Corinna and Graham Vow Renewal Planning Journal

[dolphingirl47]

I was going to wait until I have actually got my vow renewal confirmed with DFTW, but I am getting so excited that I have decided to get started. I figure there is more than enough planning to do over the next 14 months so I might as well get with the programme now.

We are Corinna and Graham. I am 35 and Graham is 51 and we have been married for 12.5 years. I am originally from Germany and Graham is English and we live in Manchester in the north-west of England, UK.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/2010%20Med%20Cruise%20Magic/img073.jpg

We had originally planned to renew our vows for our 10th anniversary, but somehow never got around to this. The original plan had been to renew our vows at Crystal Cathedral in Graden Grove, California. For me this is one of the most inspirational places I have ever had the fortune to visit. However, I am aware that this means a lot more to me than it does to Graham.
In September 2008, I was lucky enough to attend a vow renewal on board the Disney Wonder for a couple that were on our Cruise Meet thread. This was just completely magical. We both love cruising and particularly cruising with DCL. As far as our favourite ship is concerned, we are a little bit divided in our family. I prefer the Magic, but Graham prefers the Wonder. I am happy to have the vow renewal on his favourite ship though. We will be doing a Mexican Riviera Cruise on the Wonder from October 2nd to 9th 2011. We will be cruising with a great group of people that we cruised with in October last year on the Magic and it will be wonderful to share our special day with them.
We are hoping that we will be able to have the vow renewal on the outside area on deck 7. It would be perfect if we could schedule this for October 6th as this is Graham's birthday, but any date and location is fine by us as long as we are on the Wonder. I will update this as and when I get things done.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Hi
We live in the North West of England too (Cumbria) and we are having a VR at the Swan in May.
Welcome and have fun planning

[dolphingirl47]

Hi
We live in the North West of England too (Cumbria) and we are having a VR at the Swan in May.
Welcome and have fun planning

Thanks for the welcome. Are you still dealing with DFTWs or directly with the hotel? If you are dealing with DFTW, do you know what their opening times are? I don't recognize the dialing code.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

No sorry I am dealing with JustMarry for my Swan VR. Wish I could help!!

[dolphingirl47]

No sorry I am dealing with JustMarry for my Swan VR. Wish I could help!!

Thanks anyway. I hope that you have a wonderful vow renewal.

Corinna

[Chilly]

I think they are open office hours Corinna so 9 to 5 ish Florida time.

[dolphingirl47]

Well, the big day might still be 14 months away, but I have started to get a few odds and ends. I never did the whole "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" the first time round, but I will definitely this time.

I unearthed the shoes that I wore for my wedding 12.5 years ago and I am determined to wear them for the vow renewal. They are just plain ivory satin ballet flats, but they will do nicely for the "something old".

I managed to find a lovely tiara on Ebay, which I really bought to go with my formal night dress on my upcoming cruise. However, I love it so much that I will wear it for the vow renewal as well:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/Tiara.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/Tiarafront.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/Tiaracloseup.jpg

This will cover the "something blue".

I had a preliminary look at dresses and I have fallen in love with those two:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/pic305.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/pic194.jpg

They are both from Ebay and will be custom made in China. I had two dresses made in China for my next cruise and I absolutely love them. I think I have a slight preference for the second one.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I think they are open office hours Corinna so 9 to 5 ish Florida time.

Thanks Claire. I will try to contact them next week.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Wow lovely dresses

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

CORINNA---I stumbled on this thread of yours and glad I did!! I loved cruising with you Oct 2009:) and can't wait to celebrate the whole week long with Graham and u for this exciting moment!! Our Mexican Riviera is 411 days away but I am praying it flies by.:thumbsup2

I like both dresses but I love:love: the 2nd one as well. Very neat headpiece!! Can't wait to see what custom jewelry you have made too!!! Someday I hope Del and I can do this and hey maybe you will be onboard!!! =) Waiting patiently for more updates....ok you know me I am waiting impatiently!!:rotfl:

[dolphingirl47]

CORINNA---I stumbled on this thread of yours and glad I did!! I loved cruising with you Oct 2009:) and can't wait to celebrate the whole week long with Graham and u for this exciting moment!! Our Mexican Riviera is 411 days away but I am praying it flies by.:thumbsup2

I like both dresses but I love:love: the 2nd one as well. Very neat headpiece!! Can't wait to see what custom jewelry you have made too!!! Someday I hope Del and I can do this and hey maybe you will be onboard!!! =) Waiting patiently for more updates....ok you know me I am waiting impatiently!!:rotfl:

Thanks for coming by. There is not much to report at the moment. I am still playing hide and seek with DFTW. They keep sending me generic emails, but have not otherwise responded to my contact request. I am going to have to bite the bullet and ring them.

Most of the door magnets are taken care of and I love them. I have a three day weekend this week and not much planned so I will upload the graphics to Photobucket then and post them here. We have such talented people on the DIS.

I also commissioned a special Fish Extender for this cruise and can't wait to receive this. I will take a photo and post it here once I got this.

As for custom jewellery, I am not sure how this will work out. My favourite "wire bender" is currently pregnant and is expecting her first baby early next year. She only intends to be on maternity leave from December to March, but you never know how things go. If at all possible, I will commission some jewellery from her as she made me some jewellery for me for just about every significant event in the past 4 years.

Michelle, if you and Del ever have a vow renewal on a cruise, just let me know when and I will move heaven and earth to be there. Maybe our ceremony will act as inspiration for you in the same way as the vow renewal that I attended in 2008 did for me.

Corinna

[Chilly]

Yes you really need to ring them to get the ball rolling but you can do it via e-mail after that.

[dolphingirl47]

Yes you really need to ring them to get the ball rolling but you can do it via e-mail after that.

I need to give myself a kick and just ring them. It is funny, I earn my money working in a call centre, but I absolutely hate using the phone in my private life.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I actually had a little bit of time to spare before heading out to work and decided to upload the fabulous designs that I have for the magnets for the vow renewal cruise. They were all made by ******, milliepie, tjbaggott and Scooby3x1y on the Cruise Magnet Thread. My heartfelt thanks goes to them. Their magnets will make this cruise even more special:

******'s creations:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Vow_renewal.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/vows_ducks.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/mickeyandminnievows.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/corinnaandGrahamvows.jpg

milliepie's creation:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Corinna_and_Graham_vow_renewal.jpg

tjbaggott's creation:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/dolphingirla.jpg

Scooby3x1y's creations:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/GrahamCorinna2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/GrahamCorinna.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/GrahamCorinna-1.png

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/GrahamCorinna4.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/GrahamCorinna5.jpg

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I love all the magnets! Hmmm I am gonna have to find a little something to put on ur door...LOL I am soo excited for you 2! Maybe even more cause I know stories behind it all and it makes everything even more special....I got a new camera for Syd's dance competition(canon rebel slr) and I can't wait to capture some awesome photos for you!! =) Well off to run errands....TTFN Waiting for more update=)

[tinkerbell 766]

Very pretty magnets!!
It will be hard to choose which one to use!!

[dolphingirl47]

Very pretty magnets!!
It will be hard to choose which one to use!!

I won't have to choose. I get them printed as photos and put them through my Xyron Creative Station, which laminates the front and puts a magnet on the back. Because they are relatively small, they will all fit on and then some. Here are some photos of my door from the Med cruise earlier this year:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/2010%20Med%20Cruise%20Magic/SDC10537.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/2010%20Med%20Cruise%20Magic/SDC10536.jpg

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Wow very impressive!!!

[dolphingirl47]

I had some spare time over the weekend for some "window shopping" on Ebay. I found another dress that I really love:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/1452.jpg

If this ends up being the one, I would have it done in ivory. I wish I could just go ahead and order one.

I did find something on Ebay that I did order. I had always said before I got married that I would go for ribbons rather than a veil, but then ended up with a veil anyway. This time round, I am definitely going for the ribbons. I think this looks so cute and it was not expensive either.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/ribbonveil.jpg

Corinna

[Disney9.9.10]

I love the magnets! You did a really great job making them. The dress is beautiful as well and I think it would look lovely in ivory!

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Corinna----Dress is gorgeous!:) I love dress #2 for me....:love:LOL all 3 are beautiful though and I am sure whichever you choose , it will be WONDERful!! I can't believe we are still 405 days out! :eek: OMG I am just gooing nuts to get on the Wonder! Wish I could jump on the transatlantic with you guys! Well I will wait for more wedding updates....what am I gonna do while u don't post for 2 weeks!!??!!:sad2:

Have a great day!!

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna----Dress is gorgeous!:) I love dress #2 for me....:love:LOL all 3 are beautiful though and I am sure whichever you choose , it will be WONDERful!! I can't believe we are still 405 days out! :eek: OMG I am just gooing nuts to get on the Wonder! Wish I could jump on the transatlantic with you guys! Well I will wait for more wedding updates....what am I gonna do while u don't post for 2 weeks!!??!!:sad2:

Have a great day!!

I still like dress 2 best as well. I think in order of preference, it would be dress 2, dress 3 and dress 1 , but I like then all. My "ribbon veil" arrived today and is really cute. I am really pleased with this.

This cruise will arrive in no time at all. I booked the Transatlantic Cruise nearly 2 years in advance and there were times when I though this was never going to get here. Now I have less than 4 weeks to go until we set sail and the panic starts to set in. There is still so much to do and I thought I was more organised than I normally are. Still, it will all get done in time and the I have two weeks to just relax.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Oh, this whole thing is really not easy. There are so many things to do, so many choices to make and so many things to choose from.

I was absolutely certain that I would wear my wedding shoes for the vow renewal, but I went into town this afternoon and saw these shoes and they just said vow renewal to me:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/MiniMagicFloral.jpg

The picture does not really do them justice. They are white with some silver design printed on them and the tiniest kitten heels. I did not try them on as I had just been to the gym and was wearing thick socks, but I think I might have to go back sometime during the week and try them on.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I don't know---I mean your wedding shoes would have memories and be cool. They are cute shoes(the new ones), i couldn't walk in them...LOL I like wide heels. Well maybe if you get the dress first then decide which shoes will look best!! Good Luck...so many decisions!!

[dolphingirl47]

I don't know---I mean your wedding shoes would have memories and be cool. They are cute shoes(the new ones), i couldn't walk in them...LOL I like wide heels. Well maybe if you get the dress first then decide which shoes will look best!! Good Luck...so many decisions!!

I figure the heels are so small that they will be fine. I think I go and try them on next week to see if they fit and if I can walk in them. They are not exactly cheap so I think I wait until the next sale and then I snap them up. I can then make the decision if they come on the cruise later on.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Can't wait to see your complete attire but we have time for that..like 391 days...LOL

[dolphingirl47]

No updates on attire. I am almost bursting with excitement and would love to just go and buy the dress now, but that would not be very sensible. I will wait until April or May next year for this. The dress will be custom-made in China so I need some extra time for that. Jewellery and Wedding rings will also have to wait until next year. I still have not tried on the shoes that I fell in love with, but I have a day off on Friday and will do it then. I so hope that they will fit and if they do, that they will turn up in the sales at some stage.



I got another beautiful design for a door magnet.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/dfix.jpg

I think this will be my lot now as I have plenty of magnets between DH’s birthday, generic magnets for the cruise and the vow renewal. I had finished the birthday magnets and some of the generic magnets a while ago and started on the vow renewal magnets. I have now used up my magnetic cartridge for my Xyron and will have to order a new one after my upcoming cruise. Until then, Project Magnet is on hold.



Once I get back from the Transatlantic cruise, I also have to start thinking about Fish Extender gifts for the Vow Renewal Cruise. I want to make something extra special for this.



Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Love the Graphic!! Very Cute.....I posted some cute Mexican Pics on the MR thread....I can't wait for that cruise and to see you in your gorgeous dress!!! :banana: Can't believe you leave in a little over a week and then no posts for 2 wks...sheesh I am gonna have Corinna Chat withdrawl....:eek: Well good luck on any planning and FE ideas. I have most of my FE's a work in progress.....I have 20 of the Adult gifts made....I got the idea from the FE thread and you commented you liked it, so I hope you like my version!!:)

[dolphingirl47]

Love the Graphic!! Very Cute.....I posted some cute Mexican Pics on the MR thread....I can't wait for that cruise and to see you in your gorgeous dress!!! :banana: Can't believe you leave in a little over a week and then no posts for 2 wks...sheesh I am gonna have Corinna Chat withdrawl....:eek: Well good luck on any planning and FE ideas. I have most of my FE's a work in progress.....I have 20 of the Adult gifts made....I got the idea from the FE thread and you commented you liked it, so I hope you like my version!!:)

I have seen the graphics and they look great. I have my last proper day off before our vacation tomorrow and it will be a busy one.

I received an email from two of our table mates from the Med cruise yesterday. They live in Los Angeles and they are actually considering to join us for the cruise if they can get a good deal. Let's keep our fingers crossed for California residents rates nearer the time. I would love to have Sue and Ken on board for our vow renewal.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

That would be awesome for them to join us and celebrate with you and Graham!! I am still hoping for kids free to save me some money and I can use the savings for rebooking onboard!! I normally pay off our cruise in Feb. but this time I am gonna leave like 500 or so left to pay in case they run the special before our pay off date!

Well I hope you have a great time on the TA, but not to much fun without me....LOL

[dolphingirl47]

Graham posted this on another forum that we both belong to. I had to laugh when I read this and decided to share this:

Yes apparently we are renewing our vowels, I blame the consonants, too many of them wearing the vowels out

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I finally got around to trying the shoes on today that I posted a photo of. They were a perfect fit and are so comfortable. I am not normally somebody who can wear heels at all, but I figured as they are so tiny it would be OK and it was. It needed every ounce of self-control that I have not to buy them there and then. I am hoping that they will turn up in the sales in fall.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I have not really posted anything on here in ages as I have been away and very busy since coming back. Yesterday I received my Fish Extender that I had made for our special cruise. I really love it.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/SDC11470.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/SDC11471.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/SDC11472.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/SDC11473.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/SDC11475.jpg

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I love it Corinna! It will look awesome hanging on your fish =)

Also told the girls--they felt so honored you would ask! and so am I.....very sweet!

[dolphingirl47]

Things are starting to fall into place. I think the final decision about the dress has been made. I ended up having to get a new dress for semi-formal night for my next cruise as one of the straps on my existing semi-formal dress snapped when I put it on during our Transatlantic cruise. I ended up having a dress custom made in China. Mine is royal blue satin with black lace. I am posting the photos from the website as they show the detail:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/226.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/227.jpg

Here are photos of my actual semi-formal dress:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/SDC11482.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/DISBoards/SDC11484.jpg

Anyway, the dress is absolutely gorgeous and really suits me. As it is custom made, you can have all kinds of colours. I decided that I will have the same dress made with ivory satin and ivory lace. I am hoping that the lace will be similar to the one on my dress.

I have also sorted out the flower girl dresses. I have asked the two girls of my dear friend Michelle to be my flower girls. We have been looking at different options and we all (including the two girls) love this dress:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/FLOWERGIRL1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/FLOWERGIRL2.jpg

One of them will have it in the same colour as in the photos and the other one will have it in purple. Again, they will be custom made in China.

I am hoping that Disney can provide flowers in pink, purple and white as this would just tie everything together nicely.

I also seem to have made inroads on the wedding ring front. Our wedding rings no longer fit and we have not worn them in over a year. Mine is too loose after losing weight and Graham's hand quite often swells after a motorbike accident back in 2003 and then the ring is to tight. My original plan was to go to Dubai in early summer and get wedding rings there. However, I had a look online and found two different kinds of wedding rings that I absolutely love. I wanted silver coloured rings anyway as I don't really wear yellow gold and I had been looking at white cold. These rings are Titanium, which should be better with my metal allergies as well.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Weddingringtitaniumandgold.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/weddingringtitanium.jpg

Looks like the jewellery for the big day is under control, too. I have a favourite jewellery artist in New Hampshire, who has made all my jewellery to go with my formal night dresses for me. Under normal circumstances I would not have hesitated to ask her to do my jewellery for the vow renewal as well, but she is heavily pregnant at the moment and will go on maternity leave shortly before Christmas and for the first three months of next year.

For the last three years or so I have had a monthly subscription where I get a pair of earrings and two other pieces of jewellery per month. One is based on my preferences and the other based on the theme that she had set for the year, with a different theme every month. Well, when I got back from my vacation, I had an email from her saying that the thematic part of the subscription will be discontinued after October of this year. She gave me the option of reducing the monthly cost and getting just two instead of the three pieces or keep the subscription level as it is, still do two pieces of jewellery, but make them larger/ more elaborate. This is the option that I have gone for. We have agreed that she will make me a cuff bracelet, fancy earrings and some kind of hair ornament for the vow renewal. We will then sort out the necklace and the tiara via custom work once she is back from maternity leave.

Wow, that was a long update.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Corinna--Love the wedding bands....I was looking at them both and can't pick a favorite, they both are wonderful. Have you decided on a possibility??

My girls are honored to be participating in your special day! and dressing like a princess is a bonus...=)

[tinkerbell 766]

Corrina
You may have already posted this, but do you mind my asking from which company in China you order your dresses? Thanks so much!!

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna--Love the wedding bands....I was looking at them both and can't pick a favorite, they both are wonderful. Have you decided on a possibility??

My girls are honored to be participating in your special day! and dressing like a princess is a bonus...=)

I like the ones with the Stardust effect and the gold edges just a little bit better. One of those days I have to check with Graham what his preference is. With the other decisions, they are just mine to make and I know that Graham will be happy with whatever I decide. The rings is something we will wear for years, so I really want his input.

Corrina
You may have already posted this, but do you mind my asking from which company in China you order your dresses? Thanks so much!!

I found them on Ebay. I searched for Plus Size Evening Gowns" and they came up.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Oops, I hit send just a little too quickly. I got an email yesterday letting me know that the shoes I really wanted for the vow renewal are back in stock in my size. I checked and the local store does not have them in stock so I just ordered them online. Hopefully they will be here on Monday.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

It's been a while again since I last updated this. My shoes have long since arrived and I am glad that I decided to go for them.

Today I ordered my dress. I hope that it will be here when I get back from my Panama Canal cruise. Things are really coming together.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I did not expect to update this again this year simply because I did not think that I would have anything to update. Today I got an email that my dress has shipped. With a bit of luck, it will be here next week and I can post some photos.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Can't wait Corinna...hope it comes soon.. =))

[dolphingirl47]

I ordered my dress a while ago. It arrived just before Christmas, but today is the first time that I am home alone without the risk of Graham walking in on me for a while. I love this dress.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000776.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000777.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000778.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000775.jpg

I finally got around to speaking to somebody at Disney Fairytale Weddings today. Between me working shifts, being away for two cruises and most recently being sick, which temporarily caused me to lose my voice. So today I picked up the phone and gave them a call. She was very helpful and told me what the package included and how much it costs, which I already knew. I did however find out a few interesting pieces of information. I was under the impression that the price covers the couple and up to 6 guests, but it is actually up to 8 guests. This works great for me. I also found out that apart from a bottle of Fairy Tale Cuvee, they will also provide a bottle of Martinelli Sparkling Cider for the toast. There will be two very special girls attending our vow renewal and I am glad that they will be able to join in with the toast.

Anyway, once I had all the information, she proceeded to take my contact information and our names. I then asked how I go about to book this and she told me that she can't do this, but that a wedding coordinator would contact me within two business days. I was floored. I had originally contacted them in summer by email requesting for a wedding coordinator to get in touch. I never heard back apart from that they regularly send me junk mail. So I resigned myself to the fact that I have to do this over the phone and I am still not further. I explained that due the time difference and me working shifts, I am virtually impossible to get hold of by phone and asked if the wedding coordinator could contact me by email. She said that this would be no problem. She still asked for a phone number, which I was happy to provide. I then got an email with some additional information and stating that the wedding coordinator would contact me by phone. :confused3 At this stage I wanted to hit my head against the wall. I hope this gets easier as we go along. I can't wait to make more arrangements.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Corinna--I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the dress....Has such a simple ellegance about it..kinda like the Disney cruise ships. Not flashy and glitzy but radiant and elegent. You will look fabulous! I also am glad you are gaining more information and the excitement is building! You are just wonderful and the most considerate person. This is your day, yet you are concerned about making it wonderful for my girls. That is soo nice. What a Wonderful cruise this will be!!

[pixie921]

Corinna--I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the dress....Has such a simple ellegance about it..kinda like the Disney cruise ships. Not flashy and glitzy but radiant and elegent.

That's a great description -- I completely agree! :goodvibes

I was also wondering if you would share the website where you found those rings ... they're beautiful and my dh and I are looking for something along those lines to engrave for our VR.

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna--I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the dress....Has such a simple ellegance about it..kinda like the Disney cruise ships. Not flashy and glitzy but radiant and elegent. You will look fabulous! I also am glad you are gaining more information and the excitement is building! You are just wonderful and the most considerate person. This is your day, yet you are concerned about making it wonderful for my girls. That is soo nice. What a Wonderful cruise this will be!!

It will be a wonderful cruise and a wonderful day and it will be all the more special because you and your family will be part of them.

As to the dress, I had been lusting over a few different ones, but as soon as I saw this dress style and then had the chance to wear this style as a semi-formal dress, I knew that this is the one. I have no regrets about having committed myself relatively early.

That's a great description -- I completely agree! :goodvibes

I was also wondering if you would share the website where you found those rings ... they're beautiful and my dh and I are looking for something along those lines to engrave for our VR.

I actually found them on Ebay.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/mymoment

A lot of the things for the vow renewal are coming from Ebay. My wedding dress, the dresses for the flower girls, my ribbon veil, etc.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Beautiful dress Corinna!!!
It will look stunning on you!!

[pixie921]

I actually found them on Ebay.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/mymoment

A lot of the things for the vow renewal are coming from Ebay. My wedding dress, the dresses for the flower girls, my ribbon veil, etc.

Corinna

Thanks for the link! :goodvibes We've found quite a few things on eBay, too, as well as Etsy. There are lots of little treasures out there! :thumbsup2

[dolphingirl47]

I am about to lose the will to live with Disney Fairy Tale weddings. I contacted them exactly a week ago trying to book this and was told a wedding consultant would be in touch within two working days. Needless to say, I still have not heard anything. I send of an email yesterday to let them know that I am still waiting for somebody to get in touch and nothing. I don't know what else I can try.

Corinna

[mcarthur205]

To be honest, I think the best thing to do is phone them again. You can deal with them via email once you actually have a coordinator/planner, but until then the telephone is the way to go. I'm speaking from experience as DH and I renewed our vows at WDW in April 2009. When I made the initial call to them, they called me back within 48 hours, so if you've been waiting longer than that you need to call again.

I love your dress, its beautiful. Looking forward to hearing more once you manage to get them to call you back!

[dolphingirl47]

To be honest, I think the best thing to do is phone them again. You can deal with them via email once you actually have a coordinator/planner, but until then the telephone is the way to go. I'm speaking from experience as DH and I renewed our vows at WDW in April 2009. When I made the initial call to them, they called me back within 48 hours, so if you've been waiting longer than that you need to call again.

I love your dress, its beautiful. Looking forward to hearing more once you manage to get them to call you back!

I will definitely call them later today. The problem that I have is between living in the UK with the time difference and me working shifts, it is very hard for me to give them a call. I am on my days off today and tomorrow and as soon as it is 6 PM here (cheaper international phone calls), I will be on the phone to them.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Just by the way of an update, I did call them back and initially I was advised that somebody would contact me within 2 to 3 working days from the initial contact even though I had said right at the beginning that I contacted them a week ago. She then took my email address and suddenly stated that this had been a bit longer than expected. She then offered to see if my wedding consultant was available. She was and I was then put through to her. Speaking to her gave me back some confidence. She was very friendly, seemed to know what she was talking about and confirmed that there was availability for my cruise. She said that the ceremony would most likely take place on the 2nd or 3rd day of the cruise in the late afternoon. She took my reservation number for the cruise and said that she would now get in touch with Disney Cruise Line and that once they had confirmed that they have received the booking, she would send me the planning guide by email. I am feeling I am getting somewhere now.

I just received an email from my wedding consultant with direct contact details and also an updated version of the information guide. It appears that apart from deck 7 and Cadillac Lounge, on the Wonder, you can also hold the ceremony in the Outlook Cafe. Our first choice would still be outside on deck 7, but the Outlook Cafe would be a close second.

Corinna

[pixie921]

Glad you were finally able to get in touch with someone and make some headway! Believe me, I completely understand the frustration of waiting and waiting to hear from them. I'm quite a ways into our planning process and am still running up against long waits and incorrect info. It's extremely frustrating, but I hope the end result will be worth it.

[dolphingirl47]

Glad you were finally able to get in touch with someone and make some headway! Believe me, I completely understand the frustration of waiting and waiting to hear from them. I'm quite a ways into our planning process and am still running up against long waits and incorrect info. It's extremely frustrating, but I hope the end result will be worth it.

I am sure it will be. I attended a vow renewal on the Wonder in 2008 and it was truly magical.

Corinna

[mcarthur205]

Just by the way of an update, I did call them back and initially I was advised that somebody would contact me within 2 to 3 working days from the initial contact even though I had said right at the beginning that I contacted them a week ago. She then took my email address and suddenly stated that this had been a bit longer than expected. She then offered to see if my wedding consultant was available. She was and I was then put through to her. Speaking to her gave me back some confidence. She was very friendly, seemed to know what she was talking about and confirmed that there was availability for my cruise. She said that the ceremony would most likely take place on the 2nd or 3rd day of the cruise in the late afternoon. She took my reservation number for the cruise and said that she would now get in touch with Disney Cruise Line and that once they had confirmed that they have received the booking, she would send me the planning guide by email. I am feeling I am getting somewhere now.

I just received an email from my wedding consultant with direct contact details and also an updated version of the information guide. It appears that apart from deck 7 and Cadillac Lounge, on the Wonder, you can also hold the ceremony in the Outlook Cafe. Our first choice would still be outside on deck 7, but the Outlook Cafe would be a close second.

Corinna

Great news! I'm glad that you're feeling better about DFTW now. I'm sure you'll get the planning guide soon. Looking forward to following along with your plans.

[pjstevens]

I am sure it will be. I attended a vow renewal on the Wonder in 2008 and it was truly magical.

Corinna

Hey that was me :)

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/18249/2981998830074672119S500x500Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/43567/2256621010074672119S500x500Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/14276/2900793400074672119S500x500Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/31300/2985265740074672119S500x500Q85.jpg

I have to say I LOVE your dress! It is stunning and will look amazing on you! Love everything you've done so far, the magnets, the f/g dresses, the tiara, the ribbons, the fish extender, the rings, (love both of those) oh and the shoes. I think I got everything.

I am now subscribed so I can stay on top of this. Wish we could join you for this cruise, but going on the Dream September 1st, not really any money left to go on another cruise the next month (boy do I wish though).

I do know the frustration of dealing with DFTW for cruise brides, like we are not nearly as important as those getting married on land. There is a great board that has lots of other DCL brides (and vow renewals) so they'll may have some tips for dealing with them. Disney Cruise Brides - Let's Chat about our Weddings/VR's! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1766164)

[dolphingirl47]

Great news! I'm glad that you're feeling better about DFTW now. I'm sure you'll get the planning guide soon. Looking forward to following along with your plans.

I was not to worried about this. The only reason why I panicked about getting this booked is that I was worried that the vow renewal would not be available for the cruise that we are booked on. Once I knew that it was, I was fine.

I was told by the wedding coordinator that she would get in touch with DCL and they I should have a confirmation within 2 to 3 business days. I was just about ready to laugh as I had heard this before. Well, I got a lovely surprise. 10 minutes ago my confirmation from DCL and my planning guide arrived in my inbox. I am official!! I am so happy right now.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Hey that was me :)

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/18249/2981998830074672119S500x500Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/43567/2256621010074672119S500x500Q85.jpg

http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/14276/2900793400074672119S500x500Q85.jpg http://inlinethumb05.webshots.com/31300/2985265740074672119S500x500Q85.jpg

I have to say I LOVE your dress! It is stunning and will look amazing on you! Love everything you've done so far, the magnets, the f/g dresses, the tiara, the ribbons, the fish extender, the rings, (love both of those) oh and the shoes. I think I got everything.

I am now subscribed so I can stay on top of this. Wish we could join you for this cruise, but going on the Dream September 1st, not really any money left to go on another cruise the next month (boy do I wish though).

I do know the frustration of dealing with DFTW for cruise brides, like we are not nearly as important as those getting married on land. There is a great board that has lots of other DCL brides (and vow renewals) so they'll may have some tips for dealing with them. Disney Cruise Brides - Let's Chat about our Weddings/VR's! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1766164)

Yes, it is all your fault :rotfl2:

I was perfectly happy with the idea of a vow renewal at Crystal Cathedral and had dreamed about this for two years and then I got to experience the vow renewal on the Wonder and everything changed. This is a much better fit. Crystal Cathedral means a lot to me, but nothing to Graham. He was quite happy to go along with it for my sake, but the ship means something to both of us. It is kind of a sweet irony that we will do our vow renewal on the Wonder as the Magic has really been "our" ship.

Unfortunately Captain Henry has jumped ship for the Dream. I so wish that he could have done our vow renewal. Instead it looks like that it might be Captain Thord. He was our captain for both the Med cruise and the Transatlantic last year so at least he is a familiar face.

I so wish that you could be there, but I absolutely understand that this is not possible. I am sure that you and Dale will be with us in spirit.

Most things have changed in the planning stages: dress, shoes, etc. The tiara is another thing that is going to change. I have decided to go for a tiara that will match the rest of my jewellery. The jewellery artist that will do this is currently on maternity leave, but once she is back at the end of March, we will start to work on this.

Corinna

[pjstevens]

I forgot to say, I truly LOL when I read Graham's comment about 'vow renewal' wearing out the consonants, lol! That was great!

I can't wait to see the jewelry that is being made, it sounds like it is going to be perfect.

[dolphingirl47]

Well, nothing with this vow renewal is ever happening as planned. At least I can say that I have come full circle.

Unfortunately all the people we really wanted to be at the vow renewal had to pull out of the cruise for one reason or the other. We came to the conclusion that we were really not willing to spend the kind of money that Disney Fairy Tale Weddings charges with just the two of us present. So we decided to cancel the vow renewal but still do the cruise.

For me that subject was closed and I wanted to show Graham the dress that I had bought for the day, but he refused to see it. I did not think that I would ever want to consider a vow renewal again as too much time, effort and quite frankly heartache had gone into the aborted attempt.

At the beginning of March, Graham suddenly said that maybe we should reconsider doing our vow renewal at Crystal Cathedral at Garden Grove in California. Back in 2006, when we initially started discussing the possibility of a vow renewal, it had been our intention to do it at Crystal Cathedral. Then I attended a vow renewal on the Disney Wonder in 2008 and I completely changed my mind about my dream location.

Anyway, when Graham mentioned this, it did not really sink in. However, my subconscious mulled it over. About a week later, I decided that there was no harm done in emailing them to see what they can offer us. I have been emailing backwards and forwards with their wedding coordinator, who is an absolute star and a pleasure to deal with. I explained that we want a very simple ceremony just to reaffirm our love and commitment to each other. She asked if we would be OK to do it in the offices of one of their pastors and I am more than happy with this. I was hoping that this price for this would be $1000 or less. A week or so later, she came back to confirm that she had found a pastor for us who would be happy to perform the ceremony and they will only charge us $225 for it, which is about the same that we would pay if we did it at the registry office here in Manchester.

I have since been in touch with the Pastor and the vow renewal will take place on October 9th at 1:00 PM. It is going to be a bit hectic as we will only get off the ship that day, but I am sure it will be well worth it. For those of you who are not familiar with the venue, here is a photo of Crystal Cathedral:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/crystal-cathedral.jpg

Our ceremony will not take place in the church, but somewhere else on campus, but we will have the run of the grounds for photos afterwards.

I have reached out to a photographer in Garden Grove. I was searching the internet and I really love her work. We have emailed back and forth a bit and she is really nice. I am now just waiting for the confirmation that she is definitely available on that day. If you are interested in her work, her website is here:

http://www.imajenn.com

Of course, all the changes left me with rather more to organize than I had anticipated. I now have to sort out my own floral and because of the timings involved, I will go for an artificial bouquet. I am still in two minds about the colour scheme. Initially I thought I would stick with the original colour scheme of ivory, pink and purple, but at the moment I am leaning towards ivory and baby blue. I also can't make up my mind about the style. These are the two styles that I am looking at at the moment:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/BridalBouquet1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Weddingbouquet2.jpg

Jewellery is another aspect that is rapidly changing. Originally I have commissioned something very similar for the vow renewal, but without the purple:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Icestorm.jpg

Then I decided that this would look very lovely with one of my new evening gowns and wondered if it would be bad to wear this before the actual vow renewal. Fast forward to last weekend. The same jewellery artist posted that she is looking for 5 brides for a major advertising campaign for her wedding jewelry, including a write up in Offbeat Bride. She gave 5 different themes for this and in return for the rights to use the photos, write about this and a testimonial for the bride, she offers to make the jewellery at a heavy discount. I have opted for an ocean theme, which seems very fitting considering the tie in with a cruise. I am so excited to be part of this. I can't wait to see what she will come up with.

Next up is the wedding bands. After a lot of research, we decided to get them in Dubai after all. We booked the vacation to Dubai to sweeten the blow that we ended up cancelling the vow renewal on the Wonder. At the time when we booked this, we had planned on a nice romantic trip and promised each other that we would get new wedding bands and that was supposed to be it. How things change. We fly to Dubai in 9 days :yay:

I can't remember that my actual wedding was so much work.

Corinna

[pjstevens]

Corinna, I'm bummed to hear that the DFTW didn't work out but your vow renewal is going to be so beautiful and so special. When we planned ours, it was just the two of us (then I met you and a few others on here so we had someone to share our fun with). Can't believe your trip to Dubai is here already. Can't wait to see what you pick out for new wedding bands. Have a safe trip and get back here to fill us in on the details (I love the second bouquet with the two different blues, but that's just my opinion).

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I am so glad everything is working itself out considering I am one of the main reasons that it's not on the Wonder. I feel horrible. Sometimes not having seniority at DH;'s job makes it hard to be sure u can have time off. He's missed trips to Syd's dance competition too..so difficult.

I have to say my vote is the second flower arrangment. Looks very Cinderella like and I just love her. I also can't wait to see the bands you pick out!!! I am gonna miss seeing you on this beautiful day!!

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna, I'm bummed to hear that the DFTW didn't work out but your vow renewal is going to be so beautiful and so special. When we planned ours, it was just the two of us (then I met you and a few others on here so we had someone to share our fun with). Can't believe your trip to Dubai is here already. Can't wait to see what you pick out for new wedding bands. Have a safe trip and get back here to fill us in on the details (I love the second bouquet with the two different blues, but that's just my opinion).

Unfortunately what you did would no longer work. You now have to submit your guest list two months ahead of the event. If this had not been to the case, I might just have run with it. We have always been incredibly lucky with our table mates and I would have loved the option to invite our table mates to the ceremony. Indeed, our guests for the vow renewal were our table mates on our Med cruise last year. They live in the Los Angeles area and she even works for the Port of Los Angeles. We kept in touch since the cruise and it will be wonderful to have them there to share our special day with us.

That was my whole experience with DFTW. They were just totally inflexible. I had actually looked into not having a cake and just have a couple of glasses to sparkling wine to toast instead of a bottle and to leave off the sparkling Cider. I had also asked about a combination of colours for my floral and the answer was "No, can't do that, you have to run with whatever is part of the package". I could not believe this. I did not ask them for anything more. I wanted less. Nor did I ask for any kind of discount. So I don't understand why they could not work with me. Crystal Cathedral is a different proposition. There it was more a question of "Yes, sure, we can do this" or "Let me look into this for you". They have a package that costs many times what we are paying, but they had no problem taylor-making a vow renewal for me that took into account or specific circumstances.

I have to say that I love the second bouquet, but I was actually considering asking them to make this with just the ivory and baby blue flowers, but the more I think about this, the more I like the idea of going with the two different shades of blue.

I am so glad everything is working itself out considering I am one of the main reasons that it's not on the Wonder. I feel horrible. Sometimes not having seniority at DH;'s job makes it hard to be sure u can have time off. He's missed trips to Syd's dance competition too..so difficult.

I have to say my vote is the second flower arrangment. Looks very Cinderella like and I just love her. I also can't wait to see the bands you pick out!!! I am gonna miss seeing you on this beautiful day!!

Don't feel bad. As you can see above, I think I had a lucky escape. I also love that I am much more in control now. I can look for my ideal floral and don't have to rely on somebody else choosing for me. By the way, the more I do think about this, I think I will go for the second option. I will also be able to keep my floral as it will be artificial and will be able to display this at home. I can go with a photographer that I like rather than relying on DCL to provide somebody. We also have the opportunity to get to know each other before the event so by they time the big day comes round, she will know what makes us tick.

I wish that you could be there on the day as well, but it was not to be. I promise that there will be plenty of photos and a blow by blow account when I get back.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

It’s been a little while since I updated this. A few more things have fallen into place since then.

The photographer has now been in touch and has confirmed that she is available on the day of our vow renewal. She quoted me $250 for two hours photography and that includes all images on a high resolution DVD. I thought that is a fantastic deal. She will take photos during the actual ceremony, which will last about 30 minutes and then for 90 minutes around the campus of Crystal Cathedral. I am so pleased that this has all worked out. She is going to come and meet us at our hotel in the morning of October 2nd. This is the day we are getting on the Wonder, but we have booked DCL transfers and we will not be picked up until after midday. So this works out really well, too. She will also bring examples of photo albums at that appointment, but I think we just go with the DVD. I then have the option to do my own photo book for the whole trip if I feel this way inclined.

I have decided to go with the second option for the bouquet and change my colour scheme to ivory and blue. I just totally fell in love with this bouquet. I literally looked at hundreth of others, but nothing even came close. Now I have to keep my fingers crossed. I found this on Ebay. The first time it was listed it had Buy It Now option, but when it was relisted, it just gave the option for an auction. The auction finishes in the early morning hours tomorrow, so it is a question of keeping my fingers crossed until then.

We did manage to get our wedding bands in Dubai. We actually managed to get them on our first day in Dubai at the Dubai Mall. They have a Gold Soukh area there. This is a lot less trouble than the real Gold Soukh, which is overrun by people trying to sell fake designer goods. There is a huge number of shops at the Gold Soukh and the choice and quality of the jewellery there is fantastic, but is like running the gauntlet getting to the shops. I discovered the Gold Soukh area at the Dubai Mall at Christmas 2009 and decided to have a look there first. I was a little disappointed that there are a lot of empty shops in this area now. I suppose people to not have as much money for jewellery.

Jewellery in Dubai is on the whole quite fancy and flashy with big stones. This is tnot really my style. However, some shops had plain wedding bands in their windows. In the first of those shops, I saw a ring that I really loved, a plain white gold ring with yellow gold edges. Unfortunately the rings that they had in stock were either to big or to small and they did not offer to see if another branch had them in stock or offer to alter the ring. They did not even give me the price. So I decided to give up and went to another shop.

There they had another ring I liked. This one was yellow gold in the middle with white gold edges. It was a perfect fit for me, but they did not have one in Graham’s size. They did phone around their other branches. They showed us some other rings. They were nice in a contemporary style with white gold in the middle and gold edges. They were to big and heavy for me and they also had diamonds in, which I really did not want. They offered to make a lighter version without the stones, but I rather would try on something like a ring that I will wear every day before commiting myself to buy it. I took the card and decided that I would have a look elsewhere, but if I did not find anything to my liking, I would go back and order the custom rings.

It turned out to be a case of third time lucky. There was another area of shops that we had not even seen last time round. I just casually looked in one of the windows and knew straightaway that I had found the rings that I really wanted. Again they were white gold in the middle with yellow gold edges, but the white gold was not plain, but slightly textured. I decided to go inside. To my delight, the rings that they had were a perfect fit for both of us. They are also very light and extremely comfortable. I could not believe how good value they were either. Here are a couple of photos:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Dubai%202011/P1000847.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Dubai%202011/P1000902.jpg


Unfortunately the photos don’t do the ring justice as jewellery is so difficult to take photos of. I so want to wear this ring now, but I will resist until the day of our vow renewal.

I have most things covered now. By August 9th, I have to make up my mind where we will have dinner on the evening after the vow renewal. I want to have dinner at one of the hotel restaurants. At Disneyland you can only make reservations two months in advance. I am kind of torn between Nappa Rose, which I have heard is the best of the hotel restaurants and is also located at the hotel where we are staying; and the steak house at the Disneyland hotel. I am a little worried that Nappa Rose might be a little bit too fancy for my tastes. However, I think I will probably make a reservation for this as soon as I can and then have a look at the menu when I get there. I was told that reservations for Nappa Rose go quickly, but that I would probably get a reservation for Steakhouse 55 with even only a couple of days advance notice.

The cake is also something I will organize through Disney. I have seen some beautiful traditional cakes with flowers, but also some gorgeous cakes with a Little Mermaid theme. Considering the new colour scheme and the Ocean/ Mermaid theme of my jewellery, this might work better. Here are links to both styles:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=21289150&postcount=90

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40323797&postcount=5

The last thing I need to get is a brooch or pin for the wedding dress. I don’t really like the brooch that came with it, but I think that it needs a brooch or pin. I am leaning towards something related to the ocean and maybe something with a blue accent, but so far I have not found anything that caught my eye. I thought I had found something earlier on, but this is just a bit to big for my liking.

Corinna

[Mindyjoy]

I personally love Napa Rose, and while some of the menu items might sound a bit far-fetched I assure you there will be plenty of "regular" food items. It is the priciest of all the restaurants at the hotels but IMO it's worth it!! They also have a private room, depending on how many people will be with you (sorry, I haven't read back in your PJ) ... if you aren't worried about privacy the patio area is also quite lovely. I had wanted to do my wedding reception at Napa Rose while we were still talking about doing a small wedding at the courthouse, until we found out we could afford to do a wishes wedding. :goodvibes

[dolphingirl47]

I personally love Napa Rose, and while some of the menu items might sound a bit far-fetched I assure you there will be plenty of "regular" food items. It is the priciest of all the restaurants at the hotels but IMO it's worth it!! They also have a private room, depending on how many people will be with you (sorry, I haven't read back in your PJ) ... if you aren't worried about privacy the patio area is also quite lovely. I had wanted to do my wedding reception at Napa Rose while we were still talking about doing a small wedding at the courthouse, until we found out we could afford to do a wishes wedding. :goodvibes

Thanks. There will be four of us. It really will be very intimate. We found out last week that we are getting a very nice bonus so I could easily have afforded the Disney version, but I am happier with what I am getting now. This will be much more personal. I will use some of the money that I am saving on a Photopass CD, two Mickey's Halloween Parties and a make over at Bibbidi Bobbidi boutique for one of the parties. I did this on the Disney Magic last year when they offered this for a limited time and had a blast.

Corinna

[Mindyjoy]

If only 4 people then you should splurge for Napa Rose! They may still be able to give you a private area.

It sounds like you already have your plans settled but Disneyland does offer Escape weddings for up to 26 people for $5,000 inclusive. They don't really advertise this too much. The problem is, $5k may be a little steep for 4 people. :goodvibes

[dolphingirl47]

If only 4 people then you should splurge for Napa Rose! They may still be able to give you a private area.

It sounds like you already have your plans settled but Disneyland does offer Escape weddings for up to 26 people for $5,000 inclusive. They don't really advertise this too much. The problem is, $5k may be a little steep for 4 people. :goodvibes

I am reading through your planning journal at the moment and was really surprised that they offer the Escape option. This is the first time I see this mentioned for Disneyland. Yes, $5000 is very steep for what we want. I also really have my heart set on Crystal Cathedral now. I have always loved this place. I think to me it is more magical than anything Disney, which is hard to believe for a Disney nut like me.

By the way, I loved the photos of those ribbon veils that you posted.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Just catching up on your plans Corinna!!! The Crystal Cathedral sounds absolutely beautiful!!!! I am sure it will make for absolutely beautiful photos!!!

[dolphingirl47]

Just a quick update, I got my bouquet. In the end I could not go to sleep until I knew whether or not I had won it. I am so happy. On the confirmation page, they had a photo of matching button holes so I bid on them as well and that auction has less than 2 hours to go. They come as a set of 6 and I only need one, but I am sure I can include the others in one of my craft projects. They are a really good price as well.

Corinna

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

did you use a website to order your bouquet? dh sprung a vow renewal on me 2 weeks ago while i was at disney and wants to go ahead with it this summer down south in july! i got my dress yesterday but am totally scrambling...and i loved the bouquets you showed!

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Nice bands Corinna. I love the 2 tone rings. Seems like everything is coming together!!! I need a vacay so bad!! Don't wanna rush through the summer but 135 days till m vacay!!

[dolphingirl47]

did you use a website to order your bouquet? dh sprung a vow renewal on me 2 weeks ago while i was at disney and wants to go ahead with it this summer down south in july! i got my dress yesterday but am totally scrambling...and i loved the bouquets you showed!

I found them both on Ebay. They have a huge choice for artificial bouquets on there.

Nice bands Corinna. I love the 2 tone rings. Seems like everything is coming together!!! I need a vacay so bad!! Don't wanna rush through the summer but 135 days till m vacay!!

I so understand where you are coming from. I have been back at work for a week now, but my vacation is just a distant memory.

I quite like the summer to be over, especially if it continues the way it is. It is cold and wet here. I am actually considering getting my winter coat out again.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I have another quick update. I did get the button holes as well. Now I just have to get a matching tie for Graham and then we are pretty much set.

There has been another little change of plans. You may recall that I got a ribbon veil from Ebay early on during the planning stages. I still think it is really cute and I really wish I could wear it. Unfortunately it is attached with a comb. I have very fine hair and just can’t get the comb to stay in. So I decided to have a go at making my own ribbon veil, but with a hair band to keep it in place. So I spent a happy hour this morning looking for ivory ribbon and lace in different width, designs and textures. I am also going to add a couple of light blue ribbons. I am not sure how this is going to work out, but it is worth a try, especially as I do not like what is commercially available at the moment.



Corinna

[Mindyjoy]

I can't wait to see your ribbon veil! I feel like I can't start working on mine until I know what my dress will look like.

[dolphingirl47]

I can't wait to see your ribbon veil! I feel like I can't start working on mine until I know what my dress will look like.

Yes, I know what you mean. I have had my dress since just before Christmas. So I can experiment and see how they look together.

Considering how much has changed since I first started this, I am actually surprised that I am now getting to the point where things are actually really coming together.

The next project is some kind of brooch or pin for my dress and a tie for DH. I saw a gorgeous light blue silk tie on Sunday. I am not sure if Graham is going to get a new suit or if he is wearing one that he already has. Either is fine by me.

Corinna

[pjstevens]

Corinna, LOVE the wedding bands. They are stunning. So glad you got the bouquet and buttonhole for Graham. I too can't wait to see the veil ribbon. You are so talented that i'm certain it will be beautiful.

By the way, I've got my beautiful necklace on today (and ALWAYS get compliments about it)!

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna, LOVE the wedding bands. They are stunning. So glad you got the bouquet and buttonhole for Graham. I too can't wait to see the veil ribbon. You are so talented that i'm certain it will be beautiful.

By the way, I've got my beautiful necklace on today (and ALWAYS get compliments about it)!

I am so glad that I got those wedding bands. Our old ones were gold and I very rarely wear gold. I had my heart set on white gold bands for a while, but when I did some research last year, I found myself drawn to two-tone bands and also to bands with some kind of texture to it. So when I saw those, I knew they were the ones. Of course, it did not do any harm either that they were so cheap. Gold in Dubai is strictly sold by weight and as the bands are really light, we got them for a fantastic price. I was really impressed that the sales person did not try to sell us something more expensive. I asked him to see the rings, we tried them on and when he saw how well they fit, he told us that they are made for us. I tend to agree.



I am glad that you are still wearing the necklace that I made. This design is kind of retired. I tend to go through phases where I do a certain design over and over again and then I move on to something else. I have definitely outgrown this one. At the moment I can’t get enough of making glass tile pendants.



Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I know that is not connected directly to the vow renewal, but I see the whole vacation as one big celebration. Some people on our cruise meet thread for our Mexican Riviera cruise had a call yesterday to advise them that Mazatlan has been dropped from our itinerary and we will get to spend to days in Cabo San Lucas instead. I am really happy about this. Mazatlan has never appealed to me and there were no excursions that interested me either. We went to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas on our Panama Canal cruise and loved both ports. I was really torn about Cabo. As per the old itinerary, we get there at 7:15 am and leave at 2:15 am. I have my heart set on doing the Dolphin Trainer for a Day excursion at Cabo and Graham really wants to do the Sea Of Cortez snorkelling excursion while I am doing this. I would not be able to do this as there is a risk of jellyfish stings and they won’t let anybody do this excursion who is allergic to insect stings, which I am. So our day was fully planned. However, I also really want to do a boat trip to Land’s End to see the famous arch and the sea lions. There was no way that we could do both in one day. Now we can do the excursions that we want to do on one day and then sort out the boat trip when we get to Cabo on the other day. When we were there in January, there was no shortage of people offering boat tours in the marina area. This vacation is just getting better and better.

Corinna

[amberg@eastlink.ca]

thanks! i started looking there but got side tracked by a the kids and b looking for veils as well.

[dolphingirl47]

My bouquet and the button holes arrived yesterday. It looks even better than it did in the photos. It is also smaller than I had imagined it would be. I was a bi concerned that it would be too big, but it is just perfect. I was hoping to take a photo today, but somehow I did not get around to it. Today was my only day off this week and I was mad busy.

I did however manage to get some more ribbon when I went into town today. I have my heart set on 20 different kinds of ribbon for my ribbon veil. Most of the ribbon I am getting from Ebay, but I ran out of ideas and decided to have a look what is available locally. I am glad that I did. I manage to get some lace that slightly glitters. Some satin ribbon with hearts woven in and some plain satin ribbon with hearts at the edges. I also received the first of my Ebay purchases yesterday, which is some sheer organza ribbon. Now I just need to find a hair tie to use for this project. I could only find white ones that were too small or the right size, but in really bright colours. I am working tomorrow and have to take the train as my colleague that I normally car share with is away this weekend. So I will have a quick look for something suitable near the office on the way to work tomorrow.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I was awake about 45 minutes before my alarm went off this morning and used the time to take some photos. Here are some photos of my flowers. While I was taking the photos I noticed the little details at the bottom of the bouquet.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000904.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000905.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000906.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000907.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000908.jpg



I showed Graham the button holes and at the moment he likes the one with the double rose better:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000909.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000910.jpg

I can’t make up my mind which I like better.



I also took some more photos of my wedding bands with a different camera setting. These are a bit clearer:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000911.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000912.jpg



Last, but not least here are some photos of some of the ribbon that I am going to use on my ribbon veil:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000913.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000914.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000915.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000916.jpg



I can’t wait until more of the ribbon that I ordered to arrive. I managed to find a suitable hairband yesterday so I am good to go once the rest of the ribbon arrives. I can’t make up my mind if I want all of the ribbon to be the same length or if I should experiment with different length. Initially I thought that different length would look mor interesting, but I am leaning towards the same length at the moment.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

That's all very pretty Corinna!!

[KristiLyn]

They are very pretty!! :lovestruc

[pixie921]

Corinna, everything looks wonderful! I'm really anxious to see how your veil turns out! :)

[pjstevens]

everything is so pretty Corinna.

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna, everything looks wonderful! I'm really anxious to see how your veil turns out! :)

I can't wait to get started on this. I should get more ribbon in the post today. I am wondering if I should get started and add more ribbon as and when it arrives or if I should wait until everything is here and then get going on this.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I finally got around to trying on my dress yesterday. I can't believe that it took me almost to the day six months to get around to this. I love the dress even more now.

This has given me the motivation to look for a brooch to go on the dress as I really do not like the one it came with. I have not found anything that really wows me, but here are a number of possibles:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Brooch1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Brooch2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch3.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch4.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch5.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch6.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch7.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch8.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch9.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch10.jpg

I like the first and the last the best, but I think the blue is too dark. I think that maybe the second would be the best fit.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I finally got around to trying on my dress yesterday. I can't believe that it took me almost to the day six months to get around to this. I love the dress even more now.

This has given me the motivation to look for a brooch to go on the dress as I really do not like the one it came with. I have not found anything that really wows me, but here are a number of possibles:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Brooch1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Brooch2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch3.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch4.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch5.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch6.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch7.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch8.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch9.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/brooch10.jpg

I like the first and the last the best, but I think the blue is too dark. I think that maybe the second would be the best fit.

Corinna

I love the first one....so pretty!!

[KristiLyn]

I like the first one but the color of the second one. :)

[dolphingirl47]

I love the first one....so pretty!!

I do love this, too. I pretty much have made up my mind to get this anyway and it it does not look right on my dress, it will work perfectly on the royal blue and black semi-formal dress.

I like the first one but the color of the second one. :)

This is exactly how I feel. They are both very inexpensive and I will probably get both.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

It has been a few days since I last posted on here and there have been a few developments. I have now received my contract from our photographer and have paid the deposit. This is making everything more real.

I had a little scare over the weekend. I know that Crystal Cathedral has been struggling financially for a while had to file for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection back in October. They have now filed an exit plan and that means that Crystal Cathedral will be sold to an Orange County based developer. When I heard about this, my heart just about stood still. It is not all bad news though. The agreement leases the campus back to Crystal Cathedral Ministries for 15 years and gives them the option to buy it back at a reduced cost for the next four years. In the meantime, it will be business as usual and my vow renewal is safe.

I ended up ordering these two brooches in the end and they arrived today:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Brooch1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Brooch2.jpg

I love them both, but I think the first one is the winner. It is not quite as dark in real life than it is in the photo and the blue glass is reflecting the sunlight in a really nice way.

I asked Graham over the weekend what he would be wearing for the big day and he offered to model his vow renewal outfit. This is what he came up with:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000917.jpg

I am just a little worried that he may be serious.

Corinna

[KristiLyn]

:rotfl2::rotfl2::rotfl2: Sounds like my df. I have to constantly tell him, "no brian, you will not be wearing that" haha!

I'm glad your VR is safe! I'd be so worried!!

[Mindyjoy]

I heard the news about Crystal Cathedral on NPR a couple days ago! My heart sunk for a minute but then right away they mentioned they were leasing it back. I thought about you right away! I didn't want to post anything here because I didn't want to cause any undue stress.

I really love the brooches but I agree the first one is the winner!

Too funny about DH! At least he is wearing black crocs, lol

[dolphingirl47]

I heard the news about Crystal Cathedral on NPR a couple days ago! My heart sunk for a minute but then right away they mentioned they were leasing it back. I thought about you right away! I didn't want to post anything here because I didn't want to cause any undue stress.

I really love the brooches but I agree the first one is the winner!

Too funny about DH! At least he is wearing black crocs, lol

On Saturday somebody who I sailed with on the Transatlantic cruise last year posted about this on our cruise meet thread. I then spent a couple of hours reading every news story that I could find about this.

I suppose the Crocs are the one concession to me. He owns one pair whereas I am the queen of Crocs and I have just about every colour imaginable. I see a little trip for suit shopping on though to make absolutely sure that he does not do anything silly.

I might need to pick your brain. I have always said that I could never bear to do Trash the Dress shots as I am too attached to my dress. However, there has been a little change and I just adore those shots. Do you have any idea where one could do Trash the Dress shots near Disneyland?

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Just a little teaser. I was happily updating my planning journal yesterday when Graham came in. So I had to stop as there are certain things like the dress and the jewellery that I don't want to see him ahead of time. I will try again tonight.

Corinna

[pixie921]

Corinna, I think Jeff owns the same outfit that Graham does, LOL!! How cute was he to do that! :goodvibes

I'm so glad that your beautiful location is safe, and I'm looking forward to seeing what your update will hold!

[dolphingirl47]

I think the coast is clear. Graham is busy with his Wii so I can update my planning journal in peace.

Things are happening all over the place again. Last month I received some earrings, a bracelet and a hair vine to go with the leave necklace that I was originally going to wear for the vow renewal. I absolutely love them.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000918.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000924.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000927.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000928.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000930.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000931.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000935.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000936.jpg

I also had an email over the weekend to let me know that my leave necklace has now been completed. So far I only have some quick snapshots, but I really love the necklace. I am still glad though that I have decided to go for another option for the vow renewal as this does not have quite the wow factor that I was hoping for for the vow renewal. It will work fantastically well for formal night though.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Leavenecklace1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Leavenecklace2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Leavenecklace3.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Leavenecklace4.jpg

I also had some photos of the materials that she is intending to use for the ocean necklace for the vow renewal. I absolutely love most of it, but brown is really not my colour so I asked if we could go with white, grey and light blue pearls instead. She just emailed and said she is in the process of swapping the pearls out.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklacematerials1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklacematerials2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklacematerials3.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklacematerials4.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklacematerials5.jpg

I have also asked if she could do some simple earrings, a bracelet and a hair vine in matching colours, which she is only too happy to do. I think this will look stunning and will have the kind of wow effect that I am looking for. Now I have to make up my mind what I want for my tiara.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I thought I better split this post so that I do not get an error message that I am including too many images.

I seem to be eating my words a lot at the moment. Not so long ago, I told a bride that you just know when you have found the perfect dress and at that stage, you have no interest in looking at other dresses. How wrong can you be! I found my perfect dress back in October last year and I still love it to bits, but now I found another dress that I am loving just as much. The irony is that I was not even looking for a wedding dress. I was actually searching for something related to the Pirate costume that I am putting together at the moment and suddenly this most gorgeous of dresses came up:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Dress2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Dress2b.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Dress2c.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Dress2d.jpg

I want this dress so bad. It is also only $70with free shipping so it would be rude not to. I am trying to justify this purchase at the moment. As I said, I am still in love with my dress and definitely want to wear that during the ceremony. However, I had to realize that I can actually love two dresses. I was kind of thinking that the dress I already own will probably get filthy dirty while we are taking photos around the grounds of Crystal Cathedral. So once we are back at the hotel, I would then have the option to get changed before we have dinner that night. I definitely want to wear a wedding dress for dinner.

It also would give me the option of a Trash the Dress shoot. I love all the photos that I have seen from Trash the Dress shoots, but I could not imagine going into water with my dress. With this other dress, I can definitely imagine this.

I have thought up some more mischief. About 11 years ago, I met this amazing bear artist at a bear show in London. We got talking and I was lamenting that I could not find a royal blue bear anywhere. She said that she would try to make me one and a commission was agreed on. The resulting bear was Buddy:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/buddy.jpg

Buddy was commissioned to celebrate my graduation and my first proper job. He is still the pride of my collection and I always wanted a companion for him.

I was not even sure if she was still in business, but I Googled for her website yesterday and sure enough, I found it straight away. So I sent her an email yesterday and she responded today. Normally she has a waiting list of 12 to 18 months, but she is hoping that she can have my bear made in time for the vow renewal. I asked for a predominantly ivory or white bear with some light blue and turquoise to match the bouquet. She will be called Crystal.

I just suddenly hit me today how lucky I am. I am so fortunate that I can work with such wonderful artists that totally get me and my vision from the photographer to the jewellery artist to the bear artist. With all their help, this will really be the happiest day in my life.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Wow Corinna!!
Love all the jewellery, love the bear and love love love the dress!!!
I think Graham looks very dashing in his outfit. I can't see what the problem would be if he turned up in that on the day!!! :lmao:
I am so glad that your beautiful location is safe. What a heart-stopping moment for you!!!
as for the TTD, I say go for it!!!! I really enjoyed mine and cannot wait to see the photos from Randy!!! I think I am going to die from waiting for our photos!!!

[dolphingirl47]

Well, in my wildest dreams I did not expect to update this again so soon. Just before I went to bed last night I received some photos of my vow renewal necklace in progress. I was warned that this still has a way to go and that the light is affecting how the colours show up in the photos. Apparently everything is white, grey or blue so far. I really love what I am seeing so far and think this will look absolutely stunning once it is done.



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklaceinprogress1.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklaceinprogress2.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklaceinprogress3.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklaceinprogress4.jpg



Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Wow Corinna!!
Love all the jewellery, love the bear and love love love the dress!!!
I think Graham looks very dashing in his outfit. I can't see what the problem would be if he turned up in that on the day!!! :lmao:
I am so glad that your beautiful location is safe. What a heart-stopping moment for you!!!
as for the TTD, I say go for it!!!! I really enjoyed mine and cannot wait to see the photos from Randy!!! I think I am going to die from waiting for our photos!!!

I know you were on the other coast, but where did you do your TTD shots?

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

We did ours at the Poly - on the beach, in the hammocks, in the lake and in the pool. It was a blast!!! I only have two preview shots back from Randy thus far (which you have seen in my TR), but as soon as I get more, I will post them!!!

[dolphingirl47]

We did ours at the Poly - on the beach, in the hammocks, in the lake and in the pool. It was a blast!!! I only have two preview shots back from Randy thus far (which you have seen in my TR), but as soon as I get more, I will post them!!!

What time in the day did you do the TTD? At Disneyland they unfortunately have no handy lake, but I was thinking in terms of pool, but just wondered about other people around.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

We did ours at 10.00am (although it was probably nearer 11.00am by the time we got to the pool bit!!). I think there were two other people in the pool at the time who politely kept out of the way for the photos, but Randy did say that he could photoshop out any unwanted things or people from the final photos!!!

[quandrea]

No updates on attire. I am almost bursting with excitement and would love to just go and buy the dress now, but that would not be very sensible. I will wait until April or May next year for this. The dress will be custom-made in China so I need some extra time for that. Jewellery and Wedding rings will also have to wait until next year. I still have not tried on the shoes that I fell in love with, but I have a day off on Friday and will do it then. I so hope that they will fit and if they do, that they will turn up in the sales at some stage.



I got another beautiful design for a door magnet.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/dfix.jpg

I think this will be my lot now as I have plenty of magnets between DH’s birthday, generic magnets for the cruise and the vow renewal. I had finished the birthday magnets and some of the generic magnets a while ago and started on the vow renewal magnets. I have now used up my magnetic cartridge for my Xyron and will have to order a new one after my upcoming cruise. Until then, Project Magnet is on hold.



Once I get back from the Transatlantic cruise, I also have to start thinking about Fish Extender gifts for the Vow Renewal Cruise. I want to make something extra special for this.



Corinna

Is there anywhere i can have these made?

[dolphingirl47]

We did ours at 10.00am (although it was probably nearer 11.00am by the time we got to the pool bit!!). I think there were two other people in the pool at the time who politely kept out of the way for the photos, but Randy did say that he could photoshop out any unwanted things or people from the final photos!!!

That sounds promising. I have send off a couple of enquiries and we will see what comes back.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Is there anywhere i can have these made?

There used to be a cruise magnet thread, but that is sadly now defunct. However, some of the people who made the graphics shown here have their own threads on the Creative Disigns Forum:

Scooby3x1y:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2523641

Unfortunately the request threads for the other three are currently closed. However, there is a bunch of other Disigners that probably could help you out.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Nearly all my ribbon for the ribbon veil has now arrived. It should have been all of it, but one seller sent pink ribbon instead of pale blue. I messaged her and she was great about it and promised to put the right colour in the post today. So hopefully this will get here Monday or Tuesday. I was so hoping to make this over the weekend. Never mind, I can do the preparation work tomorrow.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

My necklace is done. I am totally in love with this. I can't wait what she will to in terms of earrings, bracelet, hair vine and tiara to go with it.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace8.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace12.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace11.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/OceanNecklace5.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/OceanNecklace6.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace9.jpg

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

My necklace is done. I am totally in love with this. I can't wait what she will to in terms of earrings, bracelet, hair vine and tiara to go with it.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace8.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace12.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace11.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/OceanNecklace5.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/OceanNecklace6.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Oceannecklace9.jpg

Corinna

Absolutely Gorgeous Corinna!!! I love the pieces she makes you....can't wait to see the rest!!!

[dolphingirl47]

Just a quick update today.



I have made some progress with my ribbon veil. All the ribbon has now arrived and I cut it all to size. Now I just have to assemble it, which I am hoping to do over the weekend. Once it is finished, I will post a photo.



I did order the second dress. I was pondering this for a while. I really love this dress, but then I had the dress of my dreams already. I had put this on my watch list on Ebay and had a quick check every day. This had been on sale, but earlier this week it went back up to full price. I was really upset as there was no way I could justify this at full price. A day or to later, it was on sale again and the price was now even lower then when I first saw it so I decided to jump onto this opportunity. I have received an email with the order number and a link through which I can track the process of the order and I am now anxiously watching this. At the moment it is showing as being prepared. The dress will be coming from Hong Kong. I can’t wait for this to get here.



Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

The second wedding dress was at work when I got there yesterday. It is absolutely gorgeous. It will need some minor alterations though. I have found somebody that comes highly recommended and I will contact her to make an appointment for a fitting in due course. I suppose I am spoiled with having had so many dresses custom made that it came as quite a shock that this did not fit like a glove.

I have also made some inroads when it comes to the wedding favours. I will only have two women and one man, so I can let my imagination run wild. I have the centre piece for the ladies sorted out. I found those on the website of the jewellery artist that made my jewellery:



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/7706.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/7704.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/7612.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/7610.jpg



The shell is the same colour as the shell that was used in my necklace. The other pendants were made from chandelier crystals, which seemed very fitting considering the venue. I love them, too. So I will keep one of each for myself and one person will get a shell pendant and one a crystal pendant. I will probably include either a Yankee Candle Tart or Sampler in Wedding Day. I saw some lovely blue organza drawstring bags so I will use this to put the things in. Things are not quite so easy for our sole male guest, but I am sure I will come up with something.



I still have not got any further with the ribbon veil. I had cut all the ribbons to size and put them to one side, but have not done anything with them since. I have so much to do at the moment that I am just lacking the drive to get on with the various craft projects. I have two days off midweek this week so I am hoping that I will have time and inspiration to work on this then.



Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

The favours are gorgeous Corinna!!!
Good luck with the alterations to the dress!!
I don't know if it's any help, but for our VR, Paul wore socks from the Disney Store with a picture of an irate Donald (Paul's favourite character) saying 'Don't get me started'. We gave the same socks as favours to our male guests and they loved them!!! If Graham is wearing character socks, it may be an idea!!

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Loving the favors. Those are gorgeous. Can u share the webpage for her stuff??

[dolphingirl47]

The favours are gorgeous Corinna!!!
Good luck with the alterations to the dress!!
I don't know if it's any help, but for our VR, Paul wore socks from the Disney Store with a picture of an irate Donald (Paul's favourite character) saying 'Don't get me started'. We gave the same socks as favours to our male guests and they loved them!!! If Graham is wearing character socks, it may be an idea!!

Actually, this is perfect. I had originally considered a tie, but was not sure if he would wear this. With the socks, they are more likely to get worn. Graham's favourite character is Grumpy so I think I will look into finding some Grumpy socks.

Loving the favors. Those are gorgeous. Can u share the webpage for her stuff??

Sure, it's www.wyrdingstudios.com

I have been buying from her for about 4 years and she has made me some special jewellery for every formal night.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I think once I get my formal for next years cruise I am gonna ask her to make something for me....probably in black, white, brown, something I can wear with more then my formal. Love her stuff!

[pixie921]

Corinna, your necklace and the favors are so unique and really gorgeous! :goodvibes

[dolphingirl47]

I think once I get my formal for next years cruise I am gonna ask her to make something for me....probably in black, white, brown, something I can wear with more then my formal. Love her stuff!

Yes, her stuff is adorable. She is also a wonderful person to deal with. She did make me a pendant, bracelet and earrings with onyx and clear and light brown crystals to go with my semi- formal dress which was tan and black a few years ago. I never leave the house with at least one of her pendants.

Corinna, your necklace and the favors are so unique and really gorgeous! :goodvibes

Thanks Amy, this is what I love about her jewellery. She also knows me really well by now and knows what makes me tick. So I have every confidence to just let her loose on a project and I know I will love the result.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I had a lovely surprise when I got to work today. My vow renewal necklace, the earrings, hair vine and bracelet to go with this; the pendants that I ordered as favours and the leave necklace arrived today. They are absolutely gorgeous. I will try to take photos of the bracelet, earrings and hair vine tomorrow. Now I just need the tiara and do my ribbon veil and my outfit is complete. I am so happy with how everything is turning out.



Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Time for another update. I have had a couple of productive days. But first of all, here are some photos for the jewellery that goes with the vow renewal necklace:

Earrings

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000970.jpg

Bracelet

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000971.jpg

Hair Vine

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000972.jpg

I also took some photos of the leave necklace. I could not resist temptation to wear this to work on Tuesday.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000973.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000974.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000975.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000976.jpg

Yesterday Graham and I both had days off. We ended up going suit shopping for him. We both liked this suit.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Suit.jpg

We also got him a light blue tie, which should work nicely with his button hole and my bouquet. He will wear the Mexican wedding shirt that he bought in Manzanillo in January. That seems fitting and it is a very nice shirt.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Panama%20Canal%20Cruise/5951487.jpg

I finally managed to get my ribbon veil done today. I had kept putting this off. I think I was a bit worried that I had bitten off more than I can chew. I was just about to leave to go to the gym when a heavy shower moved through. So I decided to hold off a bit longer and the ribbon caught my eye. I kind of figured that this was an omen. So I got the ribbon and experimented a bit. I had to make one minor correction, but I liked straight away how it came out. I really love this.

Front

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000978.jpg

Back

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1000979.jpg

I think project tiara might be underway sooner rather than later and it might do some good into the bargain. The jewellery artist who has made my jewellery has put some custom work on auction to help raise money to pay for a lawyer for a mother and a little girl involved in a nasty custody battle. The winning bidder gets a piece of custom jewellery. At the moment, I am the highest bidder and if I win this auction, I will use this to have my tiara made.

I also had an idea for a wedding favour for our only male guest. Graham was reorganizing our kitchen last weekend. I got out some beautiful custom mugs that I was given as a present years ago. I found the seller of those on Etsy. I wondered if a mug with Crystal Cathedral carved into it and filled with chocolate would make a nice favour.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/36358662/custom-mug

I also finally have my last make up trial set up. I thought I was all set with the make up she did last time, but since then my colour scheme has completely changed. I will take my bouquet and the necklace and we see what she comes up with.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I am positively bursting with excitement at the moment. I had been considering a Trash the Dress photo shoot ever since I got the second dress. Initially I was going to go with a different photographer for this and I reached to a couple of photographers. In the end I decided to use the same photographer who is taking the photos of the ceremony. This is going to be a Trash the Dress shoot with a few twists. I mentioned that the best date for me would be October 11th as I am attending Mickey’s Halloween Party that day and have no plans until the party starts. She mentioned that it would be nice to do the photos at the party. Things have moved on from there. Of course I jumped on the opportunity to have photos taken in Disneyland itself. I then mentioned that this is kind of ironic as originally I had planned to go to one of the parties as a ghost bride and it kind of evolved from this. We are no discussing make up and hair to go with this. This is turning out to be a whole lot of fun.

She also sent me a link to some photos that she has done in Disneyland before and I love them. I especially love the one that was taken in the Buzz Lightyear ride as it has a quite surreal and ghost-like quality.

http://imajenn.com/blog/?p=539



Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Corinna sweetie - I have obviously been extremely remiss about checking your PJ because I hadn't seen the pictures of the ribbon veil. What a bad disfriend I am!! I absolutely love it!!! You are going to look so pretty!!!
The TTD session in Disneyland sounds amazing and will be such fun!! Obviously you are allowed to wear wedding dresses in DL unlike WDW then.

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna sweetie - I have obviously been extremely remiss about checking your PJ because I hadn't seen the pictures of the ribbon veil what a bad disfriend I am!! I absolutely love it!!! You are going to look so pretty!!!
The TTD session in Disneyland sounds amazing and will be such fun!! Obviously you are allowed to wear wedding dresses in DL unlike WDW then.

I think yes and no would be the answer to this. On a normal day, during normal park hours, you would not be allowed to wear a wedding dress in Disneyland either. However, as it is Mickey's Halloween Party, it would be classified as a costume and is therefore OK. Of course, we are going to make doubly sure by giving it a bit of a ghost bride twist. I pretty sure that you would get away with this at Disney World during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party as well. You are allowed to enter Disneyland in costume from 3 PM for the Tuesday parties and from 4 PM on the Friday parties, but the actual party does not start until 6 PM and 7 PM respectively.

Corinna

[pixie921]

I think yes and no would be the answer to this. On a normal day, during normal park hours, you would not be allowed to wear a wedding dress in Disneyland either. However, as it is Mickey's Halloween Party, it would be classified as a costume and is therefore OK. Of course, we are going to make doubly sure by giving it a bit of a ghost bride twist. I pretty sure that you would get away with this at Disney World during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party as well. You are allowed to enter Disneyland in costume from 3 PM for the Tuesday parties and from 4 PM on the Friday parties, but the actual party does not start until 6 PM and 7 PM respectively.

Corinna

Yay for pictures inside Disneyland, Corinna! That will be so much fun, and I'm sure the pictures will be marvelous! :goodvibes

[Mindyjoy]

I'm not sure how I missed your ribbon veil! It looks fantastic! So what did you end up tying the ribbon to? I'm still trying to figure that out for mine. Rubber bands seem the easiest but I would rather use combs.

[dolphingirl47]

I'm not sure how I missed your ribbon veil! It looks fantastic! So what did you end up tying the ribbon to? I'm still trying to figure that out for mine. Rubber bands seem the easiest but I would rather use combs.

I ended up using a rubber band, but I just used it as support structure in the end. I doubled it up and will use hair clips to attach it to my hair. You could do the same and just glue or sew it to a comb afterwards.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

The Ghost Bride theme is evolving very quickly. I think this is pretty much what we are going to do for make up and hair:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/BrideofFrankensteinClose.jpg

I also found this on Ebay and I figured that I could cut this up and use the flowers in the hair:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/GhostBrideFlowers.jpg

I also decided that I will wear the leave necklace with this. The leaves are starting to oxidize and it will just fit perfectly with the theme.

In other news, I had my final make up trials and we went with blues and greys for the eyes and nude pink for cheeks and lips. It looked absolutely amazing I have pretty much made up my mind to have my make up and hair done professionally on the day. This will make things a bit more hectic, but will be so worth it.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Corrina sweetie - You said in my TR that you were searching for a VR logo for yourself and Graham incorporating the main mice and dolphins, and you said you would ask the girls over on the 'Creative Disigns' board for help. I hope you don't mind, but I have had a pop at it. I am sure the talented girls over on the 'Creative Disigns' board can do far better, and I will not be offended if you don't use this logo for your ring box. I was only playing really!!! Colours could, of course, be changed.

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc472/joannepridmore/corinna2.jpg

[pjstevens]

Corrina, I am so excited to hear things progressing. I'm also jealous you'll be getting photos inside DL! That's going to be awesome. Love the look for the ghost bride! And your ribbon veil has turned out so pretty.

[dolphingirl47]

Corrina sweetie - You said in my TR that you were searching for a VR logo for yourself and Graham incorporating the main mice and dolphins, and you said you would ask the girls over on the 'Creative Disigns' board for help. I hope you don't mind, but I have had a pop at it. I am sure the talented girls over on the 'Creative Disigns' board can do far better, and I will not be offended if you don't use this logo for your ring box. I was only playing really!!! Colours could, of course, be changed.

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc472/joannepridmore/corinna2.jpg

Thanks so much. This is absolutely amazing. In the end the decision was made for me. I had emailed the seller the original design yesterday and he responded that this could be done, but I would need to resubmit this in either black and white or grey scale and there would also be no room for text. I do love it and it will definitely will be used for something, but yours is just better suited. I have forwarded this to him and asked him if this would work and now I am waiting to hear back.

Corrina, I am so excited to hear things progressing. I'm also jealous you'll be getting photos inside DL! That's going to be awesome. Love the look for the ghost bride! And your ribbon veil has turned out so pretty.

Yes, things are progressing, but every now and again I am having a blind panic. There is so much still to do and we will leave 9 weeks and the vow renewal is in 11 weeks. This is getting so close now. Still, I am sure everything will be taken care of in good time.

We finally made a decision where to have dinner after the vow renewal. It was between Napa Rose at Grand Californian and Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel. As I could not come to any decision I showed Graham the sample menus online this morning and he likes Steakhouse 55 better. So that is another thing taken care of. Now I just have to wait until August 9th to make the reservation.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Corinna sweetie - having used the seller myself, I knew the logo had to be in black and so that's why I did it in black. I am glad you like it and hope it works out for you!! I would love to see a photo of the finished box. I absolutely treasure mine and it sits on my dressing table and houses my engagement ring when I am at work and cannot wear it!!

[dolphingirl47]

As soon as I get it, I will post a photo here.

Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Corrina sweetie - You said in my TR that you were searching for a VR logo for yourself and Graham incorporating the main mice and dolphins, and you said you would ask the girls over on the 'Creative Disigns' board for help. I hope you don't mind, but I have had a pop at it. I am sure the talented girls over on the 'Creative Disigns' board can do far better, and I will not be offended if you don't use this logo for your ring box. I was only playing really!!! Colours could, of course, be changed.

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc472/joannepridmore/corinna2.jpg

This is absolutely gorgeous!! Love it! So nice to have wonderful people on the DIS...what a family we have on here. Corinna things are coming along well. Can't wait to see all your photos of the big day. So sad I will miss it!!:guilty:

[tinkerbell 766]

Awww thank you!!! I do so love to play!!

[dolphingirl47]

Awww thank you!!! I do so love to play!!

This is a dangerous statement to make ;). There is always room for an additional vow renewal magnet on my door you know.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I had an email today that my ring box has shipped. They use economy shipping, but I should have my ring box by the middle of next week. I am so excited.

I also got some photos of the custom mug that I had done for our only male guest. I really like how this has turned out.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/IMG_0973.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/IMG_0972.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/IMG_0971.jpg

I am kind of torn about the whole wedding dress at the moment. I love the
one that I bought ages ago, but it is very low cut and does show off more
than I intend to show when I am sitting down. So I have been looking at
other dresses from Hong Kong and I found a few possibles that are somewhat more modest and better suited for church.

This would be my first choice, but it is not in stock in the size that I would need and they can't tell me when it will be back in stock.

http://waimanman.com/g8/goods.php?id=14

So, it is kind of between those three dresses:

http://waimanman.com/g8/goods.php?id=478

http://waimanman.com/g8/goods.php?id=93

http://waimanman.com/g8/goods.php?id=52

What do you think?

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Corinna sweetie - My favourite is the slim one (third one down), but I couldn't wear it as I carry far too much weight around the stomach!!! They are all very pretty. I really love your original dress though!!

[dolphingirl47]

The more I think about it, the more I love this, too. I love all the diamantees and the shape just goes so well with the ocean theme. I have Spanx to smooth out the midriff a bit. With this dress I would have to decided between lace up or zip. I think zip would be more practical even though I normally prefer lace up.

I do still love the original dress, but I just looked at some photos of the sister dress that I wore for semi-formal night on the Panama Canal cruise and when I was sitting down, you could almost look to my belly button. I do not want to feel self-conscious all the way through the ceremony and the dinner.

I am absolutely useless. I woke up this morning with a complete feeling of horror. I don't know what triggered it, but I was suddenly convinced that I had given the wrong date for the ring box. I checked my emails and sure enough, it is saying 7th October 2011 instead of 9th October 2011. Fortunately they are relatively inexpensive so I just ordered a new one with the correct date.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I was hoping that my new ring box would arrive today, but unfortunately no such luck. Hopefully it will arrive tomorrow.

In the meantime I have made a decision about the dress. In the end I did not go for any of the styles that I was considering. The more I was thinking about this, the more I loved this dress:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Mermaiddress.jpg

It was mainly the top that I loved. However, I am not exactly slim and the mermaid style just did not appeal to me. I suspect I am more princess than mermaid. This morning I was looking yet again at the website and was agonizing over this. I suddenly spotted a new dress and it was love at first sight:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Princess1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Princess2.jpg

So I went ahead and ordered this. It should be here within a week and I can't wait to try it on.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Yay for the new dress Corinna!!! It is absolutely gorgeous!!

[dolphingirl47]

Yay for the new dress Corinna!!! It is absolutely gorgeous!!

Thanks, I got an email today that it has shipped together with a tracking number so now I can track it on its way from Hong Kong to here. Normally post from Hong Kong takes between 5 and 7 days so with a bit of luck it will be here early next week.

My gorgeous ring box arrived yesterday, but with everything going on in my home town, I was glued to the computer screen for updates and did not take a photo until this evening. Here it is:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1010027.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1010026.jpg

Corinna

[pixie921]

Corinna, I LOVE your box! It turned out beautifully! :goodvibes

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna, I LOVE your box! It turned out beautifully! :goodvibes

I love it, too. It turned out different from what I expected, but I still love it. I thought the logo would be bigger and at the side, but this really works.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

I am glad that the box turned out so well. It is really pretty!!!

[pjstevens]

Corinna, I love the new dress and the ring box is such a lovely touch. Praying things are calming down over there.

[Shananana]

Hi Corinna! I wanted to let you know that we were both on the PC Cruise in January and we'll get to see each other on the way to Hawaii. I love the detailing on your new dress. And the ring box looks amazing. I hope that Things in London today are very uneventful so that you can get your packages quickly!

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna, I love the new dress and the ring box is such a lovely touch. Praying things are calming down over there.

Things fortunately seem to have calmed down. I went into town today. I was more than just a little nervous, but after today, I have to work 7 days in a row and then I am off for a weekend away. So I did not really have a choice. The city centre actually did not look as bad as I had thought, but the area around my gym looked like a war zone. There is a large police presence and I noticed on a few occasions that young people who looked like they might be up to no good were stopped and searched by the police.

Hi Corinna! I wanted to let you know that we were both on the PC Cruise in January and we'll get to see each other on the way to Hawaii. I love the detailing on your new dress. And the ring box looks amazing. I hope that Things in London today are very uneventful so that you can get your packages quickly!

I did not realize that you were on the Panama Canal Cruise as well. I suppose we made up our mind about this so late that I did not really have the chance to get to know people that I had not met before with the exception of the people who attended my jewellery workshops.

The dress has not left Hong Kong yet, but I am pretty sure that I will have it by this time next week.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

My wedding dress has arrived and it looks totally gorgeous. I am so glad that I decided to go with this. I am also glad that it arrived today. We have had three brides in the office until recently and the other two and I have been bouncing ideas off each other and generally shared the planning. The other two had their big days last month and one of them is leaving on Friday to start a new life in Dubai. I know she really wanted to see the dress. With me not being at work on Friday, I started to panic a little.

I have turned a few heads at work this afternoon. I could not resist trying the dress on during my lunch break. It fits like a glove. I can't wait to finally get to wear it. It is just the right mix of classic elegance and glamour. I has been a bit creased in the mail, but it will look even worse once it has travelled to the USA in a suitcase so I will have it pressed on the ship.

I have now also booked dinner for the big day. I have managed to get dinner at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel within 10 minutes of the ideal time. I was hoping for a 6:30 PM reservation, but they could offer me 6:20 PM or 6:40 PM. So I have opted for 6:20 PM. Now I just have to sort out the cake and then I am officially done or at least at the point where there is nothing left that I can do. There are still a few odds and ends that I am waiting for and a few arrangements to be nailed down, but they will sort themselves out when they are good and ready. I am still waiting on photos of the tiara. I can't wait to see what the jewellery artist has come up with for this. Once I got them, I will share them with you guys.

I have ordered a t shirt and bag with the gorgeous design that Joanne made for my ring box. I am going to wear the t shirt to the park the day after the vow renewal. Now I just have to make up my mind if I am going to get Mickey ears to go with it.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/VowRenewalTTote.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/VowRenewalTShirt.jpg

Corinna

[pixie921]

Corinna, love the shirt and bag! What a great way to use the logo. :)

And I'm so happy for you that your dress came and that you love it! That's such a crucial part of your day, and it's wonderful that you're pleased with it. :goodvibes

[dolphingirl47]

I really love the logo and it is so tiny on the ring box. I am also in the process of making a matching magnet for our door. I had it printed on photo paper and tomorrow I will put it through my Xyron Creative Station which will laminate the front and put a magnet on the back.

I have not actually seen how I look in the dress yet. As I tried it on at work and we have no proper mirrors there, I know that it fits, but that is all. I know that everybody who has seen me in it loved it. I am off tomorrow and will try it on again. I have a huge full length mirror in our living room.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Corinna sweetie - I really love the bag and shirt!! I am thinking that I may have a bag like that made with my logo on....just as an extra momento!!!!
How exciting about the dress - can't wait to see you in it!!!!

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Corinna,

I'm just starting planning my Vow Renewal, and I've been reading as many VR PJs as I can, especially UK ones :thumbsup2

I love your dress, so elegant and I can't wait to see the photos of your ceremony :goodvibes I also love your t-shirt and bag plan with your logo, I might have to steal that idea :worship:

Best wishes
Gertiesquidge

[dolphingirl47]

Hi Corinna,

I'm just starting planning my Vow Renewal, and I've been reading as many VR PJs as I can, especially UK ones :thumbsup2

I love your dress, so elegant and I can't wait to see the photos of your ceremony :goodvibes I also love your t-shirt and bag plan with your logo, I might have to steal that idea :worship:

Best wishes
Gertiesquidge

Welcome. Planning this vow renewal has been the most exciting, stressful and sometimes heart-breaking thing I have ever done. I have now reached the point where I am deliriously happy, but also worried that it will soon be all over. There will be plenty of photos. I will also do a trip report once I am back.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Well, I have finally managed to see myself in the dress. I decided to try it on with the jewellery and I even got the bouquet out. It just all fits to together like it has been made for each other. I always loved the original dress, but it never made me feel like this one is. I literally feel like royalty when I am wearing it. I am so glad that I made the insane decision with less than 2 months to go to get a new dress.

My bag and the t shirt have shipped. So they should be waiting for me at work when I get back on Monday with a bit of luck.

Corinna

[gertiesquidge]

It sounds like you've made the perfect decision about your dress :thumbsup2 Every bride (or re-bride) should feel like royalty in her gown :thumbsup2 So it wasn't an insane decision at all!!

Best wishes
Gertiesquidge


Well, I have finally managed to see myself in the dress. I decided to try it on with the jewellery and I even got the bouquet out. It just all fits to together like it has been made for each other. I always loved the original dress, but it never made me feel like this one is. I literally feel like royalty when I am wearing it. I am so glad that I made the insane decision with less than 2 months to go to get a new dress.

My bag and the t shirt have shipped. So they should be waiting for me at work when I get back on Monday with a bit of luck.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Today is a major milestone. It is exactly one month until the vow renewal. Time has just flown.

I had a bit of last minute panic. I went through the costume regulations for Mickey's Halloween Party and it states that the costumes cannot drag on the floor. The fact that the gown that I have bought for the Halloween Party is floor-length suddenly became a huge problem. So today I went to one of the local dry cleaners that also offers alterations and they are going to shorten it by 10 inches so that it is ankle length. It will be ready by Monday.

I had a special pillowcase made, which I will have signed by the characters on the ship with fabric markers. This arrived earlier this week and I really love it:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1010028.jpg

I also got some photos of my tiara:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/Tiara1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/Tiara2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/Tiara3.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/Tiara5.jpg

And last but not least, I also got some better photos of the necklace to share:


http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/OceanNecklace1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/OceanNecklace2.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Jewellery/OceanNecklace3.jpg


Corinna

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

Today is a major milestone. It is exactly one month until the vow renewal. Time has just flown.

I had a bit of last minute panic. I went through the costume regulations for Mickey's Halloween Party and it states that the costumes cannot drag on the floor. The fact that the gown that I have bought for the Halloween Party is floor-length suddenly became a huge problem. So today I went to one of the local dry cleaners that also offers alterations and they are going to shorten it by 10 inches so that it is ankle length. It will be ready by Monday.

I had a special pillowcase made, which I will have signed by the characters on the ship with fabric markers. This arrived earlier this week and I really love it:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/P1010028.jpg



Corinna

Very nice!!! Love the pillowcase. Did Tiffany make it for you? I got 2 for the girls for the cruise but decided to take them to WDW with us and have them signed at the character meals or just in the park. I got different colored pernament markers....hope they work. :confused3

[dolphingirl47]

Very nice!!! Love the pillowcase. Did Tiffany make it for you? I got 2 for the girls for the cruise but decided to take them to WDW with us and have them signed at the character meals or just in the park. I got different colored pernament markers....hope they work. :confused3

Yes, this is one of Tiffany's creations. I have previously always used Sharpies and they worked fine, but I have always been too worried to use the pillowcase. So I decided to go with fabric markers this time.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Corinna sweetie - Loving the pillowcase and the jewellery!!
I can't believe you are just a month away!!! You must be all excitement!!! I remember how excited I was at that stage. It is a good feeling!!

[dolphingirl47]

Corinna sweetie - Loving the pillowcase and the jewellery!!
I can't believe you are just a month away!!! You must be all excitement!!! I remember how excited I was at that stage. It is a good feeling!!

I am not sure excited is how I would describe it. Utterly terrified may be coming closer. There seems to be so much still to do both at work and for the cruise/ vow renewal and so little time to do it in.

Corinna

[pixie921]

Corinna, your tiara and necklace are so pretty! I'm looking forward to seeing everything together! :thumbsup2

And the pillowcase is so cute -- what a great idea!

I totally understand how you're feeling nervous about everything ... it's a big trip! But you've put so much thought and effort into planning, I'm sure it will come off beautifully! :goodvibes

[gertiesquidge]

Hi Corinna,

Your jewellery looks fabulous, so pretty. And I love your pillowcase too, what a great idea to get it all signed :thumbsup2

I am sure everything will come together beautifully, so try not to worry (easier said than done!!). You have been so organised and everything looks so beautiful it will be a lovely day :lovestruc

Gertiesquidge x

[dolphingirl47]

I can cross another thing off my list. I reached out to the Vacation Planning at Disneyland on Saturday about a cake for dinner on the day of our vow renewal. I was well impressed how quickly they responded to me. I sent them photos of this cake that I had seen on a Disneyland Cake Photo Thread and had fallen in love with:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/IMG_1166.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/IMG_1165.jpg

I really wanted a cake like this in a 6 inch Vanilla Cake with White Chocolate Mousse filling and a Vanilla Butter cream frosting. The only thing that I did not like was the Ariel cake topper. So I sent them my request and to my surprise, they responded to me on Sunday saying that they would check with the bakery if they could fulfil my request. Again, I did not expect to hear back only later this week. However, a couple of hours later, I had an email saying that they can do it for a cost of $48.49 including tax. I think this is very fair for quite an elaborate cake like this.

My photographer has been back in touch and put my mind at rest quite considerably. I was getting really worried about getting off the ship and getting ready for a 1 PM ceremony at Crystal Cathedral. I will get changed into my dress before I get off the ship, but there are pesky things like make up and hair to consider. I had arranged for the friends who will attend the vow renewal to collect us from the port. That still left me with the problem on where to get ready. I had originally planned of having my hair done on the ship the evening before, but given up on this as impractical. Anyway, a while ago my photographer mentioned that she had somebody who good do my hair and make up for me on the day and for less than what they would charge me on the ship for just the hair. She emailed me this morning to say that she would pick me up from the ship, take me back to her place and the person who will do my hair and make up will meet us there and we would then go to Crystal Cathedral together. My photographer has been such a God-sent in all of this.

I also noticed that I finally got some tags after nearly 4 years and nearly 17000 posts. One of them comes from this thread, which makes it all the more special.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

Time is marching on. I am now officially on vacation and and in less than 3 days we will be flying to Los Angeles. It is now only 16 days until the vow renewal.

I was absolutely terrified with what the gown that I will use for the Trash the Dress shot would look like after it was shortened to comply with Disney's costume rules. Well I need not have worried. The new length works very well and the dress still is gorgeous. I had been thinking about what I would do for shoes as they now will show and I have decided that I will were the ballet flats that I wore for our original wedding.

You may remember that I had a bear commissioned for the vow renewal. Unfortunately we ran out of time and it was not possible to ship her to me before we left, but I got some photos. May I present Crystal:

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q51/dolphingirl_album/Vow%20Renewal/Crystalmultipic.jpg

I had my nails done today and went for a Shellac French Manicure. I also had my eyebrows threaded. Really the only thing that is now left to do is the packing and I will do that when I have absolutely no choice.

Corinna

[tinkerbell 766]

Yay yay yay!!! So exciting!!!
I love Crystal!!

[Mindyjoy]

You're so close now, Corinna!

[pjstevens]

Wow, Corinna!!!! It's almost time! I can't believe it's finally here! So very excited for you and Graham. Please tell us that you'll post some sneak peeks before you return. Not sure we can wait that long to hear all the wonderful details of your fairy tale day!

[dolphingirl47]

Unfortunately I won't be able to post anything until I get back. We won't be taking the computer this time round. I will have my iPad, but I never got around to getting the photo kit for this.

Corinna

[pjstevens]

Unfortunately I won't be able to post anything until I get back. We won't be taking the computer this time round. I will have my iPad, but I never got around to getting the photo kit for this.

Corinna

OH NOOOOOO, You are going to make us wait :scared1:

We'll wait patiently. Everything looks perfect, it's all falling into place. Love all the little details.

[dolphingirl47]

Well, some of you had requested a sneak preview of some photos. I had my Trash the Dress photo shoot in Disneyland yesterday. You are going to have to wait for the full details until I get back and have time to get started on my trip report, but here are the first few Trash the Dress photos:

http://www.jmporders.com/event/20110930/sVT46uVnnA0SE

I finally managed to get to know my photographer Jennifer in person yesterday after we chatted online for months and she is an absolute star. I am a bit nervous about having my photo taken ( unless there are characters involved ) and she just made it so easy and fun. Some shots and poses she set up. Others I suggested and everything was wonderful. I can't wait to see the rest of the photos. I think she took over 400.

Corinna

[pjstevens]

http://www.jmporders.com/event/20110930/sVT46uVnnA0SE

I finally managed to get to know my photographer Jennifer in person yesterday after we chatted online for months and she is an absolute star. I am a bit nervous about having my photo taken ( unless there are characters involved ) and she just made it so easy and fun. Some shots and poses she set up. Others I suggested and everything was wonderful. I can't wait to see the rest of the photos. I think she took over 400.

Corinna

Corinna!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!! They are beautiful! You look amazing. Cannot wait to see all of them! I so wish I had done a 'trash the dress' since i knew I'd not be wearing my dress any other time.

[pixie921]

Corinna, I love your themed TTD photos! They came out great! :goodvibes

[tinkerbell 766]

Oh wow Corinna!!! Those photos are wonderful. Sooo looking forward to hearing all about it!!!

[Chilly]

LOVE your photos!

[Mindyjoy]

Corinna, your photos are amazing! I'm so glad the session worked out for you!

[dolphingirl47]

Well, today is our big day. The vow renewal was so magical. We got some serious pixie dust. We were supposed to have the ceremony in the office of the pastor, but when we got there, we were taken to the Chapel in the Sky. Everything was just amazing. There are some preview pictures under the same link that I posted before.

Corinna

[Mindyjoy]

Beautiful pics, Corinna! The chapel in the sky looks amazing! I would love to see some bigger pics of your veil!

Congrats on your beautiful vow renewal! :bride:

[Chilly]

How amazing!

[tinkerbell 766]

Corinna sweetie - Congratulations on your newly renewed status!!!
The ceremony looks absolutely magical!!! You look gradient, Graham looks handsome and proud, the cathedral is breathtaking and the talented photographer has captured everything perfectly!! More please!!

[pixie921]

Corinna, congratulations!! What a wonderful surprise to have your VR in the chapel like that! You and Graham look so happy .... love the photos! :goodvibes

[pjstevens]

Well, today is our big day. The vow renewal was so magical. We got some serious pixie dust. We were supposed to have the ceremony in the office of the pastor, but when we got there, we were taken to the Chapel in the Sky. Everything was just amazing. There are some preview pictures under the same link that I posted before.

Corinna

Oh my goodness Corinna, that was so magical! What a beautiful ceremony. You looked stunning. Everything came together so nicely. The scenery there is amazing. So happy that your special day turned out to be everything you could of dreamed of. Cannot wait to hear all about it.

[Mindyjoy]

Corinna sweetie, I sent you a private message, just wanted to make sure you saw! :cutie:

[dolphingirl47]

We are back and had an absolutely amazing time. I do feel a little like a Zombie at the moment, but will start unpacking and uploading photos tomorrow. I have started to edit my Photopass photos and once the Photopass CD arrives, I will get going on the trip report.

Corinna

[MrRomance]

Firstly, congratulations to you both!

Second...DW and I LOVE your bouquet. Blue roses have a special sentimental meaning to me and we would have loved that for our VR. Unfortunately, DFTW won't cooperate as we have the Memories Collection, but we'll pretend DW's looks just like that one on our day.

Beautiful pics and once again, congratulations!

[dolphingirl47]

Firstly, congratulations to you both!

Second...DW and I LOVE your bouquet. Blue roses have a special sentimental meaning to me and we would have loved that for our VR. Unfortunately, DFTW won't cooperate as we have the Memories Collection, but we'll pretend DW's looks just like that one on our day.

Beautiful pics and once again, congratulations!

That turned out to be one of the issues for me. DFTW proved just to inflexible for my liking which is why we went down another route in the end. I can honestly say that I am glad that we made this decision even though it was pretty painful at the time. I don't think that the VR on DCL as planned would have been half as magical as what we ended up with.

The flowers were a necessity, but I absolutely love them. I had to have an artificial bouquet as the VR was the same day as we got of the ship so fresh flowers would not have been an option. Blue is my favourite colour and I just had to have it when I spotted this on Ebay.

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I have started on my trip report:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=43123079#post43123079

Corinna

[dolphingirl47]

I have posted the installment of the trip report featuring the Trash the Dress photos.

Corinna