Our Great Escape - Morocco/Canada/Attic/Sago Cay TR *DisneyWeddingBlog Nomination* [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Boardwalk_bride

04-23-2010, 03:36 PM

We are back from our WONDERFUL wedding and honeymoon at WDW, and although I am so sad that it is all over, I am so excited to be able to share all my memories with so many of you who have helped me along the way! It may take me some time to get everything up, as I am finishing up one job and looking for another (and still planning my at home reception) so please be patient with me! I’ll update the index below each time I post something new! I hope everyone who reads along enjoys!

TR Index:
1 .Venues, Vendors, Resorts (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36384098&posted=1#post36384098) Pg.1 Post 2
2. Vendor, Venue, honeymoon Reviews (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36395153#post36395153) Pg.2 Post 17
3. Glad I did/Wish I did/Wish I didn’t (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36430275#post36430275) Pg.4 Post 51
4. Travel Day (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36440018&posted=1#post36440018) Pg.5 Post 67
5. Day One - DTD and Raglan Road (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36444569#post36444569) Pg. 5 Post 70
6. Day Two-Part One (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36535759#post36535759) Pg.7 Post 97
7. Day Two-Part Two - Welcome Party @ Morocco (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36733580#post36733580) Pg.11 Post 159
8. Day Three-Part One - Wedding Day!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36767051#post36767051) Pg. 12 Post 174
9. Day Three-Part Two - Animal Kingdom Portraits (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2450762&page=12) Pg.12 Post 176
10. Day Three-Part Three- The Ceremony (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36779852&posted=1#post36779852) Pg. 13 Post 193
11. Day Three-Part Four - Ceremony Continued (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36816060&posted=1#post36816060) Pg. 15 Post 215
12. Day Three-Part Five - The Attic (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36827500#post36827500) Pg. 15 Post 224
12. Day Three - Part Six - Sago Cay (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36835254&posted=1#post36835254) Pg.16 Post 233
13. Day Four - Trash the Dress and Honeymoon day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36855295&posted=1#post36855295) Pg.17 Post 243
14. Day Five - Animal Kingdom (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36915504&posted=1#post36915504)
15. Day Six - DHS, HDDR, and MK till 3am! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36919040#post36919040)
16. Day Seven - Animal Day! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36929592&posted=1#post36929592)
17. Day Eight and Nine - Epcot and MK (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=36931353&posted=1#post36931353)
18. At Home Reception (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37058479#post37058479)
19. Creating our Photo Books (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=37122828&posted=1#post37122828)

Boardwalk_bride

04-23-2010, 03:36 PM

Wedding Venues, Vendors and Resorts

Date: April 15th, 2010
Guests: 15, plus bride and groom
Rehearsal Dinner: Morocco, Epcot Fireworks Party
Ceremony: Epcot Canada
Reception – Brunch: The Attic
Reception – Dinner: Sago Cay
Photography:
-- Wedding Day: DPS (Regina and Joe)
--Trash the Dress: Vicki and David Arndt
Hair/Makeup: Patricia LeJeune
Resorts: Beach Club and Animal Kingdom

Special Honeymoon Activities

*These are special to me since I probably wouldn’t pay the extra on a normal trip*

Wanyama Safari @ AKL
Hoop de Doo Revue
Grand Floridian Tea

girli565

04-23-2010, 03:53 PM

popcorn::

CanadianBelle

04-23-2010, 03:57 PM

I'm soooo excited to see your ceremony pictures!!! Please don't leave us in suspense

Boardwalk_bride

04-23-2010, 04:12 PM

I'm soooo excited to see your ceremony pictures!!! Please don't leave us in suspense

Are you from Saskatoon? I was born there! Although I haven't been there for almost 20 years :rotfl:

I don't know how long it will take to get the prof pics back....I am working on getting pics from my guests, but a lot went right back to work so they have been busy, many didn't take pictures (since we had 2 photographers) and some just might be sick of me and not answering :lmao:

I'll try and do reviews later tonight or tomorrow night!

CanadianBelle

04-23-2010, 04:26 PM

Are you from Saskatoon? I was born there! Although I haven't been there for almost 20 years :rotfl:

I don't know how long it will take to get the prof pics back....I am working on getting pics from my guests, but a lot went right back to work so they have been busy, many didn't take pictures (since we had 2 photographers) and some just might be sick of me and not answering :lmao:

I'll try and do reviews later tonight or tomorrow night!

Haha yeah I've only lived here for about three years though. I'm from Winnipeg originally. I guarantee it probably hasn't changed much since you were here :goodvibes

I can totally understand you not wanting to harass your guests anymore lol. I'm just super excited to see pictures from a ceremony at the Canada pavilion. We are thinking about it as a potential location thinking that it might be a nice tie to home.

Petals & Pixie Dust

04-23-2010, 04:35 PM

popcorn::

Lorelei528

04-23-2010, 04:39 PM

I am TOTALLY subbing!!!

popcorn::

Please don't take too long with some pics and more report! :)

Can't wait to hear all about it!!!!

shippedtosea

04-23-2010, 04:56 PM

yayay! you're back! I am so in! Can't wait for pictures!

daisygirl902

04-23-2010, 04:57 PM

I'm oh so excited to read along! Can't wait to hear all about it! How did you end up liking HDDR?

mhl1414

04-23-2010, 07:00 PM

Wow your back! I am so glad to here you had a wonderful wedding and can not wait to read all about it! Any teaser pics coming?

TinkLoverSam

04-23-2010, 07:15 PM

Subbing :surfweb:popcorn:: I cannot wait to see the "exotic" locale of CANADA!!!

Boardwalk_bride

04-24-2010, 07:24 AM

popcorn::

I hope you enjoy!

Haha yeah I've only lived here for about three years though. I'm from Winnipeg originally. I guarantee it probably hasn't changed much since you were here :goodvibes

I can totally understand you not wanting to harass your guests anymore lol. I'm just super excited to see pictures from a ceremony at the Canada pavilion. We are thinking about it as a potential location thinking that it might be a nice tie to home.

I love Winnipeg! I went to high school in Thunder Bay, so my friends and I would go to Winnipeg on group trips all the time, especially since the drinking age is lower :lmao:

Canada is beautiful for a ceremony, and I think being Canadian makes it more special!

I am TOTALLY subbing!!!

popcorn::

Please don't take too long with some pics and more report! :)

Can't wait to hear all about it!!!!

Hi Lori! I'm glad you here since I loved your PJ (which you still need to update!!)

yayay! you're back! I am so in! Can't wait for pictures!

:goodvibes

I'm oh so excited to read along! Can't wait to hear all about it! How did you end up liking HDDR?

OMG, we LOVED HDDR! I think it was even better going as a group. I don't know if I would go alone with just DH. The food wasn't that good, but we ended up going for free (I'll explain later).

Wow your back! I am so glad to here you had a wonderful wedding and can not wait to read all about it! Any teaser pics coming?

Thanks :goodvibes I don't really have any pics yet! I didn't take my camera with me on the wedding day, and well everyone else took a lot of pics, they haven't sent me any. Hopefully they will soon!

Subbing :surfweb:popcorn:: I cannot wait to see the "exotic" locale of CANADA!!!

Hahha :lmao: I still can't get over that they call it exotic!

Princess Cinders

04-24-2010, 07:36 AM

I can't wait to see your ceremony pictures.

Subscribing:dance3:

Disney9.9.10

04-24-2010, 08:28 AM

I thought that I already posted here, but I guess not. I just wanted to say congratulations on your wedding! I am also from Canada so I look forward to seeing your pictures!! (and reading your TR).

Pooh's Corner

04-24-2010, 02:36 PM

So excited you are home to hear all about it!! popcorn::popcorn::

Boardwalk_bride

04-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Reviews

Petals & Pixie Dust

04-24-2010, 04:24 PM

yeah you started! :cool1:

daisygirl902

04-24-2010, 05:40 PM

Great start - very well said so far! We just changed our last 5 days to be in a Savannah view studio at AKV - I'm so happy I made the change!! Now I have to check out the safari! Sounds so great...

shippedtosea

04-24-2010, 06:02 PM

yay! I'm glad you started!

I am soooo glad you said you liked the garden view! I JUST managed to score a adr for me and DF! and I'm very excited!

pezaddict231

04-24-2010, 07:47 PM

Yay! I'm so excited for your wedding TR! Congrats on the wedding and everything sounds amazing so far. I love AKV, it's one of my favorite resorts and a SV is amazing. I'm sorry you were disappointed in BCV.

Can't wait to hear more and see the pics!

Boston Disney Bride

04-24-2010, 08:14 PM

I'm glad I booked someone other than Carolyn Allen's to steam my dress! Love the reviews! Very helpful!

puente0629

04-24-2010, 09:49 PM

Hey, I'm glad everything well and can't wait to read more...

Where did you end up doing your trash the dress? Did you use your actual dress or got had a back up?

Boardwalk_bride

04-24-2010, 10:11 PM

yeah you started! :cool1:
:cheer2:

Great start - very well said so far! We just changed our last 5 days to be in a Savannah view studio at AKV - I'm so happy I made the change!! Now I have to check out the safari! Sounds so great...

You will love it there! I could have stayed in the resort for 5 days without leaving before getting bored!

yay! I'm glad you started!

I am soooo glad you said you liked the garden view! I JUST managed to score a adr for me and DF! and I'm very excited!

It really is a neat experience! I had the "Grand Tea" and I really enjoyed everything except the shrimp salad sandwich, and the sparkling wine was excellent!

Yay! I'm so excited for your wedding TR! Congrats on the wedding and everything sounds amazing so far. I love AKV, it's one of my favorite resorts and a SV is amazing. I'm sorry you were disappointed in BCV.

Can't wait to hear more and see the pics!

I think I just expected to much out of BCV. The ambiance really wasn't welcoming, IMHO, and it just really isn't our style. I think when comparing it to the other deluxe hotels, it is just kind of plain. I did love getting the "back entrance" into Epcot though. We left our hotel 10 minutes before the park opened, and we ended up at the front of the rope drop opposite the "normal" side, so I got a kiss from Donald

I'm glad I booked someone other than Carolyn Allen's to steam my dress! Love the reviews! Very helpful!

I;m glad they are helpful!

Hey, I'm glad everything well and can't wait to read more...

Where did you end up doing your trash the dress? Did you use your actual dress or got had a back up?

We did TTD on the beach in front of Beach Club and in Stormalong Bay. I did use my actual ceremony dress! It was what I had wanted to use, but was having a hard time finding someone to clean it.

polynesianbride

04-25-2010, 12:03 AM

tinkerbell 766

04-25-2010, 05:03 AM

I am glad you had a wonderful wedding day!!!
I must admit that I am considering the Attic for my reception and have heard before that it is difficult to find (and a bit of a route march to get to!!!). Did you recieve no help from your planner with finding it? You mention that there were arkward moments where you were at a loss to know what to do at your reception. Had your planner disappeared by then? I will be one of these 'new' Escape brides who will have to reach a $7,500.00 minimum for a privately catered event and would hope that for my money I would get some help from my planner - even if it is just finding the reception venue!!!!

Petals & Pixie Dust

04-25-2010, 06:10 AM

Yes, please expand on the CA issue. I was planning on using them too...:confused:

kcampbell

04-25-2010, 06:19 AM

Boardwalk_bride

04-25-2010, 07:29 AM

YAY!:banana::banana: I'm so glad you started! :banana::banana: Your vendor reviews are very helpful... loving the 1-10/10 scale soooo much more useful than the A, A++, A+++++++ scale:lmao: Will you expand a little more on your trouble with Carolyn Allen's- I had been planning on using them:eek: but haven't even contacted them yet so would like to know what I'm getting into!

Most of my trouble with CA with the fact that I am Canadian. They didn't want me shipping my dress from Canada, and I didn't really have much time to drive to the US (it is about a 2 hour drive, which turns into 4 round trip). I was also told that my dress could be cleaned after TTD, than when I called closer to the wedding to confirm, they told me it couldn't, since it wouldn't be ready while I was still @ Disney, and that they wouldn't ship it to Canada. I emailed them at least 3 times after that, and called and left 2 messages, and they didn't respond until a few weeks later. :headache: I know other people had good luck with them, so it could have just been the particular people I dealt with :confused3

I am glad you had a wonderful wedding day!!!
I must admit that I am considering the Attic for my reception and have heard before that it is difficult to find (and a bit of a route march to get to!!!). Did you recieve no help from your planner with finding it? You mention that there were arkward moments where you were at a loss to know what to do at your reception. Had your planner disappeared by then? I will be one of these 'new' Escape brides who will have to reach a $7,500.00 minimum for a privately catered event and would hope that for my money I would get some help from my planner - even if it is just finding the reception venue!!!!

I didn't even think about how we were getting to the Attic, until the coach dropped us off, and I had all my guests following me, and I realized nobody was outside to meet me. I was really embarrassed that I didn't know where to go. For some reason, this was never discussed ahead of time, so if you do decide to use the Attic, remember this info, and ask your planner to meet you in the BW lobby. Once we knew where to go, it wasn't that confusing, but it is a long walk.

My planner was in and out for the whole reception. It was just weird because we all got there, and we didn't really know what to do. DH and I started looking around the venue, since we had been looking @ pics online for so long. Then we all kind of grabbed a drink and I think Regina and Joe saw we were a bit uneasy, so they started having us pose for pics. Eventually, I saw my planner, and I asked her what to do. She asked us to get the toast started, and than we cut the cake (which I told her we would not be feeding each other, or having a first dance, and somehow that didn't get to the photographers, so I was a little upset that they were asking for all this stuff we weren't going to do).

Yes, please expand on the CA issue. I was planning on using them too...:confused:

I responded above!

Boardwalk_bride

04-25-2010, 07:31 AM

Welcome Back and Congratulations!!!! :goodvibes I am so glad you had a great day and got Regina and Joe! I had Joe for my wedding day and Regina for the MK Shoot. (Isn't Regina such a doll!?!) Sorry to hear you had trouble with Carolyn Allen's. I think yours is the first negative review I've seen. :sad1: I had a great experience with them and am sorry you didn't get the same.

Glad you liked AKV so much. (Did you end up taking a cab b/w resorts? How'd it work out?.... I remember a thread about it.) I kinda agree with you about the Beach Club. It's nice, but just :confused3. I think the biggest appeal is Stormalong Bay.

Anyway, Congrats again and I can't wait to read more and see pics! :cutie: :cutie:

Thanks:goodvibes I really liked both Regina and Joe! They were both really nice, and easy to work with.

Yes, I LOVED AKV, and I am dreaming about going back there! We ended up just sending our luggage over, and bringing a spare shirt with us to the park to change for dinner. We ended up getting tired at the park really quickly, so we went to see if we could check in early, and all our stuff was there, so it worked out well!

Petals & Pixie Dust

04-25-2010, 08:17 AM

Thank you for the info on CA. I'm in the US...we'll have to see if they are any different...:rolleyes:

Chilly

04-25-2010, 08:28 AM

Can't wait to read more.

Boardwalk_bride

04-25-2010, 08:46 AM

deleted

MiaBella05

04-25-2010, 08:51 AM

popcorn:: joining in popcorn::

pezaddict231

04-25-2010, 10:36 AM

Boardwalk_bride

04-25-2010, 10:59 AM

I love the personalized Cinderella frame! Where did you get that? I also really like the Mickey ear frames, I saw a lot of the new wedding stuff when we were there in March but they didn't have those frames.

Thanks, I love it so much :goodvibes It is nice to have something other than mickey and minnie! I just found the receipt, and it says "Crystal Arts" and we got it in MK. The personalization was free, and the frame was $50 for an 8 x 10. There were a few other ones as well, but I think they were all Mickey and Minnie. There are smaller sizes as well!

Bridie1996

04-25-2010, 11:17 AM

YAY! :cheer2:

Glad to hear you're back and had a great time. And that you enjoyed working with Regina. I can't wait to see your pictures.

I love the personalized Cinderella frame, they had most of that other merchandise in January, but not the frame. Something to put on my list for our next trip! DMIL got us those Mr & Mrs. pins as a present while we were there and we're planning on wearing them during our at-home reception next month.:thumbsup2

Oh- and the Attic IS a long walk. Randy however knew of a backway up there that let you out right across the hall from it otherwise I would have thought to warn you about it. Sorry... Strange though that your planner didn't warn you about it. The first words out of Katherine's mouth when I asked her about the attic were "you know it's a long walk there, right?"

Again, glad things went well for you, and can't wait to see the pictures. I'm excited to see how the Canada pavillion turned out!popcorn::

April Elizabeth

04-25-2010, 11:49 AM

Boardwalk_bride

04-25-2010, 12:29 PM

I just got engaged Easter weekend and have been following your super short PJ. I started reading your TR this morning and found it very helpful.:surfweb: I'm a little nervous about starting a PJ and want to read a lot more before I start mine.

I have to say I am a JIKO lover too!:thumbsup2 If I were made of money, I think I could eat there everyday and I love their African red wines and the bar atmosphere. I know what you mean about Morocco. I've never watch the fireworks from that location but it seems like the wall there is higher and not as open as some of the other locations, but the good thing about Illuminations is that it's everywhere and easy to see.:goodvibes
I'm sure your photographer got some great pictures for you.

I'm anxious to see your ceremony pictures and even a few more of your TTD pictures. I've been looking into photography and I'm thinking of putting down a deposit with David and Vicki for my wedding and I know I eventually want to do TTD. Love your new avitar.

I also love the wedding pins you posted. I've never seen those, but they are so cute.:cutie: Where did you find them? Thank you for your wealth of information.

Congrats on your engagement! I am so jealous! I wish I could go back and start planning this all over again. I would do everything pretty much the same, I just am going to miss planning so much!

Jiko is so good, it makes me so sad that it isn't somewhere I can eat whenever I am in the mood to go out. I am a huge foodie and wino, so it was so awesome to be there! DF and I just sat at the bar one night, ordering appetizers and African wine and beer!

David and Vicki are so amazing. I wouldn't even consider someone now that I had them! We are definitely going to book them next time we go to take some anniversary or vacation pics! They are just the nicest people, and are really creative. Also, we were tired, hung over, exhausted, and looked like crap in person, and somehow, the photos turned out amazing!

We actually didn't even think to get pins, but we started watching people "trade pins" while waiting for the bus, and thought it could be a cute souvenir. We looked at all the pin trading stations and gift shops in MK and Epcot, and only really found two different ones, that were okay, but we didn't like them enough to spend the $10 or whatever it was. On our last night, we went to Kona, and we were way to early to check in, so we looked around the gift shop across from in in the Poly and noticed there were a ton of pin racks in front of it (in the photopass area). DH found them there, and we were so happy! I didn't see them anywhere else but there!
YAY! :cheer2:

Glad to hear you're back and had a great time. And that you enjoyed working with Regina. I can't wait to see your pictures.

I love the personalized Cinderella frame, they had most of that other merchandise in January, but not the frame. Something to put on my list for our next trip! DMIL got us those Mr & Mrs. pins as a present while we were there and we're planning on wearing them during our at-home reception next month.:thumbsup2

Oh- and the Attic IS a long walk. Randy however knew of a backway up there that let you out right across the hall from it otherwise I would have thought to warn you about it. Sorry... Strange though that your planner didn't warn you about it. The first words out of Katherine's mouth when I asked her about the attic were "you know it's a long walk there, right?"

Again, glad things went well for you, and can't wait to see the pictures. I'm excited to see how the Canada pavillion turned out!popcorn::

Hi! Yes, I am so happy with Regina, and I definitely requested her because of you and Lori.

I had Kathleen as well, and she didn't really mention it. I think because I knew sooooo much about everything that was out there, she assumed I knew where it all was, when in reality, I had only been to Disney twice before the wedding, and once I was so young I can barely remember. It worked out in the end though, but just a tip for future brides to be sure to ask!

I can't wait to see the pictures either!

tinkerbell 766

04-25-2010, 12:49 PM

Pirate's Princess

04-25-2010, 03:00 PM

Wow, everything sounds so great!! I can't wait to see photos!

Disney9.9.10

04-25-2010, 05:13 PM

I love your Disney wedding merchandise, it is all so cute! I am not a pin trader either, but I could see myself buying those pins because they are so cute!

Can't wait to keep reading!

Bridie1996

04-25-2010, 06:33 PM

How long a walk is 'long'?
Was Randy's route quicker at all?
Randy is our photographer so I guess he can be our guide on the way there!!!
Sorry to hijack the thread! Iwas going to PM Tinkerbell but thought I'd answer here in case other brides want to read this.

To get to the attic, you enter the bordwalk hotel through the main building and go up to the 5th floor I think ( can' remember exactly) and then walk through the hallways all the way to the end of the of the boardwalk building. I wish I had a good picture to show you! Here is a link to a map though. The main building is #8 and The Attic is above Jelly Rolls, which is #16.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/maps/BoardWalkMap.pdf

I'd say it is about a five minute walk from the check-in area? Not really a big deal if you're expecting it but just make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes.

Randy's way was shorter for us because we had gone around the lake the other way- towards thebeachclub villas and the lighthouse which is opposite SBP. If we had gone the way everyone else did we would have to walk to the main entrance, go into the hotel and then backtrack again.

So yes, it was considerably shorter for us!

ZipADeeEm

04-25-2010, 08:24 PM

popcorn::popcorn::popcorn::

kcampbell

04-26-2010, 07:11 AM

Sorry to Karen and Bridget...I'm gonna hijack and correct Bridget- The Attic is on the 3rd floor of the Villas. :thumbsup2

Did they not put a sign out with your names & directions to the Attic at the entrance of the lobby? It points you to the Villa elevators and tells you where to go. Then there should've been more signage on the third floor pointing guests in the right direction. Weird....:confused3 We even took our sign from the 3rd floor after the rehearsal and it's in my scrapbook! :rotfl:

Karen....I'm glad Bell services/luggage transport worked out well for you. Hopefully our experience was an "exception" and not the rule. :)

I love the M&M picture frame! We didn't see that, but if we head to the world this weekend (we're still debating) I might just have to pick one up. :rolleyes1

Can't wait to read more!

Boardwalk_bride

04-26-2010, 07:36 AM

shippedtosea

04-26-2010, 09:55 AM

Boardwalk_bride

04-26-2010, 10:09 AM

Oh I missed stuff! I want pretty much everything you bought! :rotfl:

I have never seen the mickey ear frame or album....where did you get it?

Also I have seen the wooden personal one before but I was wondering how much it is? I LOVE it.

Great stuff :thumbsup2

We only saw the Mickey ear frame in 2 places (and we went almost everywhere). One was at the GF gift shop (which was one of the few places that had the album too) and one was tucked away in a corner in the World of Disney store (sort of behind the cash register in the middle back part of the store, where the other wedding stuff is). I was honestly surprised how hidden a lot of the stuff was in most places, we really had to look to find things!

brer rabbit 28

04-26-2010, 04:32 PM

Congratulations on what sounded like a fantastic wedding:goodvibes

Can't wait to see your photos

Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 07:23 AM

Congratulations on what sounded like a fantastic wedding:goodvibes

Can't wait to see your photos

Thanks :goodvibes I can't wait to see my photos either!!!

Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 09:46 AM

Glad I did/Wish I did/Wish I didn't

Glad I did

Married DH: An obvious I guess, but after over 4 years together, I am happy I can refer to him as more than just my boyfriend, and I am so happy we are legally a family now.

Had a DFTW: Seriously, this is one of the best decisions I could have ever made in my life. It just worked so perfectly for us. I don’t think it is for everyone, especially the way we did it, but we had the more fantastic wedding, and it was a dream come true for us.

Gave everyone a gift: We decided since our group was so small, and everyone paid so much to come to WDW, we would buy everyone a gift, which we gave out at our welcome/rehearsal dinner. Everyone was really surprised and seemed really touched. Definitely worth it!

Ceremony at Epcot: Originally, we were going to have our ceremony at SBP, because it was our favourite out of the Escape options. While I still think it is a gorgeous location, I always wanted an Epcot ceremony (because I LOVE Epcot) and am so glad we got to do this. This also leads me to…

Had a morning ceremony: At first, everyone, including DH, was not a fan of an AM ceremony. However, all the comments afterwards were positive. People LOVED having a breakfast reception, not having to stress all day, and escaping much of the afternoon heat.

Did a “Trash the Dress”: Seriously, this was so much fun, and I love the pictures! My dress came out looking back to normal after the cleaning, which was nice, but I wouldn’t really have cared that much if it didn’t. When else will I wear the dress again anyway.

Wish I did:

Lost the weight: I hope this doesn’t get me in trouble on here, but I felt I had to post this. I gained so much weight after the 6 years I spent at university, and the 1 year in between I spend chained to an office desk. I don’t feel like myself, and I swore to myself I would lose some of it before the wedding, and I think I only lost about 5. I am trying not to be too hard on myself, since being a graduate student had me chained to a computer, and now I have a degree, but I am worried I will not like my pictures as much as I would have if I did lose it. The good news is, I am done school now, and can finally work on getting healthier!

Had a “wishes” wedding: Only because the receptions were too short at both the Attic and Sago Cay. We spent way more than the Wishes minimum (with our rehearsal party added to that, so I guess we would have been right around the min without that) but by the time I found out the wishes min was lowered, it felt too complicated to switch everything.

Had alcohol at the DP: I didn’t want to pay for the bartender fee, and I didn’t want to encourage people to drink too much when we had such an early morning, but because we were all drinkers, I think people were a bit upset it wasn’t there (even though they were told ahead it wouldn’t be). I think it would have helped me relax too, and have people socialize more.

Wore my hair down: Everyone (at home) kept telling me I should wear my hair up, and the magazines all said so as well (yes, I read a lot of bridal mags) but I look so much better with my hair down. From the pictures I have seen from guests, I look better at random meals with my hair down (which I did for TTD) than with my hair up for the ceremony. This has nothing to do with Patricia, she did a wonderful job, I just should have known to wear my hair down.

If I could have afforded it:

-- I would have had a photographer @ Sago Cay. The location was so beautiful, and the fireworks were a lot closer that I thought, so the pictures would have been nice. My guest pictures didn't turn out well there, so it would have been nice to have professional ones.

--I would have splurged to have a character. I mostly didn’t because I thought people (friends and family) would judge me, but after seeing how much fun everyone had with characters in the park, it would have been fun. Plus, I shouldn’t have been worried about what others thought on my day. It isn’t a huge regret to me that I didn’t have it, but if I could go back, I would do it.

--I also sometimes wish we would have had the MK bridal portraits, but I am not sure getting up earlier than we already had to would have worked. Maybe we will do it for an anniversary or something.

Wish I didn’t:

Have a group meal after the wedding: We didn’t want to ignore people after we got married, just because we rarely ever see any of the people that came to WDW, since we all live in different cities. However, the one group meal we had after just wasn’t good. I don’t know if people were tired, or didn’t feel the need to be super nice since the wedding was over, but it definitely wasn’t as fun as everything before the wedding.

Cake upgrade: I am not sure if it was really needed, although we did really like the cake.

Had a DP the night before: I don’t totally regret this (it wasn’t a waste of money) but I was disappointed in the layout of Morocco, and I think because the wedding was the next morning, I didn’t really get a change to relax and enjoy it.

**Okay, after reading this, it sounds like I had a lot of problems/regrets with my wedding, but I didn't. I pretty much LOVED everything. This is just a reflection that I hope will help other brides**

shippedtosea

04-27-2010, 09:46 AM

well i'll have to keep my eyes peeled for them! Which i'm sure will drive DF crazy :rotfl: Thanks!

shippedtosea

04-27-2010, 10:06 AM

I like your list! I don't think it sounds like you have a lot of regrets. I guess everyone second guesses things that didn't go exactly right but if you didn't do it you might have regretted not doing it? My biggest fear is I will regret not loosing the weight before mine. So I am glad you made that point (tho I saw your TTD pictures and you look awesome) I am working out now 4 times a week (all I can fit in with my schedule) and being really strict with dieting. I guess this is always a problem for brides.

daisygirl902

04-27-2010, 11:37 AM

girli565

04-27-2010, 01:26 PM

I think that's a great list! It makes total sense to me...

I am above the Wishes minimum right now and wondering if it would do anything for me to change it...I'm going to call Amy today and see actually. With the add ons, even without the dinner we'd still be above!
Changing to a wishes from an escape is really easy. None of your already planned events change the only thing that's a bit of work is that you'll be sent back to your sales consultant and they will draw up the contract for a wishes wedding. You sign the new LOA and send it back like you did with the escape LOA. You'll send in the remaining deposit bc a wishes deposit is $2000 and an escape is less than that.

But nothing needs to change if you don't want it to. My contract was just changed from an escape to wishes but my venues and times stayed the same. It's really easy and no hassle at all. It took about 4-5 days for everything to be taken care of. My contract was sent within a day and I sent it back the day after that.

I think that if you're spending the wishes minimum then you should go for it!! And with the $10k minimum they have now you can really save a lot of $$$!

Chilly

04-27-2010, 02:25 PM

A great list for future brides.

pink_tink8i8

04-27-2010, 03:02 PM

I agree with chilly :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 04:02 PM

I think that's a great list! It makes total sense to me...

I am above the Wishes minimum right now and wondering if it would do anything for me to change it...I'm going to call Amy today and see actually. With the add ons, even without the dinner we'd still be above!

Changing to a wishes from an escape is really easy. None of your already planned events change the only thing that's a bit of work is that you'll be sent back to your sales consultant and they will draw up the contract for a wishes wedding. You sign the new LOA and send it back like you did with the escape LOA. You'll send in the remaining deposit bc a wishes deposit is $2000 and an escape is less than that.

But nothing needs to change if you don't want it to. My contract was just changed from an escape to wishes but my venues and times stayed the same. It's really easy and no hassle at all. It took about 4-5 days for everything to be taken care of. My contract was sent within a day and I sent it back the day after that.

I think that if you're spending the wishes minimum then you should go for it!! And with the $10k minimum they have now you can really save a lot of $$$!

If you think you want to change, I would do it, just from personal experience. The only thing is , if you are using DPS, it changes the prices (it is more $$$ for Wishes photography than Escape). That, and time, are the only reasons I didn't change it.

A great list for future brides.

I agree with chilly :goodvibes

Thanks ladies, I really hope it helps, since so many past brides helped me so much on here!

Sarah84

04-27-2010, 04:09 PM

Congratulations on the wedding, can't wait to hear all about it & see your photos.
The list is great and helpful/interesting to read for me as a Disney bride to be :)

Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 04:33 PM

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MsEsty

04-27-2010, 04:58 PM

Sarah84

04-27-2010, 05:05 PM

That glass is gorgeous and the bag sounds so pretty, you have to post a pic if you have one

Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 05:20 PM

While the dress was "trashed" you can still do an MK shoot in the future! I just spoke with our coordinator and she said it isn't a problem. I think we're going to end up doing that - we have the annual passes, might as well get some use out of them :)

So glad to hear you had a good time!

I think we might do it as an xmas present to ourselves. We want to go back to WDW to use the passes too, but we are saving up for the Magic Mediterranean Cruise for our anniversary (except it doesn't depart until a month after) so we are hoping we can save up for a quick December trip!

That glass is gorgeous and the bag sounds so pretty, you have to post a pic if you have one

Oh, I am unemployed right now, so any excuse to have something to do! I'll take a pic later and post it, and will probably start on my actual TR tomorrow! (I just need the prof pics before I can do night 2 and day 3!)

Disney9.9.10

04-27-2010, 06:33 PM

I am glad you posted your list - I find them really helpful. I don't think that yours was too long either, it was honest and really helpful.

I can't wait to see more pics!

Brit_Jude

04-27-2010, 06:34 PM

Thank you for your list of things you would and would not have done, great tips!

Love the glasses I can remember what that style is called but I have some friends who have been stationed in Germany with the miliatary and they have sets in different colors.

Can wait to see you pictures!

Judi

PrincessShea

04-27-2010, 08:21 PM

I totally agree with you on BCV. I wasn't enthralled either.

Patiently awaiting pics ;-)

Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 09:18 PM

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Boardwalk_bride

04-27-2010, 09:23 PM

I am glad you posted your list - I find them really helpful. I don't think that yours was too long either, it was honest and really helpful.

I can't wait to see more pics!

Thank you for your list of things you would and would not have done, great tips!

Love the glasses I can remember what that style is called but I have some friends who have been stationed in Germany with the miliatary and they have sets in different colors.

Can wait to see you pictures!

Judi

I'm glad you both enjoyed my lists!

I totally agree with you on BCV. I wasn't enthralled either.

Patiently awaiting pics ;-)

I knew the decor was nothing special, but I thought the pool would be worth the extra $$. It wasn't. If I got back to deluxe, it won't be any of the boardwalk area ones.

Hopefully my pictures come soon!

pezaddict231

04-27-2010, 10:34 PM

thanks for the tips! I don't think it sounded like you were unhappy and it's really helpful for other brides. I totally understand what you mean about the weight. I really thought I would have lost more weight by now and I really have to get serious. I don't need to lose a ton of weight but I know that another 10 lbs would make me so much happier with how I look. So thank you for the reminder. ;)

Wow, I love that glass! So pretty! Looking forward to hearing more.

Boardwalk_bride

04-28-2010, 09:21 AM

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Chilly

04-28-2010, 09:56 AM

Great start.

TinkLoverSam

04-28-2010, 10:12 AM

I am totally coveting those glasses! I want some soo bad!

Sarah84

04-28-2010, 10:26 AM

Great start, i love all those glasses will deffiently have to remember to look in there :)

April Elizabeth

04-28-2010, 11:09 AM

I love the glasses and your Grey Goose slush looks yummy!:goodvibes

pink_tink8i8

04-28-2010, 06:51 PM

omg a grey goose slush! that's too fabulous

Disney9.9.10

04-28-2010, 07:51 PM

I love the glasses! And I like how you have a bunch of different styles, it is more unique to the person you are giving it to (plus you said that you did that with the engraving/personalizing as well).

polynesianbride

04-28-2010, 11:00 PM

Great start! Love your lists of thing you wish you did and didn't do, totally makes sense and very helpful to hear. Hindsight is always 20/20. Love that you got a gift for everyone as well- so thoughtful!

Boardwalk_bride

04-29-2010, 08:07 AM

Great start.

I am totally coveting those glasses! I want some soo bad!

Great start, i love all those glasses will deffiently have to remember to look in there :)

I love the glasses and your Grey Goose slush looks yummy!:goodvibes

omg a grey goose slush! that's too fabulous

I love the glasses! And I like how you have a bunch of different styles, it is more unique to the person you are giving it to (plus you said that you did that with the engraving/personalizing as well).

Great start! Love your lists of thing you wish you did and didn't do, totally makes sense and very helpful to hear. Hindsight is always 20/20. Love that you got a gift for everyone as well- so thoughtful!

Thanks everyone! I'm really glad people are finding this helpful!

My guests really enjoyed the glasses we gave them, whether they got a shot glass (for the people we didn't know so well) or one of the larger wine or beer glasses, everyone was really excited and shocked to have got something. I think it really helped everyone feel included.

I should also mention that you can get 10% off at that store with your annual pass in DTD. We ended up saving almost $20!

The gray goose slush was really good, but there were a few others I enjoyed even more (I think I have pictures of most of them!).

I have a sort of odd question for any US brides. Is there such things as Ketchup chips in the US? I had a craving for them, and I couldn't find them anywhere in WDW or back in Buffalo at the airport or grocery store. I really need to know what is going on with this! :lmao:

Disney9.9.10

04-29-2010, 08:17 AM

Boardwalk_bride

04-29-2010, 08:19 AM

That is funny about the ketchup chips - I am also from Ontario, and also love them lol but you cannot get them in the US. We have a family friend who has to bring a bunch of bags to her sister in the US every time she visits lol

Hahah, really? I guess they don't sell them there than. It is such as staple chip, like next to plain, I feel like it is the most common (and my fav!!). Note to anyone visiting Canada: Try ketchup chips!!!!!

Disney9.9.10

04-29-2010, 08:26 AM

I agree with it being a stale chip, I have a very boring palate, which is probably why I like them lol And yes, everyone visiting Canada should definitely give them a try!

April Elizabeth

04-29-2010, 12:13 PM

I love ketchup on everything so I guess my next vacation needs to be to Canada since I live in Orlando! Thanks ladies!:goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

04-29-2010, 12:16 PM

I love ketchup on everything so I guess my next vacation needs to be to Canada since I live in Orlando! Thanks ladies!:goodvibes

You should definitely take a trip to Canada! You would need a separate trip for each province though, there is so much to do and see in each!

shippedtosea

04-29-2010, 12:33 PM

Sccrmnky2005

04-29-2010, 12:45 PM

Joining in!! Can't wait to see about the rest of your wonderful wedding!!:cool1:

Boardwalk_bride

04-29-2010, 04:20 PM

yay for pictures! I love those glasses...I might have to pick some up myself. (I get the feeling I will spend a lot in that store...) i'm glad the first dinner went well, I have never been there. The food is good? I have never had ketchup chips tho I have heard of them. I don't think we have them here? :confused3

The food at RR is so good! OMG Ketchup chips are so good! I had to go to the gym today to burn off enough calories so that I could have some (I was craving them from talking about them). Now I feel sick though :rotfl:

Joining in!! Can't wait to see about the rest of your wonderful wedding!!:cool1:
Thanks:goodvibes

Nitsa

04-29-2010, 07:38 PM

daisygirl902

04-30-2010, 06:53 AM

I have a sort of odd question for any US brides. Is there such things as Ketchup chips in the US? I had a craving for them, and I couldn't find them anywhere in WDW or back in Buffalo at the airport or grocery store. I really need to know what is going on with this! :lmao:

LOL - this is so funny....my best friend married a man from the US and moved there a few years ago....she BEGS everyone who comes down there to bring her some Ketchup chips....she used to get very specific and request Humpty Dumpty brand Ketchup chips but they've been replaced on the market with Old Dutch...sorry you had to be deprived!!

LLLBelle

04-30-2010, 09:03 PM

Joining in!

I'm not sure if brand matters, but they do sell Ketchup chips on Amazon.com. They do sell them in select stores in Arizona. Not sure if that is helpful to anyone, but thought I would share :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-01-2010, 04:22 PM

Hi! I have been following along and absolutely love your report so far. Cannot wait to see your ceremony pictures!

And you've made me want ketchup chips. I never liked them until I moved away and couldn't have them. I also miss Kraft Dinner, they sell a box for like £10 here! I just miss Canada!

Thanks:goodvibes I can't wait to see my pics either! Hopefully my DVD will be here soon!

I would for sure miss ketchup chips if I moved, but I hate kraft dinner :rotfl: Everyone tells me they would miss poutine if they left Canada, but me and DH don't like it (I think we are the only ones in Canada that don't like it!).

LOL - this is so funny....my best friend married a man from the US and moved there a few years ago....she BEGS everyone who comes down there to bring her some Ketchup chips....she used to get very specific and request Humpty Dumpty brand Ketchup chips but they've been replaced on the market with Old Dutch...sorry you had to be deprived!!

I wondered where Humpty Dumpty chips went :rotfl:

Joining in!

I'm not sure if brand matters, but they do sell Ketchup chips on Amazon.com. They do sell them in select stores in Arizona. Not sure if that is helpful to anyone, but thought I would share :goodvibes

Hi! That is so funny they sell them on amazon! If I ever move to the US, at least I know a way to get them!

Boardwalk_bride

05-04-2010, 09:24 AM

daisygirl902

05-04-2010, 09:46 AM

I don't have much to update since I am still waiting for my pictures! I did decide that I am nor going to wear my wedding dress for my at home reception (which comes after all the worrying of getting my dress cleaned after TTD). Even though our reception is in a fancy place, it is still just cocktail style, and very small, so I just don't know if I feel right wearing my gown. So I just bought this online:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/11153-1.jpg

It looks really pretty, I hope it fits!

I also decided (if I can afford it since I still don't have a job) to have peonies for centerpieces, and rock candy (in blue and pink) for favours.

I am also trying to decide what to do with my wedding gown. I can't decide if I should
- sell it
- preserve it

or if I should cut it up (professionally) to:
- frame part of it (the top) and try and remake the bottom into a new dress
- remake something out of each piece (I have read about quilts, pillowcases, etc)

Any ideas??

I'll have to wait until I have a job anyway if I decide to have it remade into something else. Sorry to go on a rant here, but I was arrogant enough to assume, when I was planning our wedding, that I would just walk into a job in April since I would have a masters. While, I have my masters degree now, have applied for almost 100 jobs, and I don't even have an interview! I am working so hard to find one, but it has been pretty tough! Please wish me luck in finding one!

That dress is gorgeous!! Wow - I love it :)

Sorry about the job troubles....it'll come eventually. Keep applying, the right one will come along (I know it's easy for an outsider to say "have patience" - but really you seem like you're doing the best you can!).

I am trying to decide the same thing for my dress after the wedding. I think I will wear it to my at home reception, even though it's totally casual - I think it will be fun to wear it again....but after that I'm tempted to just sell it. My sister kept hers around for years and finally got rid of it...really what do you ever do with a wedding dress again?? I'm also not a very sentimental person....so don't go by my opinion, I am a bit unconventional in attitude compared to most.

Boardwalk_bride

05-04-2010, 09:59 AM

That dress is gorgeous!! Wow - I love it :)

Sorry about the job troubles....it'll come eventually. Keep applying, the right one will come along (I know it's easy for an outsider to say "have patience" - but really you seem like you're doing the best you can!).

I am trying to decide the same thing for my dress after the wedding. I think I will wear it to my at home reception, even though it's totally casual - I think it will be fun to wear it again....but after that I'm tempted to just sell it. My sister kept hers around for years and finally got rid of it...really what do you ever do with a wedding dress again?? I'm also not a very sentimental person....so don't go by my opinion, I am a bit unconventional in attitude compared to most.

Thanks:goodvibes I have actually applied for a few in Nova Scotia, so if I am really lucky, maybe I will be heading your way!

I am not sentimental with most things. I am somewhat of a minimalist, so if I don't need it, it is gone. But with certain clothes, shoes, bags, I have a harder time letting go. My dress was really $$$, I have seen it on other used sites listed between $900 and $1500, so it could be money used towards things we really want (like travel, and the Disney Med cruise)!! But the thought of selling it makes me sick, like literally my stomach hurts, so I think I will wait a bit. At the same time, I don't really know if I need part of my dress framed...where would I put that :lmao:

daisygirl902

05-04-2010, 10:18 AM

Thanks:goodvibes I have actually applied for a few in Nova Scotia, so if I am really lucky, maybe I will be heading your way!

I am not sentimental with most things. I am somewhat of a minimalist, so if I don't need it, it is gone. But with certain clothes, shoes, bags, I have a harder time letting go. My dress was really $$$, I have seen it on other used sites listed between $900 and $1500, so it could be money used towards things we really want (like travel, and the Disney Med cruise)!! But the thought of selling it makes me sick, like literally my stomach hurts, so I think I will wait a bit. At the same time, I don't really know if I need part of my dress framed...where would I put that :lmao:

OH - good luck on the jobs in NS!!

My sister had her dress packed nicely in a display box and kept it like that for 14 years :) It's a great way to keep it in good condition and not spend too much $$ on it.

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-04-2010, 03:07 PM

Good luck trying to find a job. I was in the same boat last May-except I only had a masters...Just remember No's mean Next! The right thing will come along...promise! Just take every opportunity to network network network....

Disney9.9.10

05-04-2010, 04:59 PM

Waiting for the professional pics has got to be so hard! You just want to see them already!

The dress is really cute! I am also having a home reception and I was originally thinking of wearing my wedding dress, but now I'm not so sure. Like you, I am not sure how appropriate it will be. I might wear it for a bit (just for a little show haha I paid enough money for the thing!) and then I bought a little knee length white eyelet dress with a bow in the back and a little flower by the strap. It is cute and white and will be much easier. I see you have the same line of thinking!

I really don't have much advice about what to do with the dress though. I am quite sentimental and will be keeping mine lol But have you thought about turning it into something else? For example, there was a tradition (honestly can't remember where it came from) that women used their dress material to make a basinet or for their future baby. I think that is a nice way to reuse it, with your new family. Not sure if you are even planning on having children, but turning it into something else might be an idea so it doesn't feel like a waste.

Boardwalk_bride

05-05-2010, 10:27 AM

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Boardwalk_bride

05-06-2010, 02:21 PM

Well, I kind of feel like I am talking to myself now...but I wanted to post that I got my marriage certificate/license (whatever it is) and officially changed my name with all the Ontario government stuff :cheer2:

daisygirl902

05-06-2010, 02:32 PM

How the heck did I miss your last update entirely??? I am so not on the ball! Glad to hear BCV makes it that easy to get to EPCOT - we are staying at BWV and I was wondering about that.

Congrats on the name change/marriage license!

I am dying to see your pictures....I can't imagine how I'm going to feel when waiting for mine to come in!!

Sccrmnky2005

05-06-2010, 03:08 PM

So cute!! Love the dress hope it works out!! I would sell it if you don't think you will ever wear of use it again. I'm not sure of what I will do with my dress yet either but I'm probably going to keep it because I'm that type of person that keeps my dresses that are important. I still have my prom dress from 5 years ago :rotfl: I will probably never wear it again, but I think that DF's sister might be able to wear it to prom when she get's there, as it is to pretty to sell or throw away:confused3

I feel you about the job situation. I was unemplyed for 4 months and I just got a job that I start tomorrow:worship::worship:

DF on the other hand graduates this saturday with a BS in Civil Engineering and has applied for a few jobs everyday and still hasn't gotten anything either! We are hoping he gets one soon so he can move out of his roommate filled house and I can move away from home!! :laughing:

GOOD LUCK!! Something will come!! HOPEFULLY SOON!:worship::worship:

Can't wait to see more pictures!! You can always post your TTD pictures first :rotfl:

shippedtosea

05-06-2010, 04:12 PM

yay! pictures! Looks like you had a fun day. I am glad you like Biergarten, i'm excited to eat there.

Congrats on changing your name! Thats very exciting.

MsEsty

05-06-2010, 04:57 PM

Oh Biergarten is so nom! Extra :wizard: that you hear something soon!

DznyGal

05-06-2010, 07:30 PM

Good Luck with your job search, and contrats on getting your name changed etc... I just did the same, everything feels so much more official now. :cool1:

Chilly

05-07-2010, 03:37 AM

Disney9.9.10

05-07-2010, 07:58 AM

Oh no, don't think that nobody is following your TR! I am here, just been really busy so a little slow at responding!

Hopefully your wait for the pro pics will end soon! Until then, the stuff you posted looks great - I have never been to Biergarten but it looks fantastic.

Sending lots of pixie dust your way!:wizard:

TinkLoverSam

05-07-2010, 12:37 PM

I read, I just read at work where I sometimes don't want to log in... or on my iPod touch where it's a pain to log in. I then go "Hey why is no one reading my PJ?" then I realize if I don't post on others' pjs they may not post on mine, even if we're all reading along :lmao:

Boardwalk_bride

05-11-2010, 11:44 AM

deleted

Boardwalk_bride

05-11-2010, 11:48 AM

deleted

Walcott

05-11-2010, 01:05 PM

DznyGal

05-11-2010, 01:28 PM

Everything seems to be coming together nicely for your reception! I wish you the best, we were very lucky with ours it was a beautiful spring day, and now the temps are in the 40's.

We also had a great experience with DPS, I am glad you did as well. I am looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Fingers crossed that we both get our DVD's soon! :)

Boardwalk_bride

05-11-2010, 01:43 PM

Can I just say that I am *dying* to see your photos? I keep checking back every day to see if you've posted them yet! It all sounds so beautiful.

Your review of DPS is really helpful, too. Where did you go in AK for the photoshoot? I'm debating AK vs. Epcot but I'm not sure where in AK would be best for photos.

I always thought I would do the Epcot ones, because I loved all the pictures the brides on here have. But I am REALLY happy I chose AK. I love that we look like we are somewhere totally exotic. It was really hard for us to choose between the two, and we ended up choosing AK due to the fact that our ceremony was in Epcot, so at least we had some from there.

I am not an expert on the parks, especially AK, so I really don't remember where a lot of the pictures are. I know we were in Africa and Asia, among other places. We have pictures with Everest, the Tree of Life, some amazing ones in front of a large pond area (I feel like it was behind Flame Tree BBQ) and a bunch against a lot of the buildings that were unique looking. I really cannot wait to share them :goodvibes

Everything seems to be coming together nicely for your reception! I wish you the best, we were very lucky with ours it was a beautiful spring day, and now the temps are in the 40's.

We also had a great experience with DPS, I am glad you did as well. I am looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Fingers crossed that we both get our DVD's soon! :)

Thanks:goodvibes Our reception isn't until June, so hopefully it heats up here! It was so nice here when we got back from WDW (like tank top weather) and now it is freezing!

daisygirl902

05-11-2010, 02:08 PM

Boardwalk_bride

05-11-2010, 02:16 PM

I love those candy stickers!! Did you make them yourselves or have them made? Where/how?

Also glad to read your DPS reviews! I as well am DYING to see your pics. We have chosen EPCOT as our second park for our photo shoot but I considered AK as well. Ultimately I let Adrian decide (which is rare)...I can't wait to see them - and glad you got lots of pics that you like!

Thanks:goodvibes I had them made on Etsy a long time ago...I think almost exactly a year ago!

I let my DH decide between Epcot and AK too, but he picked AK! I only let him decide when I can't make up my mind :rotfl:

weedee

05-11-2010, 03:04 PM

TinkLoverSam

05-11-2010, 05:13 PM

I cannot wait to see you pictures from AK! I am dying to see more examples of where we can have our pictures taken there.

Disney9.9.10

05-11-2010, 07:06 PM

Your home reception looks like it is going to be beautiful!

I cannot wait to see your pictures! The DPS review you did was fantastic - very helpful to us brides who are still in the planning process!

April Elizabeth

05-11-2010, 11:14 PM

Your at home reception room is beautiful and I love the idea of the candles.:goodvibes

Thank you for posting the Photography reviews. We are planning a WP ceremony and ADH reception with almost 200 guests and I have my heart set on using David and Vicki Arndt. We want to do a rehearsal dinner at Epcot for Illuminations like you did for your welcome reception and we will be using DPS for that. I was just wondering if you thought Sago Cay was a better choice for dinner and fireworks since you did both?

I can not wait to see your pictures from AK and your ceremony pictures and some more of your TTD photos too. I'm truly enjoying your TR!popcorn::

Thank you for all your help.:cutie:

Chilly

05-12-2010, 07:16 AM

Oooo can't wait to see the photos!

Brit_Jude

05-12-2010, 07:22 AM

Great reviews on the DPS, very helpful especially for those that have to use them for their events in the parks. Must remember you comments on the dessert party photo's and ask them to get some shots of us in them with our guest other than when the fireworks are going off.

The room for your at home reception is lovely and I think you made a good decision on the candles. Sorry on your dress but why not get some more time in your wedding dress. I am sure the people who were not at your wedding would love to see you in it.

Boardwalk_bride

05-12-2010, 07:51 AM

I LOVE Biergarten!! I'm sorry to hear your dress didn't fit right, but your other plans for the At Home Reception look great!! My FMIL has been planning away for our At Home Reception at the end of June so I have no idea what's going on with mine!

I'm really happy for you that you were so impressed with your DPS pics. I can't wait to see them!! Great review for people looking for an in park wedding but worried about DPS.

I want to go back to Biergarten now! I didn't think I would like it but it is so yummy :goodvibes We haven't really put much planning into our at home reception either....there was only one choice of menu (which I only tweaked a little) and than we just ordered the cupcakes, favours and bought the decor!

I cannot wait to see you pictures from AK! I am dying to see more examples of where we can have our pictures taken there.

Hopefully they are hear soon! Last week I was told 7-10 days until I get the DVD!

Your home reception looks like it is going to be beautiful!

I cannot wait to see your pictures! The DPS review you did was fantastic - very helpful to us brides who are still in the planning process!

Thanks :goodvibes I hope it is helpful...it was hard because I think they did such a fantastic job with the portraits and ceremony, but not so much with Morocco and the Attic.

Your at home reception room is beautiful and I love the idea of the candles.:goodvibes

Thank you for posting the Photography reviews. We are planning a WP ceremony and ADH reception with almost 200 guests and I have my heart set on using David and Vicki Arndt. We want to do a rehearsal dinner at Epcot for Illuminations like you did for your welcome reception and we will be using DPS for that. I was just wondering if you thought Sago Cay was a better choice for dinner and fireworks since you did both?

I can not wait to see your pictures from AK and your ceremony pictures and some more of your TTD photos too. I'm truly enjoying your TR!popcorn::

Thank you for all your help.:cutie:

I would highly recommend David and Vicki to anyone! They are the nicest people ever, and they give such an amazing variety of photography. From my pictures from TTD, I felt like I had so many different styles in it, and I can't believe hoe good they made us look, considering we had little sleep and woke up 30 mins before we had to meet them :lmao:

I liked our event in Morocco, but LOVED Sago Cay. I get why people like Epcot better....they want to be in the parks for that VIP feel, and you are literally right next to the fireworks. However, I really enjoyed the privacy of Sago Cay. It is so romantic with the trees right over your head, the surroundings of the GF, and being right on the marina. From my experience, I would choose it in a heartbeat over Epcot.

Oooo can't wait to see the photos!

I can't wait to share them :goodvibes

Great reviews on the DPS, very helpful especially for those that have to use them for their events in the parks. Must remember you comments on the dessert party photo's and ask them to get some shots of us in them with our guest other than when the fireworks are going off.

The room for your at home reception is lovely and I think you made a good decision on the candles. Sorry on your dress but why not get some more time in your wedding dress. I am sure the people who were not at your wedding would love to see you in it.

I'm glad they were helpful! :goodvibes

I haven't decided whether or not to wear my wedding dress again. I still have a month, so I will keep looking for other options as well! Plus, I am trying to sell my dress, so if it sells before the events, I won't be able to wear it.

Kimmers127

05-12-2010, 09:37 AM

shippedtosea

05-13-2010, 08:34 AM

The at home reception stuff looks great! I love those labels....they are super cute! I am very excited to see your AK photos!

Boardwalk_bride

05-15-2010, 09:21 AM

Ok, I am late to the party, but I'm reading along and I can't wait to see your pictures! I'm glad you had such a great experience with David & Vicki as they will be doing my wedding next year. I especially can't wait to see your TTD pictures! We have crossed this off our list for now but I could see it coming back... originally we had told Vicki that we wanted TTD pics in Stormalong Bay. The Beach Club is my favorite hotel - then again it is themed after New England and I'm from New England, so maybe that has something to do with it. We did the AKL in February and I seriously have like 600 pictures of giraffes on my camera! I loved that, especially the safari. :goodvibes

I love David and Vicki so much. If you have the time and budget for it, I would definitely recommend doing TTD. We had so much fun with it, and the pictures came out amazing!

The at home reception stuff looks great! I love those labels....they are super cute! I am very excited to see your AK photos!

Thanks:goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-15-2010, 09:24 AM

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Boardwalk_bride

05-15-2010, 09:26 AM

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shippedtosea

05-15-2010, 09:36 AM

kcampbell

05-15-2010, 09:37 AM

I love it!! You looked incredible...just stunning. My mom and I were in WDW last week and when we were in Epcot @ Canada I pointed out the ceremony area. Canada's always been one of her favorite pavilions so she thought it was fantastic DFTW was having ceremonies there now. I told her about your wedding... I"ll have to send her your TR so she can see the beautiful pics!

And ofcourse, "HAPPY ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY!" :goodvibes

polynesianbride

05-15-2010, 12:35 PM

LOVE IT! You looked so gorgeous- your dress is AMAZING! I love how they did the petals on your aisle kind of swirled- very unique! Can't wait for morepopcorn::

Boardwalk_bride

05-15-2010, 12:52 PM

yay happy one month! You looked GORGEOUS! can't wait to see how good you looked in your professional ones! I looooove your cake! everything looks so great....just makes me want to see more. I am currently waiting for a cd to come in the mail as well (engagement photos)....its very annoying. Hope you and DH do something nice this weekend!

Thank you :goodvibes When I do my TR, I'll post the pic I sent them of my cats so everyone can see what a great job they did recreating them on the cake!

We are celebrating a bit today! We decided to watch a Disney movie, although all we had to choose from were Remember the Titans (which is apparently Disney), Lilo and Stitch and the Pirate series. We ended up choosing the first Pirates movie, since we have been planing our Disney cruise, and just found out there is a Pirate night :rotfl:. DH also just informed me he is taking me to my fav Indian restaurant for dinner :banana:

I love it!! You looked incredible...just stunning. My mom and I were in WDW last week and when we were in Epcot @ Canada I pointed out the ceremony area. Canada's always been one of her favorite pavilions so she thought it was fantastic DFTW was having ceremonies there now. I told her about your wedding... I"ll have to send her your TR so she can see the beautiful pics!

And ofcourse, "HAPPY ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY!" :goodvibes

Thanks a lot:goodvibes Canada is such an amazing area, and they did such a great job getting so much "Canada" into that space. It really does feel like home there, and it makes Canada (the real one) look so pretty!

LOVE IT! You looked so gorgeous- your dress is AMAZING! I love how they did the petals on your aisle kind of swirled- very unique! Can't wait for morepopcorn::

Thanks:goodvibes Hopefully I will have more soon!

I do have a few projects I have done, I will take pics and post tomorrow! For now, I am off to watch Pirates!

MsEsty

05-15-2010, 01:01 PM

Posting teaser pictures isn't fair, I want to see more :)

April Elizabeth

05-15-2010, 03:24 PM

Happy one month anniversary! :cool1:
O.K., I have several things to say here. You look absolutely beautiful!:worship: I can not believe those are non professional pictures of the ceremony. Those pictures are so pretty and it looks like such a nice spot for a morning ceremony. The floral ties in perfectly!:cutie: Now I'm wondering, does it always take DPS this long to send your DVD? Have you gotten any prints from them or just been able to view them online?

April Elizabeth

05-15-2010, 03:32 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention I love your cake!:thumbsup2
What a cute idea with the cats. You know I'm just dying to see more. Your TR is the first thing I check when I come on this site. :woohoo:

Sarah84

05-15-2010, 03:56 PM

Happy 1 month anniversary :)
Love the teaser photos but now im dying to see more, you looked gorgeous.

Pirate's Princess

05-15-2010, 04:11 PM

Happy 1 month anniversary!! I'm so happy you finally posted some pictures. Are those kitties on your cake??? That's awesome.

Disney9.9.10

05-15-2010, 05:19 PM

Happy 1 Month!! That is so exciting! If these photos are your unprofessional ones, I cannot wait to see the professional ones!

CanadianBelle

05-15-2010, 05:25 PM

Everything from you to your ceremony to your cake looks absolutely gorgeous:)

Boardwalk_bride

05-16-2010, 08:21 AM

Posting teaser pictures isn't fair, I want to see more :)

I'll get the up as soon as they come in the mail!!! I'm happy you want to see them though ;)

Happy one month anniversary! :cool1:
O.K., I have several things to say here. You look absolutely beautiful!:worship: I can not believe those are non professional pictures of the ceremony. Those pictures are so pretty and it looks like such a nice spot for a morning ceremony. The floral ties in perfectly!:cutie: Now I'm wondering, does it always take DPS this long to send your DVD? Have you gotten any prints from them or just been able to view them online?

Thanks:goodvibes I have had to wait forever to get everything :mad: I think it is because I live in Canada. Our marriage license took almost 3 weeks to come, and Ron sent it the day after our wedding! So much mail gets held at the border, so that could be why.

Oh, I forgot to mention I love your cake!:thumbsup2
What a cute idea with the cats. You know I'm just dying to see more. Your TR is the first thing I check when I come on this site. :woohoo:

Thank you so much, that is so nice of you to say! You know, I am not a member of any other online forums, and I don't really facebook or anything else, but I really love being on this site, since people on here actually get excited for each other. Most people involved in my wedding didn't really get into it, especially with the planning, and even though they had a great time, none of them are even asking for the pictures (besides parents). My point is, I'm glad people share my excitement here :grouphug:

Happy 1 month anniversary :)
Love the teaser photos but now im dying to see more, you looked gorgeous.
Thanks! I hope to have more up soon!

Happy 1 month anniversary!! I'm so happy you finally posted some pictures. Are those kitties on your cake??? That's awesome.

Thank you! Those are my cats! The only cake I really loved didn't really fit into our wedding (the sparkly one with the castle if anyone remembers) so I basically didn't care about it anymore. DH and I were trying to think of a way to incorporate the cats, and decided to get them on the cake!

Happy 1 Month!! That is so exciting! If these photos are your unprofessional ones, I cannot wait to see the professional ones!

Thanks :goodvibes

Everything from you to your ceremony to your cake looks absolutely gorgeous:)

Oh, thanks so much :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-16-2010, 08:43 AM

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bunny_pop

05-16-2010, 08:48 AM

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-16-2010, 08:50 AM

SENDING PIXIE DUST YOUR WAY!!! :wizard:
It wasn't long ago that I was in the same position. It is difficult to wait...heck DH and I got married so I would have health insurance and not end up in the poor house.
It was worth the wait. I got a job that I love (even though it is 60% time and a 1 year grant...) remember...things come to those who wait...and everyone has to start somewhere! I ended up taking a photography job JUST so that I would have SOME income...Don't be afraid to take something for the "right now" while waiting for "the right fit"
One last piece of advice...for what it is worth...ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF!!! I made this mistake. I worried to no end...search for some of my posts and you'll see-I worried right up until the point where I was working again and totally missed the opportunity to relax, enjoy the summer, and unwind after a whirlwind of 3 years...
pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Brit_Jude

05-16-2010, 08:44 PM

WOW - I just caught up with your updates. The canvas of your trash the dress is amazing. It is such a romantic shot.

Thank you for a wedding pics they are great!

:wizard: Here is some more pixie dust!

TinkLoverSam

05-16-2010, 09:49 PM

:wizard::wizard::wizard::wizard::wizard::wizard::w izard::wizard::wizard::wizard:

Hope that's enough pixie dust! Your teaser pics are amazing!

daisygirl902

05-17-2010, 05:30 AM

LOVE LOVE LOVE your pics so far! The whole thing looks so beautiful - wow...great "non-professional" pics! I can't imagine how great the "real ones" will be :)

Your cake was amazing - I love the daisies on it!

Chilly

05-17-2010, 05:44 AM

The TTD photo is amazing.

shippedtosea

05-17-2010, 08:00 AM

that clutch is too cute. I want it! The shadow box is great! The canvas looks awesome, great idea.

pixiedust:pixiedust:

puente0629

05-17-2010, 08:18 AM

Love, love your bouquet, very unique and that TTD photo is amazing!!! Can't wait to see more pics :thumbsup2

DznyGal

05-17-2010, 08:29 AM

Your teaser pictures are just that!
I can't wait to see more.

You are way ahead of us, I love the shadow box, I need to do something like that. Now you have inspired me. :goodvibes

That TTD canvas is gorgeous, that is my favorite TTD picture I have seen of ANYONE!

Looking forward to seeing more. :love:

Boardwalk_bride

05-17-2010, 08:47 AM

The teaser pics. look amazing! I love your bouquet; it's so unique. The canvas wrap looks great too. I've been debating of ordering from that site but your pic. just confirmed for me that I will. :) Lots of luck and pixie dust job hunting!!!

Thanks:goodvibes I really loved my bouquet, even though it was different from my picture I sent in. It smelled (and still smells) amazing! The canvas wrap is so cool! We will probably get more eventually, since it makes us look like art!

SENDING PIXIE DUST YOUR WAY!!! :wizard:
It wasn't long ago that I was in the same position. It is difficult to wait...heck DH and I got married so I would have health insurance and not end up in the poor house.
It was worth the wait. I got a job that I love (even though it is 60% time and a 1 year grant...) remember...things come to those who wait...and everyone has to start somewhere! I ended up taking a photography job JUST so that I would have SOME income...Don't be afraid to take something for the "right now" while waiting for "the right fit"
One last piece of advice...for what it is worth...ENJOY YOUR TIME OFF!!! I made this mistake. I worried to no end...search for some of my posts and you'll see-I worried right up until the point where I was working again and totally missed the opportunity to relax, enjoy the summer, and unwind after a whirlwind of 3 years...
pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust: pixiedust:

Thanks for sharing that with me! The hard thing is that because I have a graduate degree, most entry level/customer service type jobs, won't hire me, since they know I will quit when I get a job in my field. Two of my friends had interviews for administrative jobs, and they were turned down for that reason as well. I am trying to enjoy the free time I have, but unfortunately it has rained here for almost 2 weeks!

WOW - I just caught up with your updates. The canvas of your trash the dress is amazing. It is such a romantic shot.

Thank you for a wedding pics they are great!

:wizard: Here is some more pixie dust!

Thanks a lot :goodvibes

:wizard::wizard::wizard::wizard::wizard::wizard::w izard::wizard::wizard::wizard:

Hope that's enough pixie dust! Your teaser pics are amazing!

Thanks:goodvibes I'm really hoping I hear something this week! And hopefully my DPS pics come soon!

LOVE LOVE LOVE your pics so far! The whole thing looks so beautiful - wow...great "non-professional" pics! I can't imagine how great the "real ones" will be :)

Your cake was amazing - I love the daisies on it!

Thanks a lot:goodvibes I really hope they come soon so I can share the AK ones especially!

The TTD photo is amazing.

There are way too many for me to choose from :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-17-2010, 08:48 AM

that clutch is too cute. I want it! The shadow box is great! The canvas looks awesome, great idea.

pixiedust:pixiedust:

Thanks:goodvibes

Love, love your bouquet, very unique and that TTD photo is amazing!!! Can't wait to see more pics :thumbsup2

Thanks:goodvibes I'm glad I didn't go for a traditional bouquet, although now I am starting to like flowers again! I think my bouquet really suited the location of the ceremony though!

Your teaser pictures are just that!
I can't wait to see more.

You are way ahead of us, I love the shadow box, I need to do something like that. Now you have inspired me. :goodvibes

That TTD canvas is gorgeous, that is my favorite TTD picture I have seen of ANYONE!

Looking forward to seeing more. :love:

Thanks:goodvibes Since I don't have a job, I decided to just power through and get everything I can wrapped up with the wedding now. If I left it off, than got a job, it wouldn't ever get done! I don't even have a place to put the shadow box right now, but I'm glad it is done!

That is so nice of you to say about the TTD pic! That was my favourite pic, but after going back through them, I think I have a few that I like even more of that one! I'll post them soon:goodvibes

In other news...I was going through all our receipts and all the stuff I saved to scrapbook with, and I found $150! It was shoved into a small Disney envelope, which we thought was a receipt from a gift someone gave us on our wedding. I'm so glad I opened it, and didn't just throw it out...although now I feel so bad we didn't notice before. Oh well, we will buy something with it next time we go!

Walcott

05-17-2010, 09:08 AM

Oh yay! Teaser pics! I love the one of you guys coming up the stairs with the lake behind you. I hadn't even thought about the lake being part of the whole Epcot Canada scene! How pretty!

Sarah84

05-17-2010, 03:01 PM

I love your TTD canvas and the clutch bag is gorgeous, i love how its Disney but not OTT Disney. Great job on the box too :thumbsup2

Sending lots of Pixie dust your way that you find a job soon pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Disney9.9.10

05-17-2010, 06:19 PM

I love that clutch! I might need to get myself one when I am there in Sept!! It is Disney, yet kind of under the radar Disney. I also love the TTD canvas. I cannot wait to see the rest of your pictures - you look so happy in that picture, it is beautiful!

Sccrmnky2005

05-17-2010, 06:44 PM

I can't wait to see the rest of your pictures!!!! How did your at home reception go?? I know I'm jumping ahead :rotfl:

Boardwalk_bride

05-17-2010, 08:01 PM

Oh yay! Teaser pics! I love the one of you guys coming up the stairs with the lake behind you. I hadn't even thought about the lake being part of the whole Epcot Canada scene! How pretty!

Thanks:goodvibes I totally didn't want an aisle to walk down, but I quickly changed my mind after seeing that one!

I love your TTD canvas and the clutch bag is gorgeous, i love how its Disney but not OTT Disney. Great job on the box too :thumbsup2

Sending lots of Pixie dust your way that you find a job soon pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:pixiedust:

Thanks a lot :goodvibes

I love that clutch! I might need to get myself one when I am there in Sept!! It is Disney, yet kind of under the radar Disney. I also love the TTD canvas. I cannot wait to see the rest of your pictures - you look so happy in that picture, it is beautiful!

Thanks :goodvibes I looked at so many clutches before getting one...and enlisted DH to help. I wanted one with fireworks, and the least obvious disney possible.

I can't wait to see the rest of your pictures!!!! How did your at home reception go?? I know I'm jumping ahead :rotfl:
Thanks:goodvibes We haven't actually had our at home reception yet...it is June 12th ;)

ghoulish delight

05-17-2010, 09:05 PM

Happy one month! :goodvibes Your wedding looks like it was just fabulous! You looked so gorgeous and happy! I can't wait to see more pics!!

Boardwalk_bride

05-18-2010, 08:01 AM

Happy one month! :goodvibes Your wedding looks like it was just fabulous! You looked so gorgeous and happy! I can't wait to see more pics!!

Thank you! I can;t wait to see more from you. I loved your wedding video :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-22-2010, 08:07 AM

I finally got my pictures!!! They came last night, and I was up so late trying to get my photo books done so I have them for the reception! I didn't finish them yet, so I need to work on that before I update on here!

I have also updated 2 of my reviews. I was more honest in my DFTW review, which was hard, because I hate that it sounds like I didn't like my planner, which is totally not true, but I am trying to just be honest so other brides can learn from past mistakes.

I also updated my review of DPS (which doesn't really reflect the photographers) since I had a brutal time trying to get my DVD from them!

I am hoping to get my welcome party up in a few hours! I already have it written, so all I need to do is upload photos!

Disney9.9.10

05-22-2010, 08:36 AM

I am sorry to hear that you had some issues with the service you received :( I think that your reviews are really fair and don't "attack" anyone (i.e., your planner). But the fact that you mentioned the negatives really helps those of us who are still planning. Even though it is Disney, they are still people who can make mistakes - so thank you for posting honest reviews!

On a happier note, yay for getting your pictures!! I cannot wait to see them!

Boardwalk_bride

05-22-2010, 02:28 PM

Day Two Part Two – Welcome Dinner @ Morocco

After swimming around in Stormalong Bay for awhile, I realized that we should probably head back to our room to get ready for the welcome dinner. I want to add in here that we were really disappointed in Stormalong Bay. It was completely packed: all the lounge chairs were taken by adults and the pool was swarming with kids. DH and I agreed we actually had more fun at the Pop Century pool the year before.

Anyway, we are almost finished getting ready when I suddenly realize we are running behind (I am always early, so I get frustrated when I am behind schedule). We quickly gathered all of the welcome bags/gifts, and started running towards the Epcot gate (which took a whole 3 minutes I would say).
I’m going to leave out most of the next part, as I do not want to relive bad memories, but as I mentioned before, we had issues with getting into Epcot with all our gifts (that I was told before I would be allowed to bring). In the end, the guest relations person (who was extremely nice) got us in, but this whole ordeal wasted about 15 minutes, and I really don’t want to go into details and relive it.

We finally got to Morocco and saw that about half of our guests were there, with the rest arriving shortly after. There were two event guides (who were husband and wife, and so adorable) and woman working the food area, as well as Regina (DPS) and someone else (Mike I think?) that was with her, although he wasn’t taking pictures.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0030.jpg[/CENTER]

As everyone arrived, we started handing out the welcome gifts we got for everyone. I had brought my sash from my bachelorette party, and decided to put it on as well:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0008.jpg

As the gifts were being handed out, Regina took the opportunity to get some photos of everyone opening gifts. Everyone was really, really impressed and grateful for everything, so I am really happy we did this.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0006.jpg

After the gift opening wrapped up, we started to line up for food. We used the Oswald Buffet menu, which was $28.50 a person, and we had a BOC soda package. The buffet included:
-deluxe cheeses with grapes and crackers
-market vegetable display with lemon dill cream
-chicken quesadilla
-vegetable spring roll with dipping sauce
-potato chips with leak dip.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0002.jpg

The selection of cheese was great, and they were all so tasty!
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0003.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0004.jpg

The food was extremely good, with the spring rolls and cheese being the biggest hits! The only thing I didn’t have was the chips and dip, but I am sure that tasted fine. At the time, and still to this day, I wish we would have had wine as well. We were trying to save money where we could, and figured we should cut alcohol here, since we had it in other events, but I wish I would have just spent the money on it.

We spent the next 40 minutes or so just chatting to one another. I don’t think Morocco has the best layout for this type of event. It is long and narrow, and is kind of divided into two sections, so we were not all together at once.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0029.jpg

If I could go back in time, I would probably not have photography at Morocco. We ended up not facing the camera for most of the fireworks anyway, since we had not actually seen them before. In retrospect, I would have rather had photography at Sago Cay. A lot of it also had to do with the way I looked. I didn’t want to do anything with my hair, because I didn’t want to wash it when we got back, since I wanted to just go right to sleep. I also wore a dress I got a target on the way to WDW, which I totally regret wearing. I should have worn the original one, which I wore another night to Jiko, and it photographed way better!

Anyway, that’s my rant. I’ll leave you with some fireworks pics:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0040.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0043.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0050.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Welcome%20Party-Morocco/PH186180410-0052.jpg

We stuck around for about 15 minutes after the fireworks. Everyone forgot we had vans for them, so they were so happy when we told them they didn’t have to take the bus! DH and I walked back to BCV to get ready for bed. We couldn’t fall asleep, so we decided to find a somewhat boring show (we settled on Everyone loves Raymond) so that we could fall asleep to that……it worked!

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-22-2010, 04:57 PM

thank you for the honest review! I'm excited b/c you have pics and have started your story!!!

TinkLoverSam

05-22-2010, 06:40 PM

YAY! you started with pictures, can't wait until you get to the ceremony!

daisygirl902

05-23-2010, 07:00 AM

The pics are awesome, even though I can understand not wanting to have the photography there that particular night....can't wait to see more pics!! The menu sounds awesome too....it's only 9 AM and I feel like cooking up quesadillas :)

Walcott

05-23-2010, 07:53 AM

Oooh the food looks awesome! I like that idea of doing a light buffet in lieu of a dessert party - I hadn't seen that option before, and it looks so tasty!

The fireworks shots are great too!

Boardwalk_bride

05-23-2010, 08:56 AM

thank you for the honest review! I'm excited b/c you have pics and have started your story!!!

Thanks:goodvibes It takes so long to upload all the prof pics...I guess because they are such a high resolution. I' still working on the next part, I don't have the patience to upload all the pics at once!

YAY! you started with pictures, can't wait until you get to the ceremony!

The pics are awesome, even though I can understand not wanting to have the photography there that particular night....can't wait to see more pics!! The menu sounds awesome too....it's only 9 AM and I feel like cooking up quesadillas :)

Thanks! :goodvibes Any happy long weekend to my fellow Canadians! It is super nice (and going to be really hot) here today, I hope you have good whether out east and west!

Oooh the food looks awesome! I like that idea of doing a light buffet in lieu of a dessert party - I hadn't seen that option before, and it looks so tasty!

The fireworks shots are great too!
Thanks! We loved the idea of the party @ Epcot, but, except for DH, myself and the rest of my guests could never eat that much in desserts to justify over $20 a person. Most of us are more appetizer than dessert people, so this just seemed more appropriate for us!

gemmybear83

05-23-2010, 09:15 AM

Thanks for posting the photos, cant wait to see more! Were are booked for Morocco this December for our dessert party, can't wait! All the decor is going to be Moroccan themed as well :goodvibes

pezaddict231

05-23-2010, 09:46 AM

The welcome party looks great! It's nice to see non-dessert options and everything looks really good. Your DPS pics in your signature look great, I can't wait to see more. :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-24-2010, 07:29 AM

Thanks for posting the photos, cant wait to see more! Were are booked for Morocco this December for our dessert party, can't wait! All the decor is going to be Moroccan themed as well :goodvibes
I'm glad you like the photos! The thing I like best about Morocco (over other Epcot DP's I have seen) is that the ambiance is so awesome, and it makes even the random pics look cool.

The welcome party looks great! It's nice to see non-dessert options and everything looks really good. Your DPS pics in your signature look great, I can't wait to see more. :goodvibes

Thanks:goodvibes DH and I are really happy with our pictures! We have 2 frames we bought in WDW, plus we get one enlarged through our DPS package. It took us about 5 hours to go through and decide which one to put in each frame and which one to have enlarged....it was such a tough decision!

Chilly

05-24-2010, 04:49 PM

The food sounds yummy. Sorry you had problems though. Can't wait to read about the wedding!

shippedtosea

05-24-2010, 09:10 PM

yay! more pictures. I'm glad the food was good! Sorry you had such issues with the gifts and didn't like the location that much. Can't wait for more!

April Elizabeth

05-25-2010, 12:12 AM

First of all, I'd like to say Thank You for posting the reviews. It's such a big help to us who are still in the planning stages. :goodvibes
I'm so happy you got your DVD and your pictures. Everything looks beautiful and the food looks yummy! Can't wait to see more!:cool1:

Eviey

05-25-2010, 12:20 AM

I loved your Welcome party pictures. They are beautiful. The food looked so good, it made me hungry. I love the pictures in your signature! Can't wait to see more!

Sccrmnky2005

05-25-2010, 06:25 PM

I couldn't remember if you already had it or not, but I can't wait until I see the rest of your pictures!!!:)

Boardwalk_bride

05-25-2010, 07:27 PM

yay! more pictures. I'm glad the food was good! Sorry you had such issues with the gifts and didn't like the location that much. Can't wait for more!

The food sounds yummy. Sorry you had problems though. Can't wait to read about the wedding!

The food was really good! It isn't that I didn't like Morocco...I just wasn't aware of the awkward shape of it, and was kind of disappointed in it. I have always been a firm believer in open space (I hate clutter and small spaces) so that is really the only reason it bothered me. The location itself is quite amazing. I love Morocco at night!

First of all, I'd like to say Thank You for posting the reviews. It's such a big help to us who are still in the planning stages. :goodvibes
I'm so happy you got your DVD and your pictures. Everything looks beautiful and the food looks yummy! Can't wait to see more!:cool1:

Thanks:goodvibes I'm glad it is still helping people!

I loved your Welcome party pictures. They are beautiful. The food looked so good, it made me hungry. I love the pictures in your signature! Can't wait to see more!

Thank you:goodvibes I really love those pics too! I'm really happy with my ceremony and portrait locations...the pics turned out beautiful!

I couldn't remember if you already had it or not, but I can't wait until I see the rest of your pictures!!!:)

I'll start uploading more now!:goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-25-2010, 07:56 PM

Day 3 Part 1 – Wedding Day!!!!

I made sure to set the alarm so that I had at least 20 minutes to jump in the shower, throw some clothes on and have a bite to eat. I should have paid more attention to other brides TR’s, as many reported Patricia had showed up early. It was only 5 minutes early, which is quite professional on her end, but it meant I didn’t have time to eat or drink…oh well!

Patricia came in and starting setting everything up. I have to say, she is one of the cutest, nicest people I have ever met! I showed her the picture of the hairstyle I wanted, and a few of the makeup, and she went straight to work. Since she uses MAC, and I have a mild (okay huge) obsession with that brand, she kept telling me which colours she was using, which was nice, so I knew what exactly was going on my face.

The big debate I was having when planning my wedding was whether or not to have the bridal portraits in the morning. I really wanted to get ready with my friends, so I was worried about missing out on this. My desire to avoid waking up early twice, and getting my hair and makeup redone, quickly settled the decision. It turned out to be for the best. I really enjoyed how quite it was getting ready. Patricia and I talked a bit, but we were mostly quite. DH discovered that the hockey highlights (which he kept trying to catch at night) were aired early in the morning, so he was quite pleased with that. As Patricia was just finishing up with my, all the girls arrived. She got right to work on my MOH, and the 2 others helped me into my dress. I took one look at the clock and realized it was time to go. I quickly put on my jewelry, grabbed my purse, my soon to be husband, put on my shoes, and put all the bags by the door that the girls needed to bring for my planner (guestbook, wine box, etc).

DH and I quickly moved to the BC lobby to find Joe and Regina. It suddenly occurred to me that I had no idea where our flowers were going to be. As soon as I said this out loud, a lady approached me in the lobby who had my bouquet and DHs boutonniere…so that problem was solved quickly! My bouquet was different than I expected. It was a lot longer and skinner than the picture I sent, but I loved the smell of it, and once I got used to it not being what I imagined, I started to love the look of it. After getting our floral in order, DH and I looked outside and saw Joe and Regina, so we went out to get in their van (which was so hard with my dress) and headed to Animal Kingdom!!!

daisygirl902

05-25-2010, 08:46 PM

OH I am so excited!! I know pics are coming soon!! I feel like when you post these updates it's like I'm living vicariously though you! It's so cool....Wedding day part 1 is great - can't wait for more....

Boardwalk_bride

05-25-2010, 09:17 PM

Day 3 Part 2 – Animal Kingdom Portraits

We started driving to Animal Kingdom, and we were so excited! Being backstage is so cool, and this was the first time we got to do it for any park! We entered somewhere in Africa, I feel like it was by Tusker House (where you can see a big gate anyway). Almost as soon as we pulled in, we stopped right away to jump out for pictures.

There is one thing I want to point out here. Only a really small amount (according to my photographers) of brides have had portrait sessions here. Because of this, people that work in AK are not used to vans driving through, and although they were all nice to DH and I and congratulating us, we could hear them getting irritated with the photographers on multiple occasions. The only time it was actually irritating was when one of the cast members wanted us to leave after only 30 mins, because guests were going to be in the park for breakfast. Obviously, we couldn’t leave…we paid $650 (I believe) for this, and the photographers knew that, so we stayed. We attracted quite a crowd of guests (who also took pictures) which was kind of weird, and, happened again multiple times throughout the day (which we finally got use to)!

Anyway, back to where I was before. We arrived in Africa, and got out and took some pics there! These are some of my favourites:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0059.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0060.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0082.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0092.jpg

We took a ton of pics here, then hopped back into the van and started to head towards Asia. We stopped along the way and got more here:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0120.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0121.jpg

And then we arrived in Asia (I think these are all from Asia):

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0106.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0170.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0162.jpg

Soon after, we went to a really cool area that I didn’t even know about, that I *think* was behind Flame Tree BBQ…but I’m honestly not really sure:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0175.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0185.jpg

And of course a few around the tree:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0187.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Animal%20Kingdom%20Portrait/PH186180410-0066.jpg

We finished off and left for Epcot. I saw the time in the van, and realized we were going to be late. I knew it wasn’t really that big of deal, but I didn’t want my guests to be waiting, and I didn’t want to be behind on everything.
We pulled into Epcot and drove through the backstage area. DH and I were so excited to see it, especially when we saw the globe from illuminations. DH and I were given a tour from Joe and Regina who pointed out what a lot of the buildings were. Regina held other jobs at Epcot previous to DPS, so she was telling us about the characters she got to be “friends” with (which is apparently the technical term for who you dress up as).

Before we knew it, we pulled up behind the UK and were ready to head to the ceremony!!!

Up next, our home away from home…the Canada Pavilion!

Boardwalk_bride

05-25-2010, 09:22 PM

Sorry for the changes in photo sizes...I realized the large ones take longer to upload, so I switched to smaller ones!

daisygirl902

05-26-2010, 04:56 AM

Wow - it was worth the wait - those pics are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!

Disney9.9.10

05-26-2010, 06:31 AM

Ooo yay, wedding day started!! Sounds like your morning went well (aside from a couple people at AK). Your pictures are beautiful!! They did a really great job!

Oh and your bouquet is the most original thing that I have ever seen. It looks like it would be much lighter than a traditional bouquet, was it?

mhl1414

05-26-2010, 06:50 AM

You look beautiful! The pics in Animal Kingdom turned out great! I am so excited to see the rest! Thanks for sharing your day with us!

shippedtosea

05-26-2010, 07:30 AM

omg SOOOO pretty! I think Animal kingdom was a great choice! they are such pretty pictures. your bouquet is so different and pretty!

More more :thumbsup2

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-26-2010, 08:32 AM

YEAH! Wedding Day!!! LOVE your photos/...makes me wonder if I should even try to squeeze this into the budget...:laughing:

girli565

05-26-2010, 08:58 AM

You look beautiful! I love the AK pics!

Chilly

05-26-2010, 09:29 AM

I'm glad to hear your photographers ignored those other CMs and carried on with the photoshoot.

I really love your dress and veil.

DznyGal

05-26-2010, 10:46 AM

I love your AK pictures, so beautiful. I can't wait to see and read more! :-)

Pooh's Corner

05-26-2010, 03:06 PM

Thank you so much for sharing your pictures. You look beautiful! Can't wait to see more.

Boardwalk_bride

05-26-2010, 03:33 PM

Wow - it was worth the wait - those pics are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much :goodvibes

Ooo yay, wedding day started!! Sounds like your morning went well (aside from a couple people at AK). Your pictures are beautiful!! They did a really great job!

Oh and your bouquet is the most original thing that I have ever seen. It looks like it would be much lighter than a traditional bouquet, was it?

It was really light! I am so happy I went with such a unique one. I think it looks really nice in the AK and Canada pics, and now I have it to keep forever, without having to pay to preserve it! It still smells so good too!

You look beautiful! The pics in Animal Kingdom turned out great! I am so excited to see the rest! Thanks for sharing your day with us!

omg SOOOO pretty! I think Animal kingdom was a great choice! they are such pretty pictures. your bouquet is so different and pretty!

More more :thumbsup2

YEAH! Wedding Day!!! LOVE your photos/...makes me wonder if I should even try to squeeze this into the budget...:laughing:

I'm glad to hear your photographers ignored those other CMs and carried on with the photoshoot.

I really love your dress and veil.

I love your AK pictures, so beautiful. I can't wait to see and read more! :-)

Thank you so much for sharing your pictures. You look beautiful! Can't wait to see more.

Thanks everyone :goodvibes

I have been waiting all day for the rest of our stuff from DPS to come (it was supposed to be here today). I was planning on completing our album from the loose pics and putting some in picture frames. I don't know why I am shocked they didn't come after what I already went through, but I don't know why they would put an exact date in writing and not deliver it. Ughhh!

On the plus side, it has given me more time to upload ceremony pics, so hopefully I will have another update soon!

weedee

05-26-2010, 04:03 PM

gorgeous shoot at AK!!! I love that you guys did it there...it's so different! Plus there's so many different locations that your pictures really turned out lovely. :goodvibes

curiouser

05-26-2010, 07:50 PM

Your AK photos are GORGEOUS! I love the ones with the blue doors, you'd never even know you were at Disney.

ghoulish delight

05-26-2010, 07:54 PM

Darn it! I could have sworn I posted here yesterday! :headache: Lol, my brain has been mush, so please forgive me. ANYWAY!! Gorgeous photos at AK! Just stunning! You and DH must be sooo so pleased with them! :goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-26-2010, 08:09 PM

gorgeous shoot at AK!!! I love that you guys did it there...it's so different! Plus there's so many different locations that your pictures really turned out lovely. :goodvibes

Your AK photos are GORGEOUS! I love the ones with the blue doors, you'd never even know you were at Disney.

Darn it! I could have sworn I posted here yesterday! :headache: Lol, my brain has been mush, so please forgive me. ANYWAY!! Gorgeous photos at AK! Just stunning! You and DH must be sooo so pleased with them! :goodvibes

Thanks ladies :goodvibes I'm so happy we went with AK. It was such a hard choice, because I saw so many amazing MK and Epcot ones here, that I wanted to go with somewhere that I knew would be good. But AK reflects our personalities a bit more....all the greenery anyway, and I love that they aren't too Disney (well, I guess none of our wedding pics really are)

I think I will be able to have one part of the ceremony up tonight. I have sooooo many pictures that I uploaded from the ceremony that I will have to break it into several parts!

pezaddict231

05-26-2010, 08:48 PM

wow, the pictures are amazing! You both look great and I love your dress and veil. Can't wait to see more.

Boardwalk_bride

05-26-2010, 09:01 PM

Day Three – Part Three

**We have so many amazing pics that I wish I could post, but I have decided that I would rather limit the amount of pictures with other guests in them, just in case it is a problem for them**

So we arrived @ the back entrance to the UK, where my planner and another person met us. We were immediately brought into World Showcase, and lead to the bottom of the stairs leading up to Canada. Ron (our officiant) was waiting for us, and came over to us to go over the ceremony quickly.

What I didn’t realize, and was not told, was that I would not get to see my bridal party before the ceremony. I could see them lining up, and waved, but DH and I were kept at the bottom of the stairs, well they were up near the top (across from “Hotel Du Canada”). There were so many people working for DFTW waiting with us at the bottom. I have no idea who they were…I think I heard that some where other planners, who came to see a wedding in “Canada”. I think there was an assistant there as well, and a few guides, since park guests could easily walk by at anytime.

As soon as Regina and Joe has caught back up with us, my planner immediately sent them up to the ceremony area to get ready for pictures. We waited a few more minutes, and then off we went! I was nervous about trying to get up all those stairs with my dress, so I made DH hold my bouquet until we were on a flat surface!

The whole time I was planning the ceremony (even back when we were using SBP) my biggest issue was with walking down the aisle. I didn’t want a long aisle, I didn’t want people snapping pictures as I approached, and I didn’t want to be made to feel more nervous. Somehow, I ended up with an aisle way longer than I imagined…but I loved it. I didn’t even notice the people taking pictures, or feel nervous, I just was so happy with the ceremony site, and the ambiance of my “aisle” that I didn’t even think about all the things I was nervous about!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0204.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0205.jpg

Isn’t this a cool aisle? I loved it!

**I need to add in here that it was really, really sunny that day, so our eyes are not quite open all the way in all the pics**

We approached Ron and the ceremony began. I remember listening to most of the ceremony words, but I also didn’t want to cry, so I was thinking about things people said to be and DH the night before to make us not cry. In some of the pictures, you can tell we are almost laughing, since we knew we were both thinking about them (I won’t mention what we were thinking about).

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0206.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0211.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0209.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0217.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0229.jpg

We exchanged our rings….

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0252.jpg

Followed by the wine ceremony

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0257.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0259.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0299.jpg

I’m so happy we did the wine ceremony! Everyone thought it was amazing, and definitely reflected one of our passions (as I mentioned before, we love wine tasting and wine touring), and allowed us to bring some of our home with us, since we leave near the Niagara wine region. Ron loved it so much that he wants to offer that ceremony that I wrote for him to future brides!
Okay, back to the ceremony. After we completed the wine ceremony, we said our vows (I think it was this order) and were pronounced husband and wife! I used my original name since I didn’t know whether or not I was going to change it, and I am glad I did, I can’t explain why, I just liked the sound of it that way.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0280.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0271.jpg

Boardwalk_bride

05-26-2010, 09:04 PM

wow, the pictures are amazing! You both look great and I love your dress and veil. Can't wait to see more.

Thanks a lot :goodvibes

Eviey

05-26-2010, 10:26 PM

Your pictures are so beautiful! Love your dress, it is so pretty on you. Thank you so much for posting your pictures. I have loved looking at all them! Can't wait for more!

Disney9.9.10

05-27-2010, 06:47 AM

Your ceremony pictures are beautiful! The Canada pavilion worked out really well for you, and I love all of the personal touches. The wine ceremony is not something that I knew about, but I love it! You must be so thrilled with your pictures!!

p.s. - we must live closer together than I thought if you live near the Niagara Wine region!!

Boardwalk_bride

05-27-2010, 07:05 AM

Your pictures are so beautiful! Love your dress, it is so pretty on you. Thank you so much for posting your pictures. I have loved looking at all them! Can't wait for more!

Thanks a lot :goodvibes I still have SO many more!

Your ceremony pictures are beautiful! The Canada pavilion worked out really well for you, and I love all of the personal touches. The wine ceremony is not something that I knew about, but I love it! You must be so thrilled with your pictures!!

p.s. - we must live closer together than I thought if you live near the Niagara Wine region!!

Thank you!! I have lived all over Canada, and visited almost everywhere I haven't lived, and all of the pavilion reminds me of different parts of Canada, so it felt so amazing and perfect to have our ceremony there!

I assumed you lived in Ottawa from the "canal' comment I saw in your PJ! (I realize there is more than one canal, but you know what I mean). I live in Guelph, so about 30 mins from Beamsville, which is where we usually go wine touring. If you live in the Niagara region just know that I am so jealous! I am trying to get a job there because I want to live there so badly!

daisygirl902

05-27-2010, 07:33 AM

Wow - the Canadian Pavilion has never been one of my favorites - UNTIL NOW!!! Your pics are absolutely stunning - it looked so pretty! I can't remember if I mentioned this before or not, but I love the bodice of your dress - it's so eye catching.

It's kind of funny how reading these updates and waiting for the next one I am realizing how personally involved I get in other people's "big day"...

I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the next update!

Disney9.9.10

05-27-2010, 07:48 AM

Thanks a lot :goodvibes I still have SO many more!

Thank you!! I have lived all over Canada, and visited almost everywhere I haven't lived, and all of the pavilion reminds me of different parts of Canada, so it felt so amazing and perfect to have our ceremony there!

I assumed you lived in Ottawa from the "canal' comment I saw in your PJ! (I realize there is more than one canal, but you know what I mean). I live in Guelph, so about 30 mins from Beamsville, which is where we usually go wine touring. If you live in the Niagara region just know that I am so jealous! I am trying to get a job there because I want to live there so badly!

I look forward to seeing more!! They all look so good, every single one! As a Canadian, I can see why you like the pavilion lol I live in Welland, not sure if you know exactly where that is, but we are right in the region, close to St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. The job situation here is awful, our unemployment rate is really high, but I hope that you find something soon!:goodvibes

Boardwalk_bride

05-27-2010, 07:58 AM

I look forward to seeing more!! They all look so good, every single one! As a Canadian, I can see why you like the pavilion lol I live in Welland, not sure if you know exactly where that is, but we are right in the region, close to St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. The job situation here is awful, our unemployment rate is really high, but I hope that you find something soon!:goodvibes

I know exactly where that is! One of my BM's is from St.Catherines! I just applied for a job with the Niagara Region, which I beleive is out of Thorald, so maybe I will get lucky for once....but yah, the job situation is awful right now, nobody that I graduated with has a job (and our line of work is supposed to be in demand) :sad1:

helloirishkitty

05-27-2010, 08:19 AM

I'm just now reading your TR and your pictures are beautiful! Are the ceremony pictures from DPS? If they are, I don't feel so sad about having to use them anymore!

I'm from Western NY so I am on the Niagara Wine Trail all of the time. It is so beautiful... Niagara on the Lake is one of my favorite places.

Disney9.9.10

05-27-2010, 08:21 AM

I know exactly where that is! One of my BM's is from St.Catherines! I just applied for a job with the Niagara Region, which I beleive is out of Thorald, so maybe I will get lucky for once....but yah, the job situation is awful right now, nobody that I graduated with has a job (and our line of work is supposed to be in demand) :sad1:

That is awesome! I wish you the best of luck with the job!

shippedtosea

05-27-2010, 11:39 AM

kcampbell

05-27-2010, 01:25 PM

Beautiful Karen! Your AK shots are gorgeous! I really love the uniqueness of your bouquet and it totally fit in to Canada and AK. :thumbsup2 Loved your "aisle". As I've already said, what a fantastic location for a ceremony! Oh, and that's wonderful that Ron is adding the wine ceremony as an option for other brides. Can't wait to see more! :goodvibes

LLLBelle

05-27-2010, 01:35 PM

Your pictures are gorgeous. I love seeing the Animal Kingdom pictures! Your bouquet was so unique.

pink_tink8i8

05-27-2010, 07:19 PM

wow your pictures are beautiful. I think people are going to want to pick Canada as a ceremony place now

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-27-2010, 07:24 PM

beautiful! I love your bouquet...so different!:thumbsup2

mhl1414

05-27-2010, 09:02 PM

Wow! Canada has always been my favorite area in Epcot but I did not know it would make such a wonderful wedding spot. You guys look great! The pictures are worth the wait (I have been checking daily for weeks!) I know, I need to get a life!

Boardwalk_bride

05-28-2010, 11:43 AM

your ceremony pictures are so pretty! Its great to finally see how everything came out. I feel like I have been following along with your planning forever and I always knew once you got back that would mean it was almost my turn! crazy how time flies! I like that you guys walked down together. its really sweet.

Thanks:goodvibes Yah, I forgot to write about the whole walking down the aisle together thing....oh well! We were really happy with our decision to do that, and in the end, it made more sense anyway, since we were the last to arrive due to our photo session.

Beautiful Karen! Your AK shots are gorgeous! I really love the uniqueness of your bouquet and it totally fit in to Canada and AK. :thumbsup2 Loved your "aisle". As I've already said, what a fantastic location for a ceremony! Oh, and that's wonderful that Ron is adding the wine ceremony as an option for other brides. Can't wait to see more! :goodvibes

Thank you so much :goodvibes When I was looking at the pictures I was so happy with my bouquet choice, as I feel it really did fit well with AK and Canada, like you said!

Your pictures are gorgeous. I love seeing the Animal Kingdom pictures! Your bouquet was so unique.

Thank you :goodvibes I'm obsessed with my bouquet now. I forgot to mention there was also a tiny hidden mickey in it...I'll take a pic it later and post it.

wow your pictures are beautiful. I think people are going to want to pick Canada as a ceremony place now

Thank you! I think lots of people will want it anyway...but if my pictures can help, than great :cheer2:

beautiful! I love your bouquet...so different!:thumbsup2

Thanks :goodvibes

Wow! Canada has always been my favorite area in Epcot but I did not know it would make such a wonderful wedding spot. You guys look great! The pictures are worth the wait (I have been checking daily for weeks!) I know, I need to get a life!

Thank you :goodvibes We are so happy we ended up there! When we decided to switch to Epcot, we wanted Germany (it is/was our favourite Pavilion) but we chose Canada so we could keep the Escape package. We couldn't be happier with our choice! I still have so many more pictures...portraits in Canada, the Attic, Sago Cay and Trash the Dress!!

polynesianbride

05-28-2010, 01:31 PM

April Elizabeth

05-28-2010, 11:39 PM

Karen,

I love your AK pictures and the Ceremony in Canada is just so different from any other Disney Weddings. I'm sure Canada is going to be the new popular spot! I can't wait to see more pictures.:goodvibes You were so beautiful!:cutie:

TinkLoverSam

05-29-2010, 11:35 PM

O Canada! I can't wait to see more ceremony pictures.

ghoulish delight

05-30-2010, 01:48 AM

Your ceremony looks like it was perfect, all-around! The location is very unique and beautiful! :goodvibes You and DH look so happy and adorable, I love it. And the wine ceremony seems very cool!

Boardwalk_bride

05-30-2010, 11:25 AM

GORGEOUS! Love your AK photos- sorry to hear staff wasn't being very welcoming though, sounds like your photographer handled it well though. LOVE your Canada pics!!! If we weren't so attached to our tropical theme I would switch in a heartbeat! Maybe we could do 'tropical Canada':lmao::rotfl::rotfl2: Can't wait to see morepopcorn::

Thanks! I love your location too.....when we were first planning sunrise terrace and sunset pointe were our favs, but we knew we would have too many people! There is always a VR.....

Karen,

I love your AK pictures and the Ceremony in Canada is just so different from any other Disney Weddings. I'm sure Canada is going to be the new popular spot! I can't wait to see more pictures.:goodvibes You were so beautiful!:cutie:

Thanks:goodvibes The thing I love about DFTW is that everyone can make their location so unique. I'm excited to see future ceremonies in Canada, because I am sure they will look so different. We customized everything down to the chairs for our ceremony!

O Canada! I can't wait to see more ceremony pictures.

More coming soon!

Your ceremony looks like it was perfect, all-around! The location is very unique and beautiful! :goodvibes You and DH look so happy and adorable, I love it. And the wine ceremony seems very cool!

Thanks :goodvibes Our ceremony actually was perfect. There literally wasn't one thing out of place or one thing I would change.

Alright, I'm going to work on getting the rest of my ceremony pics up!

Boardwalk_bride

05-30-2010, 11:43 AM

Day Three Part Four: More from the Ceremony

Right after the ceremony ended, we got right into taking portraits. This ended up being so much fun….I guess we were just all excited to be in Epcot in formal wear, and we attracted quite the audience, so we all felt like celebrities.

We started out taking a few pictures @ the ceremony site (although I only uploaded one since my patience with that was running low):

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0305.jpg

We just did a few here, than were lead right down to the garden area (around where you wait for Le Cellier). We got some good group ones here as well:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0320.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0324.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0355.jpg

And a few of my favourite random shots that Joe and Regina got:

How did the groom get stuck with all of this??
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0322.jpg

Our own paparazzi…
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0323.jpg

We took a few more by the bench:
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0358.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0363.jpg

After these shots, our guests were all taken to the bus behind UK to wait for us. I felt bad that they had to wait about 20 mins for us to get our portraits done, but I think they were just happy to be in air conditioning, since it was starting to get hot. So well they were cooling down, DH and I were working up a sweat hiking through Canada to get some awesome pics. I hope you enjoy!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0365.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0370.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0373.jpg

This one is one of my favs:
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0388.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0393.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0397.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0400.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0405.jpg
I love my not-wedding-at-all wedding shoes!
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0408.jpg

We had to get this one:
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0415.jpg

Another fav:
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Ceremony%20-%20DPS/PH186180410-0419.jpg

Sadly, we had to leave Epcot, but we had the Attic, Sago Cay, Trash the Dress, and the rest of our honeymoon to look forward to! Lots more to come soon!

daisygirl902

05-30-2010, 12:20 PM

YAY! I love your pics so far! I really have a thing for the phone booth shots! Can't wait to see more :)

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-30-2010, 12:28 PM

Yeah! More pics! I love the colors of the flowers in the background! Amazing! :goodvibes

TinkLoverSam

05-30-2010, 01:31 PM

Wow! So beautiful! I'll have to pay more attention to everything in Canada while I'm there in August.

sillykaren

05-30-2010, 02:02 PM

Sooo I noticed you're going on DCL in May 2011! We are too, May 29 on the new Disney Dream!! :goodvibes

I have been following along and I'm in awe of just how gorgeous Canada turned out to be. I'm so glad you were able to have your ceremony there. It was perfectly you!!! :goodvibes

shippedtosea

05-31-2010, 08:29 AM

so pretty. I love your portrait shots they are really great! I think Canada was a perfect choice!

amyy

05-31-2010, 11:21 AM

If it wasn't too late I think I would switch to Canada for the photo opportunities:) Your pictures are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

pezaddict231

05-31-2010, 12:40 PM

Your pictures are so beautiful! And I love that there is so much variety in the Canada Pavilion, from the rustic water fall to the manicured gardens, just amazing!

Boardwalk_bride

05-31-2010, 02:10 PM

YAY! I love your pics so far! I really have a thing for the phone booth shots! Can't wait to see more :)
Thanks:goodvibes I really love the phone booth ones! I was sad to have to give them up when we decided not to do the Epcot portraits, but since we had to walk by them coming into Canada, Regina stopped and was like...get in there!

Yeah! More pics! I love the colors of the flowers in the background! Amazing! :goodvibes
Thanks:goodvibes

Wow! So beautiful! I'll have to pay more attention to everything in Canada while I'm there in August.
I think it is so easy for us to overlook it...especially being Canadian, I never really took the time to explore the pavilion, I always go to the ones I consider more exotic. But it really is so beautiful, and they really gave the Canada area a lot of space (which I guess makes sense, since Canada is the largest country out of all of the ones in "world showcase", and second in the real world :rotfl:

Sooo I noticed you're going on DCL in May 2011! We are too, May 29 on the new Disney Dream!! :goodvibes

I have been following along and I'm in awe of just how gorgeous Canada turned out to be. I'm so glad you were able to have your ceremony there. It was perfectly you!!! :goodvibes

Thank you so much!

We want to go on the Disney Dream so badly! Unfortunately, it doesn't go to the Mediterranean though...

so pretty. I love your portrait shots they are really great! I think Canada was a perfect choice!

Thanks:goodvibes

If it wasn't too late I think I would switch to Canada for the photo opportunities:) Your pictures are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen.

Wow, that is so nice of you:goodvibes I honestly think (and I'm not just saying this to be nice) that everywhere in WDW has amazing photo opportunities, but the areas we picked (AK and Canada) just worked best for us, and reflected us the most.

Your pictures are so beautiful! And I love that there is so much variety in the Canada Pavilion, from the rustic water fall to the manicured gardens, just amazing!

Thank you so much! Our parents were soooooooo happy we had pictures done in the garden area. All of them are obsessed with gardens (they actually go on garden tours) so it made them really happy. DH and I prefer the rustic looking ones @ AK and by the waterfall @ Canada, so there is something to make everyone happy!

I'll start working on the brunch and dinner receptions today....and I also want to try and post some of the honeymoon pics, since I took the time to upload them!

Boardwalk_bride

05-31-2010, 02:39 PM

Day Three - Part Five

After our remaining pictures in the telephone booth, we were brought to the bus and got on with our guests to head to the Attic.

This is clearly not a professional shot
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/IMG_0386.jpg

As we approached the Boardwalk, I had a thought. Nobody ever told me if someone would be waiting there for us, and I had no idea where to go. I figured that someone would be there….how else would we find it. So we all file of the bus, head towards the lobby, and there was nobody there to direct us. I had a sudden moment of panic, but DH, seeing I was stressed, quickly ran to ask a cast member where to go, and soon enough, he was leading us all there.

When we got to the Attic, everything was set up nicely. The first thing we saw was our guest book, which everyone thought was so cute.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/IMG_0405.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0477.jpg

We took a moment just to look around at everything. We had been dreaming about the Attic forever. We were just so happy to be there. Our guitar player was there as well playing the songs we had sent music for, so everyone had a good time trying to figure out the songs.

A moment later, we noticed our cake was on display. We really had no idea what we were getting. I just told them “classic mad hatter” and gave no instructions on colours, design or anything, except that I wanted my cats somehow worked in (we needed to put them in somehow).

Here is what we ended up with:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0434.jpg

I cannot believe the amazing job they did with the cats. For comparison, here is the pic I had sent them.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/IMG_0182.jpg http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0433.jpg

The mimosas were ready right away, so we spent some time hanging out, enjoying the patio area, the view, and our drinks:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0469.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0472.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0475.jpg

After enjoying some time in the sun, it was time to cut the cake, and have my MOH make the toast.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0463.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0466.jpg

Almost immediately after, they announced breakfast was ready, which everyone was so happy about, since we were all starving!

Our menu was the Sandy Hook Lighthouse Breakfast Buffet, which we had customized for $36.95 pp. It included:
-fruit juice, sliced fruit and berries
-variety of baked pastries
-scrambled eggs with chives and cheddar cheese
-breakfast quesadillas with eggs, sausage, onions, peppers and cheese
-french toast with maple syrup
-smoked bacon
-turkey sausage
-chive and cheddar hasbrowns
-Whole wheat mickey waffle station (cooked to order)

Aside from the turkey sausage, everything was so amazing! Everyone commented on how much they loved having breakfast @ the reception. I knew they would, because I know most of them well, and they love brunch, but I was still happy to hear it. It especially tasted so good since it was the first thing most of us had that day. I think my favourite item from the list was definitely the hashbrowns…..they were amazing! I have to say the pastries were quite good too. I expected just normal continental type stuff, but they were really good! DH and I loved the coffee cake type pastry...yum!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0501.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0478.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Attic/PH186180410-0479.jpg

Some non professional pics:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/IMG_0406.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/IMG_0411.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/IMG_0412.jpg

After breakfast, we all lounged around for a bit, before being loaded back onto the bus and brought back to our resorts to break for a bit before dinner.

daisygirl902

05-31-2010, 03:00 PM

Oh I am SO stealing some of your menu items! Those hashbrowns sound amazing!! Everything looks really great...thanks for sharing!

disneybarbie

05-31-2010, 03:03 PM

It all looks so beautiful!

Love the idea of having the Vinylmation Mickey as your 'guest book' !

The cake is lovely too :goodvibes

Emma princess: x

spacerangerqueen

05-31-2010, 05:27 PM

Love all the pics! The Canada pavilion is such a great backdrop for a wedding. I was there a week or two ago and thinking about how I was waiting to see your pics. It looks like everything turned out great!
How cute that you did a vinylmation guestbook too, didn't it turn out awesome? Our guests were so creative with ours. Guess I need to get around to posting it lol.

Petals & Pixie Dust

05-31-2010, 06:57 PM

Yeah...I think I'm going to borrow that guest book idea :rolleyes1...I want something...and that will work...Hope you don't mind! I love it! :thumbsup2

amyy

05-31-2010, 07:29 PM

I so love how you incorporated your cats!! I was just telling one of our cats tonight that I didn't know how I was going to incorporate her. It wouldn't work on our cake but I had been toying with the idea of a grooms cake. hmmmm

I apologize if you have already answered my question about the guitar player. Did you like him, did he do all the songs you asked for etc? We are having the Key West style guitarist which I really have no idea what style of guitar that is I just know I like Key West :)

You are right (in your earlier post) about all the locations having beautiful photo opportunities. My mother is from Canada and she would be tickled if I had my wedding at the Canadian pavilion. With just a few weeks to go there is no time for second guessing. well... Really your pictures are amazing!!

Pirate's Princess

05-31-2010, 08:53 PM

I love all of your pictures! It looked like everyone had a nice and relaxed time, including you! Canada looked beautiful, and so did you! ;-)

Boardwalk_bride

05-31-2010, 09:47 PM

Oh I am SO stealing some of your menu items! Those hashbrowns sound amazing!! Everything looks really great...thanks for sharing!

You should steal the hashbrowns...they were so tasty!

It all looks so beautiful!

Love the idea of having the Vinylmation Mickey as your 'guest book' !

The cake is lovely too :goodvibes

Emma princess: x

Thank you so much:goodvibes

Love all the pics! The Canada pavilion is such a great backdrop for a wedding. I was there a week or two ago and thinking about how I was waiting to see your pics. It looks like everything turned out great!
How cute that you did a vinylmation guestbook too, didn't it turn out awesome? Our guests were so creative with ours. Guess I need to get around to posting it lol.
Thanks:goodvibes I'm guessing you did a mickey vinlymation book than...I totally thought that I pioneered the idea :rotfl: It really was such a great way to add Mickey in!

Yeah...I think I'm going to borrow that guest book idea :rolleyes1...I want something...and that will work...Hope you don't mind! I love it! :thumbsup2

Not at all! I think it is such a fantastic idea....especially if you have a smaller guest list, since there isn't much room anyway!

I so love how you incorporated your cats!! I was just telling one of our cats tonight that I didn't know how I was going to incorporate her. It wouldn't work on our cake but I had been toying with the idea of a grooms cake. hmmmm

I apologize if you have already answered my question about the guitar player. Did you like him, did he do all the songs you asked for etc? We are having the Key West style guitarist which I really have no idea what style of guitar that is I just know I like Key West :)

You are right (in your earlier post) about all the locations having beautiful photo opportunities. My mother is from Canada and she would be tickled if I had my wedding at the Canadian pavilion. With just a few weeks to go there is no time for second guessing. well... Really your pictures are amazing!!

Thanks:goodvibes Our cats are our babies! We rescued all of them together. Sam and Frodo, who are twins, just turned 4, and McLovin is turning 3 in a couple weeks, so they have spent a lot of time in our relationship, so we needed to incorporate them.

We loved the guitar player. He played everything perfect...the songs sounded the same of the acoustic versions we have of the songs at home! I have no idea what a key west guitar sounds like....ours was just acoustic. I'm sure it would be great though!

I love all of your pictures! It looked like everyone had a nice and relaxed time, including you! Canada looked beautiful, and so did you! ;-)

It was really a very low key, relaxed wedding....exactly what we wanted!

Disney9.9.10

06-01-2010, 06:32 AM

I missed a whole bunch of pictures, but they are all beautiful! You really did Canada well :rotfl: I love the whole look of your wedding, it turned out beautifully!

Boardwalk_bride

06-01-2010, 08:08 AM

Day Three - Part Six

Unfortunately I do not have any professional pics from this (my biggest regret) so please bare with these photos!

Since we had a limo included in our ceremony package that we didn’t use, my planner suggested using it to make multiple trips to and from the GF, instead of adding on additional transportation. Because of this, I had to split everyone up, and make a meeting point @ the GF for us, so we could walk to Sago Cay together. I had ordered mickey and Minnie head note cards off of Etsy, and wrote in times for which people would be picked up at their resort at, and where to meet (Mizner’s Lounge) at the GF.

The limo made 3 trips, with DH and I being the middle one. When DH and I walked into the GF, it felt like everyone stopped and stared at us. People were clapping, yelling congratulations, and little girls kept coming up to me to ask me if I was a princess. I was in absolute heaven. I normally hate being the center of attention, and although I am a girly girl, I’m not the princess-type, but this was the most fantastic I have ever felt in my life.

After our onlookers started to walk away, we headed up to Mizener’s Lounge to find our first group of guests, who were sitting on, what I assume to be, Commanders Terrace. It was so awesome just being able to sit out there and enjoy being at the GF. DH and I had been there once, but none of our guests had, so they had no idea how gorgeous it was. After about 20 mins of talking, we decided to head down to the lobby, so that we could meet up with the last group and head to Sago Cay. Of course, we had to get this picture on the way:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/100_0350.jpg

Well waiting for the rest of our group, again, DH and I were swarmed by guests asking about our wedding, and giving their congratulations (seriously, everyone needs to go to the GF in their gown and experience this…amazing!). Soon enough, the rest of our group arrived and we headed to Sago Cay. On the walk there, we continuously heard people shouting from their balconies at us…I was in heaven!

We had picked out a lot of décor for Sago Cay. I really wanted to splurge there and make it look like a really fancy location, since I didn’t really know (I hadn’t seen it in person) what the location looked like. Every extra piece of décor we added on was worth the money. From the sashes, to the centerpieces, to the chocolate mickey place cards, it was just perfect. The location, with all our décor, was so gorgeous, I became so overwhelmed and almost started to cry. It was beyond perfect…..beyond anything I ever imagined. It was the highlight of my whole trip.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/100_0353.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/100_0355.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/IMG_0424.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/IMG_0428.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/P1000568.jpg

Unfortunately these are the best I have

Everyone went up to the bar almost immediately. The wine was really good (I’m glad I splurged for the premium wine) and the margarita was excellent! I didn’t see a lot of people with beer, which was surprising for my crowd (the guys anyway) bit I think it was due to the menu items and perhaps the more “formal” look that drew them to the wine.

Dinner was ready pretty shortly after we arrived. We were all starving again and ready to eat. Our menu was the Lady and the Tramp Dinner (actually a rehearsal dinner) – modified @ $52 pp included:
- Romaine, Radicchio, and Spinach Salad
Balsamic Vinaigrette and Sundried Tomato Ranch Dressing
- Premium cheese display
- Pasta Sautéed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Arugula, and Feta
- Parmesan-crusted Chicken Breast with Mushroom Cream and Parsley
- Rosemary-grilled Mahi Mahi with Limoncello Butter and Sweet Tomatoes
- Ciabatta and Focaccia Bread, Garlic-infused Olive Oil, and Butter
- Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Selection of Hot Teas
- Chocolate Chip Blondies
- Cheesecake Lollipops

We also had an open bar which included the premium wine and beer, and a signature drink, which was the Italian Margarita (although it was over ice, not frozen).

This was actually one of the most amazing meals of my life (and I am a totally foodie, and I go to a lot of classy restaurants). The food was to die for. The cheese display was so good…I wish I could have had more. The pasta dish was so good, absolutely everyone raved about it. The fist was so good to, and I don’t like fish. DH went up to get seconds of it, and it was already gone. I definitely want to surprise DH with a private dinner @ GF with the mahi mahi and pasta dish next time we go back. Sorry I have no food pics for this one!

Everyone really loved the décor, especially the place cards! And DH’s best man had a good time playing with our Mickey guest book (which we had to bring back since some people forgot to sign it)

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/IMG_0427-1.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/IMG_4368.jpg

After everyone was done dinner and dessert, the staff served coffee and tea, and were kept busy at the bar as well. The roman style table was a really good idea, since somehow we all managed to engage in one conversation at many points (which somehow turned into a full on hockey argument….I’m sure the catering staff thought we were crazy).

Pretty soon the fireworks started, and I have to say, the view was way better than I thought it would be. We could also hear the music, faintly, but we could definitely hear it. A few of us walked up to the edge to watch the fireworks, while most of the others stayed back at the table. I think they all had too much to drink, as they all engaged in synchronized “oohhhh, ahhh, eeee, ahhh” during each firework. It was really amusing!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Sago%20Cay/100_0362.jpg

After the fireworks ended, the parents all went in the first limo back to Pop. We said our goodbyes to some, since we were not going to see them again until our at home reception. While the rest of us were hanging out at Sago Cay, I noticed the bar started to shut down. This is where the Escape package irritates me. I understand we already had an extension of 30 mins, but we were still keeping the bartender quite busy, so I don’t understand why the bar couldn’t have stayed longer. Whatever, I guess less expenses for us!

DH and I took the last limo back with his side of the bridal party. By that point, I was really tired, and luckily, they didn’t mind us stopping off at BCV to drop us off first. When DH and I walked into out room, I saw a surprise waiting for us (well, me) on the bed. He had ordered a gift through Disney Floral, which included delicious Moet champagne (a splurge, but totally worth it), chocolates (that were so tasty), cheese and crackers (not so tasty) and two mickey head etched flutes that are now my favourite glasses!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0395.jpg

We got changed and went to sleep pretty quickly, since we knew we had to get up early the next morning to meet David and Vicki for Trash the Dress!

daisygirl902

06-01-2010, 08:31 AM

Oh man! That menu looks amazing! I also love the setup - it looks so beautiful!! Glad you enjoyed Sago Cay - it all turned out wonderful!

Chilly

06-01-2010, 02:10 PM

What can I say, I love everything!

Boardwalk_bride

06-01-2010, 08:44 PM

Oh man! That menu looks amazing! I also love the setup - it looks so beautiful!! Glad you enjoyed Sago Cay - it all turned out wonderful!

What can I say, I love everything!

Thanks ladies :goodvibes

Brit_Jude

06-01-2010, 08:48 PM

Love how you had your Sago Cay event set up and I am so glad you and everyone enjoyed it. It looks lovely.

Nice touch fro hubby at the end :thumbsup2

Disney9.9.10

06-02-2010, 06:17 AM

Your Sago Cay pictures look great - professional or not lol. I love how you decorated the event and it looks like everyone had a great time. I was wondering about hearing the music at that location, now I have an answer!

TinkLoverSam

06-02-2010, 01:07 PM

Awesome!

polynesianbride

06-02-2010, 01:45 PM

So sweet of your new DH to send you that basket, major bonus points! Love everything!

Boardwalk_bride

06-02-2010, 03:21 PM

Love how you had your Sago Cay event set up and I am so glad you and everyone enjoyed it. It looks lovely.

Nice touch fro hubby at the end :thumbsup2

Thank you! Yes, it was sweet of him to do that! The champagne was so good! I found it in the liqour store here, but it is $70 (in Ontario anyway), so I don't think we will be treating ourselves to it that much! I do use the mickey flutes a lot though!

Your Sago Cay pictures look great - professional or not lol. I love how you decorated the event and it looks like everyone had a great time. I was wondering about hearing the music at that location, now I have an answer!

Thank you, I really loved our decor! The music isn't very loud, but we could definitely hear it, and even the narration.

Awesome!
:goodvibes

So sweet of your new DH to send you that basket, major bonus points! Love everything!
Thanks! Yes, he knows I prefer alcohol to mickey ears, so he did good!

So good news, DH got a summer internship, and I got an interview! The interview is my dream job, however, it is only a temporary position, and it is about 3 hours away from where we live. I would also have to live away from DH for 2 months (except for weekends) until he is done his internship, and we would need to buy a second car. This means that we may not make it to WDW in Nov/Dec,since I'm not sure if I could get time off, but if I get my dream job, I think it would be worth it. We have until my birthday of next year (July 12th) to use our AP's, since we got them extended as part of a 15 month promotion, but we were also hoping to go on the DCL Mediterranean cruise before school is out (so in May 2011). Oh well, we will figure it out!

Anyway, my interview is next week, so please send pixie dust my way. With the interview and reception being next week, I'll try and get my full TR done, or I will never finish if I get a job:rotfl:

daisygirl902

06-02-2010, 03:26 PM

Congrats to your hubby on the internship, and GOOD LUCK with your dream job interview! I agree that a dream job is worth rearranging your life temporarily....I hope it works out for you!

Boardwalk_bride

06-02-2010, 03:29 PM

Day Four – Trash the Dress

We woke up with only an hour before our TTD session. I really did want to do my hair, but then I figured, what is the point in that? So we pretty much got ready as quickly as we good, DH strapped me back in my dress, and we were off to meet David and Vicki Arndt.

When we walked into the Beach Club lobby, David and Vicki immediately approached us and started hugging us and getting us all pumped up for the shoot (I love them!!!). They wanted to do some pictures on the beach before heading to the pool (since we had two hours) which I was really excited about. They also took a few around the hotel along the way.
At the beach club

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0001.jpg

At Shipwreck Beach:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0018.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0022.jpg

Next thing I knew they were asking us to get into the lake. I was so scared to get in, as I have a fear of crocodiles, or other creatures, that live in lakes and oceans in Florida. I scanned around, and didn’t see anything, so I hesitantly got in, and we got some cute pics in the lake.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0025.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0031.jpg

When we got out of the lake (and my dress became 50 lbs heavier) we took a few pictures on the beach.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0027.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0034.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0052.jpg

We than headed towards Stormalong Bay. I cannot remember if I touched on this before, but we ended up running into issues with the lifeguard (the head one) there. Vicki had called in advance and talked to someone at the pool, and we were given the go ahead to go in. However, according to this lifeguard, they talked to my planner, who was supposed to get in touch with David and Vicki, to tell them that we needed to hire a lifeguard. I have no idea if this is true or not, the lifeguard had a major attitude, and for all I know, she could have been lying. Anyway, after Vicki spent some time talking with the lifeguard, we were finally allowed in, and got some amazing pictures!

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0085.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0086.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0095.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0106.jpg

And some of my favourites:
http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0112-1.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0090-1.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/TTD-David%20and%20Vicki%20Arndt/041610-0087-1.jpg

David and Vicki are so awesome! I would recommend them to anyone, and I will definitely be using them again for an anniversary or other photo session! I also highly recommend doing trash the dress! Everyone was floored by our pictures, and they are some of our favourites too! My dress is actually fine as well, but even if it wasn’t…what else am I really going to do with it? I’m really just so happy we did this, it was a fun way to start our marriage, and we have amazing pictures from it!

After TTD, we slipped off our clothes (we wore bathing suits underneath) and swam around in Stormalong Bay for a bit. We got dressed and went over to Big River Grille for a light lunch of appetizers, since DH really wanted to go there. The food and drinks were okay, but the service was awful! We couldn’t believe it!

These are the only pics I took:

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0384.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0385.jpg

That night, we went for our first married dinner date at Yachtsman. It was so good, and we had such an awesome waitress (Beverly). We were given a customized menu, buttons and free desserts!
Later that night, we went back to Epcot since there were EMH until midnight. I figured we would be able to walk onto all the rides, but most of the waits were at least 40 mins! So we decided to make the best of it and hang out in world showcase. We watched illuminations again, and did a mini drinking around the world.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0414.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0417.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0419.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/IMG_0421.jpg

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss19/knelson85/Vacay%20Pics/Image0001.jpg

Up next, our super fun day @ Animal Kingdom, and our move to AKV!!!