Helloirishkitty's PJ: WP/LSS 02.12.11- 02/17- Back and Married! Reviews, Glad I did..

[helloirishkitty]

Hello Ladies! My name is Liz, and some of you *might* remember me.

Two years ago I started a PJ <which you can find here: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1638592> on this board. We planned on getting married 02.13.09 and had EVERYTHING bought and paid for. The dress, the invitations, photographer... everything. Then, something (or rather, someONE) made us put everything on hold...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/eamonmosaic-1.jpg


Meet our son, Eamon. As much as we could have gone along with everything as planned, I never wanted to be pregnant on my wedding day and I also wanted him to be part of it. We also had to buy a house rather quickly so that took priority over our DFTW. My son is my world and seeing my DF with him makes me fall in love with him more everyday. I'm very happy that I get to plan now as I'm a little older and my tastes have completely changed.

So here is a little background on us:

Me (24)- I'm a pharmacist who is secretly wanting to return to school even though I just graduated last year. I get stressed when I think of doing what I do for the next 30-40 years. Other than Disney, I love hello kitty, snow, and wedding planning obsessively.

DF (32)- He's an associate physics professor. He is also a part-time SAHD because he only works 3 days a week :goodvibes


What's the same:

We're getting married in February (value season and it's not too hot- score!). The exact date is a secret until we get it confirmed so I'll let you all know in February :) We're probably still going to use Randy Chapman but I plan on looking into other photographers before booking him because we didn't do that last time. The ceremony will be at the WP.

What's different this time:


The dress I bought does not fit anymore and definitely does not look good on me anymore. I have lost all of baby weight, but my body is shaped so differently now! Also, having my son/rescheduling my wedding as shown me who my real friends are. So that means a new dress and a different bridal party. We're looking at having a smaller wedding with around 50-60 guests (mostly so we can have a dessert party and a welcome dinner). I also have no idea where to have our reception yet because we're having a smaller wedding. We've just started planning for the second time around so I figured I'd start a new PJ.

And I'm so excited to FINALLY be getting married! :rotfl:

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Congratulations on both your wedding plans and your baby boy! He is sooo adorable! I live in Buffalo, do you still live here or did you move when you graduated? I think it is great that you decided to wait so your son could be part of your special day! Your plans sound great so far. Me and my DF are still trying to decide our reception location as well, so many choices! Anyway, welcome back to the boards and I look forward to hearing more about your plans! :goodvibes

[helloirishkitty]

Congratulations on both your wedding plans and your baby boy! He is sooo adorable! I go to Buff State and live in Buffalo, do you still live here or did you move when you graduated? I think it is great that you decided to wait so your son could be part of your special day! Your plans sound great so far. Me and my DF are still trying to decide our reception location as well, so many choices! Anyway, welcome back to the boards and I look forward to hearing more about your plans! :goodvibes

Thanks! I'm from Buffalo, born and raised and am still here! I had planned on moving after graduating but got a job offer that I couldn't refuse. What are you going to BuffState for? Are you from here? I love meeting people on the DIS from buffalo! :goodvibes

[*Pixiedust1438*]

I'm an Early Childhood/Childhood Education major. I was also born and raised here. I love it here most of the time! Me and Df are big Bills/Sabres fans. So nice to have another Buffalonian planning a DFTW!

[MainStMandy]

Aww what a cutie he is!! Congratulations!!

Another Upsate Ny'er here!! Born and raised in Rochester but graduated from Buff State too!

[Bridie1996]

And m DF was raised up in Buffalo,and also graduated from Buff State.

Welcome, and congrats on the baby boy. He is a cutie. :)

[Sarah84]

Congratulations on starting to plan your wedding again. Your little boy is such a cutie and I can't think of any better reason to need to pospone your wedding :)

[Pirate's Princess]

Well if there's one GOOD reason to delay your wedding, your son definitely fits that. I can't wait to read all your plans. And dress shopping is so much fun, I'm sure you'll enjoy your second time around. Well back to the boards!

[TinkLoverSam]

Welcome Back! Your plans sound awesome!

[pezaddict231]

Welcome back! I can't think of a better reason to have to postpone your wedding, your son is very cute and it will be so special to have him be a part of your big day! Looking forward to hearing more about your plans!

[Ann117]

Welcome back! Can't wait to hear more. Your baby is so cute

[helloirishkitty]

Ok ladies... now that I have everything semi-confirmed with Disney, I am going to go full throttle on my PJ!

First things first, I have a got a good amount of weight to lose. I had my little one in September, and between working full time and being a mom full time I have had very little time to focus on me. I weighed more than I liked when I got pregnant, and I gained around 50lbs while pregnant. So far I have lost 40 and I'm squishier than normal.

So this Saturday I am starting my diet/extreme workout regimine. I'm still breastfeeding (sorry if that's TMI) so my doctor has told me I still need to eat a lot but it can be leaner, healthier things.

I also plan on going to the gym three mornings a week before work and doing workouts at home 2 other days a week.

I just wish I felt more motivated. I know I will be infinetly happier after I lose about 30lbs but I need a swift kick to stay focused!

Do any of you have any advice about dieting?

[lpizzuro123]

First of all, what a wonderful picture of your new little son.

Not sure what you have booked yet but as far as wedding receptions go, I would highly recommend Atlantic Dance Hall. We were married November 2008 and our ceremony was an early morning Epcot Italy ceremony, our reception was at ADH (we did a brunch so it was less expensive) we had 50 people so your guest count would be perfect and we were able to have a DP in Epcot UK Lower that evening. It was a perfect day and perfect locations.

Now, as far as diet goes, I am currently doing WW and they do have a plan for nursing mothers (and that is not TMI). I am sure you are crazy busy with planning a wedding, your son and your job but WW does work.

Looking forward to reading more and please let me know if you would like any suggestions.

Linda

[Disney9.9.10]

If there is ever a reason to postpone a DFTW, this is it! Your baby boy is so beautiful! Congratulations! And now you will still be getting your DFTW, which is amazing. I can't wait to read more!

[lpizzuro123]

Just checked out your plans again and it looks like you already have your locations set. That is so great that you are using The Living Seas. I have always wanted to see that room and I have seen lovely pictures of wedding held there. Can't wait to ready more.

Linda

[helloirishkitty]

If there is ever a reason to postpone a DFTW, this is it! Your baby boy is so beautiful! Congratulations! And now you will still be getting your DFTW, which is amazing. I can't wait to read more!

Thank you! I am beyond excited and diving into planning! heh


Just checked out your plans again and it looks like you already have your locations set. That is so great that you are using The Living Seas. I have always wanted to see that room and I have seen lovely pictures of wedding held there. Can't wait to ready more.

Linda

I definitely wanted to use ADH but we moved our ceremony to a Saturday and we can't have our reception there if our ceremony is at 2:30 :guilty: LSS is more DF's style because he likes fish so as soon as he saw the room, he was sold. I'm on weight watches online now! I'm intirgued about the diet for nursing mothers.. thank you for the advice :)

[pink_tink8i8]

YAY, you are back!! I was wondering what had happened to you. Congrats on the new date on on your baby :goodvibes can't wait to hear more

[Brit_Jude]

Your son is sooo cute - congratulations. Looking forward to more updates.

Yes I agree that significant events in your life really do let you know who your friends are. :hug:

[helloirishkitty]

YAY, you are back!! I was wondering what had happened to you. Congrats on the new date on on your baby :goodvibes can't wait to hear more

aww thank you for the congrats! It's so nice to see familiar faces :goodvibes

Your son is sooo cute - congratulations. Looking forward to more updates.

Yes I agree that significant events in your life really do let you know who your friends are. :hug:

thank you! Isn't that the truth! Ugh... I'm only have a few friends that i want to invite to the wedding now.. the other's have disappeared off of the face of the earth :headache: but life sure is better now :goodvibes

[helloirishkitty]

I don't really have any updates today other than I just submitted my room block. I have a feeling we won't get our free night- my family will most likely use AAA discounts and take advantage of the dining plans.

I did order save the date postcards which will be sent out in addition to our Disney Save-The-Dates. I just have to figure out where to get them printed.. hmmm...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/savethedate.jpg

please ignore the wonky pdf-to-jpg conversion. the sky is supposed to be blue.

Any ideas on where to get postcards printed? :goodvibes

[BecBennett]

I got my Save the dates printed as photos. I don't know how you'd then convert them to postcards, but you could look into online printing companies and see if they offer the option of getting the back stamped or printed with a post card design. :confused3

[helloirishkitty]

I got my Save the dates printed as photos. I don't know how you'd then convert them to postcards, but you could look into online printing companies and see if they offer the option of getting the back stamped or printed with a post card design. :confused3

She actually made me the image of the "postcard" back... Kinkos website says they do them so I'm going to bring the proof in to see if they can help :)

[Sccrmnky2005]

everything looks great so far! Can't wait to read more about your plans!!

[brer rabbit 28]

Just wanted to say congrats and I love your save the dates idea.

Can't wait to see all your plans come together

[hrarcham]

Congrats on your little guy! He is so cute! It's very exciting that you'll be able to continue your plans for a dream wedding!

[helloirishkitty]

Just wanted to say congrats and I love your save the dates idea.

Can't wait to see all your plans come together

Congrats on your little guy! He is so cute! It's very exciting that you'll be able to continue your plans for a dream wedding!


everything looks great so far! Can't wait to read more about your plans!!

Thank you all for reading ladies! Big update is coming up next :goodvibes

[helloirishkitty]

Well now that we've received our LOA and that I've overnighted it down to DFTW, I've come to the realization that we are actually getting married. I know the engagement ring should have made me realize that, but it seems so much more concrete now that we've committed to giving Disney lots of $$$ :rotfl:

So I've started to think about colors. Originally I wanted pink because it's my favorite :lovestruc. But since we've decided to have the reception at the Living Seas, pink won't really work. So now I'm leaning towards a tiffany blue/silver/white color scheme. So if I have the bridesmaids wear Tiffany Blue Dresses, and have the groomens men in suits with Tiffany Blue ties that will work with LSS a lot better. Here are my options for bridesmaids dresses.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/bridesmaids1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/bridesmaids2.jpg

They would be in the "capri" color, which the closest to Tiffany Blue that I could find!

I also don't want to have a theme, but I really like lovebirds and want theme incorporated somehow. I've found lots of lovebird cakes/cake toppers but they are all so different that it's hard to decide!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/lovebirdgroup-1-1.jpg


Once I get my planner, I should be able to schedule my PS! I am on pins and needles waiting, but I need to actually get ideas first :rotfl:

[Disney9.9.10]

I love the love birds "theme" idea! Very cute! Someone on these boards (I believe it is Sambycat - please correct me if I am wrong!) has an adorable bird cake topper in her PJ you could check out. There are a ton of ways to incorporate this idea without making it an overpowering theme - like with your favours, cake topper, a charm on your bouquet or garder etc etc...

I think it is funny how sending money somehow makes it seem so real... I felt the same way, but I'm not really sure why lol

[BecBennett]

Yeah I'm the same way, once you've spent money there's no turning back! :lmao:

[helloirishkitty]

I love the love birds "theme" idea! Very cute! Someone on these boards (I believe it is Sambycat - please correct me if I am wrong!) has an adorable bird cake topper in her PJ you could check out. There are a ton of ways to incorporate this idea without making it an overpowering theme - like with your favours, cake topper, a charm on your bouquet or garder etc etc...

I think it is funny how sending money somehow makes it seem so real... I felt the same way, but I'm not really sure why lol

Yeah I'm the same way, once you've spent money there's no turning back! :lmao:

So true ladies! DF made a :scared1: face when we signed the contract. I had to explain to him (for the 30,000th time) that a disney wedding is cheaper than an at-home wedding. Even if it wasn't, we'd still be having a Disney wedding but he doesn't need to know that :rotfl:

[ghoulish delight]

Congrats on your son (he's adorable) and your upcoming wedding! :goodvibes I love the color choices you're thinking of using so far! The save-the-dates are super cute too. Looking forward to following along! popcorn::

Edit: Haha, and I meant to say that's awesome that you're a pharmacist!! Had I known what I wanted to do sooner than I did, I might have gone after that also. I just finished schooling right before my wedding to become a pharm tech, so at least I'm sort of in the same field? Lol

[helloirishkitty]

Congrats on your son (he's adorable) and your upcoming wedding! :goodvibes I love the color choices you're thinking of using so far! The save-the-dates are super cute too. Looking forward to following along! popcorn::

Edit: Haha, and I meant to say that's awesome that you're a pharmacist!! Had I known what I wanted to do sooner than I did, I might have gone after that also. I just finished schooling right before my wedding to become a pharm tech, so at least I'm sort of in the same field? Lol

Thank you for reading!! I will have a big update before the end of the week- I need more DIS time at home :rotfl: We definitely are in the same field- my pharm techs are my life-savers most days!

[weedee]

joining in! popcorn::

Welcome back and congrats on your new addition :goodvibes I'm sure it exciting to get back into the wedding planning mindset again. Can't wait to hear more about your plans!

[helloirishkitty]

joining in! popcorn::

Welcome back and congrats on your new addition :goodvibes I'm sure it exciting to get back into the wedding planning mindset again. Can't wait to hear more about your plans!

Thank you for reading! I'm hoping to have time to update tomorrow :)

[shippedtosea]

joining in!

I really like the love bird theme! very cute. I like the first BM dress best.

[helloirishkitty]

:After spending most of my work day reading lots of PJ's (and well.. not working), I think I've become very indecisive.

We picked LSS because it's unique and DF absolutely loves fish. Now I'm torn because I feel like we're going to be spending so much more $$$ because EVERYTHING has to go through Disney. I feel like if we used a resort location we could do more when it comes to decorating because we wouldn't be tired down to one price quote. When we were planning the first time, Disney wasn't so stringent about their vendor rules (especially photography) and it's starting to bug me a little bit.

I don't even know what the other options are at this point! I mean, I KNOWwhat they are, but I don't know if they are available and don't know what to do! Ugh... Why is this stressful? :headache:

[Disney9.9.10]

:hug: Hugs! I think that it is indecisive bride week or something. A ton of brides (myself included!) have been second guessing and location changing. I too felt like I didn't exactly know what I was getting into when my sales consultant initially booked us. This is not his fault at all, there is just so much coming at you, that I just went with what he said (and now I have changed a bunch of stuff!). But I would definitely take a look at some other locations. There are a lot less restrictions at resort locations (as you know!) and there are some really unique ones! Maybe take a day or two off of wedding stuff, relax yourself, and then check out the locations with a fresh view. It is easy to get frustrated and not be able to see some of the positives. Your planner is also a great source of information - they will be able to give you some options and will know what is available on your day.

I hope that you get this all sorted out soon! And everyone on the DIS will be around to support you in whatever decision you make!

[helloirishkitty]

:hug: Hugs! I think that it is indecisive bride week or something. A ton of brides (myself included!) have been second guessing and location changing. I too felt like I didn't exactly know what I was getting into when my sales consultant initially booked us. This is not his fault at all, there is just so much coming at you, that I just went with what he said (and now I have changed a bunch of stuff!). But I would definitely take a look at some other locations. There are a lot less restrictions at resort locations (as you know!) and there are some really unique ones! Maybe take a day or two off of wedding stuff, relax yourself, and then check out the locations with a fresh view. It is easy to get frustrated and not be able to see some of the positives. Your planner is also a great source of information - they will be able to give you some options and will know what is available on your day.

I hope that you get this all sorted out soon! And everyone on the DIS will be around to support you in whatever decision you make!

Thank you! I think I've just been in such a funk lately and I"m constantly worrying about whether or not I'm making the right decisions. I'm going to leave things as is for now, and if this overwhelming feeling comes back, I'll have to figure out something! lol

[helloirishkitty]

I keep thinking that no one is going to come to my wedding! We are inviting over 100, and hoping that 40-50 come down. I know, it's silly because I know people will be there, but I am constantly obsessing and worrying about no one coming. Last night I had a dream that once everyone got the invitations they called me and told me I was ridiculous.

My extended family is a little bit on the weird side. My mother and my fight all the time, but they are still important to me and I want my aunt and her family to come. I know it's natural that some people won't be able to make it, but I have nightmares that it's just me, Jackson, our son, and my maid of honor. What is going on!!?! I am SO stressed about it for no reason.

Okay. Now onto something not-so-nightmare inducing... :rolleyes1

I think I've decided exactly what I want. They're letterpress, so I'm pretty sure that until I order them I'm going to be going back and forth about spending the $$$. I never thought I'd actually WANT letterpress invitations and always thought that were a little too extravagant for my taste. Then I found these.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/lovebirds-letterpress-sample-1-1.jpg

I LOVE them. I ordered a sample from the company (Bella Figura out of Syracuse, NY) and also ordered samples of the different inks they have available. I love how different they are. I just don't know if I love the $$ they will cost. I've been searching the internet for something I love more, but I don't know if I will find anything.

Anyone have any suggestions? Or letterpress regrets I should know about? :rotfl:

[BecBennett]

They are really nice invitations, but I do tend to side with them not being worth the extra money, I mean to look at they are beautiful, and nicer then plainer invites, but other then reading the invite and keeping it on their fridge for a couple of months, what are your guests going to do with them? :confused3

My FMIL framed our engagement invite as a gift to us, which was really nice, and it's hanging on our wall, but all other invites have been thrown out, long ago.

Now, on to the guest count. Would it really matter if it was just the 4 of you? I worried about this too, and invited heaps of people, hoping for maybe 30 guests, and now I'm hoping people stop saying yes!! :lmao:

[Disney9.9.10]

Those invitations are beautiful! But like you and pp said, not really worth breaking the bank over invitations. Are you crafty? Could you emboss a design like this onto a plainer invitation yourself? This would be much cheaper.

As for your guests, I think that the people who matter will be there. Are you having any type of home reception afterwards? We are having a party when we get home so that people who can't come to Disney will still get to celebrate with us.

[weedee]

I think letterpress looks lovely but they do just end up in the trash/recycling bin after a month or two. But it's important to some brides. With planning a wedding on a budget, I guess you just need to figure out where you'd like to spend your money! If its on letter-pressed invites, then I say go for it :thumbsup2 For other brides, it's floral or their dress. I don't think you can go wrong with how great letterpress can look though! :cutie:

[BecBennett]

For other brides, it's floral or their dress.

For me it's food and photography :goodvibes

[helloirishkitty]

They are really nice invitations, but I do tend to side with them not being worth the extra money, I mean to look at they are beautiful, and nicer then plainer invites, but other then reading the invite and keeping it on their fridge for a couple of months, what are your guests going to do with them? :confused3

My FMIL framed our engagement invite as a gift to us, which was really nice, and it's hanging on our wall, but all other invites have been thrown out, long ago.

Now, on to the guest count. Would it really matter if it was just the 4 of you? I worried about this too, and invited heaps of people, hoping for maybe 30 guests, and now I'm hoping people stop saying yes!! :lmao:


I know. They'll be on the fridge for a few months and then they will be in the garbage. I just need to find something else that I like so I can forget about them! lol

Honestly, it wouldn't really matter if it was just the four of us. I'm just the type of person that would take it personally if people didn't show up. It's a personality trait that I don't enjoy lol.

[helloirishkitty]

Those invitations are beautiful! But like you and pp said, not really worth breaking the bank over invitations. Are you crafty? Could you emboss a design like this onto a plainer invitation yourself? This would be much cheaper.

As for your guests, I think that the people who matter will be there. Are you having any type of home reception afterwards? We are having a party when we get home so that people who can't come to Disney will still get to celebrate with us.

:rotfl: I am definitely not crafty. I am also crunched for time most days so I'm trying not to overload myself with wedding crafts. I did get a Cricut for my birthday and a calligraphy kit so I'm trying to become crafty, I just haven't had time to sit down and play with them.

We are having an at home reception afterwards. Thank you for reassuring me that the people who matter will be there :goodvibes

[helloirishkitty]

I think letterpress looks lovely but they do just end up in the trash/recycling bin after a month or two. But it's important to some brides. With planning a wedding on a budget, I guess you just need to figure out where you'd like to spend your money! If its on letter-pressed invites, then I say go for it :thumbsup2 For other brides, it's floral or their dress. I don't think you can go wrong with how great letterpress can look though! :cutie:

Letterpress is gorgeous- I never even thought twice about it until now! I think the issue is that I have to sit down and find out what IS the most important to me. We do have a budget, and I know I need to come in under that #, I just haven't budgeted out specific amounts for different things yet. Maybe I'll do that over the weekend. Thank you for the suggestion!

[helloirishkitty]

Well I received the call this morning that we will be getting assigned a planner today! :cool1: :cool1::cheer2::cheer2:

When my coordinator called to tell me, she asked me what was the most important thing to us about our wedding day and I froze! I haven't even thought about it- I really need to buckle down and start planning.

How long was it before you got assigned a planner and you received a call from them? I am so excited! :dance3:

[weedee]

congrats...that's so exciting! It actually took over a week...maybe close to 2 for us to actually receive our planner. We were kinda bummed it took so long, but our planner Kathleen is amazing! Let us know who you get.

[curiouser]

Congrats on getting your planner! I think it was 4-5 days before Ken called, but that seems so long ago now I can't remember! :rotfl:

[ghoulish delight]

Hooray! Congrats on getting your planner! :yay:

As for the letterpress invites - they are adorable for sure, but I agree with the other girls. :scratchin I can't tell you how much I worried about getting pretty invites, but DH kept reminding me that most people will throw them away. Only a handful (if that) will actually hold onto the invitation after the wedding. I feel it's better to invest money elsewhere in something that'll be important ON the day. That's just my opinion though, of course! But do whatever makes you happiest! That's what really matters. What you and your DF think is important for your day. :teeth:

[sambycat]

I'm both excited to hear AND jealous because we just got our LOA - and sent it back Friday, so have yet to hear back! Of course, we had to get the names corrected because some nut doesn't know her FH's correct m:goodvibesiddle name..... Oy!!
I love the paper you're looking at. So pretty! And yeah, I've ordered a really cute bird topper. Come to think of it, I wonder when it's coming. It was asy way too expensive as well. Well I can share your excitement in the what next!

[helloirishkitty]

congrats...that's so exciting! It actually took over a week...maybe close to 2 for us to actually receive our planner. We were kinda bummed it took so long, but our planner Kathleen is amazing! Let us know who you get.

Congrats on getting your planner! I think it was 4-5 days before Ken called, but that seems so long ago now I can't remember! :rotfl:


It's only been 3 business days and I am anxiously waiting for my phone to ring/to get an e-mail. I need to relax... :rotfl: I can't wait to find out who it is and then ask all the DisBrides if they liked them. :goodvibes


Hooray! Congrats on getting your planner! :yay:

As for the letterpress invites - they are adorable for sure, but I agree with the other girls. :scratchin I can't tell you how much I worried about getting pretty invites, but DH kept reminding me that most people will throw them away. Only a handful (if that) will actually hold onto the invitation after the wedding. I feel it's better to invest money elsewhere in something that'll be important ON the day. That's just my opinion though, of course! But do whatever makes you happiest! That's what really matters. What you and your DF think is important for your day. :teeth:


I think I would rather spent the $1000+ on floral or decorations of some sort. I still have to figure out what, but I'd rather do that then line someone's trash can with my $$ heh!

I'm both excited to hear AND jealous because we just got our LOA - and sent it back Friday, so have yet to hear back! Of course, we had to get the names corrected because some nut doesn't know her FH's correct m:goodvibesiddle name..... Oy!!
I love the paper you're looking at. So pretty! And yeah, I've ordered a really cute bird topper. Come to think of it, I wonder when it's coming. It was asy way too expensive as well. Well I can share your excitement in the what next!


Where did you get your bird topper? All of the ones I've found that I like are $$$... maybe that's just my taste :rotfl: My consultant told me that planners get assigned on Wednesdays so hopefully this Wednesday is your day!

[helloirishkitty]

I got a phone call from our planner today! Her name is Diane Bowen. Has anyone had her? She seems really nice from our first conversation. I haven't seen her mentioned around here so any tips/reviews would be fantastic :)



On Friday night I went dress shopping with my cousin (a bride-to-be also, she's a 10-10-10 bride) and on Saturday I went dress shopping with my MOH. I was determined to find my dress.

Friday night we went to a really cute little shop and were assisted by a very sweet lady who reminded me of my mother. I tried on 3-4 dresses but nothing really "clicked". Then I found this dress...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/yhst-36019181146476_2107_29014414.jpg

I felt beautiful in it, and once they put a veil on me I couldn't stop giggling. But I knew that I was going to a few different stores in the morning and didn't want to stop looking yet.


The next morning I went to my morning appointment. It was a nightmare. The shop smelled like a musty basement and the woman working was such a snot. She first snapped at me and then stated that I probably wouldn't fit into anything so she would "hold" the dresses up to me. I'm a size 14/16, so I knew I could get the sample dresses on but they just wouldn't zip. So without any help from the woman running the store, my MOH pulled dresses and I tried them on myself.

The first dress was it. I cried. And then I cried at the thought of having to order it from the snot running the show. But crisis was averted when I remembered that the salon from the night before carried the designer and when I called, the very sweet lady from the night before could order my dress for me! The best news of the day was that the dress only cost half of what I had budgeted to spend! :cool1:

So here's my dress... I absolutely am in love with it and google it at least once a day at work... :love:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/ambrosia.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v326/irishpixiestick/productimg1259404351570.jpg

[sunset30]

A gorgeous dress!
So good that you could get it from the nice place too! You would think that the people at wedding dresss shops would be nice, it's a lot of money to spend and lots of alternative places to go!
Glad you got a bargain too!
Lx

[puente0629]

Beautiful dress, I love Maggie Sottero, I'm actually wearing Fiorella from her collection.

[Disney9.9.10]

Congrats on getting your planner! I have no experience, but I have heard good things, so I am sure that you will be happy! I am sorry about the rude woman you had to deal with at the bridal salon :( There is no reason to tell a bride that she cannot fit, that is disgraceful of her. On the plus side, you did get a dress!! and it is beautiful!! I am also a Maggie Sottero bride, and her dresses are amazing! I felt like every dress that I liked when I went shopping was a Sottero lol I hope that you don't have to deal with any more unpleasantness!

[helloirishkitty]

Congrats on getting your planner! I have no experience, but I have heard good things, so I am sure that you will be happy! I am sorry about the rude woman you had to deal with at the bridal salon :( There is no reason to tell a bride that she cannot fit, that is disgraceful of her. On the plus side, you did get a dress!! and it is beautiful!! I am also a Maggie Sottero bride, and her dresses are amazing! I felt like every dress that I liked when I went shopping was a Sottero lol I hope that you don't have to deal with any more unpleasantness!


Yay for maggie brides! Which Maggie Dress are you wearing? People can be so rude at the most unexpected places... I would never have the nerve to say something like that to someone!


A gorgeous dress!
So good that you could get it from the nice place too! You would think that the people at wedding dresss shops would be nice, it's a lot of money to spend and lots of alternative places to go!
Glad you got a bargain too!
Lx


Thank you- Yay for bargains!!

Beautiful dress, I love Maggie Sottero, I'm actually wearing Fiorella from her collection.

Fiorella is a beautiful dress- you will look gorgeous! My cousin wanted to order it but the salon didn't think that they could get it in in time so they didn't let her order it. :(

[tinkerbell 766]

Annie
I love the Fiorella too!
It was on my shortlist butin the end I went with Christina - plainer and more appropriate (IMHO) for an older VR bride!!
Just one question, I notice that our two gowns are made of the same fabric - soft shimmer satin,and I was wondering whether you are having Carolyn Allen prepare your dress and if so whether it is steamable or whether you are having to get her to iron it.
Thanks
I have just realised that I have hijacked your PJ!!! I do apologise!!

[pink_tink8i8]

What a gorgeous dress :goodvibes Your invites are really nice. love letterpress

[BecBennett]

I love Ambrosia! I've got it short listed to try on, I've just got to find a weekend to get to a store to try it! It's beautiful!

[wintermouse]

Your dress is beautiful! I'm a Maggie bride also and I think her dresses are awesome and very budget-friendly!!

It's always such a shame when people are treated rudely... especially when shopping for something so important!! I'm so glad you were able to order it from the other salon! :goodvibes

[Pirate's Princess]

Great dress. I love letterpress invitations too but I just couldn't justify it. But they are beautiful...I love the design.

[helloirishkitty]

Annie
I love the Fiorella too!
It was on my shortlist butin the end I went with Christina - plainer and more appropriate (IMHO) for an older VR bride!!
Just one question, I notice that our two gowns are made of the same fabric - soft shimmer satin,and I was wondering whether you are having Carolyn Allen prepare your dress and if so whether it is steamable or whether you are having to get her to iron it.
Thanks
I have just realised that I have hijacked your PJ!!! I do apologise!!

:rotfl: It's ok! Hijack away!

I love Ambrosia! I've got it short listed to try on, I've just got to find a weekend to get to a store to try it! It's beautiful!

I called all over to find a store that had it and surprisingly only one did! I'm surprised with all the girls that want to try it on that more store don't carry it.

What a gorgeous dress :goodvibes Your invites are really nice. love letterpress

Great dress. I love letterpress invitations too but I just couldn't justify it. But they are beautiful...I love the design.

I'm still trying to justify it but we're definitely leaning that way!

Your dress is beautiful! I'm a Maggie bride also and I think her dresses are awesome and very budget-friendly!!

It's always such a shame when people are treated rudely... especially when shopping for something so important!! I'm so glad you were able to order it from the other salon! :goodvibes

Thank you! I agree, Maggie dresses are amazing- beautiful and budget-conscious!

[helloirishkitty]

We booked our PS trip last night! :cool1::cool1:

We will be in WDW from September 12th-14th with our PS and food tasting scheduled for the 13th. We are staying at POP! We got our plane tickets and two nights the resort for under $500! Part of me wanted to splurge and stay deluxe but now I'm excited that we got such a good deal. :dance3:

[daisygirl902]

We booked our PS trip last night! :cool1::cool1:

We will be in WDW from September 12th-14th with our PS and food tasting scheduled for the 13th. We are staying at POP! We got our plane tickets and two nights the resort for under $500! Part of me wanted to splurge and stay deluxe but now I'm excited that we got such a good deal. :dance3:

OH - Congrats!! My PS was last week and was so great! Enjoy every moment, and eat lots of cake!

[weedee]

that's so exciting!! :yay: I think POP is a good idea, after all it leaves more $$$ to splurge on your honeymoon :cutie:

[helloirishkitty]

Just a random update post since I have been neglecting my PJ :guilty:

57 days until our PS!! :cool1: I splurged a little and we are now staying at the Wilderness Lodge. We are going to Hoop-Dee-Doo the night we arrive, and our only other ADR's are at Chef Mickey's and Artist Point, so I figured that without a car, we might spend most of our little trip travelling. Plus, we wouldn't be guranteed a king size bed, and we wouldn't sleep well in a double, so having seperate beds on vacation is not very romantic. :rotfl:

We booked Studio 222 for our photography and Beaute Speciale for hair and makeup. I'm still trying to to find bridesmaids dresses and it's slowly getting on my nerves because I don't know if I want short or long. My dress has a lot going on, and I don't want the bridesmaids dresses to look boring in comparision.

210 days to the wedding... oh boy! I have soo much to do!

[Disney9.9.10]

You will be there for your PS the same time I will be there on my honeymoon! I hope that you have a great time at your PS - have you decided what food you will be having?

Congrats on booking your photographer and hair/makeup. I am sure that you will be very happy with everything!

[helloirishkitty]

*hangs head in shame*

I have been such a bad DisBride! I haven't updated my PJ in awhile, and my post today will be short and sweet.

We are leaving for our PS on Sunday so I will have a TR next week :cool1::cool1:

I'm so excited that I almost can't breathe- I can't wait to have everything ironed out... and to get my BEO :scared1:

[pixie921]

Have a wonderful trip! We'll all be anxious to hear how things went when you get back! :thumbsup2

[helloirishkitty]

Well, we got our first BEO. We actually came in a little under budget, but this one doesn't include floral, so we'll see what happens. This also doesn't include our photography for the ceremony and before/after, we are using Studio 222 for that. We are having our ceremony at the WP, our reception at LSS and our DP at UK lower. BEOs are usually very useful PJ posts for me, so I thought I would share ours :goodvibes

Wedding Ceremony, Saturday February 12, 2011, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Grand Floridian, 50 guests

Catering Fees and Equipment
1 Wedding Pavilion usage @ $3000.00 each $3195.00
Transportation
1 Motorcoach - Charter @ $781.20 each $781.20
2 Van- Oneway @ $25.00 each $25.00

Estimated Event Total: $4026.20

Wedding Cake Delivery, 2:30-3:00pm
Grand Floridian:
Catering Food and Beverage
1 Wedding Cake- No Service Charge @ $980.00 each $1043.70

(our wedding cake is a 3 tiered mad hatter- we are providing the topper)

Event Total: $1043.70

Pre-reception/Reception, 3:30pm-8:15pm on Saturday, February 12, 2011
Epcot, 50 guests
Operations/Attractions
1 Venue Rental @ $500.00 each $532.50
Bar
250 Hosted, Call Branh Bar @ $6.75 each $2174.60
1 Wine, Sparkling- Champagne Toast @ $62.00 bottle $79.90
Catering Food and Beverage
47 Modified Down by the Sea with Ariel @ $99.00pp $5996.09
2 Child's Gus and Jaq Dinner @ $24.50pp $63.14
49 Antipasto Display @ $14.75pp $931.37
1 wedding Cake Handling Fee @ $205.80 each $219.18
Catering Fees and Equipment
1 Fee, Bartender @ $100.00 each $106.50
Entertainment
1 DJ Wedding Package @ $1400.00 each $1400.00
1 Donald Duck and Daisy (1 set) @ #1350.00 each $1350.00
2 Caricature Artist @ $585.00 each $11.70.00

Event Total: $14023.28

Dessert Party, 8:30pm-9:30pm on Saturday February 12, 2011
Epcot, 50 guests

Operations/Attractions
50 Illuminations Viewing Fee @ 12.95pp $689.59
Catering Food and Beverage
49 Custom Dessert Buffet @ $32.00pp $2020.60
Catering Fees and Equipment
1 Outdoor Set up Fee @ $75.00 each $79.88
Photography, Video and Multimedia
1 custom Dessert Party Package @ $350.00 $350.00
Transportation
1 Towncard- Oneway @ $25.00 each $25.00

Event Total: $3165.25


Estimated Program Total: $22258.25

[Nikisha421]

thanks for posting your beo...I too always think beo post are so helpful only second to wedding day picture post...lol...I think for you number of guest you did a really good job on your budget...

[NOMNOMNOMS]

Thank you soo much for posting your BEO! We also have Diane Bowen. Unfortunately we have not had the pleasure of speaking with her yet. I'm glad to hear you like her. We are planning to have our PS sometime in December *fingers crossed*...oh and I loooove your dress!!! I'll be following along :goodvibes

[LuvLuvLuv]

just got caught up! thanks for the BEO!

i tried on 7 maggie dresses last night... and Emily seems to be my girl :)

all maggie dresses are soooo amazing :) yours is sooo pretty!

[KitKat5]

Hiya! :wave: Just caught up and everything sounds great! I LOVE your dress! :lovestruc Its beautiful! I cant wait to hear more!! :goodvibes

[helloirishkitty]

thanks for posting your beo...I too always think beo post are so helpful only second to wedding day picture post...lol...I think for you number of guest you did a really good job on your budget...

Thanks! I hope our floral isn't too crazy because then we may have to cut things and I don't want to :headache:

Thank you soo much for posting your BEO! We also have Diane Bowen. Unfortunately we have not had the pleasure of speaking with her yet. I'm glad to hear you like her. We are planning to have our PS sometime in December *fingers crossed*...oh and I loooove your dress!!! I'll be following along :goodvibes


She is great- you will love her! She is VERY busy this month (she warned me that October may be a rough month to get ahold of her during). Are you going down for a planning session?

just got caught up! thanks for the BEO!

i tried on 7 maggie dresses last night... and Emily seems to be my girl :)

all maggie dresses are soooo amazing :) yours is sooo pretty!

:love: maggie sottero. Emily is beautiful- congrats on finding your dress!

[helloirishkitty]

Hello everyone!

I completely abandoned my PJ prior to the wedding- the last few months were a time crunch and I was stressed more often than not. I left a lot of things to the last minute (case in point: I made the ceremony music CD on Thursday in our 2 bedroom villa for our Saturday wedding). But, everything got taken care of and even though I had my doubts at times, DFTW made everything perfect and I couldn't have asked for more.

I will do a full TR once we have our professional pictures- right now there is 1 sneak peak photo on Studio 222's blog and it's driving me crazy!

http://www.studio222photography.com/blog/

Here are some reviews :goodvibes


Diane Bowen- A+- even thought she was hard to get a hold of at times, she was on her A game the day of the wedding and everything was handled. There were some minor glitches (missing wedding rings and no guiness at the reception for the groom) but they were both taken care of in less than 5 minutes and it was like they had never happened. I never felt stressed the day of, she had everything under control and was there from ceremony-dessert party. LOVE her! Anyone that gets the pleasure of having her is so lucky- she's truly fantastic!

DFTW assistants- A+- I know we defintely had Vanessa and Matthew, but there were others running around the day of the wedding too. They were all fanastic- Matthew even pinned my veil in because it kept falling out during pictures at the GF.

DFTW floral, Warren- A+- Warren was great. I didn't have a lot of floral at the wedding but I gave him complete creative license with the bouquets and he did an awesome job. The centerpieces (silver lanterns with yellow roses) were exactly what I imagined.

Studio 222 Photography A+- I love Becka and Nate. They are perfect for each other and very very talented. I feel like they got exactly what I wanted for my picutres. Jason loved Nate because he's a fellow star wars geek. They were a little on the pricier side but they are truly worth EVERY penny.

Disney Photography- We had Disney Photography for in park events and we had two of them (their names escape me at this point) From what they showed me on the camera, so far so good. I am impatient waiting for them though :)

Beaute Speciale A+- I had my hairdresser from home come to the wedding as a guest, so she did my hair but Beaute Speciale did my makeup and my bridesmaids/moms hair and makeup. I didn't know what I wanted so I just let them do whatever they wanted and it was perfect. It lasted all day even when I got sweaty from dancing my butt off on the dance floor.

Steve Weinstein, Disney DJ- A+- I LOVED our DJ. He was fanastic. We had a small wedding (30ish) and he kept the party going. He took requests all night, even played The Dan Band and Richard Cheese. He was awesome- I would have picked him myself.

Carolyn Allens- A- They are not getting an A+ just because she seemed snippy when she arrived because we did not have a lot of room in our GF room but she did her job well and my dress looked fantastic.

Grand Floridian Staff- B-: I think part of the low grade was that I had waited my whole life to stay here and everyone was rude. We checked in on 02/11 and were given a room with two beds with a view of a dormer. I asked if there was anyway we could have a king bed and the girl at the front desk said that we could have one the following night. Even though I did not want to move, I agreed just to have the king size bed for our wedding night. So when I went downstairs the morning of the wedding to check in/check out a different front desk person said that there would be no king rooms available. I did go a little bridezilla on them at this point, but there was "nothing they could do" and we stayed in the same room. We didn't even spend our free night there, we stayed in our two bedroom villa as there was a king size bed and a big bath tub.

Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort- A+- We own here but it was our first trip "home". I LOVE IT. I am so spoiled now- we were so close to everything and having the big villa was perfect. I loved having a seperate room to relax, I loved having a kitchen (I made cookies twice, heh) and I loved our view of the Magic Kingdom (which I think was a wedding perk because we only used enoough points for the standard view). The staff was also so great and said "congratulations" every time we saw them.


Glad I did....

1) Had caricature artists- We had two charicature artists and they were fantastic. I'm glad we had two because everyone got more than one done and I personally got 4 done. They were funny and very talented.

2) Had Donald Duck- We had a death in the family a few months before the wedding and our budget got cut in half. We cut Daisy but kept Donald and I'm very happy that we did. He was the life of the party- everyone loved him.

3) Had a dessert party- Our dessert party was the perfect end to the night. When we were leaving LSS after the reception, the night didn't feel over yet. After the dessert party, it did and everyone keeps talking about it.

Wish I didn't...

1) Had so much food at the reception and the dessert party- We had a TON of food, I know that a lot of it went to waste and that made me sad. But all of it was fantastic :)

2) Stayed at the GF- I really wish that we hadn't booked the extra night. It would have been just as easy for the girls to get ready in our villa- the boys went fishing prior to the wedding and we would have had lots of privacy. Plus, we didn't even utilize our free night.

[pixie921]

It sounds like everything (aside from the GF) was wonderful!! I'm so glad your day was everything you wanted it to be. I'm anxious to see pictures of course! ;)

[DisneyShamrock]

Grand Floridian Staff- B-: I think part of the low grade was that I had waited my whole life to stay here and everyone was rude.

Aww, that sucks! But, at least everything else was great. I can't wait to see pictures! :goodvibes

[Disney9.9.10]

Glad to hear that your day went well! Waiting for pictures is the worst! lol I am sorry to hear about your bad experience with the GF, I sort of know how you feel. I had wanted to stay there my entire life and I had no problems with the staff, but we didn't get our free night, and there were so many rude guests and horribly behaved children. At least you got to really enjoy your DVC home though! Can't wait to hear more!

[Princess SarahK]

awesome reviews, glad you had a great day! cant wait to see pictures and hear more!! aaannnddd....

CONGRATULATIONS! :wizard:

[princesswendy720]

Great reviews..we are using a few of the same vendors. I'm excited to see more!

Ps...our picture is below yours on Studio222's blog hehe

[Deb loves Disney]

I love your reviews and the sneak peak picture is so beautiful!!!

I'm sorry about the Grand Floridian but so happy that you loved Bay Lake Tower. It's our home resort also but so far have not been able to book anything there! It's always full, lol.

Can't wait to see more, and Congratulations!!!

[BecBennett]

Holy dooley! If you're already back from your wedding, that must mean mine is super close!! :lmao:

Can't wait to see all your pics!!

[tinkerbell 766]

Congratulations - Great to hear you had a wonderful day!!
Sorry to hear that the GF was not so good!!! I am taking my first trip home to BLT for our VR in May. Can't wait to see what my new home is like!!!!