought I'd never get round to them myself - she's probably right!)

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/1245092973.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/1245092975.jpg

We decided to use the fairytale castle as a subtle Disney theme (you can't really tell on the photo but it is really glittery). We plan to use also this on the formal invites which we will send out after Christmas.

Even more exiting is the news that we have booked our flights. We are flying with British Airways from Gatwick, my family will fly back after 2 weeks, Ian and I will stay on for another week (and will probably move to Animal Kingdom Lodge). It feels real now :cool1:

[Bolanette87]

I love your Save the Date Cards!!!! Very nice!

Bob xoxoxoxox

[BecBennett]

Loving everything so far! I can't believe you've booked your flights already! Hmm, maybe it's more that I can't believe it's less then a year until May 2010... :lmao:

[Michelle2010]

I love your Save the Date Cards!!!! Very nice!

Bob xoxoxoxox

Thanks :)

Loving everything so far! I can't believe you've booked your flights already! Hmm, maybe it's more that I can't believe it's less then a year until May 2010... :lmao:

We worked out when we could book and went to the travel agents on the very first day we could - we weren't going to risk not making it to Florida after all this planning!

[Michelle2010]

I've decided to post the purchases I have made so far.

Our main colour will be fuschia (a strong pink) so I have bought this tie for my DF, dad and brothers.

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_1962.jpg (Sorry I can't work out how to make this smaller!)

Ian will wear an ivory rose buttonhole and the other boys will wear a fuschia (as near as possible) rose buttonhole. We haven't decided on the colour of their suits yet, it will either be black or some sort of beige - my little brother has agreed to be our guinea pig by trying on lots of suits :love:

I have also bought my tiara, it was only £25 from Marks and Spencer (a department store). It is just what I wanted - small but with enough sparkle to stick out in my mass of hair!
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_1953.jpg
Can you see the hidden mickey? (That sealed the deal :rotfl:)

I took a couple of photos in my mum's 30 year old veil to get a idea of how it will look. I plan to have my hair half up / half down and curled. (I will also wear some make up on the day :lmao:)

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_1941.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_1944.jpg

By the way, I would love to wear my mum's veil as my something old and borrowed. The problem is it is white and my dress is ivory so I would need to have it dyed. I would also need to attach a comb and would like some decoration (a few crystals). Is this too much? My mum would be happy for me to make any alterations but I don't want to ruin and then not end up wearing it. Any advice? Has anyone adapted a veil?

The final thing I have bought so far is a bag, this was from Debenhams and another bargain (only £15).

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_1959.jpg

[Pirate's Princess]

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials. Everything sounds great so far. Can't wait to read more.

[mothermouse]

sounds like fun, wedding plans are always fun to hear about even better when there in disney:cheer2: I had a disney themed wedding, at home can't wait to hear more popcorn::

[Michelle2010]

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials. Everything sounds great so far. Can't wait to read more.

sounds like fun, wedding plans are always fun to hear about even better when there in disney:cheer2: I had a disney themed wedding, at home can't wait to hear more popcorn::

Thanks for reading :hug:

[Michelle2010]

I ordered my wedding dress before we even contacted Disney. I took my mum and grandma to a national wedding show in Birmingham and thought it would do no harm to try on a couple of dresses!

Anyway, after trying on about half a dozen dresses one of the ladies helping me said she had the perfect dress for me and it was PERFECT - it had all the elements I wanted in one dress :cool1: So after much consideration I decided to order it - I still can't believe it only took me one day to find the dress, I am usually an indecisive shopper!

I did not get a photo of myself in the dress because you are not allowed to take pictures until you have bought a dress (I'm not sure if this is the same in the US?) and because it is a new design I had had to patiently (sort of) wait for the dress to go online. It is finally on the website and the great news is I still love it :love:

I can't post a picture because I don't want to DF to see it (he doesn't like waiting for surprises) but if anyone wants to PM me I am happy to send the link. To give you an idea, it is from Sincerity Bridal, it is a-line with a broach on the skirt and crystal detailing on the bodice.

I go in August to be measured and to order the dress. The shop is about 2 hours away from my house so it will make a nice day out. I hope I still love the dress as much when I try it on - I'm sure I will!

[MainStMandy]

Hi Michelle! Congratulations on your wedding! We both share the color pink in our wedding and I love that tie!! Df is going to wear a pink tie also!! Can't wait to read more :)

[Michelle2010]

Hi Michelle! Congratulations on your wedding! We both share the color pink in our wedding and I love that tie!! Df is going to wear a pink tie also!! Can't wait to read more :)

Thanks Amanda :) I'm not really into girly pinks but I think the strong fuchsia will look great in the Florida sun - I still can't believe the boys agreed to wear pink ties!

[MainStMandy]

Thanks Amanda :) I'm not really into girly pinks but I think the strong fuchsia will look great in the Florida sun - I still can't believe the boys agreed to wear pink ties!

Lol I know...I found the perfect color green tie the other day and Eric said, but I really wanted to wear pink!!

When we first started planning he told me his least fav color was pink and he would NOT be wearing it!:rotfl:

[Michelle2010]

My main wedding colour is fuchsia pink with an accent of 'tiffany' blue. However I have had loads of trouble finding things in tiffany blue because every company uses a different shade (some are too blue and some too green). I know I might sound a bit obsessive but I don't want to end up with loads of different shades of blue / green!

Sadly, I don't have any Tiffany jewellery for comparison - I did joke to my mum that we should buy something from America just to get the box! Anyway, yesterday my parents brought me this amazing present back from their holiday in London.....

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_1978.jpg

So now I will always know what colour I am looking for! I am so happy with this present and would love it to be my 'something blue' on the big day - maybe on a charm bracelet or even attached to my garter. Oh, and my dad said he can be my 'something old' :rotfl:

[Michelle2010]

Lol I know...I found the perfect color green tie the other day and Eric said, but I really wanted to wear pink!!

When we first started planning he told me his least fav color was pink and he would NOT be wearing it!:rotfl:

You must have converted him to the pink :rotfl:

[Michelle2010]

I don't have a planner yet but yesterday I got the details of my planning session :cool1:

We arrive in FL on Tuesday 6th October, then we will have a site visit with my co-ordinator at 1pm on Wednesday 7th October. The planning session will take place from 9-1 on Thursday 8th October and the menu tasting will be at 2.30 on the same day. I am really happy with these timings, best of all we will then have 4 whole days afterwards to enjoy WDW :banana:

I just found out Monday 12th October is Columbus Day, we had planned to go to MNSSHP that night but I am worried it will be really busy. Any advice about how busy the parks get during Columbus Day / weekend would be much appreciated!

[DisneyMoB]

Everything is looking beautiful Michelle. Looking forward to hearing more.

[Michelle2010]

On Saturday I paid the balance for my planning session trip and exchanged my spending money into dollars - it feels really close now :woohoo:

We have put together a schedule (and realised a week is not very long!) We have planned a few really nice things, such as afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, MNSSHP and a fantasmic meal. I am also planning a hair and make up trial.

Now all I can do is wait for October...

[MainStMandy]

On Saturday I paid the balance for my planning session trip and exchanged my spending money into dollars - it feels really close now :woohoo:

We have put together a schedule (and realised a week is not very long!) We have planned a few really nice things, such as afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian, MNSSHP and a fantasmic meal. I am also planning a hair and make up trial.

Now all I can do is wait for October...

Oh Yay!!! We are going for our PS 9/28-10/4 but since it's a work trip too it's pretty much paid for! We only have to pay about $300 for Df plus his airfare! Have you looked through your planning session packet yet?? WOW...there is a lot of information there!!

[Michelle2010]

Oh Yay!!! We are going for our PS 9/28-10/4 but since it's a work trip too it's pretty much paid for! We only have to pay about $300 for Df plus his airfare! Have you looked through your planning session packet yet?? WOW...there is a lot of information there!!

They've emailed some of it, but I think there's also some post on the way! I though I was organised, but now I've realised there are still a LOT of questions to answer!

Have a great PS x

[MainStMandy]

I know you already have your invitations...but I saw this and thought of you.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21448712&ref=sr_list_4&&ga_search_query=pocketfold+invitations&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=5&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

[BecBennett]

That invite is really cute!


I don't think I'll be able to do a PS :sad2: so I'm going to have to live vicariously through yours...

[Michelle2010]

I know you already have your invitations...but I saw this and thought of you.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21448712&ref=sr_list_4&&ga_search_query=pocketfold+invitations&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=5&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

They are gorgeous! If the DIY invitations don't work they can be my back-up option!

[Michelle2010]

That invite is really cute!


I don't think I'll be able to do a PS :sad2: so I'm going to have to live vicariously through yours...

Feel free! I thought going from the UK to Florida for week for a PS was a bit mad but your journey would be a massive trek!

[Michelle2010]

I had a few days leave this week so we decided to go to a nice hotel. When we arrived on Monday I fell down the stairs (on the way to our room) and then spent most of the night in hospital! We then had to return home the next day to see a specialist so the holiday was ruined :sad2:

I have fractured my right elbow so have to wear a sling and will be off work for at least a couple of weeks.

Unfortunately I am right handed so can't do much even write or type very well (my DF is typing this for me!), so this has put a halt to all the things I planned to do in preparation for my planning session! At least I can still read the Disboards (slowly!)

[Boardwalk_bride]

Feel better soon!:hug:

[BecBennett]

That's no good! I hope you're not in too much pain, and you get better soon.
Enjoy your time off work, even though you will probably be swamped at work when you get back... :laughing:

There there... :grouphug:

[Michelle2010]

Feel better soon!:hug:

That's no good! I hope you're not in too much pain, and you get better soon.
Enjoy your time off work, even though you will probably be swamped at work when you get back... :laughing:

There there... :grouphug:

Thanks for your kind thoughts :hug:

[DisneyMoB]

Hi Michelle

Hope your arm isn't hurting too much today:hug:

I've searched the internet and it would seem Rit dye is the one to get for turning my white veil into your ivory one (hopefully). I ordered a box yesterday from a UK supplier, so we might be able to try it this weekend. :laundy: (Who would have thought that icon would come in useful?!) x

[Michelle2010]

Hi Michelle

Hope your arm isn't hurting too much today:hug:

I've searched the internet and it would seem Rit dye is the one to get for turning my white veil into your ivory one (hopefully). I ordered a box yesterday from a UK supplier, so we might be able to try it this weekend. :laundy: (Who would have thought that icon would come in useful?!) x

Thanks Mum - I really hope it works and I can use your veil for my something borrowed :flower3:

[Michelle2010]

With the PS just over two months away, I decided to spend Saturday getting myself organised for the trip ... no mean feat with a broken elbow!

Afternoon tea at the GF is fixed for 7th Oct following on from the site visits around GF and Epcot DP locations.

The PS and food tasting is on the 8th, and we've booked to go to MNSSHP that night so it'll be a long day. This will be the first time mum or I have been to the Party and we're really excited planning our outfits.:banana:

On the 11th we will be having a hair & make-up trial in the morning with Beaute-Speciale so we'll look very glam for our meal at Mama Melrose and Fantasmic that night :wizard:

We're only there for a week, so the rest of the time is filled in with plans to visit Francks, the WP, Boardwalk Bakery to check out the cakes and a spot of shopping for Disney-related wedding stuff. Hopefully there'll be time enough to sneak in a few rides too :rolleyes1

[MainStMandy]

With the PS just over two months away, I decided to spend Saturday getting myself organised for the trip ... no mean feat with a broken elbow!

Afternoon tea at the GF is fixed for 7th Oct following on from the site visits around GF and Epcot DP locations.

The PS and food tasting is on the 8th, and we've booked to go to MNSSHP that night so it'll be a long day. This will be the first time mum or I have been to the Party and we're really excited planning our outfits.:banana:

On the 11th we will be having a hair & make-up trial in the morning with Beaute-Speciale so we'll look very glam for our meal at Mama Melrose and Fantasmic that night :wizard:

We're only there for a week, so the rest of the time is filled in with plans to visit Francks, the WP, Boardwalk Bakery to check out the cakes and a spot of shopping for Disney-related wedding stuff. Hopefully there'll be time enough to sneak in a few rides too :rolleyes1


Oh that sounds so exciting!! We will just be missing each as we leave Disney on October 4th. We are doing our PS, tasting and hair/makeup trial too!!

What did you request for your tasting?

Hope you are feeling better!

[Michelle2010]

Oh that sounds so exciting!! We will just be missing each as we leave Disney on October 4th. We are doing our PS, tasting and hair/makeup trial too!!

What did you request for your tasting?

Hope you are feeling better!

Thanks Mandy. It's a shame we'll miss each other :sad1:

We haven't requested the food yet - there's a lot to chose from! Do you know how much we can request, e.g. 2 entrees? Also, does everyone have to eat the same thing? It would be nice, since there will only be 6 people at the reception, if everyone could request their own main course at least.

[MainStMandy]

Thanks Mandy. It's a shame we'll miss each other :sad1:

We haven't requested the food yet - there's a lot to chose from! Do you know how much we can request, e.g. 2 entrees? Also, does everyone have to eat the same thing? It would be nice, since there will only be 6 people at the reception, if everyone could request their own main course at least.

The planning session materials we received included one sheet for plated dinner and one for buffet.

Plated you get to pick 2 appetizers, 1 salad, 1 intermezzo, 2 entrees and a dessert.

Buffet is 2 pre-reception items and 5 buffet items. We are doing the buffet and have picked:

Chilled Beef Tenderloin

Belgium Endive Salad

New York Strip Steak with Merlot and Black Pepper Reduction, Balsamic Crimini Mushrooms, and Roasted Shallots

Parmesan-crusted Chicken Breast with Basil Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Cream

Creamy Parmesan and Goat Cheese Risotto


Hope that helps!!

[Michelle2010]

The planning session materials we received included one sheet for plated dinner and one for buffet.

Plated you get to pick 2 appetizers, 1 salad, 1 intermezzo, 2 entrees and a dessert.

Buffet is 2 pre-reception items and 5 buffet items. We are doing the buffet and have picked:

Chilled Beef Tenderloin

Belgium Endive Salad

New York Strip Steak with Merlot and Black Pepper Reduction, Balsamic Crimini Mushrooms, and Roasted Shallots

Parmesan-crusted Chicken Breast with Basil Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Cream

Creamy Parmesan and Goat Cheese Risotto


Hope that helps!!

Thanks for posting your choices, I was just looking for them in your PJ but it's really long! We will be having a plated dinner, your choices have given me some food for thought (get it?!!)

Ian and I highlighted all the food we liked on the menus the other day, but that was most of them! So we have some narrowing down to do, I especially fancy the Parmesan-crusted Chicken Breast :)

[Boardwalk_bride]

I'm so jealous!! I wish I had a planning session!!!!

[Michelle2010]

I'm so jealous!! I wish I had a planning session!!!!

All your plans look great without a PS :thumbsup2

[Michelle2010]

I know a girl can never have too many shoes, but I now have 3 pairs for the wedding! :rotfl:

1st pair:
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_2000-1.jpg

I have had these shoes for ages and only worn them once. They are satin and match the fuschia wedding theme perfectly. However I couldn't walk in these all day (I would very probably fall off them and I don't want to break my arm again!) So I have decided to wear them for our MK / Epcot photo shoot.

2nd pair:
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_2005.jpg

These are the 'proper' wedding shoes. They are ivory satin and have the adjustable straps and feminine detail I wanted in the bow. I also really like the heel, it's high enough but not a wobbly stiletto. I'm 5"7 and Ian is 6"4 so hopefully I won't look like a midget in the photos with these shoes! For the UK brides they are from Next and were in the half price sale so only £12!

3rd pair:
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/IMG_2001.jpg

I think my feet will start aching in heels by the end of the day and I would like to be able to dance at the home reception so I thought these lightweight comfy sandals would be perfect. I can also wear them on the beach. I think the detail on the front looks like a hidden Mickey! They were a bargain at only £4!

Let me know what you think, I promise not to buy anymore wedding shoes!

[Pirate's Princess]

Cute shoes!! I love the 2nd and 3rd pair...they look very comfy.

[MainStMandy]

Ohh I love the shoes! Especially #2!!

[Michelle2010]

Cute shoes!! I love the 2nd and 3rd pair...they look very comfy.

Ohh I love the shoes! Especially #2!!

Thanks - I love them too :love:

[DisneyMoB]

The shoes look fabulous, but I've just had a thought: I'm 5' 2" so, with you at 5' 7" before the high heels, and Ian at 6' 4", I'm going to have to wear Elton John size platform shoes for the wedding or else all the photos will just have my head in.:rotfl:

[ghoulish delight]

That second pair of shoes is awesome!! :lovestruc Very very pretty!

[Michelle2010]

The shoes look fabulous, but I've just had a thought: I'm 5' 2" so, with you at 5' 7" before the high heels, and Ian at 6' 4", I'm going to have to wear Elton John size platform shoes for the wedding or else all the photos will just have my head in.:rotfl:

We could get you a box...or only taking photos sitting down...or photoshop you in so you can put your feet up while we are posing! See, there are many sensible options :rotfl:

That second pair of shoes is awesome!! :lovestruc Very very pretty!

Thanks, I can't believe they were such a bargain - need to save the pennies for a Disney wedding!

[DisneyMoB]

Woohoo - your details have been added to the "2010 Disney Brides - When is your wedding?" list. Now it feels real :cool1:

[BecBennett]

We could get you a box...or only taking photos sitting down...or photoshop you in so you can put your feet up while we are posing! See, there are many sensible options :rotfl:

:lmao: hmm, this opens up the possibilities for all our family members that can't make it!

[Michelle2010]

Woohoo - your details have been added to the "2010 Disney Brides - When is your wedding?" list. Now it feels real :cool1:

I know, I can't believe it will only be 9 months away next week :scared1:

:lmao: hmm, this opens up the possibilities for all our family members that can't make it!

Glad I could help :rotfl:

[Michelle2010]

We have made a few more ADRs for our planning trip in October so the week is completely planned out now :cool1:

- 9th October - dinner at Animal Kingdom Rainforest Cafe
(it's a sort of family tradition to visit RC during our stay but we have only eaten at the Downtown Disney restaurant before)

- 10th October - lunch at Raglan Road
(I know the food will be just like at home but we've heard too many good things about this place not to try it out.

- 12th October - dinner at Les Chefs de France
(this will be our last night and we did want to go to Le Cellier but there's no chance of getting reservations so we'll save that for the wedding trip).

[DisneyMoB]

:lmao: hmm, this opens up the possibilities for all our family members that can't make it!

I think we've got a cool business plan here ... I actually know of someone who was married in Australia but her gran couldn't make the long trip. They really did photoshop her face into some photographs:wizard:

We have made a few more ADRs for our planning trip in October so the week is completely planned out now :cool1:


That was until we went and made a few changes.........:surfweb:

[Michelle2010]

That was until we went and made a few changes.........:surfweb:[/QUOTE]

Ok, I have learnt my lesson, I will never announce that everything is planned again!

Mum and I decided to try out the Disney Dining Plan on this trip - important research for the wedding trip of course! However we were not able to book this through our UK travel agent. Since my mum now has an annual pass we decided to book the accommodation and dining with Disney directly and actually saved £200 :cool1:

So we got to make even more dining reservations:
6th October - Dinner at Raglan Road (moved from 10th October)
10th October - Dinner at Citricos
13th October - Breakfast at Crystal Palace (mum loves Tigger!)

We are really excited because we have never eaten at any of these places and we now have something nice to do on our first night and last morning. I guess the diet is out of the window for that week though :rotfl:

[Boardwalk_bride]

Ohh, I love Crystal Palace. The tigger there is really funny too. He jumped up on the bench beside DF and started sniffing him :rotfl:

[ghoulish delight]

Do let us know how your "research" goes! I'm mentally jotting down every tasty eatery I see mentioned on the boards for mine and DF's disneymoon! :rolleyes1 Nice job on your mom saving the money too!

[Michelle2010]

Ohh, I love Crystal Palace. The tigger there is really funny too. He jumped up on the bench beside DF and started sniffing him :rotfl:

It sounds like fun! We weren't going to bother with a character meal for just the 2 of us but it's part of the Disney experience and we're looking forward to it!

Do let us know how your "research" goes! I'm mentally jotting down every tasty eatery I see mentioned on the boards for mine and DF's disneymoon! :rolleyes1 Nice job on your mom saving the money too!

Our course I'll let you know. My DF is always eating so I think the dining plan will stop me worrying about him eating his way through our spending money! Also, if the exchange rate continues to improve it becomes an even better deal for us = more money for shopping :woohoo:

[MainStMandy]

That was until we went and made a few changes.........:surfweb:

Ok, I have learnt my lesson, I will never announce that everything is planned again!

Mum and I decided to try out the Disney Dining Plan on this trip - important research for the wedding trip of course! However we were not able to book this through our UK travel agent. Since my mum now has an annual pass we decided to book the accommodation and dining with Disney directly and actually saved £200 :cool1:

So we got to make even more dining reservations:
6th October - Dinner at Raglan Road (moved from 10th October)
10th October - Dinner at Citricos
13th October - Breakfast at Crystal Palace (mum loves Tigger!)

We are really excited because we have never eaten at any of these places and we now have something nice to do on our first night and last morning. I guess the diet is out of the window for that week though :rotfl:[/QUOTE]


OH Raglan Road is one of our favorites!! And Mom and I went to Citricos once and it was amazing! The service was unbelievable!!

[Michelle2010]

OH Raglan Road is one of our favorites!! And Mom and I went to Citricos once and it was amazing! The service was unbelievable!![/QUOTE]

We're really looking forward to trying out some 'proper' restaurants - when the boys are around we usually can only grab quick service meals to allow more valuable time on the rides!

Our wedding day is exactly 9 months from today :cool1: Ian and I celebrated today by going shopping and eating chocolate cheesecake (on no...only 9 months of dieting time left :scared1:)

[ghoulish delight]

Hooray!! You and I can countdown together, because I'm only 3 days behind you! Hehe. It's getting closer!!!! :yay::yay: Are you getting as excited as I am?

[Michelle2010]

Hooray!! You and I can countdown together, because I'm only 3 days behind you! Hehe. It's getting closer!!!! :yay::yay: Are you getting as excited as I am?

Yeah, I'm really excited :goodvibes I think it's still a long way off until I remember we started the planning last summer!

It's a shame we're not getting married in the same place but at least we can enjoy the planning together - all your ideas so far look great by the way :thumbsup2 Congratulations for 3 days time!

[Michelle2010]

We have just booked Reverend Kevin Knox for our civil ceremony :banana:

We have already booked Misty Miotto and STVS Video. Plus the exchange rate is improving every day which makes their services cheaper for us :thumbsup2

We met the planner for the UK reception this week (provided by the hotel) who is very nice. We also found our photographer :cool1: She will put all our USA and UK photos into one album and even said she will contact Misty to ensure all our photos have a similar style! She also offers a free pre-wedding photo shoot so she can get to know us and we can become comfortable having our photos taken. This is great because we are both quite camera shy and Ian manages to look drunk on all photos for some reason :confused3 Hopefully we'll be posing like pros by the wedding day!

[Boardwalk_bride]

We have just booked Reverend Kevin Knox for our civil ceremony :banana:

We have already booked Misty Miotto and STVS Video. Plus the exchange rate is improving every day which makes their services cheaper for us :thumbsup2

We met the planner for the UK reception this week (provided by the hotel) who is very nice. We also found our photographer :cool1: She will put all our USA and UK photos into one album and even said she will contact Misty to ensure all our photos have a similar style! She also offers a free pre-wedding photo shoot so she can get to know us and we can become comfortable having our photos taken. This is great because we are both quite camera shy and Ian manages to look drunk on all photos for some reason :confused3 Hopefully we'll be posing like pros by the wedding day!

That's great news!! I feel you with the exchange rate! We are opening a $US account this week, so we can take advantage of it! That is amazing that you have a pre-wedding photo shoot! I wish I could have that! If you learn any good tips let me know:goodvibes

[MainStMandy]

Aw Michelle that's great news! Congratulations!

[GoonieBride]

thats good to hear!

[Michelle2010]

That's great news!! I feel you with the exchange rate! We are opening a $US account this week, so we can take advantage of it! That is amazing that you have a pre-wedding photo shoot! I wish I could have that! If you learn any good tips let me know:goodvibes

Aw Michelle that's great news! Congratulations!

thats good to hear!

Thanks girls :goodvibes

So, I haven't done much for the wedding over the last few days, I have been sorting out boring things like car insurance and breakdown cover :sad2: We have also been looking into wedding insurance but none of the websites can cope with the fact that the wedding is in America but the reception is in England a few weeks later! We may end up having to buy 2 policies - about £150 for something we probably won't use! Now I understand why only 15% of English weddings are insured!

I bought some napkins for the home reception today (to wrap cake slices in for our guests) - not very exciting but they were in our colour (tiffany blue) and on special offer, so it's another things off the very long list :cool1: .

[Michelle2010]

I have been thinking a lot about cakes recently, since we are lucky enough to be having 2 wedding cakes I would like them to be quite different. I asked DF what kind of cake he wanted and his answer was 'something with sponge and marzipan', so I think I have a pretty free reign over the design :rotfl:

These are the frontrunners at the moment:

Disney wedding cake:
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/WeddingCake.jpg
I will ask for an ivory cake with fuschia pink filigree rather than silver.

UK reception cake:
http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv318/Disneybride10/TiffanySquaresandFiligreeCake.jpg
There will probably be 3 tiers. I will decorate the table with fuschia pink flowers and at the top there will be either a white/ivory bow or pink flowers

Let me know what you think.

[Michelle2010]

I haven't posted for a while because I have been getting my arm better (many hospital and physio appointments) and am finally back at work!

I went to get measured for my dress this week. I was nervous because I haven't seen it since I ordered it in March but I still love it :lovestruc I got to try it on again and ended up wearing it for about an hour! It is even better than I remembered - it has a nice train and is really light and comfortable to wear. We got some pictures so I can remember the details and start chosing jewellery, underwear, etc.

I also got some good news, firstly the sample dress fit well and I was the perfect height with shoes so it is unlikely to need much alteration, particularly since it has a lace up back. Secondly, I was expecting the dress to be ready in February but they told me it should be ready around Christmas time :cool1:

I tried on my shoes too, they looked great with the dress but my feet were killing me after only an hour so I definitely need to wear them in!

I now have to decide whether to wear a hooped skirt or a crinnie, my mum got me both on Ebay for good prices (she is now an Ebay queen!) I like the idea of dying the crinnie pink but the hoop would keep the dress away from my legs so may be more comfortable. I think I will wait until the dress arrives and try it with both before making a decision.

[BecBennett]

That's great news on your dress! :banana:

I have the same thoughts about wearing a crinnie or a hoop, the hoop would keep you cool in the Florida weather, but crinnie's look like so much fun! :laughing: I'll probably go with a hoop, because I'd want to dye my crinnie gold, and I'm not so sure that would turn out...

Plus, a lot of dress stores here rent them to you when you buy your dress from them, I don't think they'd appreciate it being returned some fluro colour! :rotfl:

I love your cakes too, that blue one is going to be beautiful!

[gemmybear83]

With the PS just over two months away, I decided to spend Saturday getting myself organised for the trip ... no mean feat with a broken elbow!

Afternoon tea at the GF is fixed for 7th Oct following on from the site visits around GF and Epcot DP locations.

The PS and food tasting is on the 8th, and we've booked to go to MNSSHP that night so it'll be a long day. This will be the first time mum or I have been to the Party and we're really excited planning our outfits.:banana:

On the 11th we will be having a hair & make-up trial in the morning with Beaute-Speciale so we'll look very glam for our meal at Mama Melrose and Fantasmic that night :wizard:

We're only there for a week, so the rest of the time is filled in with plans to visit Francks, the WP, Boardwalk Bakery to check out the cakes and a spot of shopping for Disney-related wedding stuff. Hopefully there'll be time enough to sneak in a few rides too :rolleyes1

I always seem to miss the UK brides planning journals :confused3! Love all your ideas so far! Were in WDW the same time as you doing some wedding planning too :yay: In fact I Beaute Special booked for a trial the day before you - I will pass on a hello :wave: !

[Michelle2010]

That's great news on your dress! :banana:

I have the same thoughts about wearing a crinnie or a hoop, the hoop would keep you cool in the Florida weather, but crinnie's look like so much fun! :laughing: I'll probably go with a hoop, because I'd want to dye my crinnie gold, and I'm not so sure that would turn out...

Plus, a lot of dress stores here rent them to you when you buy your dress from them, I don't think they'd appreciate it being returned some fluro colour! :rotfl:

I love your cakes too, that blue one is going to be beautiful!

I love the idea of you returning a gold crinnie to the shop :rotfl2: The hoop I tried on made the dress look a bit of a funny shape but I think that's because it had too many hoops (or maybe I'm just a funny shape!) but it was nice to not have any material touching my legs. I might take a dyed crinnie for the MK shoot to go with my pink shoes, decisions, decisions...!

I think I'm probably going to reverse the colours on the cake, so ivory cake with blue icing, I'm worried no-one will eat a blue cake :scared1:

I always seem to miss the UK brides planning journals :confused3! Love all your ideas so far! Were in WDW the same time as you doing some wedding planning too :yay: In fact I Beaute Special booked for a trial the day before you - I will pass on a hello :wave: !

Thanks! Are you as excited as I am about the planning trip? I can't believe how close it is but I am so ready, especially with the rubbish summer weather we have had, in fact I'm tempted to start packing now :lmao:

[GoonieBride]

i really like the blue cake for the reception. its gonna look great!!!

can i just say that im completely jealous you get to have 2 CAKES! :worship: LUCKY!

[Michelle2010]

i really like the blue cake for the reception. its gonna look great!!!

can i just say that im completely jealous you get to have 2 CAKES! :worship: LUCKY!

I know, I am REALLY lucky! I think the blue cake will look great too - and I have found a fantastic cake maker now :cool1:

On another note, I went to a local wedding fair this weekend to get ideas for the home reception. I managed to get the chair covers sorted and found a company that does really nice balloon displays for the entrance. Even better, the jewellers were there who sell the wedding ring I want and they gave me a letter entitling me to 15% off :woohoo: I saw the ring months ago, I have continued looking but not found anything I like anywhere near as much. Unfortunately I don't have a photo (yet!) but it is a white gold and diamond ring in a figure of eight shape all the way around the finger, I can't wait to order it!

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

I just wanted to drop in and say hi!
I love the first cake you chose...I might have to borrow that...and see what it will cost for an upgrade for an escape :rolleyes1 I love the fillagree on it!!! Looking forward to seeing more!