Chelsea & Max's DCL Wedding 2011/2012 Planning Journal

[chelsrae85]

Hi Everyone! My name is Chelsea and I'm marrying my absolute best friend, Max, after nearly six years of dating (it'll have been almost eight by the time the wedding rolls around! We don't like to rush into things! ha!)

So here's me:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs469.snc3/25748_514957485880_196900013_30550068_3604558_n.jp g

And here's me with future hubby:
http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs298.snc3/28581_515242699310_196900013_30556128_5735545_n.jp g

Anyway, I am a former CP, Fall 2005. I worked at DTD's Pin Traders, Summer Sands (may it rest in peace), and Team Mickey, and was one of Santa's Helpers at the Photo Chalet during Christmas time. My fiance, Max, stayed with me during the five months of long-distance while I was on my program, and we actually grew stronger from the experience. He and I met while working in an antique store here in Ohio. We wanted a wedding that would reflect our love of history (a vintage look) and our love of Disney. Voila--get married on a regal, majestic boat from the Disney Cruise Line. Problem solved!

So, on to the details:
Wedding date: Either fall 2011 or spring 2012. I gotta save some dough, and so do my guests. Ha!
Guests: 40ish
Location: Castaway Cay beach
Length of cruise: either 4 or 5 day Bahamian
colors/Theme: Vintage Disney French (Future Husband has French heritage). I'd like an elegant theme with subtle Disney details using peach, pale green, and pale yellow coloring. Inspiration board coming soon!


MUSIC
Processional--Vitamin String Quartet's version of Crash Into Me
Recessional--Somewhere over the Rainbow, Israel Whatshisface's version
First Dance--You and Me, DMB

ATTIRE
I don't know that I ever posted this because my dress seems to be one of the biggest conundrums of the whole planning process. I originally fell in love with the Maggie Sottero Alannah dress, but it seems no bridal shop in the entire state of Ohio has it for me to try on, and I refuse to buy my wedding gown sight unseen.

Meanwhile, I found a used gown at a thrift store for $50 and grabbed it, thinking I could alter it (it's too big) and then I'd like it. Well, the more I thought about it, the more it seemed like work, and expensive work, for a dress I'm only going to *like* and not LOVE.

So. I went to Perfect Weddings in Lancaster, Ohio, and tried on some gowns by myself one day. The first gown I tried on I fell absolutely in love with. Like to the point where I had tears in my eyes LOVED it. I'm posting the picture, but bare in mind that mine will be in a light gold, champagne color, and you can't tell by the photo but it's sparkly! It gives me the figure of a Goddess and it is right in the budget. I didn't want to spend more than 1k on a gown, and this one is $900. Perfect. Behold, the Casablanca 1891 gown (http://recycledbride.com/listing/1064/casablanca-1891).

(note, that's not me)


I also know that I have a vintage necklace which I LOVE that I'll be wearing with the dress, and I want to find a vintage birdcage veil to wear in pictures. I don't actually want a veil on the wedding day, because I want my long curly auburn hair to be wavy and have flowers through it. (I'm such a typical beach bride!)
So, moving on to wedding party attire, then my gorgeous grooms' lastly (save the best for last...:D)

I originally had told my 'maids that they can just wear whatever dress they have in their closet since they're already putting out the cash for the cruise. Well, the more I think about it the more I'm afraid of clashing colors so I think I'm going to buy their outfits for them. I am thinking of doing non-traditional matching tops and skirts from a department store, which I think will not break the budget but still look fresh and coordinated. Girls, whatchoo think?

We've already agreed that our bridal parties need to be taken care of, which means...matching sunglasses to fight the Bahamian rays! :)

Lastly, I'm not quite sure what Max will be wearing. We haven't really discussed fashion--probably something a little more dressy than the boys, but not a suit.

FLOWERS
Calla Lilies, green hydrangeas, peach roses, and yellow peonies for at-home reception decor. Tropical bouquets from DCL.

DECOR

At the reception, we'll be displaying the photos from the wedding in seaside frames, along with white taper candles and very minimal florals. The bulk of decor will be the frames and candles, but small accents of beach pebbles, starfish, sanddollars, seashells, and driftwood.

At the wedding, the only decor will be what Disney provides.

PHOTOGRAPHY
On the cruise: Ariel (a friend of mine, not to be confused with Ariel the mermaid!) My Ariel is pronouces ARR-ee-ell, and he's a dude. :)

At Home: Ariel and my friend Melissa (it pays to have friends who are photographers!)

At WDW: I may or may not opt to do the Magic Kingdom photo shoot add-on after the cruise. Who doesn't want pictures with their new husband in front of Cinderella's Castle!

DETAILS


BRIDAL PARTY
Bridesmaids: Courtney, Kelly, Autumn, Kirsten (and sisters?)
Groomsmen: Chris & Ryan, Travis? (Max hasn't asked his dudes yet)
Ring Bearer: If we have one....probably Luke, my best friend's 4-year old. I am undecided.
Flower Girl: If we have one, it will either be Addy or Bella. Or both.
I love when weddings have multiple flower girls. On the other hand I don't know if I want to drive up the expense of the overall wedding for something I don't deem "necessary" (they're gonna be there anyway!).


Things I think are important:

1.) I'm weird, and I love stationery. The paper stuff is going to be one of the most fun things to make in the wedding. I'm DIY-ing like, 80% of this wedding. I'm an avid scrapbooker so I'm going to make (well, I say I'm going to make) Save the Dates, Invites, reception cards, RSVP cards, website info cards, menus, programs, at-home reception invites, announcements, engagement party cards, be my bridesmaid cards, and bach party invites. yeah, i'm insane.

2.) The pictures, to me, are the most important thing (besides getting married--minor detail, really, right?). I know I want to do several photo shoots after the wedding. Ariel has told me he'll shoot us at a few Disney resorts after our cruise for fun, and I'd like to do a shoot of us in the water at the beach after our reception on Castaway. I'd prefer to do one of the cruises that hits Castaway twice--do they let you choose which Castaway day you have your wedding on? Anyone know?

My planning blog is also located at http://chelseaandmax.livejournal.com and if you friend me there, you'll see all sorts of protected entries that have lots of wedding eye candy. I'm not putting this here to pawn off my blog, but if you wanna follow our wedding it will be there as well. Just laying it out there. Ha!

[Disney9.9.10]

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! You have a lot planned out already which is great! Your theme sounds like it is going to be beautiful and you will be able to do some great things with stationary for a vintage feel wedding. I look forward to reading more!:goodvibes

[chelsrae85]

Save the Dates

Max and I are (were??!!) huge LOST fans. To pay homage to our favorite show and our "date night" tradition of watching LOST every week during the seasons, we want to do the Message in a Bottle save-the-dates. Here are a few links to some cute ones for inspiration, although we'll probably find some wholesale bottles and make our own.

The Basics: Sand, Information, and Shells (http://www.hansonellis.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/beachbttleinvite285.jpg)

This one is tied with a starfish. Cute! (http://jadyimages.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/messageinabottle.jpg)

Step By Step DIY on how to make them, with Cute Insert! (http://www.do-it-yourself-invitations.com/message-in-a-bottle-destination-beach-wedding-invitation.html)

I would love to have someone make the inserted message actually LOST themed, with maybe the same font and colors as some of the LOST images?

It's not Disney, but it is us.

[chelsrae85]

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding! You have a lot planned out already which is great! Your theme sounds like it is going to be beautiful and you will be able to do some great things with stationary for a vintage feel wedding. I look forward to reading more!:goodvibes

Thank you so much! I'm really excited to be sharing it with everyone. Yay weddings! Yay Disney! Yay trying to get skinny for a beach wedding!

Just kidding about that last part...

[chelsrae85]

Last summer, our favorite band, Dave Matthews Band, released a new album called Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King. Well, he and I took an afternoon to sit and just chill out and listen to the album beginning to end. When we got to this song, we simultaneously just grabbed each others hands and began to slow dance. It's definitely been one of "our songs" ever since, and I'd like to use the lyrics in some of my stationery as well as obviously make it our first dance song. Bonus? It references taking a boat ride to the end of the world, and we're getting married on a Cruise, and it mentions flying through the sky (hello, PETER PAN ANYONE?). FANTASTIC, no? I also love how it references the couple's children. Max and I don't have babies yet, but one of the things I know we're going to be good at is parenting (wouldn't pick just anyone to be my baby daddy, LOL!) We do talk quite a lot of our future children, and this song really speaks to both of us.

Here be the lyrics:

Wanna pack your bags, Something small
Take what you need and we disappear
Without a trace we'll be gone, gone
The moon and the stars can follow the car
and then when we get to the ocean
We gonna take a boat to the end of the world
All the way to the end of the world

Oh, and when the kids are old enough
We're gonna teach them to fly

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby
You and me together yes, yes (x2)

You and I, we're not tied to the ground
Not falling but rising like rolling around
Eyes closed above the rooftops
Eyes closed, we're gonna spin through the stars
Our arms wide as the sky
We gonna ride the blue all the way to the end of the world
To the end of the world

Oh, and when the kids are old enough
We're gonna teach them to fly

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby
You and me together yes, yes

We can always look back at what we did
All these memories of you and me baby
But right now it's you and me forever girl
And you know we could do better than anything that we did
You know that you and me, we could do anything

You and me together, we could do anything, Baby
You and me together yeah, yeah
Two of us together, we could do anything, baby
You and me together yeah, yeah
Two of us together yeah, yeah
Two of us together, we could do anything, baby

'til we reach the end of the world

Bonus Pic: Here's us at a Dave Matthews Band concert with friends back in 2007
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v118/3/103/196900013/n196900013_30191252_8021.jpg

[PixieDust1969]

WOW! You have it all planned out! I am looking at planning a DCL wedding for November 2011 on the Disney Dream. I am not 100% DCL or DVBR. Thank you for sharing your planning. If we do the cruise we will also have a reception when we get back.

[chelsrae85]

...but in the meantime, check out this beautiful Cinderella carriage (http://scrapologie.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/30/cinderellacoach1.jpg) centerpiece, pieced together by the folks over at Scrapologie. Lovely inspiration for some Disney Bride who loves to craft!

[chelsrae85]

WOW! You have it all planned out! I am looking at planning a DCL wedding for November 2011 on the Disney Dream. I am not 100% DCL or DVBR. Thank you for sharing your planning. If we do the cruise we will also have a reception when we get back.

Do it! And when you start planning, start a PJ! I need help from other DCL brides! :)

[stl_figment]

I decided on a DCL Wedding ~ September 2011. Excited to read another person's progress. Congrats!

[pink_tink8i8]

congrats and welcome :goodvibes

[chelsrae85]

Before I get too entirely detailed with flowers and shoes and guest lists and etc., I should probably introduce US, the Bride and Groom!

Here's Us:

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs121.snc3/16844_512952004880_196900013_30496661_167133_n.jpg

The Groom:
Max, 24, works for a very large utility company that provides phone and internet service, former Archaeologist, LOST fan, DMB enthusiast (Dave Matthews Band), my Disney adventure cohort, proud Daddy of our Miniature Pinscher

The Bride:
Me, Chelsea! 25, work for a safety shoe and work boot company, former Disney Cast Member on the Fall 2005 College Program. ALSO a huge DMB fan. Travel, photography, and scrapbook- extraordinaire. We also own a small antique store which we run on the weekends at a local flea market area

The Story:
We met in 2003 when I started working at the local antique store. Max was my coworker so it took us over a year to work up the nerve to date each other. We fell in love in 2004 and haven't looked back since! He stood by my side as I decided to pack up everything and head to Florida for my WDW internship, and he even visited me 3 times in the 6 months I was there! We're Ohioans so it was quite a trek for him!

[chelsrae85]

Photo Locations Post 1: Resort Photos

After our cruise, we want to take a day to head over to Walt Disney World (only about 45 minutes from the cruise terminal) and get some gorgeous pictures at some of the resorts. These could be at the Grand Floridian, the Polynesian Resort, DAK Lodge, Coronado Springs, Yacht Club, Wilderness Lodge, or Port Orleans. We may just make a day of it and make sure our Photographer is fed and housed for the day. :) Below are some ideas:


http://z.about.com/d/hotels/1/0/u/-/2/wilderness_lodge.jpg
Disney's Wilderness Lodge--we definitely want photos here. It's the most "us" of all the resorts. Imagine gorgeous pictures in front of that cascading waterfall, in that lovely lobby, and with the huge Lodge in the background. As much as Max and I love the Great Outdoors (both the place and the movie, LOL!), this resort is a for sure if we do resort photos. For this shoot I'd like to just have my natural makeup, maybe some lovely but casual sandals, and understated jewelry.

http://z.about.com/d/hotels/1/5/e/_/waterslide_ybc.jpg
I also think it would really unique and beautiful to snap some shots in front of the Lighthouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort. Fun Fact: I used to collect Lighthouse figurines when I was younger, and I've always had a fascination for them. This is probably where I'd wear my birdcage veil and go all red lips vintage glam in the pictures.

http://z.about.com/d/hotels/1/5/w/-/2/animal_kingdom.jpg
Finally, the Animal Kindgom Lodge is a must. We love safari/African themed anything, and Max & I stayed here one night during our first trip back in 2005, and it has special meaning to us. I'd like to get some really cool feather earrings and a sort of tribal statement necklace to wear if we do a shoot here. And for my groom, it would be cool to be untucked and in sandals but still in his suit in this location. A very casual, yet fashion-forward shoot--I wanna go all Vogue style on this one!

[weedee]

welcome and congrats on your engagement! Your plans look great so far. :goodvibes

[redlight]

You are a cute couple. Congratulations!

[pinkcow]

Everything looks great so far! Can't wait to read more! Yay for DCL brides! popcorn::

[chelsrae85]

Oh yay, readers!! Woo!! Thanks everyone for the compliments!

So today I was feeling really OCD about planning (I like to detail all events in my life out at least two years in advance....jk), so I made an inspiration board. I got really frustrated because the first time I tried creating it, it duplicated the bottom half of the mosaic as the same image repeating over and over. It was the eyeball with the makeup. Very, very creepy. Anyway, I finally got it to work, so here be the inspiration for our wedding:

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac80/MickeyMouseChels/Wedding%20Inspiration/mosaicba483907a24429cb145aeff6713be.jpg

As you can see, it details things like the underlying french theme with the fleur-de-lis, to the Disney cake, to the dress and the style "atmosphere" we're going for. I love the cookies made with stamps, so those are almost for sure happening. I'm also a huuuuuge makeup guru, so my bridesmaids are probably going to be a bit glammed out. I know it's hot in the Bahamas, but seriously, that's why they made Model in a Bottle--for brides who love MAC as much as their grooms. :)

Here it is numbered out, left to right top to bottom. If you see an image that is yours claim it and I'll give credit!:

1. Casablanca 1891 Dress. I am in love with this dress. It fit like a GLOVE.
2. Shell wreaths. I saved this because I'm thinking they might be some of the few decorations we do on the door of our at-home reception.
3. I LOVE the idea of wedding party carrying *whatever they carry* in a shell.
4. Green and peach candy buffet for at home reception.
5. This silver shell necklace is at Kohls. I'm thinking bridesmaid gift, maybe?
6. I love this centerpiece. Add some yellow roses or peonies and I'm all about it.
7. Hydrangeas and calla lilies surprisingly work really well together. I think they're going to be the primary floral we use at our home reception.
8. Another little "theme" I'd like to somehow use a lot is pearls. They're oceanic, but still vintage glam. I saw this arrangement once that used faux pearls as vase filler. I may do that for our arrangements at our home reception.
9. This is my actual ring! Good job, future hubby! :)....(it's not real!)
10. This was one of the first pictures I saw that really had me thinking about my color combination: the demure, soft peaches, greens, and yellows. It's unique, and I like that about it.
11. Mad Hatter cakes, to pay homage to Disney without being OHCRAPDISNEYINYOURFACE!
12. This is the cake that we want at our home reception. Except no flowers whatsoever. Just square cake with green and fleur-de-lis.
13. Lapel pins instead of boutonnieres.
14. I will die without these toasting flutes.
15. This pic I took with my phone at hobby lobby, trying to work out flower combination. I know I want to utilize cream ostrich feathers in a lot of my craftiness. They just go well with pearls and with the french theme. Think Marie Antoinette!
16. Our Thank You Cards I designed on Vistaprint.com. They have a DMB quote on the inside in script that says, "Above all things, if Kindness is your King, then Heaven will be yours, before you meet your end". Fabulous.
17. This is the vintage necklace I found at a local antique store that I plan on wearing.
18. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the mismatched look of the wedding party in this pic, and bonus! they're holding FANS! FEATHER FANS! OMG AWESOMENESS!
19. Glam green eye for my bridesmaids. They're going to love it.
20. Pearl necklace baubley thingy from Kohls. I pretty much am accessorizing my wedding party from Kohls merchandise. Hello, Kohl's Charge!
21. THESE are the cookies I mentioned above. I want a fleur-de-lis stamp, an ostrich feather stamp, and maybe something beachy like a starfish stamp. Make mixed up cookies and display them close to the candy buffet. Way, way cute. I can't tell you how much I adore these.
22. I just really like the birdsnests. They don't match anything in my theme, but they're awesome.
23. Ricketts is going to be our last name. We made this emblem to put on the outside of all our mailings.
24. More amazing french-inspired cookies. See my Fleur AND the feathers!!
25. This is the save the date that I want to roll up in a scroll inside my message bottles.
26. Just a gorgeous green and peach tablescape. I LOVE tablescapes, btw. You'll grow aware of this as the planning rolls on.
27. Color inspiration on this cake.
28. I sort of like the idea of a bridesmaid wearing a more evening gown or prommy type dress instead of your usual satin. What can I say, I like to be different!
29. Linen suits for the boys, MUST. :)
30. DISNEY CAKE ON THE CRUISE--WOOO!
31. ...I also like the idea of going all-out casual for the bridesmaids. Can't decide, glam it up or calm it down? I feel like casual on a beach is too predictable, but I also don't feel like people can handle it if you stray from that idea. IDK
32. BOAT OF AWESOMENESS
33. Beach weddin'!
34. Sandcastle favors
35. I wanted to do something with drinks at our home reception. Probably colors of our wedding: a peach inspired sorbet punch, green mojitos and/or margaritas, and yellow lemony inspired cocktails.
36. Starfish and pearl decorations for tables at home. Might even make a few and take them to scatter on our tables for dinner the wedding night. Who knows how much space we'll end up having and if it's worth it. I wish that DCL was more customizable, but I also like the stressfreeness of it all.

We shall see how much I'm calling it stress-free when the time actually gets here, right??!!

ONLY TWO YEARS!:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo: :) haha jk

[dancin_princess]

Congrats! Everything looks great so far.

[chelsrae85]

Congrats! Everything looks great so far.

Aw, thank you so much! :)

[chelsrae85]

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac80/MickeyMouseChels/Wedding%20Inspiration/TreasureMap-1.jpg

I think I want to print this on linen paper and roll it up to put in our Save the Date message bottles. Whatchoo think?! :)

[redlight]

I think I want to print this on linen paper and roll it up to put in our Save the Date message bottles. Whatchoo think?! :)

That's an excellent idea. It's a beautiful map!

[Disney9.9.10]

The map in a bottle idea is amazing! And I really like the map. Your guests are going to be so excited to get these!

[chelsrae85]

The map in a bottle idea is amazing! And I really like the map. Your guests are going to be so excited to get these!

I had a friend tell me she thought shipping would be too expensive. I told her, "I don't care, they're friggin' sweet and totally appropriate! you can take it on the cruise in case we end up on a deserted island and need to communicate, you can send it back out to sea!" LOL!

[chelsrae85]

I'm sitting at work squealing on my lunch break at my desk because I checked our planning blog and we're starting to get comments from guests who say they'd like to come on the cruise!

I think I may have to contact Disney about having a wedding larger than 50 people because I am fairly certain we may be hitting close to that number!

Anyway, check out the blog post here (http://chelseaandmax.livejournal.com/13151.html).

[chelsrae85]

I have seven women I've asked to be in my wedding--my fiance's sisters and my closest friends. I wanted to make something in order to ask them officially to be in my wedding, and also to give them all the information for planning. I forgot to take pictures before mailing them so I thought all would be lost, BUT! I recently visited a friend who I had asked, and surprisingly hers was laying out on her kitchen counter! I snapped a few pictures to show it here:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30633934&id=196900013

The outside of the card. You can't tell in this picture but the wording has silver glitter pen over it. :)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs188.ash2/45102_517572899570_196900013_30633934_2860066_n.jp g
The inside of the card--I downloaded a Cinderella font!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs152.ash2/40935_517573049270_196900013_30633940_3775301_n.jp g
There we go! Now you can see it better!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs320.snc4/41324_517573074220_196900013_30633941_2904165_n.jp g
Pretty bows!

Bonus: from my recent trip at Walt Disney World, which I have yet to write about. Wouldn't it be cute to have a photo of the bride and groom looking up and down at one another on these steps at the Grand Floridian Monorail station?

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs309.snc4/40782_517573363640_196900013_30633979_1265475_n.jp g

[chelsrae85]

I only have about ten minutes left of my lunch break at work, but I thought I'd post quickly that last month, I was able to visit WDW for a few days with a friend from Virginia (also one of my bridesmaids) and another friend who lives in Orlando and works at GMR (another bridesmaid).

We didn't get to do much at the parks as unfortunately it rained and rained and rained (and then it rained), but I did get to explore Epcot for a bit, and we spent a full day at Magic Kingdom covered in raingear and carrying fabulously stylish rainbow and leopard print umbrellas (pictures to come).

I did however get to spend some time thinking more about where we want resort photos taken. I do for sure know I want to go to the Grand Floridian, since I think the new carpet treatment on the staircase there is excellent. So now we're up to four resorts, which...I think will be a full day of photography. Now, I take pictures on the side for fun, so I am fully aware how daunting this could potentially be. I think we'll prioritize resorts, start at the most important one (DAK or Wilderness Lodge) and work our way down from there. Once we're exhausted, we could always skip out on photos at our least prioritized resorts.

I also was able to score some adorable Disney housewares at WOD and at Cast Connection (a friend is a cast member!), which I'll post later too. Max and I are moving into our new home (rented) later this month and I'm excited to be planning out our subtle Disney home. Our living room is going to be a Nautical theme, but you won't believe when I show you the amazing thing I found at Cast Connection that perfectly fits this. I nearly peed myself when I found it! :)

I also have the intention of posting "Introducing my Bridal Party" posts soon--our bridesmaids and groomsmen are an important part of the day and I'd like to post about each of them.

I'll post a trip report whenever I have access to my photos. Until then, happy planning ya'll!

[chelsrae85]

Every day on my lunchbreak, I obsessively scour the internet for Disney Wedding Ideas. So far I've googled every possible combination of the words, "Disney", "Wedding", and "Cruise".

I obsessively check Carly's blog, The Disney Wedding Blog.

Then I check here, at the disboards.

Then I google.

Sometimes I'll hit up Brides.com, but I've found after researching Disney weddings that other weddings bore me.

I think there must be some form of therapy for this type of behavior...

...like shopping for wedding items on Ebay!

:laughing:

[chelsrae85]

I just ordered our first newsletters off of Vistaprint a week ago. We already got them! Here is the text, and I'll post pics when I get a chance!

Q: What made you guys decide to get married on a Disney cruise?


A. We have traveled twice now on Disney Cruise Lines and have obviously visited Walt Disney World numerous times as a couple. When looking for a beautiful place to say our wedding vows, we both agreed that very few places in the world could top a lovely beach in the Bahamas, surrounded by beautiful scenery, gourmet food, world-class entertainment, and of course you, our dearest friends and family.


Q. Wouldn't it be cheaper to just get married here in Ohio?


A. Not really. By the time we add together everything that goes into a wedding, we'd be paying about the same for one day here in Ohio as we are paying for five days in the Bahamas PLUS the wedding ceremony is included in the trip!


Q. Is this going to cost ME an arm and a leg?


A. The cruise itself will cost guests from $400 to $800 per person, depending on the number of guests in your stateroom and the type of stateroom you get. This does not include the cost of travel to and from Port Canaveral, Florida. We are going to make every effort to provide money-saving tips to our guests, and part of the reason we are planning so far in advance is so that our guests have time to plan and save for the trip. We can only book one year from the date, so we'll be making our reservation this coming spring (2011). At that time we'll announce the exact dates of the cruise.



Q. So are you guys going to be upset with us if we can't make the trip?


A. Of course not, silly! We understand that a cruise is a lot to ask for those of you who just can't swing it! We also realize that while our wedding day is very important to us, it IS just one day! If you just can't do it, just come to the reception in Ohio. There will be plenty of food and dancing! And for those of you who can make it, GREAT! We're super excited you can join us! We'll see you on the boat!

Q. What if I really hate Disney? Is this cruise going to be "kiddish"?

A. Not a chance. Disney Cruise ships are classy, elegant, and luxurious ships that cater to all demographics--young and old alike. There is literally something for everyone to do. Don't want to deal with kids splashing in the pool? Skip over to the quiet adults only deck. Need to escape the noise? Go to the onboard spa or the movie theater. And if you have children and you need a break, there are onboard kids clubs and daycare. Make sure to make prior arrangements with the various daycare programs before boarding the ship!

Q. So what can I expect on this cruise?

A. Basically, cruise vacations are the best thing ever. For one price, you have your lodging, food, and entertainment all included. The ship includes gorgeous staterooms, gourmet food, live shows, a movie theater, a sports deck, three pools, snack bars, buffets, dance clubs, Disney Character appearances, lounges, and more. Each day the ship docks at a different location and you can leave the ship to explore. It's really something you have to experience for yourself!

Q. What isn't included in the trip then?

A. You'll need a ride to Port Canaveral (we suggest carpooling to Florida with everyone in your party as plane tickets are pricier than splitting gas), a passport or passport ID card, and spending money for any alcohol or souvenirs you may want to buy. Soft drinks and ice water are included in your cruise price, but alcoholic beverages and bottled water are extra.

Q. Where does the ship dock on our cruise?

A. When we know which specific cruise we're taking, we'll know more information. For now it's safe to assume we will be visiting Nassau, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Q. Tell me about Castaway Cay?

A. Absolutely! Castaway Cay (pronouced "key") is a private island that features a family beach, snorkel lagoon, kids beach, adult-only beach, a BBQ snack bar, and fun shore excursions like ocean kayaking. Snorkel equipment rental is extra but is reasonably priced. Lunch is included in your cruise price.

Q. What can we expect on your wedding day?

A. The ceremony will be at ten a.m. on Castaway Cay beach. After that, we'll make our way back to the ship to celebrate in Palo, one of the ship's restaurants, where there will be cake, champagne, and dancing, as well as speeches and the usual wedding silliness (garter toss, anyone?). After the reception, we'll sneak off for pictures and let all of you get back to your rooms to prepare for hte beach. By afternoon, we plan to be in our bathing suits back out on the sand enjoying the ocean breeze. We suggest light, comfortable resortwear for the wedding; even the mornings can be quite warm in the Bahamas. And don't forget sunscreen!

Q. So when will we hear more information about this event?

A. We plan on mailing newsletters with valuable information concerning our destination wedding as the time come closer! Keep an eye out for them!

[chelsrae85]

http://i887.photobucket.com/albums/ac80/MickeyMouseChels/livepreviewaspx.jpg?t=1285647274

The photo poster thingy isn't working, so just c/p the link.

[Goofy4Ever]

Great job on the newsletter :thumbsup2

[PixieDust1969]

Your newsletter is great!

[chelsrae85]

Thanks guys! In my next life I'm going to be a writer--quite enjoyed that! :)

[CinderelliT]

Hi there! Welcome aboard! (Pun intended)

I love everything so far and can't wait to read more. Your ideas are fabulous. I originally wanted to do the message in a bottle thing, but we decided to be sneaky, sneaky on the cruise and save that for just us. lol

We're also big DMB fans! :thumbsup2

[chelsrae85]

Hi there! Welcome aboard! (Pun intended)

I love everything so far and can't wait to read more. Your ideas are fabulous. I originally wanted to do the message in a bottle thing, but we decided to be sneaky, sneaky on the cruise and save that for just us. lol

We're also big DMB fans! :thumbsup2

Hi babe!
I've definitely stalked your wedding more than once on here--pretty sure I've commented you on Carly's FB page too. I think we DCL brides must be so few and far between that we're all memorable. :)

We have one more thing in common too: I've recently begun doing freelance photography for a hobby and extra income. Two weddings this month! I'm learning a LOT. Maybe I'll post a few photos here on my planning blog just to show. :)

[chelsrae85]

So. Even though my wedding is still a year and a half away at least, and even though I don't even have an exact date, I just want to get crap done.

Like, I feel behind.

Which is psycho, I realize. But I feel this way anyway.

So here's the todo list for now:

Compile Address List
Mail Pseudo-STD's and Newsletters
Create Pre-RSVP's
Call wedding planning number and actually get Shanda's contact info
Make some sample crafts for at home thingy just to see if i can do it.
Start collecting florals
SAVE SOME MONEY!

ha!

[bdps2011]

Congrats! We are also getting married on the Dream in 2011. Cant wait!

[chelsrae85]

I just made my first call to DFTW regarding our cruise wedding in early 2012. I asked the lady a few questions. Below are the responses I got and my thoughts. LOL!

Q: When we do a Castaway Cay ceremony on the 5-day itineraries, is it the first or second stop to Castaway Cay that our ceremony will occur?
A. It's always the first stop.
Just thought this was good information so I'm posting it for anyone else's benefit.

Q: The website says if you have more than 48 guests to inquire about availability. How does this work?
(I kid you not this was her response)
A: Well those are put in place for a reason so there's obviously not a whole lot we can do at that point.
So if I have 51 guests they're going to get kicked off the beach? Why is this even on the website then if they're not budging from that rule? Stupid.

Q: Can I have contact information of a planner so as I think of questions I can speak with them directly?
A: You can schedule a phone appointment with them closer to your date.
We aren't able to handle those types of questions currently.Why is your staffing issue my problem? Hire more people to work DFTW DCL weddings then.
Ugh. First experience speaking to DFTW? Not good.

[PixieDust1969]

I am sorry to hear you are having such issues with DFTW. I think they need to hire someone just to answer questions. Luckily with all of the wonderful people that have posted on here I have been able to get most of my questions answered. With the number of people issue...when I booked my wedding I told her I may have over 48 and she said we would discuss it and make arrangements once my list of guests and confirmation numbers were turned in with my planning journal. I have noticed that if you have your wedding booked, she does respond faster. So many things may change before early 2012 and I know she answered questions alot faster once I had my date and had been charged for the wedding part. Also, I only email her when I have several questions as not to overwhelm her email box. Don't get discouraged...I just figure there are so many people getting married before I do that need answers faster than I do. I am not getting married until 11-12-11 on Castaway Cay.

[chelsrae85]

I'm not super worried about it yet. I just get irritated when a) I'm spoke to condescendingly (Lady, I'm sure you get calls all day with stupid questions that can be answered on the website. However, I have read the whole darn website and the answer is not there!), and b) when another company's staffing issue is supposed to somehow be my problem. LOL!

Anyway, small update:

I mailed our first wedding stationery yesterday! It's just a generic announcement saying that we plan to get married on a Disney Cruise and we'll let you know when we've made the reservation. Also sent out copies of the newsletter I posted previously. I did manage to decorate the envelopes with some cute stamps so I'll post some of my artsy pics when I get a chance!

[chelsrae85]

Check out this (http://cmsmithportraits.com/blog/?p=8444)blog post just for some cute DCL pics. :)