Valerie and Jeff - 5/7/11 *WP/GF/Italy* TR - WEDDING DAY: DESSERT PARTY!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

OK so here it goes....I have decided to start my own planning journal! I should have started this months ago, so we have a lot of catch up to do!

Let me start with a little bit of background information.
Jeff and I met in high school in the 10th grade and have been together ever since. We live in Northern Virginia, I graduated from college last spring and he is still working on his degree. Last December on our 7th anniverssary he proposed! Jeff knew that I always wanted to have a DFTW, so in February I scheduled an appointment to have a site visit with Joe.

THE DETAILS:
Date - May 7, 2011 (Eek, that is coming up faster than I thought..I have sooo much to do!)
Ceremony - Wedding Pavilion
Cocktail Hour - Whitehall Patio
Reception - Grand Floridian
Dessert Party - Italy Isola



Here are a few pics from our engagment:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement/070.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement/071.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement/068.jpg
This is where he proposed!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement/073.jpg

[tinkerbell 766]

Welcome and congratulations!!!
Your wedding is 2 days after my VR and we will still be in WDW so I may just have to stalk!!!
Happy planning

[faerieye]

aw, you two look adorable together!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Thank You!

We had our engagement party in May..so here is a few pictures.

These are the invitations that I made. These are going to be the wedding colors also.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement%20Party/001.jpg

And the cake (also made by me, I am addicted to all of the cake shows on tv...cake boss, ace of cakes..etc).

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement%20Party/EngagementParty002.jpg

Me and my flower girl (Jeff's cousin).

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Engagement%20Party/EngagementParty008.jpg

[pixie921]

Your engagement cake is AMAZING!! You did a beautiful job on it ... I'm very impressed! :goodvibes

[ValerieDFTWBride]

The toasting flutes just came in and I absolutely LOVE them! My future mother in law bought them as a gift along with the server set that matches (I didnt get a picture of them).

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/003.jpg

Up next....dress shopping.... :)

[ValerieDFTWBride]

THE DRESS!!!

A few years ago I saw a dress on "Whose Wedding is it Anyways," that I absolutely fell in love with and knew that it would be my wedding dress (without even trying it on or seeing it in person)...but just to be sure I had to try on a couple hundred dresses (ok not really hundreds but probably 50).

And here are a few good ones along the way....

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/099.jpg

Weird face that I am making....

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/100.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/108.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/103.jpg

THE ONE! Unfortunately, I wasnt "allowed" to take pictures in this store...but I snuck one in the dressing room (that is why it is not that great of a picture :sad1:)

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/THEdress.jpg

[pixiegirl]

Congrats!!! Your dress is beautiful!! You look very pretty in it!!

[Disney9.9.10]

Congrats on getting your dress! I think that they all really looked great on you but the one you bought is beautiful. It is a really unique dress, so pretty! :goodvibes

[Sccrmnky2005]

Congrats!! Everything looks great so far! Can't wait to read more of your plans

Love the dress:cutie:

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Thank you everyone for your comments!

MORE EXCITING NEWS! We just received our save the dates in the mail!! I was actually very impressed with the save the dates that Disney provided. I had originally thought that it was going to be in the form of an email....so pleasantly surprised!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Tell me which is your favorite!!

Ok, so I found these amazing invitations and I ordered two samples. One is a boxed style (more expensive to mail) and the other is a pocket style invitation. Both of them have swarovski crystals on them and the paper is shimmery. I like both a lot, but I am leaning toward the pocket style since it is going to be less expensive. Let me know what you think. princess:

**Boxed Invitation**
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/005.jpg

**Pocket Style**

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/002.jpg

[irishwishes]

They both look great but I like the pocket one better.

[jtanddolly]

My vote is for the pocket style. Save a little on the invitations and spend the extra money on something else. Invitations are wonderful and they can set the mood for your wedding, but in the end...most invitations end up in the trash. A beautiful simple invitation is a great place to save a little on money.

Now if you have an endless budget...then send the box invitation.

[Sccrmnky2005]

Tell me which is your favorite!!

Ok, so I found these amazing invitations and I ordered two samples. One is a boxed style (more expensive to mail) and the other is a pocket style invitation. Both of them have swarovski crystals on them and the paper is shimmery. I like both a lot, but I am leaning toward the pocket style since it is going to be less expensive. Let me know what you think. princess:

**Boxed Invitation**
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/005.jpg

**Pocket Style**

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/002.jpg



Where are these from?? I love swarvoski crystals and love these designs!!

I like the pocket fold invite as well, I'm doing the pocket fold and getting them from cardsandpoackets.com

[ZetaCPA]

There is a site that does pocket invites for about $6 per invite and you can get the boxes for $2 a piece (if that helps!) Anyway....THE CAKE IS GREAT! I am so jealous, I wish I could put together a cake like that. I can bake it but decorating is not my thing. I love the dress too! I'm so excited for you!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Where are these from?? I love swarvoski crystals and love these designs!!

I like the pocket fold invite as well, I'm doing the pocket fold and getting them from cardsandpoackets.com


I ordered these from flamboyantdesignscouture.com, all of their invitations are sooo beautiful! I love anything that sparkles!!

I looked into cardsandpockets.com and I actually think that I am going to attempt making my own invitations now. They make it look so easy! And I can always add my own swarovski crystals.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Thank you all for the suggestions! I think I am going to do the pocket invitations...whether I decide to order them or make them.

There is a site that does pocket invites for about $6 per invite and you can get the boxes for $2 a piece (if that helps!) Anyway....THE CAKE IS GREAT! I am so jealous, I wish I could put together a cake like that. I can bake it but decorating is not my thing. I love the dress too! I'm so excited for you!

My mom taught me the basics of cake decorating and I took a class at Michael's once. But I really learn a lot from watching the cake shows on TV. You should try it sometime, it's not that hard but it does take me several hours.

[2nd Time Bride]

Just my 2 cents, we got an invite to a wedding on Aug 21st and they used a pocket invitation. I love the fact that we can keep all the info in one place, especially since we have to drive several hours to get to the ceremony. Although you already decided, I vote for the pocket invitation! :goodvibes

[Sccrmnky2005]

I ordered these from flamboyantdesignscouture.com, all of their invitations are sooo beautiful! I love anything that sparkles!!

I looked into cardsandpockets.com and I actually think that I am going to attempt making my own invitations now. They make it look so easy! And I can always add my own swarovski crystals.

Yes this is what I plan on doing is adding my own crystals, as I have the heat gun tool for the HOTFIX crystals and it will be a lot cheaper!! I ordered samples of a few invites with the metallic paper and I LOVE THEM!!:love:

[acejka]

Did he propose at the gazebo in Occuquan? (I'm originally from NOVA) If so that is where we were going to try to get married!

I love the dress with the halter straps it is gorgeous on you! And my vote is for the pocket style invite.

That is a BEAUTIFUL cake that you made!


(Sorry I lurk here A LOT! I was planning a wdw vow renewal for awhile due to *issues* with my original wedding but I am usually too lazy to log in and comment-when I saw the gazebo I had to comment!!)

[acejka]

Now that I am looking back, it looks like the gazebo is facing the wrong way to be the one in Occuquan... feel free to ignore me since I am sounds a little (lot) kooky.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Now that I am looking back, it looks like the gazebo is facing the wrong way to be the one in Occuquan... feel free to ignore me since I am sounds a little (lot) kooky.


The gazebo is in Old Town Manassas right where the outside ice skating rink is. This is where we had our first date and I love ice skating, so that is the significance behind the gazebo :) I dont think I have ever seen the gazebo in Occoquan before, but I'm sure it is beautiful....Occoquan is so cute! Thank you so much for the nice comments on the cake and dress!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I am so excited, it is 5 days till Jeff and I leave for Disney World. We are taking a week vacation in the most magical place on earth! Plus I get to show him the wedding pavlion since he was not able to attend the site visit with me when I went in February.

On Saturday, my bridesmaids ordered their dresses! This is the dress in black, we ordered it in bordeaux which is a really dark pretty purple color. And it looks absoulutely amazing on everyone. I have 5 bridesmaids; my two best friends Kelly (23) and Jenny (23), my two sisters Jenny (37) and Carmon (36) and my future sister in law Alison (18).

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/L3017.jpg

[Sccrmnky2005]

I am so excited, it is 5 days till Jeff and I leave for Disney World. We are taking a week vacation in the most magical place on earth! Plus I get to show him the wedding pavlion since he was not able to attend the site visit with me when I went in February.

On Saturday, my bridesmaids ordered their dresses! This is the dress in black, we ordered it in bordeaux which is a really dark pretty purple color. And it looks absoulutely amazing on everyone. I have 5 bridesmaids; my two best friends Kelly (23) and Jenny (23), my two sisters Jenny (37) and Carmon (36) and my future sister in law Alison (18).

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/L3017.jpg

That dress is so pretty!!

Have fun in the world!!! :banana:

[CinderelliT]

Hi and congratulations!

Everything looks stunning so far! That cake is amazing!!!!!:scared1::woohoo: My husband and I play with cakes, but we have yet to attempt anything like that. You should go into business for yourself.

Love the dress. I have even seen the show that it was on. And where did you get the toasting flutes? I have never seen anything like that before. Gorgeous!

Can't wait to read more.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Hi and congratulations!

Everything looks stunning so far! That cake is amazing!!!!!:scared1::woohoo: My husband and I play with cakes, but we have yet to attempt anything like that. You should go into business for yourself.

Love the dress. I have even seen the show that it was on. And where did you get the toasting flutes? I have never seen anything like that before. Gorgeous!

Can't wait to read more.


Thank You! I have thought about starting a business, but that thought is very scary!

The toasting flutes are from Things Remembered. I saw them and thought they were perfect. They also have these frames that I am thinking about getting to put the table numbers in.

http://www.thingsremembered.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_9951_620147_-1_1?fcref=&dev=True&storeId=10001&catalogId=9951&langId=-1&advanced=&linkContent=Catalog+Search+Results&pageSize=10&beginIndex=0&sType=SimpleSearch&domain=www.thingsremembered.com&resultCatEntryType=2&ip_requestUri=CategoryDisplay&ip_categoryId=3002&ip_mode=&ip_perPage=10

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I have photoshop on my computer at work (I dont really know how to use it), but the other day I started to play around and I came up with these wedding logos.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/monogram.jpg

P.S. I have to change this one, because the MOG (mother of the groom) and I got into a fight because I put Jeff instead of "Jeffrey"....which I have never called him Jeffrey a day in his life...but we won't get into that story.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/logo.jpg

[pixie921]

I have photoshop on my computer at work (I dont really know how to use it), but the other day I started to play around and I came up with these wedding logos.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/monogram.jpg

P.S. I have to change this one, because the MOG (mother of the groom) and I got into a fight because I put Jeff instead of "Jeffrey"....which I have never called him Jeffrey a day in his life...but we won't get into that story.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/logo.jpg

You did a really nice job on the logos. I love the one with both of your names. I'm sorry you had a fight (!) with your future mil over your df's name in it. It's funny, though, because my dh's name is Jeff, too and no one calls him "Jeffrey" ... except me. ;) So our vow renewal invitation has his name as "Jeffrey" and his family will probably think I'm being fussy and pretentious. :rotfl: Sometimes with in-laws, you just can't win! :rolleyes1

[CityGirlLost]

Love your logo!

So I have to ask-- are you changing it to Jeffrey? I have a feeling that my mom is going to give me a problem if I use Juli on wedding stuff instead of my given name, Juliann.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Love your logo!

So I have to ask-- are you changing it to Jeffrey? I have a feeling that my mom is going to give me a problem if I use Juli on wedding stuff instead of my given name, Juliann.


I am going to change it, I didn't want to have to deal with it from now until the May 7th....and I don't want to be called a BRIDEZILLA :rotfl:because of not changing it. I asked Jeff what he wanted me to do, and he said since most of his family knows him as "Jeffrey" that is what he wants it to say. Silly little arguements :)

[ValerieDFTWBride]

After many months (eight to be exact) of patiently waiting...my dress finally came in. I LOVE it, it was even better than I remembered it. It needs to be altered a little bit, but I am going to wait to do that until it gets a little closer to the wedding. This will be my last post until I get back from vacation (Disney of course :cheer2:). See you in a week!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN23178.jpg

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I knew that I had forgot to pack something for vacation and about two hours down the road, I realized what that item was.....MY ENGAGEMENT RING!!! AHHH So the first day in Orlando we went shopping at the Prime Outlets and I got a fake ring to wear for the rest of the week.

I am back from vacation and excited to get back to the wedding planning...athough I did get to do some wedding planning while on vacation at Disney. Jeff and I looked at some rehearsal dinner locations and booked Fulton's Crab House in Downtown Disney.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/disney%20vacation/fultonscrabhouse.jpg



http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/disney%20vacation/DisneyWorldAugust2010024.jpg

THE REHEARSAL DINNER MENU:
Appetizer - Crab and Lobster Bisque Soup
Salad - Caesar Salad
Entre - Choice of New York Strip or Crab Legs with whipped mashed potatoes
Desserts - Assortment of mini desserts

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I found THE CAKE!!!

The cake is one of the most important elements of the reception for me, since decorating cakes is my passion. I want to use this cake as the decoration inspiration but I want it to be all round layers, with the white chocolate Disney castle on the top!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/cake.jpg

[Sccrmnky2005]

I found THE CAKE!!!

The cake is one of the most important elements of the reception for me, since decorating cakes is my passion. I want to use this cake as the decoration inspiration but I want it to be all round layers, with the white chocolate Disney castle on the top!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/cake.jpg

So BEAUTIFUL and it goes great with the detailing on your dress!!! :love:

[puente0629]

I found THE CAKE!!!

The cake is one of the most important elements of the reception for me, since decorating cakes is my passion. I want to use this cake as the decoration inspiration but I want it to be all round layers, with the white chocolate Disney castle on the top!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/cake.jpg

Loving the cake and your beautiful dress!:thumbsup2

[pixiegirl]

I love your cake!!! It is so beautiful.

[disneemama]

I don't post much but I think I will be following along with your pj. I have been following another Bride and came upon your journal. DD is getting married in May also, so I just read everything I can to get ideas for her. Your dress is gorgeous and the cake you made is amazing.

[LuluLovesDisney]

I love your dress!!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Thank you everyone for the great comments! I haven't posted much recently...I have been super busy at work. And haven't had much down time in the evenings. :sad1: But it is a 3 day weekend so I am going to do nothing but wedding planning. :) YAY

Ok, so I need opinions! I am planning on doing welcome bags for everyone staying at Disney. I am going to get the drawstring backpack type so that they can take them with them to the parks. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should put in the welcome bags??

This is what I have come up with so far:
-bath and body works mini hand sanitizer
-sunscreen (Disney characters if I can find them)
-chapstick (I think Avon has Disney character chapstick)
-water bottles with a cute customized logo on them

Also, which logo do you like better to go on the backpacks? I know that there is not a huge difference between the two. (Sorry the pics are so huge...I am having issues with resizing them:confused:)

Option 1: (this is the one I think I like better)
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/bagdesign1.jpg

Option 2:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/bagdesign.jpg

[Sccrmnky2005]

Thank you everyone for the great comments! I haven't posted much recently...I have been super busy at work. And haven't had much down time in the evenings. :sad1: But it is a 3 day weekend so I am going to do nothing but wedding planning. :) YAY

Ok, so I need opinions! I am planning on doing welcome bags for everyone staying at Disney. I am going to get the drawstring backpack type so that they can take them with them to the parks. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should put in the welcome bags??

This is what I have come up with so far:
-bath and body works mini hand sanitizer
-sunscreen (Disney characters if I can find them)
-chapstick (I think Avon has Disney character chapstick)
-water bottles with a cute customized logo on them

Also, which logo do you like better to go on the backpacks? I know that there is not a huge difference between the two. (Sorry the pics are so huge...I am having issues with resizing them:confused:)

Option 1: (this is the one I think I like better)
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/bagdesign1.jpg

Option 2:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/bagdesign.jpg


I'm going opposite of what you like I like Option #2 because of the shooting star with the names and date... It blends really well:goodvibes

[tinkerbell 766]

I agree with Amanda - I prefer the second one.
I have listed a few things I am putting in my welcome bags in my PJ. I won't bore you listing them here, but feel free to peek at my PJ and coppy any ideas. The link is in my siggie!!

[jtanddolly]

Definitely check out Joanne's (tinkerbell 766) pj...she has tons of great ideas for welcome bags! Here are a few that I can think of:

individual aspirin pouches with a cute tag or in a wrapper that says "because sometimes all of that magic hurts a little"

every so often check out the dollar tree...they have the GREATEST disney things and everything is $1.00

breath mints

candy bar or some type of candy

wet wipes

individual sewing kits...you can actually make these very inexpensively with a cute wrapper that has your logo. Here is a thread with pics that will give you an idea how to make them:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2469109

door hanger with a cute welcome on one side and on the backside something about "please do not disturb...we're recovering from XYZ's wedding"

the list is endless! Now go check out Joanne's if you haven't already. She made great tags to go with each of her items.

[tinkerbell 766]

Thanks for your lovely comments Dolly!!!

[jtanddolly]

Here is a thread with a HUGE list of possibilities for a welcome bag:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1226681

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Here is a thread with a HUGE list of possibilities for a welcome bag:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1226681

WOW thank you!! This is so helpful!!!

[pezaddict231]

I don't think I've posted on here before but everything looks great so far. I love your dress, it looks beautiful on you! The cake is very elegant too. Congrats on booking Fulton's for your rehearsal dinner. That's where we had ours and it was great. The room is so beautiful and everyone loved the view of DTD from the deck. The food was great too and we really had a great time!

Both logos look great, I think I like the first one better. For our welcome bags we mainly put snacks, a welcome folder that had info about wedding events / bus schedule and some tips and a hidden mickey search. We also had a bare necessities package with some stuff in it. The dollar store is great for cheap toiletries type stuff and I actually found some cute Disney themed stuff at Michael's too in the dollar section.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I don't think I've posted on here before but everything looks great so far. I love your dress, it looks beautiful on you! The cake is very elegant too. Congrats on booking Fulton's for your rehearsal dinner. That's where we had ours and it was great. The room is so beautiful and everyone loved the view of DTD from the deck. The food was great too and we really had a great time!

Thank you, that is really comforting to know. It was not my first choice and I was a little nervous about choosing it. But I think it will look really great at night all lit up.

Both logos look great, I think I like the first one better. For our welcome bags we mainly put snacks, a welcome folder that had info about wedding events / bus schedule and some tips and a hidden mickey search. We also had a bare necessities package with some stuff in it. The dollar store is great for cheap toiletries type stuff and I actually found some cute Disney themed stuff at Michael's too in the dollar section

I think I am going to run out shopping today to see if I can find anything cute at the dollar store!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Why did I wait so long to decide that I don't think I want to use Disney for photography? I think I have contacted 20 different photographers in the last two days and I am just waiting to hear back...some of the ones on the top of my list are already booked...what do I do?!?!?! :confused:

[weedee]

I haven't posted here before but I wanted to say that your dress is gorgeous and your plans look great so far!! The cake you made is just amazing. Photography can be so stressful. On the bright side, it's good you're looking into outside photography now instead of a couple months from now :laughing:. Hopefully you hear some good news from your top photographers!

[LuluLovesDisney]

Why did I wait so long to decide that I don't think I want to use Disney for photography? I think I have contacted 20 different photographers in the last two days and I am just waiting to hear back...some of the ones on the top of my list are already booked...what do I do?!?!?! :confused:

I am sure one of the 20 will be available. I can think of at least 10 awesome photographers off the top of my head and I know you will find someone great. If you still haven't crossed Disney off your list, you might consider requesting Amy. We loved her, were thrilled with our pictures and felt that she took doing a great job seriously. There is only one picture out of 300 plus that I don't like from out dessert party/MK shoot. Although I liked my photographer, I would have been very happy with her shooting my wedding as well. So, it is an idea if you can't find anyone else you like.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I haven't posted here before but I wanted to say that your dress is gorgeous and your plans look great so far!! The cake you made is just amazing. Photography can be so stressful. On the bright side, it's good you're looking into outside photography now instead of a couple months from now :laughing:. Hopefully you hear some good news from your top photographers!

Thank You!

I am sure one of the 20 will be available. I can think of at least 10 awesome photographers off the top of my head and I know you will find someone great. If you still haven't crossed Disney off your list, you might consider requesting Amy. We loved her, were thrilled with our pictures and felt that she took doing a great job seriously. There is only one picture out of 300 plus that I don't like from out dessert party/MK shoot. Although I liked my photographer, I would have been very happy with her shooting my wedding as well. So, it is an idea if you can't find anyone else you like.

I feel a little relieved, I have heard back from several of the photographers now. I am still considering Disney, however the only problem that I have with that is paying $5200 and not getting the rights to my photos. I am doing a MK shoot so I might have to request Amy for that! Thanks for the recommendation!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I can't believe that it has been so long since I have posted! And I have A LOT of updating.

After going back and forth and back and forth, I have finally chosen a photographer whom I think I will be very happy with. It is Marc Harmon Photography and I am meeting him in November when I go down to Disney for my planning session which is in exactly 22 days!!! I hope I am prepared enough by then, because I don't feel like it at all! :sad1: Time is flying by so fast and I feel like I have so much to do.

Also, we have picked a honeymoon location.....ITALY. I know it is not Disney but it is also very magical. So I just went to the bookstore on my lunch break and spent waaaaay too much on travel books. But I am so excited! We are thinking 2 days in Positano, 3 days in Rome, 1 day in Florence (not really enough time, but I can't take a month long honeymoon), 3 days in Venice and 2 days in Verona.

Ciao for now!

Oh and the bridesmaid dresses just came in and they are absolutely amazing! I love the color...I will post pictures later, I promise! And I bought a rehearsal dinner dress that I will also post later!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Bridesmaid dress!!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2603.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2604.jpg

Rehearsal dinner dress...it looks blue but it is actually purple.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2605.jpg

[Pirate's Princess]

Great colors! I had wanted to do purple for a while and then randomly changed it to shades of blue. Love the detail on both your dress and cake. I know you still have some time to spend on a photographer. I'm having an in-park wedding so I had to use Disney which is one of the things I'm super nervous about, but we have Amy. I'll let you know how it goes! And I can't wait to read more!

Congrats.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Great colors! I had wanted to do purple for a while and then randomly changed it to shades of blue. Love the detail on both your dress and cake. I know you still have some time to spend on a photographer. I'm having an in-park wedding so I had to use Disney which is one of the things I'm super nervous about, but we have Amy. I'll let you know how it goes! And I can't wait to read more!

Congrats.

Thank You!

We are also doing a magic kingdom photo shoot and I was wondering if there is a specific Disney photographer that I should request. Anyone have any thought?

[ValerieDFTWBride]

4,320 Swarovski crystals....
25+ hours of labor....
and 2 burn injuries (minor) later....

And I have My Glass Slippers!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/026.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/027.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/028.jpg


Now I will really feel like Cinderella at the wedding, let's hope I just don't loose one!

[Belle2Be]

4,320 Swarovski crystals....
25+ hours of labor....
and 2 burn injuries (minor) later....

And I have My Glass Slippers!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/026.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/027.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/028.jpg


Now I will really feel like Cinderella at the wedding, let's hope I just don't loose one!

Wow pretty shoes!!!

I like the 1st bag logo, btw, it has better symmetry, the second seems top heavy :D

Yay for finding a photographer!!

[princesswendy720]

The shoes look amazing! :worship:

If you don't mind me asking, how much did they end up costing you in total with all the crystals? I'm trying to develop a shoe budget - and I don't know if it will end up saving me money to DIY them :confused3

[pezaddict231]

love the BM dresses, they are so pretty. And OMG, the shoes are amazing! I'm so glad I never saw anything like this before my wedding because I had a tough enough time with the t-shirt transfers :laughing:. Great job and I'm sure it will feel even better on your wedding day to know you made something so amazing, I'm sure it will also be stunning in pictures. :thumbsup2

[Sccrmnky2005]

Love the dresses!! Your shoes looks awesome!! I'm still in the process of getting mine done, I'm doing Blue Zircon crystals! :laughing:

I love the clear crystals!! So pretty!:goodvibes

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Wow pretty shoes!!!

I like the 1st bag logo, btw, it has better symmetry, the second seems top heavy :D

Yay for finding a photographer!!


Thank You! I did actually go with the first logo, and the bags came in yesterday!! I will post pictures as soon as I can!


The shoes look amazing! :worship:

If you don't mind me asking, how much did they end up costing you in total with all the crystals? I'm trying to develop a shoe budget - and I don't know if it will end up saving me money to DIY them :confused3

Thank You! I would have to say that I probably spent way more on the shoes making them that I would have if I just bought them, but I think the shoes are more special to me now that I have put so much time into them.

Here is a quick estimate on the cost:
Shoes: $150 (I am sure if you wanted to cut costs, you could find a cheaper shoe to begin with)
Crystals: $260 (But I bought extra so that I can use them on the invitations and throughout the wedding...so I probably only used $150 worth of crystals on the shoes)
Hotfix Tool: $10 (I had a 40% off coupon at Michael's)
Total: $310ish

love the BM dresses, they are so pretty. And OMG, the shoes are amazing! I'm so glad I never saw anything like this before my wedding because I had a tough enough time with the t-shirt transfers :laughing:. Great job and I'm sure it will feel even better on your wedding day to know you made something so amazing, I'm sure it will also be stunning in pictures. :thumbsup2

THANKS! I plan on doing t-shirts too, where did you get the transfers from??

Love the dresses!! Your shoes looks awesome!! I'm still in the process of getting mine done, I'm doing Blue Zircon crystals! :laughing:

I love the clear crystals!! So pretty!:goodvibes

You will get there!! I had to take a long break after finishing the first shoe because I was a little burnt out, but I am glad that is one thing I can check off the list.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

IT IS EXACTLY ONE WEEK UNTIL MY PLANNING SESSION!!!!!!!!! :dance3:

[Belle2Be]

Woohoo!!! Do you have all your questions and stuff ready??

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Woohoo!!! Do you have all your questions and stuff ready??

No!!! Not at all...but I am locking myself in my room this weekend and I am not coming out until I am prepared!! :upsidedow

[ValerieDFTWBride]

In preparation for my planning session next week, I have made samples of what I am doing for the invitations, table numbers, placecards and menus. Just to kind of give them an idea of my style and the theme I am going for (elegant, crystals, purple!). I have decided that I am making all of it, because I can do it for a fraction of the cost it would be to buy everything. I have decked everything out in crystals with my new favorite tool!!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/019.jpg

Invitations

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/023.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/024.jpg

Table Numbers

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/020.jpg

Placecards

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/022-1.jpg

Menu

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/025.jpg

[princesswendy720]

Everything looks great!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Everything looks great!!

Thank You!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I am leaving for Florida in exactly 10 hours and 9 mins for my planning session!!!!!!

[Sccrmnky2005]

Yay for leaving soon for your planning session!! Have a great time down here in FL!!:goodvibes

I love your stationary!! I'm also making everything for my wedding as well... I've been looking for a fun scroll design that you have on your things where did you find it??

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Planning Session Trip Report!!

I am back from my planning session and I am feeling sooo relieved! (Probably because I do not have the BEO yet lol) I was way more prepared than I thought but I did think of a few questions that I forgot to ask while I was there. So I thought I would write a little trip report of my planning session weekend.


Day 1:
We didn't arrive in Orlando until 7:30 pm and after going to pick up our rental car and getting to our hotel it was bedtime...because the next day was our planning session!! My parents came along for the trip as well as Jeff's parents, I know they don't recommend that many people tagging along and if I could do it over again I think I would just have it be my parents.



Up next...Day 2: Planning Session Day!! Yay!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/250.jpg
(Gotta love FL humidity....check out my hair?!?!?)

[KitKat5]

Hi, I just found you PJ and everything is so great! I love your dress and shoes and invitations and everything else too!! :goodvibes Im really looking forward to reading along!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

hi, i just found you pj and everything is so great! I love your dress and shoes and invitations and everything else too!! :goodvibes im really looking forward to reading along!

thanks!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Day 2:
It's planning session day! We started the day off by going to breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe, where I had the mickey waffle (and I am mad at myself for forgetting to take a picture...i was too caught up in the moment)! They asked if we were celebrating anything special and when they found out that we were there for our DFTW planning session they brought out a special cupcake. :)

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/229.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/232.jpg

Then it was on to Franck's for our planning session with Diane. We started off by going over a timeline of when things were due (money and headcounts). And then we walked through every step of the wedding from the rehearsal until the end of the dessert party. I decided that I had to give up Cinderellas Coach...this has been a decision that I have gone back and forth on for a while now...and sadly I just don't think I can do it. :sad1: Maybe I should have started saving a lot sooner and then I would have been able to get it. After we went over the schedule, it was time for CAKE!! We decided to go with a mix of flavors and then people can swap among themselves if they don't like what they get. The largest layer will be marble cake with a dark chocolate mousse, the next layer up will be a yellow cake with vanilla buttercream, the next layer up will be chocolate cake with a white chocolate mousse and our layer is going to be the marble cake with dark chocolate mousse (it was soooo good). We ended up finishing the session with Diane a little bit early so we had some time to kill before we met with our floral designer Elizabeth...so we walked over to the wedding pavilion since my mom and I are the only ones that have seen it in person.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/238.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/240.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/241.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/247.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/249.jpg

Then we met with our floral designer, which was the most exciting part for me! We started off with the ceremony where we will be doing an aisle runner that says "And they lived happily ever after, May 7, 2011" and ivory and light pink flower petals on the sides. We are also doing six silver candelabra's with crystals and flowers going down the aisle. My bouquet is going to be peonies of white and light pink. Then we moved on to the cocktail hour where we are just doing rose petals scattered on the tables. At the reception we are doing the candelabra centerpieces with the ivory and light pink flowers. I choose pretty eggplant color tableclothes with crystals of different sizes scattered around the base of the centerpieces and we are going to do the silver chaivari chairs...because the ones in the grand floridian are terrible! Then for the dessert party we are going to do the light up gel cylinders with a white rose on top and black tablecloths.

My bouquet

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/peonies_bouquet.jpg

To Be Continued....because I should probably actually do work while I am at work. Up Next...the tasting!!

[disneemama]

I've been following your planning journal quietly as I can't post stuff but I love getting ideas and info from the brides on board. It's my daughter getting married in May just before you (she just doesn't understand the Dis boards ;)). I love all your plans esp your shoes, so amazing!:worship: We did the planning session in August and had so much fun.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Yay for leaving soon for your planning session!! Have a great time down here in FL!!:goodvibes

I love your stationary!! I'm also making everything for my wedding as well... I've been looking for a fun scroll design that you have on your things where did you find it??


Thank You! I got the scroll design from istockphoto.com, I think it is the second image that comes up once you type in "scroll" or if you want to look it up by the number you can type in #: 2711461.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I've been following your planning journal quietly as I can't post stuff but I love getting ideas and info from the brides on board. It's my daughter getting married in May just before you (she just doesn't understand the Dis boards ;)). I love all your plans esp your shoes, so amazing!:worship: We did the planning session in August and had so much fun.

Aww thank you! May is coming so soon, I just can't believe it!! I am so glad that I found these boards because I get so many great ideas. I hope everything turns out great for your daughter, I'm sure it will be a beautiful day!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Day 2 Continued....

The Tasting

After our break between the planning session we had the tasting in the GF convention center kitchen. This absolutely blew me away, I felt so special being back in the kitchen. They had a sign posted in the front of the GF convention center that announced the events of the day and our tasting was up there!!!!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/264.jpg

There was also a sign back in the kitchen...the little touches are what makes Disney so special. :)

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/257.jpg

Now, I wasn't expecting the food to taste that great...because let's face it. How many weddings have we gone to where the food was just so so.

On our menu to try:

Appetizer:
Crab Cakes

Salad:
Beat Salad (ew...where did this come from...we did not ask for this?!?!!)
Caesar Salad
Romaine and Spinach Salad

Sorbet:
Champagne and Raspberry in a Ice Glass Slipper (HOW COOL!!!)

Entre:
Chicken w/ Shrimp and Scallops
Filet w/ Lobster
Beef Short Rib w/ Truffle Macaronni

All I can say is AMAZING!! The food was so good and everyone got FULL plates!! Jeff fell in love with the truffle macaroni...however I think if he actually knew what truffles were he would change his mind. He told me he did not want to know what truffles were because he wouldnt be able to eat it again...so I didnt tell him.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/256.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/255.jpg

After the tasting was over, we went back to the hotel to relax a little bit because the next morning was our engagement shoot at Epcot...which means I had to wake up at 4:30 AM to get ready. :guilty: But before I could do that...I had to find this "secret" entrance into Epoct where we were supposed to meet the photographer in the morning. (Apparently it is not so secret...but I have never seen it before) So we went to the Boardwalk hotel and asked a whole bunch of people that just kind of gave us blank stares...so we wandered around until we finally found it. This was the first time I have been to the Boardwalk and I think I want to stay there the next time I go to Disney. :)

Up Next: Day 3 - Engagement Photos and Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Day 3: EPCOT Engagement Photos and Food and Wine Festival!!

Engagement photos are something that I didn't think I was going to do. Jeff is not the picture taking type so I thought that this would be one battle I was willing to give in...however the longer I thought about it the more I wanted to do the pictures. It is something that you can't go back and redo and the opportunity to shoot in the park before it opened sounded like a really cool way to feel special. So with a little bit of bribery, Jeff gave in!

I had Beaute Speciale come to my hotel room to do my hair and makeup at 5 AM! And she was great, she came right on time, was super happy and excited to be awake at that hour in the morning...even though I was still partially asleep. It was freezing this morning by the way, I had bought a dress and was going to wear some cute wedge sandals...but I just couldn't do it! I ended up wearing jeans and tall boots and a purple top.

We took photos in four different countries:
Italy
Morocco
France
UK

Our photographer was really nice and tried to get us to loosen up and laugh and have a great time. I have to say that hearing all of the horror stories about Disney photography made me really nervous about using them but I could tell that after he started showing me some of the pictures on his camera that he knew what he was doing! After we were done with our pictures, Jeff looked at me and said "I had fun!". Lol this coming from the person that doesn't like taking pictures!!


To Be Continued

[DisneyDiva84]

Everything looks great so far! I love that they had your name in the kitchen!

I am so jealous, since we had our reception at CA Grill we couldn't do a menu tasting :(

Can't wait to read more

[LuvLuvLuv]

i can't wait to hear about your epcot e-pix.

this is maybe something for us to consider to take the stress off doing it for the wedding.

we'll also be arriving at the GF on may 7th for our vaca!!! maybe i will see you around!!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Everything looks great so far! I love that they had your name in the kitchen!

I am so jealous, since we had our reception at CA Grill we couldn't do a menu tasting :(

Can't wait to read more

I know...Disney thinks of everything! :)
Aww that's too bad that you couldn't do a menu tasting, it was a really cool experience.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

i can't wait to hear about your epcot e-pix.

this is maybe something for us to consider to take the stress off doing it for the wedding.

we'll also be arriving at the GF on may 7th for our vaca!!! maybe i will see you around!!!

DEFINITELY DO IT!! It was so worth the money, we had so much fun! YAY we will be there until Monday so maybe we will bump into each other!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

So it was less than a week later when we got our photos back! I was really happy with most of them, here are a few of our favorites.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/distance.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/jeff.jpg

This one is absolutely my favorite!! I love black and white pictures!!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/meandjeff.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/engagement.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/paris.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/sillouhette.jpg

[disneemama]

Pics are so beautiful and your hair looks gorgeous!

[Princess SarahK]

Not sure how I didnt catch this before, but I love everything! I am subscribing! Cant wait to read more!! :goodvibes

[LuvLuvLuv]

oh wow!! they look great!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Pics are so beautiful and your hair looks gorgeous!

THANK YOU! I wasn't sure if I liked my hair at first, it was a little more curly than I had originally wanted but I think it looks ok in the pictures.



Not sure how I didnt catch this before, but I love everything! I am subscribing! Cant wait to read more!! file:///C:/Users/VSTRIC%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif


thank you!!


oh wow!! they look great!!


THANKS!!!! I am really glad my Disney photography fears are put to rest.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

DAY 3 continued: Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

I was really excited that my friends Ashely and Ben were able to visit. I went to high school with Ashley in Virginia and they moved to Florida two years ago. And I was also really excited to go to the Food and Wine Festival for the first time...I mean who doesn't want to eat food and drink all day? Jeff stayed at the hotel with his parents (lame, I know!) but my Mom tagged along!

Favorite Food of the Day: Argentina - Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce!
Favorite Drink of the Day: Belgium - Godiva Chocolate Ice Coffee

Pictures!

Ashley and Ben
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/268.jpg

Me and my Mom!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/269.jpg

In Italy...my favorite country!!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/284.jpg

Ashley wanted me to take pictures of the plants.....
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/277.jpg

[D23Bride]

Your blog reminds me of our planning session. We were just there the second week of November to meet with Diane & Elizabeth & the also to get our engagement pics done. I also had my hair & makeup done by beaute speciale. I'm also sadly having to part with Cindy's coach :sad2:for now....I'm hoping we may be able to add it back ;)

Can't wait to hear more about your planning.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Your blog reminds me of our planning session. We were just there the second week of November to meet with Diane & Elizabeth & the also to get our engagement pics done. I also had my hair & makeup done by beaute speciale. I'm also sadly having to part with Cindy's coach :sad2:for now....I'm hoping we may be able to add it back ;)

Can't wait to hear more about your planning.


OH WOW thats so cool! I am still waiting to get my BEO from Diane and I already got my floral...have you heard back yet on any of yours? I am hoping that I get it any day now...I am not a very patient person. :rolleyes:

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Yay! I got my first version of my BEO (I say first, because I am sadly going to have to make ALOT of cuts :sad1:)! But it is still really exciting to see it all down on paper!!

[mjshorses]

Hi! I'm just joining in!! I love your plans so far and your engagement pictures are beautiful. I can't wait to hear more!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

It is exactley 5 months until my wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So excited!

[KitKat5]

I know just how you feel! Ive got 3mths!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I thought I would share some of my DIY projects that I recently completed.

I wanted to make tank tops for my bridal party for the rehearsal, I have seen other people on here do it and I think it looks really great in pictures and they have crystals on them...so it was a MUST of course! I still need to make one for my mom and my two flower girls. They are a dark purple, eggplant color just like everything else in the wedding and they have spakles on them...I couldn't have found a more perfect tank top!! I added my niece as a flower girl, I had reservations at first because she will only be 1 1/2 but I saw the cutest dress and couldn't resist! Her mom will be walking with her down the aisle and then they will take a seat. I made her a flower ball...not sure what the technical name is. lol

Here they are!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/tanktops.jpg

Flower Girl Ball....the other flower girl (Jeff's cousin) will be carrying a basket and scattering petals.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/flowerball.jpg

[Princess SarahK]

that flower girl ball is gorgeous! that color is so rich and beautiful!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

that flower girl ball is gorgeous! that color is so rich and beautiful!

Thank You! I have to admit, I am a little anti fake flowers, but it does cut down the cost quite a bit.

[PrincessFendi]

WOW! You are extremely talented! The cake you made for the engagement party was amazing! And your shoes are FABULOUS! Your dress is gorgeous as well.

When you made the tank tops, did you use the same tool that you used on your shoes; or did you purchase the premade set?

[ValerieDFTWBride]

WOW! You are extremely talented! The cake you made for the engagement party was amazing! And your shoes are FABULOUS! Your dress is gorgeous as well.

When you made the tank tops, did you use the same tool that you used on your shoes; or did you purchase the premade set?

Thank you!!!

I bought the crystals for the tank tops premade and ironed them on...it was just easier that way. I think they were about $5 each, I got them on ebay.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Ok I have a lot of updates for this post! I haven't had much time lately to post, I have been really busy at work!! I just moved to a new office building and the environment is a little different than what I am use to. :rolleyes:

Ok, I bought some decorations for the reception from Michaels. I actually had to go to 5 different Michaels to find all of the stuff! For the reception I am having 3 roman tables surrounding the room and 5 round tables in the middle. The bridal party and immediate family will be sitting at the round tables in the middle. I will be having two tall candelabra centerpieces per roman table and one on each round table in the middle and then I purchased what I am referring to as "middle"pieces to go inbetween the two candelbra centerpieces and the ends on the roman tables.

Here is the room diagram to give a visual.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Strickland-Paylor1.jpg

"Middle"pieces

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/middlepiece.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/candles.jpg

I also recently found some great items for the gift bags for the little kids. Target has this $1 section right when you walk in and it was filled with Disney stuff!! I got coloring packs, puzzles, lipgloss for the flower girl and ring pops!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/playpacks.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/princesslipgloss.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/puzzles.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/ringpops.jpg

And also a little present from Jeff's mom...I think she finally might be getting into the Disney spirit!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/minniemickie.jpg

[Princess SarahK]

I love those dollar bins at Target! Ive stocked up on those Disney things too! The kids will LOVE them! I bought one of those candelabras at Michaels too a while back! Although I took it back, now Im looking at it again and I like it even more..Im gonna need to think about this! Everything looks so great! Did they give you a diagram or did you make that?

[pezaddict231]

looks like you got some great things at Michael's, the candelabras are really pretty. I was there the other day and so jealous of all the beautiful mercury glass looking stuff they have now. I went crazy looking for things like that before the wedding and couldn't find anything. They really do have some beautiful decorations there.

Great job on the shirts, they look great! My Bridal party really got a kick out of them and I'm sure yours will too.

[puente0629]

Very nice candelabra's and I'm definitely heading to Target today to check out the bins because i was looking for coloring books for the kids so they can have something to do during the reception, thanks!:thumbsup2

[jtanddolly]

Another great place for $1.00 Disney things for kids is the Dollar Tree...they have a TON of Disney things and everything is $1.00.

[Bippi]

i must have been under a rock! Just subbing now! Everything you have done so far looks amazing! I live in Manassas, VA too, well actually Gainesville! I spotted the pavilion a mile away! Congratulations! The invites, shoes, dresses, decor everything looks stunning and you would never guess you have did any of it yourself! PS after the wedding you should really make cakes on the side! Look forward to reading more!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I love those dollar bins at Target! Ive stocked up on those Disney things too! The kids will LOVE them! I bought one of those candelabras at Michaels too a while back! Although I took it back, now Im looking at it again and I like it even more..Im gonna need to think about this! Everything looks so great! Did they give you a diagram or did you make that?

I know arent they great! In my planning session I drew a picture of how I wanted the room to look and by the time we had our tasting in the afternoon my planner already had this created and printed out for us!

looks like you got some great things at Michael's, the candelabras are really pretty. I was there the other day and so jealous of all the beautiful mercury glass looking stuff they have now. I went crazy looking for things like that before the wedding and couldn't find anything. They really do have some beautiful decorations there.


Great job on the shirts, they look great! My Bridal party really got a kick out of them and I'm sure yours will too.

Thank you! I saw the mercury glass too, it is so pretty! I can't wait to give everyone their shirts. I just need to find cute tote bags now and get them customized.

Very nice candelabra's and I'm definitely heading to Target today to check out the bins because i was looking for coloring books for the kids so they can have something to do during the reception, thanks!:thumbsup2

I think they still have them, so stock up!

Another great place for $1.00 Disney things for kids is the Dollar Tree...they have a TON of Disney things and everything is $1.00.

Thanks, I am definatley going this week...after pay day of course!

i must have been under a rock! Just subbing now! Everything you have done so far looks amazing! I live in Manassas, VA too, well actually Gainesville! I spotted the pavilion a mile away! Congratulations! The invites, shoes, dresses, decor everything looks stunning and you would never guess you have did any of it yourself! PS after the wedding you should really make cakes on the side! Look forward to reading more!

Thank you so much! Aww that is so cool, I know Gainesville well!! I do make cakes on the side, I just don't do a lot of advertising right now..it is just mostly word of mouth. I think after the wedding is over I will try and advertise more.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Last Sunday marked the first day of my early New Years resolution. I figured why wait until Saturday to get started. I haven't had much luck with New Years resolutions in the past, but I feel super motivated right now and I am off to a pretty good start. My New Years Resolution is not necessarily to loose weight but to tone up and loose the giggle (but if I could loose 10 pounds in the process that would be great).

My dress is really formfitting and tight down to the hips and I want to tone up/loose a few before I go in for my first dress fitting. I am hoping to schedule it sometime at the beginning of February...so I have a lot of hard work to do in a short amount of time. I got Zumba for the wii for Christmas, I haven't been able to try it yet because we got a new TV and we need special cables to connect the wii now. But hopefully I will get it hooked up this weekend. So far I have worked out 3 out of the 4 days since I have started...but not nearly hard enough...wish me luck!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I am getting really bad at updating, but I haven't done a lot for the wedding in the past few weeks. :sad2:

Right now I am in the process of making my invitations. I am about halfway through. I was printing them out at work, because it is on a metallic paper and required a professional copier/printer so it doesn't smudge. But halfway through printing the printer kept getting jammed...so i literally have to print one sheet at a time and unjam it after every sheet....AHHH so frustrating. As long as I get them done and in the mail by Feb 15th I am good!

I just received our 4 month out room block summary, and people have started booking their rooms!!! YAY. Except I am still freaking out, I know that a lot of people are waiting until the last minute but I only have 33 out of 132 rooms booked!!! I emailed my planner right away to see if I could get it lowered with out having to pay...and it was such a relief that she said YES!!! So that is on my to do list today.

In other news, I went to the dress shop where I purchased my gown last weekend to make my first fitting appointment...February 2nd. And my mom found her dress!! It is really pretty, and since purple is her favorite color she ordered it in purple. But she was worried that she would look like she was trying to be a bridesmaid. I told her that she shouldn't worry about what other people think as long as she likes it!!

Here is a pic...we forgot to take a picture of her in it.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/210961_012_Hero.jpg

[Princess SarahK]

that dress is gorgeous! your mom will look fantastic! and so chic--not bridesmaid-ey!:goodvibes

[ValerieDFTWBride]

that dress is gorgeous! your mom will look fantastic! and so chic--not bridesmaid-ey!:goodvibes

I completly agree, I will definitley tell her you said that!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

So I have had the paper forever and finally decided that I should probably get to work on making the petal cones for the petal toss. I even put a few not so hidden mickey's in just for fun!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/032.jpg

Here is how to make them:

Start but cutting your paper with a circle cutter. I am using a creative memories circle cutter that I use for scrapbooking.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/023.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/025.jpg

One you have your circle cut out you need to form it into a cone shape. The paper that I got is really thick so I used a glue stick to round the paper out without creasing it.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/026.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/027.jpg

Once you have your circle rounded out, form it into the shape of a cone and put a little dab of hot glue in the middle of the cone and hold together for 5 sec until the glue dries.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/028.jpg

From there, embellish with crystals/ribbon/buttons....whatever you like. In my case....CRYSTALS!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/029.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/031.jpg

[Pengwend]

I got all wrapped up in the holidays and basically forgot about wedding planning for a while, but now I'm back on the Boards and just found your PJ! We are also in Northern Virginia! We are getting married on the 26th of May and I am starting to feel like I am waaay far behind the rest of you who are also getting married in May!

I just ordered paper swatches of the stationery I want for our invites and I am planning on making them all too... My deadline for getting them out is Valentine's Day, so I'm hoping that is still possible. I haven't really made or done anything else but I love the stuff you made! I super love your shoes and I've wanted sparkly shoes in magenta, so maybe I will follow your lead!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I got all wrapped up in the holidays and basically forgot about wedding planning for a while, but now I'm back on the Boards and just found your PJ! We are also in Northern Virginia! We are getting married on the 26th of May and I am starting to feel like I am waaay far behind the rest of you who are also getting married in May!

I just ordered paper swatches of the stationery I want for our invites and I am planning on making them all too... My deadline for getting them out is Valentine's Day, so I'm hoping that is still possible. I haven't really made or done anything else but I love the stuff you made! I super love your shoes and I've wanted sparkly shoes in magenta, so maybe I will follow your lead!

Thanks! That's so funny, the 26th was my first choice but my MOH was already in a wedding that day so that was ruled out. You better get a start on your invitations!! How many do you have to make? I have 100 to make so that is why I started so early and I am a perfectionist so it takes me twice as long to do everything! If you havent already ordered the paper, my recommendation is to not order a metallic paper to print on...yes it is really pretty but you cant print it out on an inkjet printer and I just spent a lot of money getting them printed professionally. So me trying to save money by making them myself just got a little bit more expensive. :eek:

[Pengwend]

That is a really good point about the metallic paper. I am thinking of going with metallics for the mats and the pocket folder thing and matte ecru paper for the actual pieces that will get printed. I have to make 120... Hope the swatches come today!

[sw33t_angel]

Love your Mom's dress!! :) Beautiful!

Thanks for posting the DIY petal cones! I am debating on doing petals or bubbles... but this looks so easy and pretty!!

Are you using artificial petals or real petals?

[ValerieDFTWBride]

That is a really good point about the metallic paper. I am thinking of going with metallics for the mats and the pocket folder thing and matte ecru paper for the actual pieces that will get printed. I have to make 120... Hope the swatches come today!

I cant wait to see pictures of your finished product! 120 is a lot to make! What are you wedding colors?

Love your Mom's dress!! :) Beautiful!

Thanks for posting the DIY petal cones! I am debating on doing petals or bubbles... but this looks so easy and pretty!!

Are you using artificial petals or real petals?

I know she is going to look so great in it, I really think she made the right decision even though she was nervous about it being too bridesmaidish.

The petal cones were really easy and it didn't take me long to do them at all. I did a few practices first because I only had exactly enough paper. But looking at them I am just thinking that they look really tiny so I hope they are big enough.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

100 days until my wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DisneyShamrock]

100 days until my wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

:banana: Wooohooo for getting closer! :cheer2:

[sw33t_angel]

100 days until my wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay!!!!!! :woohoo:

[lubee12]

100 days until my wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yay:banana: I thought the same thing when i woke up! It is coming so close!!

[mjshorses]

Congratulations on getting closer to your date! I bet it goes by fast. :goodvibes

[tinkerbell 766]

Yay for being 100 days away - I think I am at 97 days!!! It is a little scary but very exciting being in double figures!!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Thanks everyone!! I know it will be here before I know it!

[pixiegirl]

How exciting!!! Your wedding day will be here before you know it!!

[Groom Mickey]

Using your countdown to your wedding as mine also. We are three days after yours. You have a ton more completed then we do. Enjoy the countdown. It will be here soon enough.

[Pengwend]

Which means we're getting closer too! Our colours are magenta and green. I finally ordered everything and the paper should all be arriving this week. T has to work this weekend, so I am hoping that I will get some of the welcome bags made!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Using your countdown to your wedding as mine also. We are three days after yours. You have a ton more completed then we do. Enjoy the countdown. It will be here soon enough.

I know, it is going to be here so soon! I don't feel like I have a lot accomplished yet but thank you for the encouragement. I have seen some of your DIY projects in your PJ and they look great!

Which means we're getting closer too! Our colours are magenta and green. I finally ordered everything and the paper should all be arriving this week. T has to work this weekend, so I am hoping that I will get some of the welcome bags made!

Oh that's great! Are you putting your welcome bags together before you get there? I was trying to decide if I was going to do them before or when i get there.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

So this past weekend, I took a spontaneous trip to New York City with my mom and MOH. I have been searching everywhere for wedding jewelry and I kept comparing everything to these Tejani jewelry ads that I see in every bride magazine that I get. They are just so sparkly and pretty that I felt like I had to go see them in person!

So we took the bus from DC and arrived in NYC a few hours later. I cannot say enough good things about the service that I received at Tejani. They have every single piece of jewelry in their showroom that they make so when you see something in a catalog or on their website and you go to look at it in the showroom...it is there. It is by appointment only, so we were the only ones in the showroom. I got to try on anything that I wanted and the sales person was very helpful and gave her honest opinion of what she thought looked best with my dress. I didn't feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money. So after trying on everything I came away with a beautiful cuff and earrings that will compliment my dress perfectly!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/earrings.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/bracelet.jpg

[DisneyShamrock]

I'm glad to hear you hand fun. And found your jewelry. I love those earrings. They'll go great with your dress. :goodvibes

[Pengwend]

Oh that's great! Are you putting your welcome bags together before you get there? I was trying to decide if I was going to do them before or when i get there.

I think that I am going to put them together down there. I finished a bag yesterday, so I will post photos when I get home today. I think it'll just be easier to get most of the stuff when we get down there anyway. We're thinking we'll go down 4 or 5 days in advance. When are you planning to get there?

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I'm glad to hear you hand fun. And found your jewelry. I love those earrings. They'll go great with your dress. :goodvibes

Thank You! I actually received the earrings in the mail the other day (they did not have them in stock in the store) and one of the earrings was damanged!! I was so upset :sad1:. But not to worry, I just mailed them back to the store today and they will be sending a brand new pair.

I think that I am going to put them together down there. I finished a bag yesterday, so I will post photos when I get home today. I think it'll just be easier to get most of the stuff when we get down there anyway. We're thinking we'll go down 4 or 5 days in advance. When are you planning to get there?

We are going down the Monday before the wedding and the wedding is on a Saturday, I wanted to make sure that we have plenty of time to put the gift bags together, go to the parks and not feel rushed about anything. We are driving down there though...which is not too fun...12 hours in a car packed with tons of wedding stuff...

[KristiLyn]

I LOVE your jewelry!!!!

[DisneyShamrock]

Thank You! I actually received the earrings in the mail the other day (they did not have them in stock in the store) and one of the earrings was damanged!! I was so upset :sad1:. But not to worry, I just mailed them back to the store today and they will be sending a brand new pair.

I would be upset, too. At least they can replace for you. :thumbsup2

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I had my first dress fitting on Wednesday and I was so excited to see my dress since I havent seen it since August when it first came in!! And there was a suprise when we got there, my moms dress came in earlier that day!! Which is amazing because we just ordered it like three weeks ago. My dress fits pretty well minus the fact that I have no chest so that needs to be taken in A LOT. :laughing:

Also, I am debating on whether or not I need to take the length up. I really don't want to have to get it hemmed because it has beading, but maybe if they put another layer of tulle it will bring it up enough. It is so borderline that I just dont know. Anyone have any opinions on the lenth?

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2741.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/dress.jpg

My mom in her dress.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2740.jpg

I also got a call from Disney photography this week notifying me that my MK portrait shoot would be pushed back to 7:30 a.m. instead of 6. Which I already knew was going to happen, but it is offical now. I am actually happy about this because I am not a morning person so now I get to sleep more! We requested Regina or Ty based on the pictures that I have seen on here and on the Disney photography site. They told me they cant guarantee anything but neither of them had been requested for that day yet...so crossing my fingers.

[DisneyShamrock]

I love your dress. It looks great on you! I also think your mom looks really good in her dress. The color is beautiful.

I'm not sure about the hemming. Tulle might work. :confused3 You can ask at the bridal shop to see if they have any ideas/suggestions.

[Princess SarahK]

jewelry is gorgeous!! dress is beautiful, im not really sure about the hemming. ill bet the seamstress will know exactly what to do and make it work! your moms dress is beautiful! soo not bridesmaid-y! :goodvibes

[LuluLovesDisney]

Your dress is absolutely gorgeous! You must be so excited. It is going to fly by! I think the length is fine, but seamstresses often take things up from the nearest seam on bridal gowns so they don't ever mess with the beautiful beading. So, IF you wanted them to hem it they probably could. I do think another layer of tulle would look nice and help it stand out even more!

I love your cuff bracelet! So beautiful! The earrings go perfectly, too!

Your mom's dress is very pretty, not bridesmaidy. I like that MOTB dresses aren't all Golden Girls styles anymore! (And I am a Golden Girls fan!).

I am sure your MK shoot will go well. They try to give you whoever you request. I requested Amy and at the shoot she mentioned something about it, so they *know* if you specifically requested them or not.

Everything is coming together now! :)

[KitKat5]

I love your dress! It looks fab! And so does your mums dress! :thumbsup2

[Pengwend]

Your dresses are beautiful! I am not having my dress hemmed up at all because I'm going to get a petticoat to put underneath. I hope it's not going to be too hot! The place I got my dress from wanted to charge a lot for the petticoat, so I'm getting it from the store where my sisters got their bridesmaid dresses. I figure no hemming means one less place for error!

[DoomBuggy0922]

I think your dress looks beautiful! I don't think it looks too long at all, but would also probably look great with some tulle--- which, after all, would add more poof! And poof is always good :)

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I love your dress. It looks great on you! I also think your mom looks really good in her dress. The color is beautiful.

I'm not sure about the hemming. Tulle might work. :confused3 You can ask at the bridal shop to see if they have any ideas/suggestions.

Thank You!

jewelry is gorgeous!! dress is beautiful, im not really sure about the hemming. ill bet the seamstress will know exactly what to do and make it work! your moms dress is beautiful! soo not bridesmaid-y! :goodvibes

Thank You!

Your dress is absolutely gorgeous! You must be so excited. It is going to fly by! I think the length is fine, but seamstresses often take things up from the nearest seam on bridal gowns so they don't ever mess with the beautiful beading. So, IF you wanted them to hem it they probably could. I do think another layer of tulle would look nice and help it stand out even more!

I love your cuff bracelet! So beautiful! The earrings go perfectly, too!

Your mom's dress is very pretty, not bridesmaidy. I like that MOTB dresses aren't all Golden Girls styles anymore! (And I am a Golden Girls fan!).

I am sure your MK shoot will go well. They try to give you whoever you request. I requested Amy and at the shoot she mentioned something about it, so they *know* if you specifically requested them or not.

Everything is coming together now! :)

I know, there are a lot of great MOTB gowns out there now. I just told my mom she was not allowed to wear one of those jackets with the jumbo shoulder pads. I could even see myself buying the dress that my mom got...i love it!

Thats great knews that you got who you requested! Did you know Amy was going to do your shoot before the day of?

I love your dress! It looks fab! And so does your mums dress! :thumbsup2

Thank You!:bride:

Your dresses are beautiful! I am not having my dress hemmed up at all because I'm going to get a petticoat to put underneath. I hope it's not going to be too hot! The place I got my dress from wanted to charge a lot for the petticoat, so I'm getting it from the store where my sisters got their bridesmaid dresses. I figure no hemming means one less place for error!

I know, my main reason for not wanting to get it hemmed is what happens if it is too short! :eek: I'm sure she has hemmed thousands of dresses...but everyone makes mistakes.

I think your dress looks beautiful! I don't think it looks too long at all, but would also probably look great with some tulle--- which, after all, would add more poof! And poof is always good :)

Very true!! I don't think I can go wrong with more poof...I think I will suggest that at my next fitting.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

DF and I received our first wedding gift in the mail yesterday and it made everything seem more real. We are REALLY getting married and it is happening in less than 3 months! holy crap! :banana: Which brings me to my first wedding gift etiquette question. When you receive gifts in the mail before the wedding, are you supposed to send a thank you note now or wait until after the wedding?

Wedding Week Itinerary
OK so I think I finally have a tentative itinerary for the week of the wedding. I enjoy planning things out because I think that is the only way that you can get things accomplished and DF is just the opposite...he wants to just relax and let things work themselves out and not plan every second of every day. Well this has always been one of our disagreements so I try not to pack the entire day with schedules so I am trying to compromise and have it half scheduled/half spontaneous. I mean it's not like I have allotted a certain amount of time we can wait in lines for rides or anything crazy like that. :upsidedow

Monday May 2nd
-Make the long trek from VA to FL with DF and my Mom. :dance3:
-Check into CBR (I have never stayed here, but am very excited!)

Tuesday May 3rd
-Assemble gift bags and deliver to hotels
-Meet with photographer
-Dinner at Shutter's at Old Port Royale (Never been here before either, but thought we would give it a try since it is at our resort)

Wednesday May 4th
-Hair Trial with Beaute Speciale in the morning
-Dad arrives via plane (He sells boats, and the wedding is during boating season :confused3 which is why he insists that he has to be at work on Monday and Tuesday. This initially made me very upset, I am his last daughter getting married...make an exception!!)
-AK for most of the day
-Head over to MK for Dinner at Cinderella's Castle with DF, and my Mom and Dad

Thursday May 5th
-Morning at Hollywood Studios
-Afternoon Bridal Tea Party at GF (While the girls are doing this, the men are going to play golf)
-Dinner at Ohana's (really excited about this one! Especially for the pineapple drink)

Friday May 6th
-Check out of CBR and check into GF
-REHEARSAL
-MK with bridal party or anyone else that wants to tag along
-I have arranged for my flower girl to have a Princess Makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique as a suprise!! *P.S. Why didn't they have this when I was a little girl!*
-Rehearsal dinner at Fulton's

Saturday May 7th
-WEDDING DAY!!

Sunday May 8th
-Mother's Day Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare
-Relax by the pool

Monday May 9th
-MK photo shoot
-Check out of GF
-Head to the airport to go to ITALY!

[DisneyShamrock]

DF and I received our first wedding gift in the mail yesterday and it made everything seem more real. We are REALLY getting married and it is happening in less than 3 months! holy crap! :banana: Which brings me to my first wedding gift etiquette question. When you receive gifts in the mail before the wedding, are you supposed to send a thank you note now or wait until after the wedding?

Your itinerary looks great, and it looks like a lot of fun. Lucky you to get to go to ITALY!

I would send the Thank You note right away. You don't want to wait three months to send the note and have them think you don't care. I'm not 100% sure what the Etiquette Police would say, but that's my two cents.

[Princess SarahK]

That itinerary is fabulous! You are getting really close!! I totally understand about your Dad...my DF is not quite the Disney enthusiast I am but is giving in to my Princess Dreams for our wedding..but he's probably not going to get there til a day or two beforehand...thats just stupid! But what do I know? Im just the nagging wifey..lol. Itll all work out though, no worries!! :goodvibes

[Dr.Cinderella]

Hi Valerie! Your itinerary sounds awesome! I have one question- do you have your flights to Italy yet? If not, are you concerned about having your MK photo shoot on the last day of your trip? Or I imagine you booked the shoot before the flights. Im asking because we may have to have ours on the last day of our trip as well, and we are concerned because we are leaving for Hawaii that day and dont know what time flights will be available yet. Our only other option is the morning after the wedding, and we really dont want to have to go to bed/get up early that day! Thanks for your help!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Your itinerary looks great, and it looks like a lot of fun. Lucky you to get to go to ITALY!

I would send the Thank You note right away. You don't want to wait three months to send the note and have them think you don't care. I'm not 100% sure what the Etiquette Police would say, but that's my two cents.

Thank you for the advice! I agree, I definitely don't want to seem ungrateful!

I also did some googling and this is what The Knot says:
The rule is that you're supposed to get thank-yous out for gifts received before the wedding within two weeks of their arrival; after the wedding, within a month after you return from the honeymoon.


That itinerary is fabulous! You are getting really close!! I totally understand about your Dad...my DF is not quite the Disney enthusiast I am but is giving in to my Princess Dreams for our wedding..but he's probably not going to get there til a day or two beforehand...thats just stupid! But what do I know? Im just the nagging wifey..lol. Itll all work out though, no worries!! :goodvibes

I completely understand what you mean! I had to beg also, we almost didnt have a DFTW because I was going to give up. But because my mom knew that I really wanted it she told me to fight harder for it and I am so glad that I did.

I am also getting alot of "teasing" from DF's family about having a DFTW. :sad1: FMIL told me that all her cousins are going to wear tiaras to the wedding.....UM NO. If anyone is going to wear a tiara here, it's going to be me.

[Princess SarahK]

I completely understand what you mean! I had to beg also, we almost didnt have a DFTW because I was going to give up. But because my mom knew that I really wanted it she told me to fight harder for it and I am so glad that I did.

I am also getting alot of "teasing" from DF's family about having a DFTW. :sad1: FMIL told me that all her cousins are going to wear tiaras to the wedding.....UM NO. If anyone is going to wear a tiara here, it's going to be me.

Yes!! Its not bad yet, but its just uncomfortable...I asked DFs mom if she would want to get her hair and makeup done the morning of, and she replied "Ill have to let you know. Bob (DFs dad) would kill me if he knew I was planning this far in advance, its just crazy!" Of course it sounds like a total dig at me and my feelings got hurt..I just dont know what to do. Usually shes really nice and we really like each other..Im just not sure she's totally in sync with wedding planning these days. She doesnt have a daughter and its been 30 years since her wedding but still...right? Am I losing it? I thought it was normal to plan this far out. :confused3 Sorry for the vent, Im glad to hear that Im not the only one being mocked for our wedding..Im so tired of hearing "Are Mickey and Minnie coming?" UUGH!

[LuvLuvLuv]

I am also getting alot of "teasing" from DF's family about having a DFTW. :sad1: FMIL told me that all her cousins are going to wear tiaras to the wedding.....UM NO. If anyone is going to wear a tiara here, it's going to be me.


:( this makes me sad.

i get asked if i'm getting married in front of the castle, if i'm staying in the suite, if mickey's going to marry us. yet another reason we're not inviting friends and only family. you want to make fun--you don't come--i hope you see the pictures and wish you were there :rotfl: if someone showed up to my wedding in a tiara... i'd probably rip it off their head and send it flying into the seven seas lagoon.

i hope things get better for you!! ((and for all disbrides having this problem!)) less than 3 months and it's all over!!

[tinkerbell 766]

Great itinery!!!
Our VR is Wednesday 3rd so if you are around Swan, Boardwalk or GF and you see us, please come over and say hello!!!
You will absolutely LOVE Italy!!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Yes!! Its not bad yet, but its just uncomfortable...I asked DFs mom if she would want to get her hair and makeup done the morning of, and she replied "Ill have to let you know. Bob (DFs dad) would kill me if he knew I was planning this far in advance, its just crazy!" Of course it sounds like a total dig at me and my feelings got hurt..I just dont know what to do. Usually shes really nice and we really like each other..Im just not sure she's totally in sync with wedding planning these days. She doesnt have a daughter and its been 30 years since her wedding but still...right? Am I losing it? I thought it was normal to plan this far out. :confused3 Sorry for the vent, Im glad to hear that Im not the only one being mocked for our wedding..Im so tired of hearing "Are Mickey and Minnie coming?" UUGH!

It is completely normal to plan this far in advance...in fact it is necessary!!! I get the Mickey and Minnie comment a lot as well. Not that I don't think it's cool to have Mickey and Minnie there, it is just not for me. I just know that all of the stupid comments will be put to rest as soon as people see the wedding pavilion and GF and how beautiful it is.

:( this makes me sad.

i get asked if i'm getting married in front of the castle, if i'm staying in the suite, if mickey's going to marry us. yet another reason we're not inviting friends and only family. you want to make fun--you don't come--i hope you see the pictures and wish you were there :rotfl: if someone showed up to my wedding in a tiara... i'd probably rip it off their head and send it flying into the seven seas lagoon.

i hope things get better for you!! ((and for all disbrides having this problem!)) less than 3 months and it's all over!!

Thank You! It makes me feel so much better to come here and get support from people that are going through the same thing. I don't know what I would do without all of you!! :grouphug:

Great itinery!!!
Our VR is Wednesday 3rd so if you are around Swan, Boardwalk or GF and you see us, please come over and say hello!!!
You will absolutely LOVE Italy!!!

I hope I bump into you! When are you arriving/departing?

[Pengwend]

Your itinerary looks great! We haven't even sent out our invites yet... I know, we are in trouble. Half of them are done at least, but I haven't had time to sit and address them yet!

We get teased about the Disney-ness of the wedding too. Fortunately not from family, but from people who are more like "good acquaintances?" A lot of people as about the mice being there and are we getting married in the castle, is mickey going to be our officiant. I'm pretty sick of it too. But on the bright side, it's probably because they are jealous! My mom keeps telling me to remember that our having this wedding allows everyone who attends to enjoy it vicariously through us! So there are the jokers and teasers, but we are going to have an awesome time!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Your itinerary looks great! We haven't even sent out our invites yet... I know, we are in trouble. Half of them are done at least, but I haven't had time to sit and address them yet!

We get teased about the Disney-ness of the wedding too. Fortunately not from family, but from people who are more like "good acquaintances?" A lot of people as about the mice being there and are we getting married in the castle, is mickey going to be our officiant. I'm pretty sick of it too. But on the bright side, it's probably because they are jealous! My mom keeps telling me to remember that our having this wedding allows everyone who attends to enjoy it vicariously through us! So there are the jokers and teasers, but we are going to have an awesome time!

Thanks! You better finish your invitations soon! I tried to mail mine today at the post office and they told me that I needed more postage!!!!!!! UMM this is why I took it to the post office last week, had it weighed...etc. and they told me that it would be .98 cents. The post office man says see..."this is considered a large envelope not a square because it is 2 centimeters (exagerating on this one a little bit, but that is what it felt like!) past the square envelope size". It took all I had not to burst into tears in the middle of the post office. I have put everything into making these invitations and ordered special stamps with one of our engagment pictures on it. So I angerly picked up my invitations and went to the car and balled. :sad1:

So the lesson here is....add extra postage, even if you think it is right and the post office tells you it will be a certain price and then they change their minds.

[DisneyShamrock]

Thanks! You better finish your invitations soon! I tried to mail mine today at the post office and they told me that I needed more postage!!!!!!! UMM this is why I took it to the post office last week, had it weighed...etc. and they told me that it would be .98 cents. The post office man says see..."this is considered a large envelope not a square because it is 2 centimeters (exagerating on this one a little bit, but that is what it felt like!) past the square envelope size". It took all I had not to burst into tears in the middle of the post office. I have put everything into making these invitations and ordered special stamps with one of our engagment pictures on it. So I angerly picked up my invitations and went to the car and balled. :sad1:

So the lesson here is....add extra postage, even if you think it is right and the post office tells you it will be a certain price and then they change their minds.

Aww, I'm sorry! :hug:

The post office does seem to change their minds every other day on how much things are going to cost. Jerks.

I think I would have cried, too, had someone said that to me. I also probably would have argued with them about it.

Hopefully, the postage will be right when you go back to mail them.

[Pengwend]

So the lesson here is....add extra postage, even if you think it is right and the post office tells you it will be a certain price and then they change their minds.

Oh no! I would have cried in the post office in front of the guy. I finally decided that we aren't going the cute, custom stamps route because it was going to be almost twice as expensive as just getting our $0.61 stamps! At first I thought that I would be able to print them at home, which would have eliminated shipping and printing fees, but apparently you have to have special paper? So we just got generic stamps with wedding cakes. We're not even having cake. We're having cupcakes. But I am hand-writing the addresses...

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Oh no! I would have cried in the post office in front of the guy. I finally decided that we aren't going the cute, custom stamps route because it was going to be almost twice as expensive as just getting our $0.61 stamps! At first I thought that I would be able to print them at home, which would have eliminated shipping and printing fees, but apparently you have to have special paper? So we just got generic stamps with wedding cakes. We're not even having cake. We're having cupcakes. But I am hand-writing the addresses...

The custom stamps that we got were actually very inexpensive and we were able to print them from our printer at home. They are from stamps.com and I think that it was about $5 for 120 stamps and then you just buy postage online at stamps.com and print them out. Really easy. They have a monthly service fee, but they offer a 30 day free trial...so we are just going to cancel after the free trial is over.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Ok so after all of the drama at the post office and reprinting my stamps, I have successfully mailed all of the invitations!! YAY...such a relief! I have already had a few people tell me that they have received them! One of my mom's close friends said that they were so pretty that she didn't want to open them! Here is how the finish product turned out with our custom stamps!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2744.jpg

BIG NEWS!!
I have made a few changes to the wedding, one that is just so HUGE and I am so excited for!! Well you may remember earlier that I had cut Cinderella’s Coach out of the wedding due to the cost (and DF not wanting to ride in it)….but every time I saw pictures of it I got this horrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. So I explained how I was feeling to my parents and that I really wanted to add it back in and that is when they said “We were talking about it earlier, and if you weren’t going to add it back in, we were!!” This made me so happy!! So I emailed my planner right away to see if it was still available and it is!! Sooo I get to have my Cinderella’s Coach back!! :cheer2:Except for the fact that DF doesn’t know…and isn’t going to know until we exit the wedding pavilion as husband and wife. And if he doesn’t want to ride in it then he can walk to the reception. So in order to get Cinderella’s Coach, I had to cut my ice glass slipper sorbets..which in the end I am saving even more money by doing this.

I also had a phone meeting about my floral to cut a few things down. For the bridesmaid bouquets we are doing garden roses mixed with hydrangeas (this took off $50 per bouquet). For the centerpieces we are doing the candelabra’s with a large floral arrangement and we changed one of the flowers in the arrangement and saved $2000 TOTAL!!!! I didn’t know one flower can do this, but apparently it can when we are talking about peonies.

Bridesmaid Bouquets
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/large_image.jpg

We also took out the silver pebble charger plates…I am sad about this but I am sure no one would notice but me. And we decided to go with A Chair Affair for our silver chavari chairs instead of Disney and saved…..$700!!

I also decided to add lighting to the reception, which is something that I always pictured at my wedding. For the dinner we are doing purple lighting and then for dancing switching it over to either blue or pink….or both. I just can’t decide.

Purple Lighting for the Dinner
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/grand-bohemian-castaldo-studio.jpg

Blue or Pink for Dancing?
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/lake-mary-12.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/castaldo4-shingle-creek-low.jpg

[pixie921]

Yay for getting your coach! And you've come up with significant savings ... that's awesome!

We also just signed a contract with A Chair Affair for our reception. Their Chiavaris are cheaper than Disney's covered convention chairs! :thumbsup2

I love your ideas for lighting. And I vote for pink lighting for dancing. Maybe I'm just old, but the blue lighting is hard on my eyes, LOL!!

[belle2211]

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2604.jpg

Rehearsal dinner dress...it looks blue but it is actually purple.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2605.jpg

Where did you get the dress? Love it!

4,320 Swarovski crystals....
25+ hours of labor....
and 2 burn injuries (minor) later....

And I have My Glass Slippers![FONT=Georgia][SIZE=4][COLOR=Purple]

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/026.jpg

I am planning on doing this with my shoes too, in purple! What size crystals did you use?


[QUOTE=ValerieDFTWBride;40095759]
I also decided to add lighting to the reception, which is something that I always pictured at my wedding. For the dinner we are doing purple lighting and then for dancing switching it over to either blue or pink….or both. I just can’t decide.

Purple Lighting for the Dinner
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/grand-bohemian-castaldo-studio.jpg



Who is doing the lighting for you?

I just found your PJ and love it!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Yay for getting your coach! And you've come up with significant savings ... that's awesome!

We also just signed a contract with A Chair Affair for our reception. Their Chiavaris are cheaper than Disney's covered convention chairs! :thumbsup2

I love your ideas for lighting. And I vote for pink lighting for dancing. Maybe I'm just old, but the blue lighting is hard on my eyes, LOL!!

Thank You, I am soooo excited! I was so happy that I did some more research on chairs and found A Chair Affair, it is such a great deal!!

Where did you get the dress? Love it!

[QUOTE=ValerieDFTWBride;38738430]4,320 Swarovski crystals....
25+ hours of labor....
and 2 burn injuries (minor) later....

And I have My Glass Slippers![FONT=Georgia][SIZE=4][COLOR=Purple]

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/026.jpg

I am planning on doing this with my shoes too, in purple! What size crystals did you use?





Who is doing the lighting for you?

I just found your PJ and love it!

Thank You! I bought the rehearsal dinner dress at Lord and Taylor.

For the shoes I used three different crystal sizes. I used 20, 16 and 10. I definatley used the 16 size the most, so buy extra of that size!

Soundwave Entertainment Systems is doing the lighting for the reception. We are getting 24 led lights to go around the perimeter of the room and we got it for $995 (I am not really sure if this is comparable, we only got a quote from one place, but I was sold since they said they were the only company in the area that uses this technology which washes the entire wall with color.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

60 DAYS UNTIL WE GET MARRIED!!

Which means we can officially apply to get our marriage license. :lovestruc

[Princess SarahK]

:banana:YAY! Congrats on your 60 day mark! I love the lighting and cannot believe that one flower shaves that much off of your cost! CRAZZZZYY! So awesome youre getting the coach, you shouldnt regret anything and I think that could have been a regret later on. Everything looks amazing! Cant wait to see how it all comes together, Val! :goodvibes

[sw33t_angel]

60 DAYS UNTIL WE GET MARRIED!!

Which means we can officially apply to get our marriage license. :lovestruc

Yay!!!!! :woohoo::woohoo:

[KristiLyn]

60 DAYS UNTIL WE GET MARRIED!!

Which means we can officially apply to get our marriage license. :lovestruc

Yay!!! Congrats!!!

[pixiegirl]

60 DAYS UNTIL WE GET MARRIED!!

Which means we can officially apply to get our marriage license. :lovestruc

Yay!!! How exciting!!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

:banana:YAY! Congrats on your 60 day mark! I love the lighting and cannot believe that one flower shaves that much off of your cost! CRAZZZZYY! So awesome youre getting the coach, you shouldnt regret anything and I think that could have been a regret later on. Everything looks amazing! Cant wait to see how it all comes together, Val! :goodvibes

Thanks! I know, I couldn't believe that one flower cost that much money! I did keep the peonies in my bouquet though, because it is my favorite flower.
I am so excited about getting the coach, but I am keeping it a surprise from everyone...except for my parents and my MOH that reads this blog. I am not very good with secrets so it is very hard to keep something I am so excited about a secret!

Yay!!!!! :woohoo::woohoo:

Yay!!! How exciting!!!

Yay!!! Congrats!!!

Thank You!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I received my VERY large, VERY beautiful aisle runner in the mail today! It was the widest that I could find available....as we all know what the wedding pavilions carpet looks like. Here's some pics!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2766.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2767.jpg


I also purchased a ring bearer pillow from Michael's and bought a sparkely pin to add a little bling.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2769.jpg

[KristiLyn]

Love the aisle runner!!!
And the pillow!! Love the sparkle!!

[belle2211]

I received my VERY large, VERY beautiful aisle runner in the mail today! It was the widest that I could find available....as we all know what the wedding pavilions carpet looks like. Here's some pics!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2766.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/DSCN2767.jpg





ohhhh! I love this! This is what mine was going to look like from DFTW but then after seeing the price we dropped this! Do you mind telling me where you got it, the lenght and width you got, and the price? Thanks! (Or PM me if you want)

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Love the aisle runner!!!
And the pillow!! Love the sparkle!!

Thanks! I love EVERYTHING sparkle!

ohhhh! I love this! This is what mine was going to look like from DFTW but then after seeing the price we dropped this! Do you mind telling me where you got it, the lenght and width you got, and the price? Thanks! (Or PM me if you want)

Thank! Yea, i know what you mean...i did not even get a quote from DFTW on this because I figured it would be around $1000. This one is from Event Bella (http://www.ebweddingfavors.com/), it is 75 feet long, 60 inches wide and I think it was around $250. The design is absolutely huge which I love, there is no doubt that everyone will be able to see it.

[Nichole33]

Love the aisle runner!!! So classy and perfect! :goodvibes

[belle2211]

This one is from Event Bella (http://www.ebweddingfavors.com/), it is 75 feet long, 60 inches wide and I think it was around $250. The design is absolutely huge which I love, there is no doubt that everyone will be able to see it.

This might be meant to be since my puppy's name is Bella. Thanks!

[Pengwend]

I LOVE your aisle runner. I nixed the one from Disney because it was so expensive, but I may have to go your route and get one online! I didn't even think of that! We're so close to May! I don't even know what I haven't done! I need to take some time this weekend and catch up with your PJ and others to see what I need to do. We just finished our home reception invites this past weekend!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Love the aisle runner!!! So classy and perfect! :goodvibes

Thank You!

This might be meant to be since my puppy's name is Bella. Thanks!

Aww, what a cute name!!

I LOVE your aisle runner. I nixed the one from Disney because it was so expensive, but I may have to go your route and get one online! I didn't even think of that! We're so close to May! I don't even know what I haven't done! I need to take some time this weekend and catch up with your PJ and others to see what I need to do. We just finished our home reception invites this past weekend!

I know...May is coming soon! I made a to do list of things that I still need to make/do before the big day. I will post it up here and maybe it will help. If you are going to order your aisle runner, I would do it really soon. I ordered mine the first week of January and I just got it...so it takes a little while.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Yesterday my MOH's and mom threw me an amazing bridal shower! It was such a nice day spent with close friends and family. The time flew by so fast, I hope that is not how it is like for the wedding.


http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/586.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/587.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/157.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/458.jpg

The people responsible for creating such a beautiful day. Kelly even made sure to add a few hidden mickey's in the party (I don't think that I got any pictures of the hidden mickey's though :guilty:)
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/171.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/162.jpg

Food Pictures!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/159.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/165.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/164.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/441.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/167.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/177.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/443.jpg

Apparently 8 years of being together doesn't mean that we know each other very well. We only got 7 questions right out of 20! His answers were waaaay off.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/203.jpg

My toilet paper brides!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/238.jpg

Everyone wanted to see my shoes that I was going to wear for the wedding. I wanted them to be a suprise...but I was so excited that I wanted to show them off. The blue shoes are for the ceremony and the sparkely ones are for the recpetion and dessert party. Everyone LOVED them!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/196.jpg


But what's a bridal shower without some drama? My sister (who lives in the same house as me) and is a bridesmaid in the wedding did not RSVP to the bridal shower. When I asked her about it last week her response was...."When is it?." Yes, she received her own invitation when everyone else got their invitations a month and a half before the bridal shower. When my other sister (who drove 6 hours to come to the bridal shower) who is also a bridesmaid asked her what she was wearing to the bridal shower this was her response..."I'm not going, I am working...I can't take off." One would think that if they had a month and a half notice that they could take off of work or at least have the decency to say they were not coming and didn't intend on helping out with the shower, after multiple attempts from the MOH's to contact her. This makes me very sad that she doesn't care about me at all and can only think of herself....but other than that it was a GREAT day.

[Princess SarahK]

Valerie, your shower looked amazing! Im jealous! Also your aisle runner and shoes are fantastic!!! Where did you get your sparkly shoes? How high are the heels? Im trying to find the perfect ones with the perfect height. Ibought a petite dress and now Im having a hard time with finding shoes...I like HIGH heels but it may be a problem now..booohooo!! :sad2:

[lubee12]

Your Bridal shower looked wonderful and all the food looks yummy. It is really funny that we are getting married the same day and we both had our showers the same day and bridesmaid drama. Hopefully both of our weddings will be wonderful! I am excited to see your list of things you still find to do because i am so nervous i am forgetting something :goodvibes

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Valerie, your shower looked amazing! Im jealous! Also your aisle runner and shoes are fantastic!!! Where did you get your sparkly shoes? How high are the heels? Im trying to find the perfect ones with the perfect height. Ibought a petite dress and now Im having a hard time with finding shoes...I like HIGH heels but it may be a problem now..booohooo!! :sad2:

Thanks Sarah! I ordered my shoes from My Glass Slipper and then added the crystals on to them myself. I think that they might be 3 1/2 inch heels, I like high heels because I am so short (5' 2'')! The nice thing about My Glass Slipper is that you can look browse the different shoes by heel height and they have a big selection.

Your Bridal shower looked wonderful and all the food looks yummy. It is really funny that we are getting married the same day and we both had our showers the same day and bridesmaid drama. Hopefully both of our weddings will be wonderful! I am excited to see your list of things you still find to do because i am so nervous i am forgetting something :goodvibes

Oh wow that is such a coincidence!! I hope that you had a great time at yours, minus any bridesmaid drama. I am still finding things to add to my list so when I think that I have everything listed I will post it. I am sure that it will be missing items though.

[Princess SarahK]

I know all about being short, I'm 5'0'' :sad2: What did you use to attach the rhinestones to your shoes? Im convinced and SOLD on doing them now. Yours look professional! :thumbsup2 I love My Glass Slipper but all of the droolworthy shoes are so high! (which is usually how I like it) Im going over there now, on the hunt!! Sorry for all the questions!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I know all about being short, I'm 5'0'' :sad2: What did you use to attach the rhinestones to your shoes? Im convinced and SOLD on doing them now. Yours look professional! :thumbsup2 I love My Glass Slipper but all of the droolworthy shoes are so high! (which is usually how I like it) Im going over there now, on the hunt!! Sorry for all the questions!

I just bought the hotfix tool from Michaels, it is called Jolee's Jewels Hotfix Crystal Tool. I was going to actually glue all of them on before I discovered this amazing tool. I am sure it saved me a lot of time, but I would say it still took me about 20 hours (not consecutive) to complete both shoes....but definitely worth it! Do you think you will have to get flats to go with your dress or just a shorter heel? I will keep my out for some shoes for you.

[Princess SarahK]

I just bought the hotfix tool from Michaels, it is called Jolee's Jewels Hotfix Crystal Tool. I was going to actually glue all of them on before I discovered this amazing tool. I am sure it saved me a lot of time, but I would say it still took me about 20 hours (not consecutive) to complete both shoes....but definitely worth it! Do you think you will have to get flats to go with your dress or just a shorter heel? I will keep my out for some shoes for you.

Nope, no flats! (thank goodness!!) Dont get me wrong, flats are great..just not for me. I always end up looking shorter and frumpier..blech! The heels I tried on for my fitting say on the website that they are 3 7/8'' but they definitely didnt look or feel that high at all! It was these..

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Dyeable-satin-platform-with-ornament-ring-detail.-MAKENZIE_Accessories-Shoes-All-Shoes

I think these are great and cute..and CHEAP! but I've wanted a pair of Louboutin rhinestone studded shoes since I got engaged! But theyre too tall, so I will have to either choose another shoe or make my own. Neither sound that appealing. :sad2: I bought a hotfix tool to make my flowergirl bags but it was a piece of junk and didnt work right..although it could have been an "operator error" :rotfl: So I dont know how that is going to work out.

Thanks for being on the lookout! :hug: Let me know if you find something!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Nope, no flats! (thank goodness!!) Dont get me wrong, flats are great..just not for me. I always end up looking shorter and frumpier..blech! The heels I tried on for my fitting say on the website that they are 3 7/8'' but they definitely didnt look or feel that high at all! It was these..

http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Dyeable-satin-platform-with-ornament-ring-detail.-MAKENZIE_Accessories-Shoes-All-Shoes

I think these are great and cute..and CHEAP! but I've wanted a pair of Louboutin rhinestone studded shoes since I got engaged! But theyre too tall, so I will have to either choose another shoe or make my own. Neither sound that appealing. :sad2: I bought a hotfix tool to make my flowergirl bags but it was a piece of junk and didnt work right..although it could have been an "operator error" :rotfl: So I dont know how that is going to work out.

Thanks for being on the lookout! :hug: Let me know if you find something!

OOH I Love those shoes! They are very pretty and the price is right!.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

It is only 35 days away from the wedding and I have a million things to do! Ok...not actually a million, but it seems that way.

Our final payment is due in 5 days and I still don't have a final total. So I am not really sure what to do, I am hoping that I have a final total by Monday...but what if I don't? Do I send the amount that was on the last BEO that I have (without all of the last minute changes) or do I estimate what I think it will be with the changes and just send that...or do I wait and risk the payment being late?

Here is my huge list of everything that I still have to get done. Maybe writing it all out will give me the motivation to do something about it!

-Get DF's ring
-Final Dress fitting/pick up dress
-Get groomsman gifts
-Order guest book
-Flower girl basket
-Talk with Pastor to finalize ceremony
-Make ceremony programs
-Make placecards
-Make menu careds
-Make seating chart for reception
-Welcome bag gift tags
-Welcome Packets
-Welcome letter
-Transportation schedule
-Itinerary
-List of Must Sees
-Buy to-go bags or containers for dessert party
-Write a personalized thank you note to each bridesmaid
-Make flower girl and ring bearer t-shirts

I am pretty sure that there is more, but that is all that I can think of at the moment.

[Princess SarahK]

Wow Val, that does seem like a lot to do! Im sure you will get it all done though, you are getting so close! There are so many past brides that have posted or will email you their welcome letters, etc that really help! If not, Ive got some that someone emailed me ages ago I can forward to you; some are welcome letters, some are interesting facts about WDW or hidden mickeys, etc.. PM me if you want them! I dont know what I would do about the $$ thing. What does your planner say to do? Im sure someone here has been in your situation before? :confused3 Good luck on all your to-do's and I cant wait to see and read how it all turns out! Stay calm!! :thumbsup2

[LittleKittyMarie]

Just read through your planning journal. Everything you've made and picked looks so beautiful! Your bridal shower looked really gorgeous.

You have a pretty big to-do list I see, but it all seems like manageable tasks. Good luck and I'm looking forward to reading more about your wedding plans!

[SaidYes]

OMG! LOVED looking through your shower pictures!!!!!!! We did the toilet paper dress game too!!! I will have to post pictures because your line-up of girls looks so similar to mine haha.

We are both so close to the day now ;)

[Pengwend]

Hi Valerie!

Our final changes are due Monday and our wedding planner hasn't been terribly responsive... I am also a little worried about what we're going to do if we can't get everything planned out before Monday. Because that's what we're going to owe two weeks later! So really, whatever stands Monday is what is supposedly final. Yikes! Fortunately, our florist (Rose) has been really great at communicating, and we scheduled a conference call with her tonight which our planner (Diane) finally said she can be on this morning!

We've found that it's generally easier to get answers and get things actually accomplished with our planner if one (or both) of us calls her. Maybe you can do that for your planner too?

Here's to getting all the last minute details done!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Wow Val, that does seem like a lot to do! Im sure you will get it all done though, you are getting so close! There are so many past brides that have posted or will email you their welcome letters, etc that really help! If not, Ive got some that someone emailed me ages ago I can forward to you; some are welcome letters, some are interesting facts about WDW or hidden mickeys, etc.. PM me if you want them! I dont know what I would do about the $$ thing. What does your planner say to do? Im sure someone here has been in your situation before? :confused3 Good luck on all your to-do's and I cant wait to see and read how it all turns out! Stay calm!! :thumbsup2

I would love the help with the welcome letters. I will send you a PM! I was just about to send my planner an email today asking what to do about the final payment and as I was about to press send...she sent me an email with the final total!

I am trying to stay calm through all of this but I am feeling very overwhelmed.

Just read through your planning journal. Everything you've made and picked looks so beautiful! Your bridal shower looked really gorgeous.

You have a pretty big to-do list I see, but it all seems like manageable tasks. Good luck and I'm looking forward to reading more about your wedding plans!

Thank You! I was able to knock a few things off the to do list over the last few days so I am seeing a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

OMG! LOVED looking through your shower pictures!!!!!!! We did the toilet paper dress game too!!! I will have to post pictures because your line-up of girls looks so similar to mine haha.

We are both so close to the day now ;)

I love the toilet paper dress game! It is a bridal shower must. Can't wait to see pictures of your bridal shower!

I can't believe it is so close. I am SOOO excited!

Hi Valerie!

Our final changes are due Monday and our wedding planner hasn't been terribly responsive... I am also a little worried about what we're going to do if we can't get everything planned out before Monday. Because that's what we're going to owe two weeks later! So really, whatever stands Monday is what is supposedly final. Yikes! Fortunately, our florist (Rose) has been really great at communicating, and we scheduled a conference call with her tonight which our planner (Diane) finally said she can be on this morning!

We've found that it's generally easier to get answers and get things actually accomplished with our planner if one (or both) of us calls her. Maybe you can do that for your planner too?

Here's to getting all the last minute details done!

I think we have the same planner so I understand what you mean about the responsiveness. Thankfully I was sent the final total today and have a phone call scheduled tomorrow as well to go over things one last time before the big day. I hope that I can remember all of the questions that I have.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

30 Days Until My Fairy Tale!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Princess SarahK]

YAAAYY!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1::yay::yay::yay:

Did you get the email I sent you with all the documents? I hope you found something useful from all of those!

[Sccrmnky2005]

CONGRATS!!!!!:goodvibes

[irishwishes]

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:YAY!!!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

[Pengwend]

So excited for you! :yay:

[ValerieDFTWBride]

YAAAYY!!! :cool1::cool1::cool1::yay::yay::yay:

Did you get the email I sent you with all the documents? I hope you found something useful from all of those!

Yes, I got both emails. Thank you so much for that! It is going to save me a lot of time.

CONGRATS!!!!!:goodvibes

THANK YOU!

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:YAY!!!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Thanks!

So excited for you! :yay:

Thank You! Your day is coming soon too!!

[Fay]

Wow... not long now! That list looks long! :) But really they are little things to tackle! :) Bet your so so excited! :)

Your shoes are amazing! :) I have been looking at some very simalar to your sparkly ones! hehe very lush!

Also... Your bridal shower looked brilliant! :) your girls love you! And really about your sister... sometimes thats what your own family is like :) It will all work out fine in the end! :)

MWAH xxx

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Wow... not long now! That list looks long! :) But really they are little things to tackle! :) Bet your so so excited! :)

Your shoes are amazing! :) I have been looking at some very simalar to your sparkly ones! hehe very lush!

Also... Your bridal shower looked brilliant! :) your girls love you! And really about your sister... sometimes thats what your own family is like :) It will all work out fine in the end! :)

MWAH xxx

Yes, the list is VERY long. :sad2: But I was a busy little bride over the weekend and was able to finish the flower girl basket and the all of the placecards and the ring bearer and flower girl tshirts...there is a light at the end of the tunnel! YAY

Thank You, I can't wait to wear them!

I loved my bridal shower, I am so thankful that I have friends that are like sisters to me and would go above and beyond for me...especially when my own sister will not. But I will not let it get me down.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I have been searching for pictures of hairstyle for the wedding for months and I think that I have finally decided on a hairstyle. I know that I want my hair to be all the way up....because this is Florida and we all know what humidity does to the hair. Yeah, not attractive....at all. I also know that I wanted to have a low updo that is kinda a curly, loose romantic feel. And after work I am going to the dress store to purchase a headband that I fell in love with at my last dress fitting (as long as it matches the earrings and bracelet I already have). But I do want some pictures with my hair down. So for the MK portrait which is two days later, I am going to have all my hair down in loose curls.

Here is my updo inspiration.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Taylor-Swift-Formal-Hairstyles49.jpg

This is the picture of the front/side.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/TaylorSwift_Truscello_14002866.jpg

But I think I am leaning towards something more like this.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/38_TaylorSwift.jpg

[Disney9.9.10]

Great choice with the hairstyle!! Taylor Swift always has such beautiful hair!

[KristiLyn]

Awesome choice with the hairstyle!!! It will look beautiful :goodvibes

[neener3]

Love the hair!
I had thought I wanted down hair but am soooo glad I went up, what with...it being Florida and all. I knew it was going to stay PUT and I wouldn't have to worry about it.

[Pengwend]

Love your hair choice! I have a Belle-inspired dress and can't decide if I want it all up or partially down like she had hers.

In shoe news, where did you get yours? They are EXACTLY what I want, but I can't have higher than a 2.5" heel. I just realized that the hotfix crystals are all on sale this week at Michael's and I'm thinking of tackling the project! But I just got all my wisdom teeth out yesterday and I'm wondering if it's not the best idea...

[belle2211]

I love that hair updo! I wish I could wear mine up!

[DisneyChicky]

I like the third one!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Great choice with the hairstyle!! Taylor Swift always has such beautiful hair!

Thanks! I know, her hair always looks great.

Awesome choice with the hairstyle!!! It will look beautiful :goodvibes

Thank You!

Love the hair!
I had thought I wanted down hair but am soooo glad I went up, what with...it being Florida and all. I knew it was going to stay PUT and I wouldn't have to worry about it.

I know, frizzies are not cute! With it all the way up I will feel that I won't have to worry about it at all. But I will still be able to have pictures with my hair down for the MK shoot, so it works out!

Love your hair choice! I have a Belle-inspired dress and can't decide if I want it all up or partially down like she had hers.

In shoe news, where did you get yours? They are EXACTLY what I want, but I can't have higher than a 2.5" heel. I just realized that the hotfix crystals are all on sale this week at Michael's and I'm thinking of tackling the project! But I just got all my wisdom teeth out yesterday and I'm wondering if it's not the best idea...

I think that it would be perfect for a half up half down belle look since your dress is similar style.

I got my shoes from My Glass Slipper. It is going to take A LOT of crystals to cover the shoes. I bought in bulk through someone on ebay, which I would recommend doing because it will save you a lot of money! Because it was somewhere around 5,000 crystals.

I love that hair updo! I wish I could wear mine up!

Thank You!

I like the third one!

Thanks, I am partial to that one too. I like the loose flowyness about it.

[PEANUT1]

I just read through your report...your wedding is going to be amazing!!! I always wanted a DFTW...but didn't do it. I am thinking maybe a vow renewal for our 20th!!! only 8 years to go:rotfl:

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I dont like to rant too much on here but I think that this is worthy of a MAJOR rant. I was saddened to get a call today (2 weeks and 1 day until wedding day) from Disney Photography to find out that the day that I have picked out to do my MK photo shoot is not going to work because they are taking down the trusses (sp?) from Grad Night...workers would be in the way, no caslte shots...etc. :sad1:

If I would have known this back when I set the date and booked everything, I would have honestly changed my date to accomodate for this shoot...this is how much this means to me. I am sure that Disney knew the dates of Grad Night at the time when I booked this.

So I have three options:
1. Have a photo shoot at one of the other parks - I eliminated this option right from the start.

2. Come back at a later time to do my photo shoot and spend at least another $1000 that I don't have to fly down there, stay at a hotel..blah blah blah. Not to mention DF works on Saturdays and only has Sunday off.
Pros: No trusses in pictures, get to go to Disney again of course (except that we would probably have to fly down on a Saturday night and fly back on Sunday after the shoot...so really no park time), might actually be able to get the photographer I requested

Cons: Costs ALOT more money, no bouquet, no tux..he will just have to wear a black suit
3. Have the photo shoot the Tuesday before the wedding, but the trusses will still be up and in the pictures.
Pros: ....none that I can possibly think of at the moment

Cons: DF will see me in my dress all done up before the wedding day, extra cost for tux rental, DF will see me in my dress before the wedding day, no bouquet because I am NOT paying extra money for this, oh and did I mention that DF will see me in my dress before the wedding day!!!
I have paid WAAAAAAAAAY too much money to have everything perfect and go exactly how I planned...and this is definitly not what I had in mind. I just honestly don't know what to do. My gut is telling me to come back later to do the shoot, but I just dont know...

And on a totally unrelated note, I still have not heard from my DJ??!?!?! Maybe I won't have one of those at my wedding either.

[pixie921]

Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry! :hug: Two weeks out is inexcusable!!

I can identify with your dilemma because one hour ago I was in hysterical tears because *our* MK photo shoot just got cancelled! We'd originally planned a Wishes VR, but they cancelled our MK shoot because they said no Thursdays. We moved to the Swan, but I couldn't get the MK shoot out of my mind. We heard from Disney that they changed their minds --we COULD have Thursday, the day of our VR. So we re-signed with them (yesterday!) for an Escape with our MK shoot the same morning.

Tonight we called them to check on the time and were informed that all MK shoots have been cancelled from 10/23 until 11/08. :sad2::headache::mad::eek: They offered us the Saturday before, but we'd have to pay at least $500 to change flights, book hotel nights (we're using 3 years' worth of DVC points for our family to come down for the VR), board our animals two extra days, etc. and STILL they can't guarantee that we'll actually get the shoot because the MK management can change their minds at any time!!!!! Which is exactly what is happening to you at such a late date!!

I don't know what to suggest except I'm starting to wonder if the MK shoot is worth the hassle. Maybe I'll post this on the main board and see what other girls think. Good luck making your decision -- I don't know what we're going to do!

[princesswendy720]

Wow I would just be livid. They can't squeeze you in on another day after your wedding? Even if another shoot is scheduled you can't work around each other? Personally, I'd go Bridezilla on them and demand that they accommodate you that week (after your wedding or on the day of - if you'd consider doing it on your wedding day). Did you sign a contract? Does Disney offer any sort of recourse against the whims of park management? It just seems a little corrupt as a business practice. With only a few weeks to go, did you already pay for the shoot? Can you contact your planner and have them run DPS through the ringer to get them to find accommodations for you? I'm sorry this is more questions than answers, but I'm hoping some hell-raising will get them to fix this for you!

[LuvLuvLuv]

i am so sad for you. i know it's easy for a bride to say something is a disaster... but this is a complete mess for you and i don't know if i would have been able to compose myself like a lady on the phone with them. it's only 2 weeks away--they couldn't give you more notice?? Hopefully they come up with a solution. I would definately make them comp something... anything. keep your spirits up! :hug:

[K80K]

By the sound of it they are probably cancelling the photo shoots that are scheduled to take place between the Halloween decorations going down and the Christmas decorations going up. A busy off-hour time for the MK. Not an excuse but they probably don't want extra people in the parks off-hours because they are going to be running around with crains and lifts pulling stuff down and putting stuff up.

[pixie921]

By the sound of it they are probably cancelling the photo shoots that are scheduled to take place between the Halloween decorations going down and the Christmas decorations going up. A busy off-hour time for the MK. Not an excuse but they probably don't want extra people in the parks off-hours because they are going to be running around with crains and lifts pulling stuff down and putting stuff up.

I'm assuming you're referring to the 10/23-11/08 shoots being cancelled ... but the Halloween decorations will definitely be up until after Halloween, so that doesn't explain why the shoots prior to that will be cancelled. I can only think it's due to construction issues w/the expansion.

[K80K]

I'm assuming you're referring to the 10/23-11/08 shoots being cancelled ... but the Halloween decorations will definitely be up until after Halloween, so that doesn't explain why the shoots prior to that will be cancelled. I can only think it's due to construction issues w/the expansion.

Yes sorry that is what I was referring to. Though the Halloween decorations will be up through Halloween that doesn't mean that they won't still be prepping for the Christmas decorations to go up. Of course this is all just speculation.

Valerie: So sorry for your last minute cancellation. I imagine I will have the same problem when my wedding comes around as I have 10/25/12 picked for my date. I totally get you not wanting him to see your dress before the wedding as that has crossed my mind in my planning as well. I hope you are able to find a resolution that you are at peace with.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Oh my gosh, I am SO sorry! :hug: Two weeks out is inexcusable!!

I can identify with your dilemma because one hour ago I was in hysterical tears because *our* MK photo shoot just got cancelled! We'd originally planned a Wishes VR, but they cancelled our MK shoot because they said no Thursdays. We moved to the Swan, but I couldn't get the MK shoot out of my mind. We heard from Disney that they changed their minds --we COULD have Thursday, the day of our VR. So we re-signed with them (yesterday!) for an Escape with our MK shoot the same morning.

Tonight we called them to check on the time and were informed that all MK shoots have been cancelled from 10/23 until 11/08. :sad2::headache::mad::eek: They offered us the Saturday before, but we'd have to pay at least $500 to change flights, book hotel nights (we're using 3 years' worth of DVC points for our family to come down for the VR), board our animals two extra days, etc. and STILL they can't guarantee that we'll actually get the shoot because the MK management can change their minds at any time!!!!! Which is exactly what is happening to you at such a late date!!

I don't know what to suggest except I'm starting to wonder if the MK shoot is worth the hassle. Maybe I'll post this on the main board and see what other girls think. Good luck making your decision -- I don't know what we're going to do!

Thank you for your kind words. I completely understand what you are going through and I am sorry that this has to happen to more people other than myself. I understand that it is not Disney photography's fault, they just happen to be the people to deliver this horrible news...but there has to be some guarantee for people that have already paid for it. I have been thinking about it and I still trying to decide which would be the best option for us. But I have been trying not to dwell on it too much and am trying to stay positive about every other element of the wedding, but I can't but think if I will feel dissapointed on my wedding day. I am hoping that once I get some more answers after next week the sinking feeling in the bottom of my stomach will go away.

Wow I would just be livid. They can't squeeze you in on another day after your wedding? Even if another shoot is scheduled you can't work around each other? Personally, I'd go Bridezilla on them and demand that they accommodate you that week (after your wedding or on the day of - if you'd consider doing it on your wedding day). Did you sign a contract? Does Disney offer any sort of recourse against the whims of park management? It just seems a little corrupt as a business practice. With only a few weeks to go, did you already pay for the shoot? Can you contact your planner and have them run DPS through the ringer to get them to find accommodations for you? I'm sorry this is more questions than answers, but I'm hoping some hell-raising will get them to fix this for you!

The were able to squeeze me in for a day after I had the shoot scheduled except we already have non refundable plane tickets for our honeymoon...so that wouldn't really work out. Yes, the shoot is already paid for and the trusses (that are up for grad night) will be up for the entire time that we at Disney. I honestly have no idea how big, or what these trusses look like. Maybe it really isnt that bad and I can suck it up and get pictures from the back of the castle or different angles so that they are not in the pictures. I am feeling like i could go crazy bridezilla on them, but I am trying to stay calm and rational because I know that is probably the best way to get what I want....and if that fails...then the crazy bridezilla will come out and dadzilla will be placing a call. lol

i am so sad for you. i know it's easy for a bride to say something is a disaster... but this is a complete mess for you and i don't know if i would have been able to compose myself like a lady on the phone with them. it's only 2 weeks away--they couldn't give you more notice?? Hopefully they come up with a solution. I would definately make them comp something... anything. keep your spirits up! :hug:

I was absolutely in tears after I got off the phone and it took me a few hours to even calm down and start thinking rationally again. I am hoping that I can get a solution that I feel comfortable with after next week, and as much as this makes me sad, I won't let it ruin the big day. I appreciate all the sympathy.

By the sound of it they are probably cancelling the photo shoots that are scheduled to take place between the Halloween decorations going down and the Christmas decorations going up. A busy off-hour time for the MK. Not an excuse but they probably don't want extra people in the parks off-hours because they are going to be running around with crains and lifts pulling stuff down and putting stuff up.

I'm assuming you're referring to the 10/23-11/08 shoots being cancelled ... but the Halloween decorations will definitely be up until after Halloween, so that doesn't explain why the shoots prior to that will be cancelled. I can only think it's due to construction issues w/the expansion.

Yes sorry that is what I was referring to. Though the Halloween decorations will be up through Halloween that doesn't mean that they won't still be prepping for the Christmas decorations to go up. Of course this is all just speculation.

Valerie: So sorry for your last minute cancellation. I imagine I will have the same problem when my wedding comes around as I have 10/25/12 picked for my date. I totally get you not wanting him to see your dress before the wedding as that has crossed my mind in my planning as well. I hope you are able to find a resolution that you are at peace with.

Thank you. I hope that this doesn't happen to you or anyone else for that matter! Unfortunatley this is one of those things that is uncontrollable on our parts and we can just hope for the best.

[Pengwend]

Valerie, that's terrible that your shoot got cancelled! We had it on our very first BEO, but pretty much nixed it right away (along with the Coach :headache:). In the back of my mind, I have been thinking about going back and adding one or the other back in. I am leaning away fromt he MK shoot because I actually don't like my dress anymore and now hearing about those of you who are having such heartache with it.

I wonder if they would let you do a really late night shoot instead of day? I had thought about this waaay back when we first got engaged that the castle is so pretty at night, I wondered if there was a way to get pretty photos of people with it. Maybe these truss things would be less visible at night?

[tinkerbell 766]

Eek, you don't like your dress anymore!!! What are you going to do!!!

[Sccrmnky2005]

I'm soooo very sorry about your MK photo shoot being cancelled!!! What a pain to have to deal with that SO CLOSE to your wedding!!!

I would opt for either a diferent park after your wedding or coming back down for the park shoot, I know that will be a pain, more money etc. but if your heart is set on MK then I think waiting a few months when you can or maybe extending your trip a few days would be better and something you won't look back on and wish you had done it.

Maybe you can extend your trip:confused3

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Valerie, that's terrible that your shoot got cancelled! We had it on our very first BEO, but pretty much nixed it right away (along with the Coach :headache:). In the back of my mind, I have been thinking about going back and adding one or the other back in. I am leaning away fromt he MK shoot because I actually don't like my dress anymore and now hearing about those of you who are having such heartache with it.

I wonder if they would let you do a really late night shoot instead of day? I had thought about this waaay back when we first got engaged that the castle is so pretty at night, I wondered if there was a way to get pretty photos of people with it. Maybe these truss things would be less visible at night?

I am sorry that you don't like your dress anymore. I am sure that you will look beautiful in it on the day of your wedding!

I'm soooo very sorry about your MK photo shoot being cancelled!!! What a pain to have to deal with that SO CLOSE to your wedding!!!

I would opt for either a diferent park after your wedding or coming back down for the park shoot, I know that will be a pain, more money etc. but if your heart is set on MK then I think waiting a few months when you can or maybe extending your trip a few days would be better and something you won't look back on and wish you had done it.

Maybe you can extend your trip:confused3

Thank you. My heart is definitly set on Magic Kingdom, I couldn't imagine doing a Disney wedding without it, that is why I am so conflicted. After thinking about this pretty much non stop, I am leaning towards coming back a few months later. But maybe driving down instead of flying just incase it gets cancelled again, then I won't be out hundreds of dollars for plane tickets.

[FlamingoAllie]

Just joining in! So sad to hear about the MK photo shoot drama! My heart just sank for you. My MK/Epcot photo shoot is scheduled for Oct 15th. After hearing everyone's complaints, I'm scared to death! I'm looking more forward to the shoot than I am the ceremony! :lmao: And I think that FH is too, for that matter! I say, if you want the shoot, do it, even if it means having to come back. Hey, just look at it like an extra vacation you didnt know you were going to get to take! And it might even be better, since you wont be so tired and stressed out after all the wedding festivities! Keep us updated, and hang in there! You are almost at the finish line! You have such wonderful ideas and plans, by the way. I got so caught up in photo shoot madness, I forgot all about the awesome wedding plans you have going on! Hope that you're doing a TR too, especially since I'm starting this so late in the game. Can't wait to read about your wonderful wedding adventures! :yay:

[LuluLovesDisney]

I don't think it is right for them to cancel on such short notice. You're right that they know this date long beforehand. I would definitely not be happy. I honestly think the best option would be to switch your flight and add a day if you have to in order to get the MK shoot. If you come back, it won't be your wedding trip. Will you drive yourself crazy making sure your hair and everything else looks the same as from your wedding? Also I am sure the cost of switching the flight would be better than a whole separate trip. That's just what I would do.

I don't think I would want to see DF before the wedding and I can tell that option doesn't sit well with you either lol. Sorry for the issues, NOT something you need with less than 3 weeks to go!

[malissa.robison]

Perfect! Yes you have work with the Florida humidity, not against it. With this hairstyle, the extra volume and curls will only be a plus.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Just joining in! So sad to hear about the MK photo shoot drama! My heart just sank for you. My MK/Epcot photo shoot is scheduled for Oct 15th. After hearing everyone's complaints, I'm scared to death! I'm looking more forward to the shoot than I am the ceremony! :lmao: And I think that FH is too, for that matter! I say, if you want the shoot, do it, even if it means having to come back. Hey, just look at it like an extra vacation you didnt know you were going to get to take! And it might even be better, since you wont be so tired and stressed out after all the wedding festivities! Keep us updated, and hang in there! You are almost at the finish line! You have such wonderful ideas and plans, by the way. I got so caught up in photo shoot madness, I forgot all about the awesome wedding plans you have going on! Hope that you're doing a TR too, especially since I'm starting this so late in the game. Can't wait to read about your wonderful wedding adventures! :yay:

Thank you! I will definitly be doing a TR and hopefully I can remember to take a bunch of pictures!

I finally came to a decision as to what we are going to do about the MK shoot and I feel like it is a decision that I can live with...although not ideal that it was cancelled in the first place. We are going to come down later in the summer to do the shoot. We already have it re-booked (crossing our fingers that it doesnt get cancelled again). We are NOT going to be buying plane tickets because I just cant see taking that risk, so we will drive and stay at an inexpensive hotel off-property.

I wish you luck that your shoot is not affected by the rescheduling/canceling fiascos.

I don't think it is right for them to cancel on such short notice. You're right that they know this date long beforehand. I would definitely not be happy. I honestly think the best option would be to switch your flight and add a day if you have to in order to get the MK shoot. If you come back, it won't be your wedding trip. Will you drive yourself crazy making sure your hair and everything else looks the same as from your wedding? Also I am sure the cost of switching the flight would be better than a whole separate trip. That's just what I would do.

I don't think I would want to see DF before the wedding and I can tell that option doesn't sit well with you either lol. Sorry for the issues, NOT something you need with less than 3 weeks to go!

Thank you. Switching the flight wasnt really an option because we have a non-refundable/transferable ticket and I had already purchased our train tickets in Italy for specific days. But if we were honeymooning locally I would have tried to switch it. Things will work out.

Perfect! Yes you have work with the Florida humidity, not against it. With this hairstyle, the extra volume and curls will only be a plus.

Thank you, I have a hair trial the Wednesday before so I will be able to see how it last all day at the parks...that is the ultimate test.

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Today was my last day of work before the big day! Only 8 days now till the wedding and 3 days till we are in the WORLD! My co-workers took me out to a nice lunch and suprised me with flowers, champagne and chocolates plus they bought something for DF and I off of our honeymoon registry. So nice. :grouphug: Tomorrow is also my low-key bachelorrette party and we are going to go to some vineyards for wine tastings and then a nice dinner...nothing too crazy for me!

I am so excited/nervous/anxious...I have been checking the weather forecast about every hour...even though it is probably not too accurate at this point. Yesterday there was a 60% chance of thunderstorms and today there was a 0% chance of thunderstorms. This will drive me crazy until about the day of.

I still haven't packed yet, which is a lot to say considering I need to pack for 3 weeks! But my problem isnt packing it is narrowing down everything that I want to take! I tend to always have to pay the extra fee for overweight luggage. I don't think that I have been away from home for that long before. I will miss my puppy soo much! :dog2:

I have a MAJOR post for tomorrow about all the projects that I have put together in the last few weeks.......stay tuned!

[Princess SarahK]

Looking forward to seeing all your new projects!!! I cant believe you get married a week from today!!!:banana:

[gabzee]

Bridesmaid dress!!

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2603.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2604.jpg

Rehearsal dinner dress...it looks blue but it is actually purple.

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/Details/DSCN2605.jpg

I just found your PJ and I am hooked!!! I was wondering where you got your rehearsal dinner dress and who makes it!! It is absolutely beautiful!! Thanks!

[Sccrmnky2005]

CONGRATS ON BEING SOOOO CLOSE!! I can't wait to see pictures and hope it's everything you've dreamed of!!! :cool1:

[ValerieDFTWBride]

It's Wedding Day!!!!!!!!

[DisneyShamrock]

http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g91/DancingShamrock/glitteryourwaya6fd72ac.gif

I hope it's filled with love and pixie dust!

[Disney9.9.10]

Happy Wedding Day! I hope that you have the best, most magical day of your life!! And I wish you and your new husband many years of happiness together!

[DoomBuggy0922]

Yahoo!!!!!! Happy wedding day!!!!!!!!!!

[chellebelle18]

HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!! can't wait to hear about it!popcorn::

[Princess SarahK]

Happy Wedding Day! I hope its everything you've ever dreamed of and planned for. I cannot wait to read all about it and see pictures Val. Congratulations on the best day of your life! :flower3:

[PinkSleepingBeauty]

Happy Wedding Day! :goodvibes

[pixie921]

Happy Wedding Day!!!!

[gabzee]

HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!! I hope you have a magical day and a magical life together!!

[pinkmiss3]

Happy Wedding Day!

[brer rabbit 28]

Happy wedding day :wizard:

[irishwishes]

Happy wedding day!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope your day is wonderful!

[KristiLyn]

Happy Wedding Day!!!

[LuvLuvLuv]

We stalked your DP after dinner at Tutto! It looked great--hope you had fun!!

[pezaddict231]

Happy Wedding Day! Hope you had a magical day. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back.

[sw33t_angel]

CONGRATS MRS.!!!! :goodvibes

Can't wait to hear and see all about your special day!!!!

[LaurenM]

CONGRATS!!!!!!!:wizard:

[princess_ariel_85]

Congratulations!!! Hope you had an amazing day, can't wait to hear and see pictures about it :goodvibes

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

congrats!!! just joining in now....we were there on saturday awaiting our breaky at 1900 pf and we came across 2 weddings, but both had just the groomsmen in the lobby of the gf. i think ther was also one that nite or a rehersal dinner as well. they were defiently busy that day....on top of the monorail shutting down in midafternoon! so we may have seen your guys, im not really sure....waiting on your pics! enjoy your honeymoon!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Thank you everyone for all the wonderful wedding day wishes! We had an absolutely amazingly MAGICAL time at our wedding and on our honeymoon...I am sad that I have to get back to reality.

I havent even began to unpack but I wanted to leave you with a few sneak peeks before I start the TR! I don't have the disk yet with all of the images so they aren't the best quality but I couldn't resist to show and tell. I am soooooooooo happy with the pictures, I love most all of them (there were 747). Marc Harmon did an awesome job and exceeded my expectations! (which were very high)

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/makeup.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/shoes.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/window.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/theguys.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/bouquet.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/thegirls.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/jeff-1.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/whenveilsattack.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/ceremony.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/exit.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/carriage.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/beach.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/wp.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/beach2.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/reception.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/cake.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/swing.jpg

http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz276/vstrickland0404/sand.jpg

Stay tuned for the full trip report...

[DisneyShamrock]

Yay pictures!!!

Sorry you had to come, but I am so glad it was so awesome! You look so beautiful!

I LOVE your cake!

Can't wait to see and read more! :cool1:

[tinkerbell 766]

Congratulations and welcome back!!
These pictures are stunning and you must be thrilled with them!!!
You were a gorgeous bride!!

[brer rabbit 28]

Congratulations. Your sneak peeks are amazing!:goodvibes

[Disney9.9.10]

Congratulations on your marriage! Your pictures are beautiful!

[KristiLyn]

I love the pictures!! You looked beautiful!!! Can't wait to see more :goodvibes