Tasha & Greg's Escape PJ -10/12/10 Sunset Pointe/Shula's - Vendor Reviews

[2nd Time Bride]

Although our wedding is fast approaching, I thought I should create a PJ since there are so few Sunset Point weddings and/or elopements!

Our story - we met at work while Greg was going through his divorce (yep, he's a 2nd timer too!) and I was dating someone else. We only worked together briefly and, when I left the company, we didn't keep in touch. About two years later, I returned to the same company and Greg was assigned to my first project. :) After working together for almost a year, he invited me to a happy hour with some of his co-workers and the rest is history! :lovestruc

Neither one of us thought we would ever remarry and would even joke about it when we first started dating. Our previous relationships had brought us to Minneapolis and we both wanted to move closer to our families, so we started talking about moving together but our plans did not include getting married. We decided on Grand Rapids, MI, got the ok to telecommute full time, moved into temporary housing and began looking for a house, all of which was very stressful!! But we found our dream home and began settling in!

A couple months after we moved in, my 12 year old niece Desi came to visit for two weeks to attend summer Drama Camp at the GR Civic Theater. After a couple days, she surprised us by asking - "if you guys live here together and bought this house together, why aren't you married?!". We had no good answer so she decided to make a list of all the reasons I should get married to Greg. Here is her list:

1) He is always right so I don't need a GPS and won't ever get lost (love that 12 year old reasoning!!)

2) He is always nice to me, even when I am cranky (what me? cranky?! ;))

3) He is a very hard worker

She asked if I needed more reasons and I said probably not. Greg then asked what is on his list of reasons to marry me and Des said - "duh, Aunt Tasha is AWESOME!!!" Love that kid! She then made him promise he was going to marry me.

Later that night, he asked me what I thought about it and said we should probably elope somewhere. Thinking he was joking, I said we should fly to Vegas, rent a sweet sports car and do a drive thru wedding. :laughing: He was not amused. We started talking about where we would want to have our honeymoon and of course WDW was at the top of the list. We had been to the Food and Wine show in 2009 and had a blast, so we looked up the dates and then Greg said something which shocked me more than all this talk about marriage. He said "why don't we just get married at WDW". :woohoo: I knew he had a hidden romantic streak!! :love:

We called DFTW the very next day, got some info and decided on Sunset Point because we knew it would just be the two of us and we loved the idea of a beach wedding at WDW. We were shocked that our first choice date was available, as was Sunset Point, so we booked the date and got our LOA two days after we initially spoke with Bill!

I must admit, Des was super disappointed she could not come with us, especially since "the wedding was ALL because of her"!! But we are going to have a wedding celebration party at our house in December and she is ok with helping us host the party.

I can't believe this has all happened in a little over a month (we got our LOA on July 16th!) and we have so much already planned! Next post will include our choices! :goodvibes

[polynesianbride]

Congrats and Welcome! I love your story- it's really sweet! So excited to find another Sunset Pointe Bride! So few people end up using it bc of the guest restrictions but it is such a beautiful spot! We have a ton in common too- I am also a 2nd time bride, currently live in Minneapolis, MN (just a few more days then we move to Saginaw, MI), but we moved to MN from no other than GRAND RAPIDS, MI! Your wedding will be here so fast- can't wait to follow all your plans and see the end result!

[lzimm13]

Thats an awesome story! congrats!

[2nd Time Bride]

Congrats and Welcome! I love your story- it's really sweet! So excited to find another Sunset Pointe Bride! So few people end up using it bc of the guest restrictions but it is such a beautiful spot! We have a ton in common too- I am also a 2nd time bride, currently live in Minneapolis, MN (just a few more days then we move to Saginaw, MI), but we moved to MN from no other than GRAND RAPIDS, MI! Your wedding will be here so fast- can't wait to follow all your plans and see the end result!

Thanks!! Small world, isn't it?! I showed Greg your PJ back when I first joined the board and your pics helped seal the deal for us! Hopefully, we can get some of our own pics up right away, I'd love your opinion on my flower choices too! :)

[2nd Time Bride]

Since I would really like people's opinion on my flower choices, I will put up my flowers first. I am not a big flower girl I was kind of at a loss as to what we should do. Greg was no help, he told me to pick something nice and he would find us a place to eat dinner after the wedding! ;)

We decided we wanted a beachy theme, of course, but then...? Thank god for this board! I went through soooo many pics of flowers, I am sure I "borrowed" these from someone here...

My bouquet, tied with champagne colored ribbon (to match the ribbon on my dress) and with 6 single crystals throughout:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/3236505461_9ba503cfc9.jpg

1 of these on the cocktail table for the cake reception:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/orchids.jpg

2 of these on the cake table, one on each side of the cake:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/orchids3.jpg

Greg just wanted a simple white calla lily (which is really ivory, Rosie assured me!) boutonnière with a small piece of the loop grass, like my bouquet has. He is getting a hidden Mickey and an extra boutonnière for our MK/Epcot photo shoot the next morning. Rosie used the pic in the planning kit and added the loop grass.

We paid a little extra to have the vases delivered to our room after the ceremony but we will be there for another 9 days and figured it would be nice to have them around as long as we can.

Everything was an upgrade except Greg's ceremony boutonnière but, I have to admit, the prices were pretty competitive from what I have seen. I know a lot of people have said the pricing at Disney Floral is high and maybe they are for big centerpieces and numerous bouquets but for my little things, the prices were pretty similar to a local florist here in MI. Greg's second boutonnière was only $18 and well worth it, I know he will take off his jacket the second the pics are over (maybe sooner) and it would probably get squished.

[2nd Time Bride]

Thats an awesome story! congrats!

Thanks!! Not exactly traditional but we kinda threw tradition right out the window!

I love your dress in your signature, I have to check out your PJ tonight. It looks amazing on you, even in that teeny pic. I really, really wanted a lace halter dress with a v-neck but, when I tried them on, they didn't look good on me. :(

[GleepingBeauty]

I love your flowers! I think they are going to be beautiful!

What does your dress look like?

[lzimm13]

I love the orchids! they're so pretty! its a nice fresh clean look!

[2nd Time Bride]

Ok, the dress!! I really, really wanted a lace halter - imagine the Oscar de la Renta from the first Sex and the City (the Vogue bridal shoot!). I was dead set against a strapless. But when I went in and tried on the lace halters, I met with epic failure. One of the salesgirls said - oh, you kinda look like a tan, dark haired version of Anna Nicole!! :scared1: Great, a Mexican Anna Nicole for my wedding!! We immediately left that store. (Nothing against Anna Nicole but I was hoping for a little less sexy and a little more romantic on my wedding day! ;))

At that store and the next, both told me it would take about 3 months to get a dress in once we ordered it so we went to David's Bridal where everything is bought off the rack. I wasn't expecting to find a dress there but the sales girl talked me into trying on a strapless and I was pleasantly surprised. I loved this dress, the color, the style - its very slimming and only has a short train - perfect for Sunset Point!! The price was right too - under $500!

These are just pics of it I found on the Internet, right now it is a bit too big and I am trying to lose more weight so I will post pics of me wearing it closer to the date, when the alterations have been completed.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/weddingdress.jpg

And a close up of the ribbon around the waist with a little bit of bling...

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/weddingdress2.jpg

I already have my shoes and a flower clip for my hair, I also got a small birdcage veil in case it is super windy or super humid. Hopefully I can post these tomorrow!

I am really on the fence about the veil because I plan to wear my hair down and in waves, but might pull it up if its too humid (my hair gets frizzy in humidity) - I booked Beaute Speciale for both the wedding and our MK/Epcot photo shoot. I am going to have a trial run on Sept 11th, at my salon here in Grand Rapids. I will definitely post pics from that!! :)

[2nd Time Bride]

I don't think I mentioned, my wedding coordinator is Kathleen Reynolds (who is awesome) and we worked with Rosie on our flowers and photography.

We have asked Reverend Tim Herring to perform our wedding, when I sent him an email about his availability he sent me so much good info, we knew he was the one!

Photography: We went with Disney Photography because we had no other choice as we booked too close to our wedding date. We didn't mind, as it was included in our package and we are having such a small ceremony (with no guests). We upgraded to the Cindy D package to get the hi-res DVD and added the MK/Epcot photo shoot!!! We are soooo excited about the MK/Epcot photo shoot, its scheduled for the morning after the wedding.

Cake: Greg really wanted to help but has no interest in flowers so I "delegated" the cake to him. He did a great job! We are getting the cake below in a two layer with champagne ribbon to match my dress and then the rhinestone.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/weddingcake.jpg

I had posted on the Cake thread that we were asking for a quote on the ribbon, well it came back at $245 for both ribbons, the champagne one was $15 and the rhinestone was $115/yard and we need 2 yards. I thought Greg would say we had to cut the rhinestone but he said let's go for it! :cool1:

We are getting flowers on the top, ones to match the ceremony flowers and sort of in this style...

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/phalaenopsis-wedding-cake.jpg

Music: Greg also took music as his task, we only chose music from the list and just had the violinist included in the package but it was so cute seeing him listening to all the songs on iTunes and crossing out the ones he didn't like. :love:

What do we have left? Not much for the wedding and honeymoon. I confirmed our reservations today - first two nights at Bay Lake Tower and then moving into Contemporary for nine nights. Now, our home reception (which we call our "Wedding Celebration Party") is another story. Just getting started with that...we have our cake tasting tomorrow!

[Nikisha421]

Hey Tasha,
Great start...I can't wait to see pictures!!!

[Bridie1996]

Hi Tasha! I love your style, it is very similar to what I had in mind for our wedding before we decided to go for SBP and more guests and then I changed my mind on colors and all sorts of things! I'm going to follow along so I can live vicariously through you. :)

I wanted to make a suggestion on your photographer though. Since you're using Disney photography I'd suggest looking at pictures that some of the brides have from Disney photographers and requesting your favorite photographers. They'll tell you that they can't gaurantee your choice, but if you give them the names of your two favorites, chances are you'll get one or the other.

I'd recommend Regina who we had, and I know Amy is pretty good too!

Just something I learned in my planning, and thought it might help!
:thumbsup2

[Sccrmnky2005]

I don't think I mentioned, my wedding coordinator is Kathleen Reynolds (who is awesome) and we worked with Rosie on our flowers and photography.

We have asked Reverend Tim Herring to perform our wedding, when I sent him an email about his availability he sent me so much good info, we knew he was the one!

Photography: We went with Disney Photography because we had no other choice as we booked too close to our wedding date. We didn't mind, as it was included in our package and we are having such a small ceremony (with no guests). We upgraded to the Cindy D package to get the hi-res DVD and added the MK/Epcot photo shoot!!! We are soooo excited about the MK/Epcot photo shoot, its scheduled for the morning after the wedding.

Cake: Greg really wanted to help but has no interest in flowers so I "delegated" the cake to him. He did a great job! We are getting the cake below in a two layer with champagne ribbon to match my dress and then the rhinestone.

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/weddingcake.jpg

I had posted on the Cake thread that we were asking for a quote on the ribbon, well it came back at $245 for both ribbons, the champagne one was $15 and the rhinestone was $115/yard and we need 2 yards. I thought Greg would say we had to cut the rhinestone but he said let's go for it! :cool1:

We are getting flowers on the top, ones to match the ceremony flowers and sort of in this style...

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/phalaenopsis-wedding-cake.jpg

Music: Greg also took music as his task, we only chose music from the list and just had the violinist included in the package but it was so cute seeing him listening to all the songs on iTunes and crossing out the ones he didn't like. :love:

What do we have left? Not much for the wedding and honeymoon. I confirmed our reservations today - first two nights at Bay Lake Tower and then moving into Contemporary for nine nights. Now, our home reception (which we call our "Wedding Celebration Party") is another story. Just getting started with that...we have our cake tasting tomorrow!

Love the cake this is something similar to what I'm doing... I have found places online that sell the ribbon for $55 a yard . So I would def look around!!! I'm going to definitly be buying it myself as it seems like disney is doubling the price:headache:, then i will be giving it to them along with my cake topper.

[erin.w]

We will be in Disney for our planning session when you get married!

[Nikisha421]

Tasha did you abandon your PJ???

[2nd Time Bride]

Tasha did you abandon your PJ???

Oh no - I am still here!! I have been working like crazy and any of my DISboard time has been spent over on the DISigners site, looking for finishing touches and inspiration for our home reception party. Sorry!!

Check this out - one of the DISigners made me some Mickey Bride and Groom luggage tags - I love them!! (Post 1649 about halfway down this page) I'm gonna print them on heavy stock paper and get them laminated at the FedEx store so hopefully they last thru our connection in Atlanta! :)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980430&page=110

I will get on updating my PJ this weekend as I have to work and will have time in between tasks. Bummer for the holiday but at least I have the DISboard to keep me company!! :grouphug:

[2nd Time Bride]

Hi Tasha! I love your style, it is very similar to what I had in mind for our wedding before we decided to go for SBP and more guests and then I changed my mind on colors and all sorts of things! I'm going to follow along so I can live vicariously through you. :)

I wanted to make a suggestion on your photographer though. Since you're using Disney photography I'd suggest looking at pictures that some of the brides have from Disney photographers and requesting your favorite photographers. They'll tell you that they can't gaurantee your choice, but if you give them the names of your two favorites, chances are you'll get one or the other.

I'd recommend Regina who we had, and I know Amy is pretty good too!

Just something I learned in my planning, and thought it might help!
:thumbsup2

Thanks for the advice!! It's interesting you mentioned them, I specifically requested either Regina or Amy for our ceremony and MK/Epcot photo shoots!! Perhaps I saw your pics? I have gone thru soooo many here, I can't remember all the ones I looked at!!

I hope this doesn't sound creepy, we downloaded some really great MK/Epcot pics to Greg's iPhone and plan to show the photographer the ones we like. I saw a few too many pics of the bride front and center and the groom in the background, all fuzzy and out of focus, we don't like those. It reminds us of the movie Almost Famous where they get the tshirts and the lead signer is front and center and the rest of the band are the "out of focus" guys. :rotfl2:

LOL - I told that to Rosie and she actually added a comment to our Estimate that said "no shots with the bride close up and the groom in the back ground". Rosie rocks! :goodvibes

I had to edit my post - I just saw you have one with you out of focus and your DH is in focus, sort of over your shoulder. Now, I like that! With the out of focus bride in the front, it doesn't look like the groom is an afterthought! Hmmmm - need to show your pic to Greg when he gets home today!

[2nd Time Bride]

Love the cake this is something similar to what I'm doing... I have found places online that sell the ribbon for $55 a yard . So I would def look around!!! I'm going to definitly be buying it myself as it seems like disney is doubling the price:headache:, then i will be giving it to them along with my cake topper.

I know we could have found it cheaper but, to be honest, I didn't really look around. I know, I totally slacked on that one. Is $55/yard for 4 rows of rhinestones? Ugh, I should have looked around. :surfweb:

But, I can justify it a little by the fact that we are re-using the ribbon for our home reception, right? :rolleyes1

We found a bakery out here in MI who will recreate our Disney cake, using the rhinestone ribbon, for only $100!! Since we will have too many people for such a small cake, she is also creating two 1/4 sheet cakes, one in the shape of a tux and the other in the shape of my wedding dress. They are so cute and fun! We have a pic of ones she has done in the past, I need to find a color scanner so I can get them uploaded.

[tinkerbell 766]

Love the luggage tags!!
Mel is a generous and talented DISigner!!
I used to design very similar ones before I temporarily retired from the 'Creative DISigns' board to plan my VR. If anybody out there wants luggage tags designed, give me a shout. I would be happy to give it a go!!!

[Nikisha421]

Oh no - I am still here!! I have been working like crazy and any of my DISboard time has been spent over on the DISigners site, looking for finishing touches and inspiration for our home reception party. Sorry!!

Check this out - one of the DISigners made me some Mickey Bride and Groom luggage tags - I love them!! (Post 1649 about halfway down this page) I'm gonna print them on heavy stock paper and get them laminated at the FedEx store so hopefully they last thru our connection in Atlanta! :)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1980430&page=110

I will get on updating my PJ this weekend as I have to work and will have time in between tasks. Bummer for the holiday but at least I have the DISboard to keep me company!! :grouphug:
okay great!! I was starting to get worried...and btw nice luggage tags...

[2nd Time Bride]

Hello - so I am having a big jewelry dilemma...

I bought some earrings and a necklace when I thought I would wear my hair up and using my birdcage veil but I have since decided I want to wear my hair down, ditch the veil and only use this hairpiece...

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02266.jpg

Now, I feel like my earrings are too small and I don't think I want to even wear a necklace. I have been looking thru the pics on the board and love the larger earring/no necklace look with the strapless dresses. Thank goodness I bought the new jewelry at TJ Maxx, I won't feel that bad going back to the drawing board for the new earrings. :rolleyes1

Speaking of saving some $$$, I found my shoes at DSW, on the clearance rack at 60% off!! Woo hoo!! :yay: They match my dress's sash perfectly and are called Elope! :goodvibes

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02265.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02264.jpg

Now, I also need to find a bag...I thought about it when I realized I have no place to keep my id, lipstick or beloved iPhone during our dinner at Shula's!! Someone has to take some cell phone pics!! ;)

[Nikisha421]

I for one can't wait to see the iphone pix...:goodvibes

[2nd Time Bride]

I for one can't wait to see the iphone pix...:goodvibes

Thanks! I hope to be able to sneak some good ones in (especially cake pics!) and, since we are not superstitious, I asked Greg to take some pics of me getting ready with Beaute Speciale so those will be ready to post early too!

[2nd Time Bride]

Food! So, even though it's just the two of us, we wanted to go somewhere nice for dinner and wear our wedding clothes. Greg really doesn't like seafood and we both love steak so we went looking for a great steakhouse. He chose Shula's, in the Dolphin, after reading a bunch of reviews.

After the ceremony and cake, Kathleen is going to have the cake boxed up in two boxes, one for us to take to Shula's and one for the rest of the cake. We head back to our hotel, freshen up and then on to Shula's for our 7:15pm dinner reservation. We have emailed with Valerie Davis, the event coordinator at Shula's, she has assured us they can serve our cake as desert and that she has requested a "special" table for us, kinda out of the way and a bit romantic. I can't wait to see it!!

We also have all our ADRs made, we picked a couple special things to do for the Disneymoon...

10/14 - Breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table (I have always wanted to do this!)
10/14 - Sweetheart dinner at Jiko's
10/15 - Epcot 3D DP (since we couldn't have our own with just the 2 of us!)
10/16 - Dinner at Epcot Tokyo
10/17 - Dinner at Epcot Tutto Italia
10/20 - Dinner at Boma

We are doing the Keys to the Kingdom tour on the 19th and going to Kona at the Poly for dinner that night.

We also booked lunch at the Sci-Fi Dine In on the 18th, Greg really wanted to check it out and have a couple breakfasts booked at the Wave since it is right in our resort. We are doing the Chef Mickey breakfast the last morning we are there, just to wrap our trip up.

Hmmmm - this seems like a lot of food when I have to type it all out!! I am a little hesitant about the Sweetheart Dinner on the 14th, only because I read the reviews to Geek+Nerd's inquiry on if it is worth the money. Well, Greg is pretty excited about it so I will make sure I post a review on it...:)

[2nd Time Bride]

So I am just not in the mood to work today, having worked the entire holiday weekend. :sad2: I work from home so I am breaking in the wedding shoes today, good thing because they are killing my toes!! I am also trying to make a list of the little random things we have left to do and, more importantly, what we have to pay for still! It all adds up - doesn't it?

I also realized I have not posted a pic of my ring yet!! We got engaged without a ring and, when he asked me what kind of ring I wanted, I told him nothing over $1000 because we just bought a house!! Plus, I wasn't even sure I wanted a diamond ring, I wanted something a little different. Greg was so sweet, going to store after store and looking at about a million pics of rings on the Internet. I found a sapphire at Jared's that I just loved and was thinking about getting it for my right hand for my "something blue". Then I thought, why not wear it as my engagement ring? Greg was cool with it and we got a tiny white gold band to go with it, I love it!

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/ring.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/ring2.jpg

Since I have mastered the art of resizing photos in PhotoBucket, I will go back and replace my GIANT shoe pics! :rotfl:

I still have not found earrings but honestly, I didn't get to leave the house much this weekend. :(

As for his tux, we are going through Sacino's. I don't see a lot of people using them, I think most use Carolyn Allen, so I will make sure I give them a vendor review. They had the Joseph Abboud Greg liked and they deliver to the resorts so we went with them. I think I mentioned, we are using Carolyn Allen to steam my dress after we arrive.

Speaking of the dress...mine no longer fits. And not just a smidgey - the whole top is totally hollow and the hips are so baggy. I am freaking out - glad I lost the weight, freaking because I have heard horror stories about David's Bridal and their alteration costs/rules. I had to buy a size up to get it to close over my chest so the hips were big from the start but now I have to hold it up with my hands - of course, the weight I lose leaves my chest first!! And my alteration appointment is not until Sept 19th. :scared1: Maybe I can get a really padded Victoria's Secret bra....:headache:

[Nikisha421]

thanks for keeping me in the loop

[Bethany66]

So I am just not in the mood to work today, having worked the entire holiday weekend. :sad2: I work from home so I am breaking in the wedding shoes today, good thing because they are killing my toes!! I am also trying to make a list of the little random things we have left to do and, more importantly, what we have to pay for still! It all adds up - doesn't it?

I also realized I have not posted a pic of my ring yet!! We got engaged without a ring and, when he asked me what kind of ring I wanted, I told him nothing over $1000 because we just bought a house!! Plus, I wasn't even sure I wanted a diamond ring, I wanted something a little different. Greg was so sweet, going to store after store and looking at about a million pics of rings on the Internet. I found a sapphire at Jared's that I just loved and was thinking about getting it for my right hand for my "something blue". Then I thought, why not wear it as my engagement ring? Greg was cool with it and we got a tiny white gold band to go with it, I love it!

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/ring.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/ring2.jpg

:


Since I have mastered the art of resizing photos in PhotoBucket, I will go back and replace my GIANT shoe pics! :rotfl:

I still have not found earrings but honestly, I didn't get to leave the house much this weekend. :(

As for his tux, we are going through Sacino's. I don't see a lot of people using them, I think most use Carolyn Allen, so I will make sure I give them a vendor review. They had the Joseph Abboud Greg liked and they deliver to the resorts so we went with them. I think I mentioned, we are using Carolyn Allen to steam my dress after we arrive.

Speaking of the dress...mine no longer fits. And not just a smidgey - the whole top is totally hollow and the hips are so baggy. I am freaking out - glad I lost the weight, freaking because I have heard horror stories about David's Bridal and their alteration costs/rules. I had to buy a size up to get it to close over my chest so the hips were big from the start but now I have to hold it up with my hands - of course, the weight I lose leaves my chest first!! And my alteration appointment is not until Sept 19th. :scared1: Maybe I can get a really padded Victoria's Secret bra....:headache:

See if your alteration person can put in an internal bra/strap. I don't know the correct term off hand, but my alteration lady put an internal band with side boning and three extra hooks to support my top in case I lost more weight. It works great and makes me feel more "secure" as I am not use to going without a bra. Hopefully, my weight will just stay the same. However with the excitement of the wedding I figure I'll lose some without even trying-bother.
Have a great wedding!!!!!!:

[2nd Time Bride]

See if your alteration person can put in an internal bra/strap. I don't know the correct term off hand, but my alteration lady put an internal band with side boning and three extra hooks to support my top in case I lost more weight. It works great and makes me feel more "secure" as I am not use to going without a bra. Hopefully, my weight will just stay the same. However with the excitement of the wedding I figure I'll lose some without even trying-bother.
Have a great wedding!!!!!!:

Thanks for the suggestion, I will ask about it when I go in tomorrow. It might help because I am not stopping my self imposed bridal boot camp!! ;)

I have GREAT NEWS!!!! I called David's Bridal in a panic and asked for my salesgirl. She was busy but the manager had answered and asked what was wrong. I told her about the dress being sooooo big and asked how many sizes they could take it down - answer, 2!!! :headache: I said there is no way 2 will be adequate as I had bought it 1 size too big in the waist, so it could zip over my chest and now, well you know the situation. She said - since I bought it less than 2 months ago and the tags are still on it - I can come in tomorrow and exchange it for a smaller size!!!!!!!! :woohoo:

She checked and they have the next two sizes down, she made a note in my account and booked my appt. :yay: I am sooooo happy!!:dance3: I cannot believe how nice she was about it, she reassured me they can get me a smaller one and I will still have time for "rush" alterations if needed. I swear, I think I just got a little pixie dust!!! :wizard:

[LuvLuvLuv]

i just caught up and i love your story! great news for the dress, and congrats on losing weight! ps: i love the ring. i'm 48 hours into engagement without a ring (which i was fine with 48 hours ago) and now i'm frantically searching the internet for a left hand sparkly :lmao:

[Bethany66]

Great news on the dress!!!! I am a firm believer that all things work out for the best in the end. However, if you think you might lose more in the "top" see about that strap thingy-so long as it is not too expensive.

Great to hear you are loving Boot Camp. Way to go!:cool1:

[Bethany66]

As I tend to do things backwards, I just read your first page and we have the same Planner. Plus we are getting married on 10-10-10 at EPCOT. We're doing the EPCOT Bridal shoot on the 12th and the Trash the Dress on the 13th-all with Disney Photographers.
I have really enjoyed working with Kathleen-she is very well organized and funny! Rosie has been great too and even helped set up our Guests' Welcome Gifts!!! I have nothing but good things to say so far. Now we are just praying for a rain free morning, so that we can be married outside in Canada.
Have a wonderful time, enjoy the Food & Wine Festival and have a fabulous wedding!!!!:cheer2:

[2nd Time Bride]

As I tend to do things backwards, I just read your first page and we have the same Planner. Plus we are getting married on 10-10-10 at EPCOT. We're doing the EPCOT Bridal shoot on the 12th and the Trash the Dress on the 13th-all with Disney Photographers.
I have really enjoyed working with Kathleen-she is very well organized and funny! Rosie has been great too and even helped set up our Guests' Welcome Gifts!!! I have nothing but good things to say so far. Now we are just praying for a rain free morning, so that we can be married outside in Canada.
Have a wonderful time, enjoy the Food & Wine Festival and have a fabulous wedding!!!!:cheer2:

Thank you!! We are also keeping our fingers crossed for a rain free week!! Good wishes to you as well - it's coming up quickly isn't it?! :yay:

[2nd Time Bride]

So I went to David's Bridal tonight and they let me exchange my dress for one 2 sizes smaller. :woohoo: No probs with the exchange, they were soooo nice about it!

They also made an appointment for "rush" alterations on September 30th - turns out the rush cost is only an additional $25. They said it would cost about $65 to take in the bodice, if needed and $50 for an under bustle. I am not sure what that is but the woman said it would look better since my train is so short. I don't need it hemmed because my shoes make it the perfect length! :yay:

I asked about adding the bra strap thingy in and they said they typically don't put something like that in this specific dress but they could. They were hesitant and said they could take in the top enough that they didn't think I would need it. Hmmmm, we will see! ;) Overall, I didn't think the cost for the alterations was that bad but I haven't had a lot of alterations done in the past.

Oh - I had to add, my younger sister is coming to visit this weekend and I can't wait to show her everything! Hopefully, I can stay on track with the diet - it would stink to have my new smaller dress become too small!!!

[girli565]

That's great they rushed the alterations and for such a small price!!

If they make the bodice tighter just make sure you don't have the dreaded back fat that happens sometimes when the bodice is tight. But it will definitely hold up the girls if it fits well. My dress was perfect and I didn't have to wear a corset or strapless bra underneathe. I was very comfy the day of my wedding.

[2nd Time Bride]

That's great they rushed the alterations and for such a small price!!

If they make the bodice tighter just make sure you don't have the dreaded back fat that happens sometimes when the bodice is tight. But it will definitely hold up the girls if it fits well. My dress was perfect and I didn't have to wear a corset or strapless bra underneathe. I was very comfy the day of my wedding.

:scared1: I know what you are talking about - I also want to avoid armpit fat in the front!! :scared1:

Since my sis will be out this weekend, I will get her opinion, sometimes I need the brutal honesty only a younger sister can provide!! ;)

[girli565]

:scared1: I know what you are talking about - I also want to avoid armpit fat in the front!! :scared1:

Since my sis will be out this weekend, I will get her opinion, sometimes I need the brutal honesty only a younger sister can provide!! ;)
Armpit fat is a def no-no! Even the thinnest of girls gets both back fat and armpit fat. It's always because the dress is too tight. I hate seeing a gorgeous, thin girl with fat hanging off her. It doesn't make sense. Did no one tell her the dress was pulled too tight?

[KitKat5]

Im loving your story so far...I cant wait to read more!!

Davids Bridal are fab aren't they?! I flew to Florida from the UK in April to buy my dress from there and they did lots of alterations for me (hem, bustle, corset back etc) in just over 1wk! They were so great about it and did a perfect job! :)

[2nd Time Bride]

I agree, David's Bridal is awesome! :yay:

So we are now impatiently waiting. We have our AP vouchers, our Magic Express tags, all our paperwork signed and everything paid for. Oh - but no Marriage License yet. Brevard County did cash the check so now I am running to the mailbox every day like a little kid waiting for a Christmas gift!! :lmao:

We also got our cake serving set so now I am ready to ship our box with the set, the champagne flutes and our memory vase (with my Gram's name on it) to the Contemporary. LOL - we have so much stuff for a tiny little elopement ceremony!! But I wanted to have the same serving set and champagne flutes at our home reception/party plus I thought it would be nice to have stuff we can keep and use once in a while.

I am thinking I will ship another big box with my shoes and a bunch of stuffing, so I can ship my dress back home after the wedding. Still working on breaking those shoes in!! :headache:

I have my hair and makeup trial this Friday, I will post some pics afterwards!

I showed my sis the dress and, in true little sister fashion she said, it looks and fits awesome but you better stay away from deserts and drinks until after the wedding!! :laughing: I made her double check the armpit/back fat situation and she assured me there is none! Whew!!

She did, however, suggest I cover my "1990s Guns n Roses looking flower tattoo" on my shoulder. Yeah, I can see her point. Darn that 1994 Spring Break trip! :headache: I emailed Ana at Beaute Speciale and she said it wouldn't be a problem since it is so small. I don't know - do you guys think it would be strange to cover it up? Everyone knows I have it. We are paying so much for the pics but I don't want them to not look like us, ya know?

Well, I guess I should get some work done today...;)

[athenna]

Sounds like things are coming along great!:goodvibes

As far as the tattoo goes, I have 2 of them. Everyone knows about them. I have one that is easily coverable, as it's it's slightly above my left breast,lol but if my wedding dress was low cut enough, it would show. My 2nd tattoo is on my left arm and it is a Pirates of the Caribbean tattoo, which fits me totally, and I will have no problems with it showing in the photos. I MAY be in the minority with this, others may say cover it! But I'm gonna be me, even on my wedding day:)
Oh, and my fiance has 5 tattoos, so it's not a biggie for him either.

[2nd Time Bride]

Sounds like things are coming along great!:goodvibes

As far as the tattoo goes, I have 2 of them. Everyone knows about them. I have one that is easily coverable, as it's it's slightly above my left breast,lol but if my wedding dress was low cut enough, it would show. My 2nd tattoo is on my left arm and it is a Pirates of the Caribbean tattoo, which fits me totally, and I will have no problems with it showing in the photos. I MAY be in the minority with this, others may say cover it! But I'm gonna be me, even on my wedding day:)
Oh, and my fiance has 5 tattoos, so it's not a biggie for him either.

LOL - I actually have 2 other ones that won't be showing (one on my hip and one on my ankle) but they are a LOT nicer in quality. Not that my little rose is nasty, it's just a bit dated. :headache:

I stood up in a friend's wedding back in the late '90s and she asked me to cover it. I thought that was super funny considering the bridesmaid dresses were a very sheer, pale yellow with these crazy straps in the back - you couldn't wear a bra and the front was almost see-thru. It was before those sticky bra cups were easily available so my mom sewed bathing suit cups into every one of the dresses at the last minute, after she saw me wearing mine and about had a heart attack. :scared1:

[athenna]

I stood up in a friend's wedding back in the late '90s and she asked me to cover it. I thought that was super funny considering the bridesmaid dresses were a very sheer, pale yellow with these crazy straps in the back - you couldn't wear a bra and the front was almost see-thru. It was before those sticky bra cups were easily available so my mom sewed bathing suit cups into every one of the dresses at the last minute, after she saw me wearing mine and about had a heart attack. :scared1:

:scared1:n Wow, and she was concerned about your tattoo?:rotfl:

[2nd Time Bride]

Ok, we have successfully kept our wedding a secret from most everyone except our immediate families. There are a couple reasons for this - first, we all know how small Sunset Pointe is. We didn't want to have to ask people to leave their kids behind, etc, etc because we can't fit everyone at the site. And we really wanted Sunset Pointe.

Second, we know our families have both had a hard year financially. We couldn't see ourselves asking them to take time off new jobs and spending the kind of money it would take to get to and stay at Disney.

Third, we know our friends can afford to go and take the time off but it would kill our parents and sibs to know our friends are there and they can't be. They would probably do silly stuff like charge the entire trip in order to attend. And then, which friends do we invite and which ones do we have to turn away when the family decides to attend, or do we move the location at the last minute? (is that possible??)

Fourth, and most honestly, we don't want to share our honeymoon with family and friends, regardless of how much we love them. We have a very special relationship - we are best friends and have a tendency to go into what our friends refer to as "the bubble". That bubble does not want company on our honeymoon. I know this sounds selfish but I am being very honest.

I told my bosses that we are getting married because I am taking 10 days straight off of work and am not going to bring my laptop. Since I work in IT, this amount of time off is a big deal. Well, one of my very well meaning bosses sent out an email to the team today, telling them we are getting married and that he is collecting for a gift card. :eek:

Super nice but did I mention we work together? And a lot of our friends work with us? Oh yeah, and we are IT geeks so this has probably already gone viral?! :headache: I have received 2 IMs since I just started writing this - congrats and why didn't you tell us? <sigh>

I am sure I am just going Bridezilla about all of this and it will not be a big deal whatsoever. I just had to vent about it to someone and figured this would be the best place since I know so many of you have been in similar situations. Maybe I just need a happy hour....

[2nd Time Bride]

No more Bridezilla drama - today we got our marriage license!! We did the mail request through Brevard County and it was soooooo easy. Another awesome suggestion from these boards - I am so glad we did it! :thumbsup2

Also, I just got back from my hair and makeup trial. I had a blast and love the look, I took some pics and will post them later. Right now I am off to get supplies for tailgating tomorrow, we are going to the Michigan State game! :woohoo:

[LuvLuvLuv]

Sorry about your work "drama". I agree that they meant well. We're kind of in the same boat with our engagement. We want to tell our families in person... but we won't see my family until Christmas. Plus, I don't have my E-Ring yet since we opted for layaway instead of financing. Everyone would be asking where my ring is and I'd be like ummmmm, yeah. So we just decided to keep it quiet for now. At least on here I can let out my excitement :) Just remember that it always works out in the end... and from the sounds of it... you'll be getting a nice little gift card to take with you :banana:

[Nikisha421]

I cant wait to see your pictures...I love reading your pj its like I know you for real:goodvibes

[DisneyDiva84]

Everything looks fantastic so far! Yay for the marriage liscense. Alex and I are getting ours on the Thursday prior at the courthouse at the crack of dawn lol, hopefully the lines won't be too long

Can't wait to see the hair and make-up!

[2nd Time Bride]

Sorry about your work "drama". I agree that they meant well. We're kind of in the same boat with our engagement. We want to tell our families in person... but we won't see my family until Christmas. Plus, I don't have my E-Ring yet since we opted for layaway instead of financing. Everyone would be asking where my ring is and I'd be like ummmmm, yeah. So we just decided to keep it quiet for now. At least on here I can let out my excitement :) Just remember that it always works out in the end... and from the sounds of it... you'll be getting a nice little gift card to take with you :banana:

Thanks for the support, I swear I was just having a Bridezilla moment. It really doesn't matter who knows, we are happy with our decisions! And, they are really nice guys who mean well so it's not like I can be mad at them - they had no clue it was a "secret"!! :laughing:

I cant wait to see your pictures...I love reading your pj its like I know you for real:goodvibes

Thanks! It's nice to know there are people following along and that I know you guys from your PJs. My sister calls you all my DISBoard friends!! :goodvibes

Everything looks fantastic so far! Yay for the marriage liscense. Alex and I are getting ours on the Thursday prior at the courthouse at the crack of dawn lol, hopefully the lines won't be too long

Can't wait to see the hair and make-up!

From the PJs I have read, it doesn't sound like the lines are long, just that some people (not DISBrides) didn't have the correct documents. We copied our passports as our IDs because DF's drivers license has our temporary address on it, not the address on the marriage license. We figured there would be no confusion if we used the passports and thank goodness we were right. Oh - I think someone else mentioned this - you have to use black ink on the paperwork, no blue allowed! :thumbsup2

[2nd Time Bride]

My very first "glad I did" is twofold - I am sooooo glad I did a hair & makeup trial but I am even happier that I took pics of it, in natural lighting, about an hour after the application.

In preparation to post my latest update and since I really don't feel like working, I took a look at the pics DF and I took of my hair & make-up trial. While we loved the look in person, I must say, I think my make-up is a bit too light in the pics. I don't usually wear a lot of makeup and described my preferred look to be beachy and natural, to coincide with our theme. Take a look...by the way, I did not use a flash, just opened all the blinds to let the sun shine in!

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02342.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02354.jpg

I am soooo glad we took the pics (Ana's advice) because I can really see what it will look like when we get our outside pics after the ceremony. I still love the look, I just know I want Beaute Speciale to use a bit of a heavier hand on my eyes and I also know, with 100% certainty, that I want fake eyelashes. Opinions?

I love my hair and flower and know my decision to go veil-less is the right one! Please excuse the grown out highlights, coloring appt is next week!! :eek:

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02351.jpg

http://i977.photobucket.com/albums/ae257/2nd_Time_Bride/DSC02352.jpg

DF loves my hair down, I think he was a little nervous I would change my mind and get an updo. I am super happy about it all and only wish I could have taken pics with me in the dress but DF was helping me get the ones of the back of my hair and I couldn't have him seeing me ALL ready, could I? :goodvibes

LOL - ok, I cannot figure out why 3 of the pics are GIANT and 1 is regular size. I apologize for the extreme close ups, guess you will really get a feel for my make up application if they are still HUGE when I submit the post. :scared1: :rotfl:

[Sccrmnky2005]

Looks wonderful!! I love your hair!!:goodvibes

[LuvLuvLuv]

LOVE your hair!! I like the flower and the veil-less look!

I think a heavier hand on the eyeshadow/bit of eyeliner would really bring out your eyes. Even if they do a bit darker shadow in the contour it would open everything up a bit more :) Either way you will look wonderful!!

[DisneyDiva84]

YAY you looked beautiful in the hair and make up trial! Like there was any doubt though :)

Alex loves my hair down too! I'm so glad I did a hair and make-up trial because its the only way you can truly make changes, doing it the day of you just never know....

I cannot believe we are under three weeks away! Talk about exciting!

[pinkmiss3]

I just want to tell you that I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see your pictures! I also plan to get married at Sunset Pointe next year and its great to see what other brides who are getting married at this location are planning. :goodvibes

[2nd Time Bride]

Looks wonderful!! I love your hair!!:goodvibes

Thanks!! I'm really happy about the way it turned out!

LOVE your hair!! I like the flower and the veil-less look!

I think a heavier hand on the eyeshadow/bit of eyeliner would really bring out your eyes. Even if they do a bit darker shadow in the contour it would open everything up a bit more :) Either way you will look wonderful!!

Thanks for the tips Ms Dior!! Seriously, I was hoping you would bring your professional opinion and I really appreciate it!! :worship:

BTW - I adore the Diorshow mascara. My friend was telling me it is now waterproof? I am sure Beaute will have their own wonderful products but I might have to pick some up for the honeymoon! ;)

YAY you looked beautiful in the hair and make up trial! Like there was any doubt though :)

Alex loves my hair down too! I'm so glad I did a hair and make-up trial because its the only way you can truly make changes, doing it the day of you just never know....

I cannot believe we are under three weeks away! Talk about exciting!

Thank you!! I can't believe we are so close either! I can't even concentrate at work (obviously) because I am so excited. Like a little kid!! :rotfl:

I just want to tell you that I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see your pictures! I also plan to get married at Sunset Pointe next year and its great to see what other brides who are getting married at this location are planning. :goodvibes

Thanks - it's great to hear that since I was really prompted to start my PJ because of the lack of Sunset Pointe info! I will be sure to post all pics and give my honest opinion about everything. Stay tuned!! :woohoo:

[jshora]

Oh my goodness! You are gorgeous!!!

You are going to have the most fabulous wedding! I am just so happy for you!

Thank you for all of the help and support you have given me. You are a wonderful person and I'm so excited for your magical day!

[2nd Time Bride]

Oh my goodness! You are gorgeous!!!

You are going to have the most fabulous wedding! I am just so happy for you!

Thank you for all of the help and support you have given me. You are a wonderful person and I'm so excited for your magical day!

Thank you!!! I have gotten sooooo much help from the brides here, I am glad I can help someone else out! :goodvibes

[2nd Time Bride]

So we are officially two weeks out from arriving at Disney!!!! :dance3: We are soooo excited, I cannot believe we are almost there!

I had such an awesome weekend - my family came out to surprise me with a bridal brunch at my favorite restaurant! Greg was in on it, he told me we were going to brunch there and then to an art show in downtown Grand Rapids. The whole way there he was acting really strange, I thought maybe he was upset that I was so pokey slow in getting ready. He is super laid back and never cares about stuff like that so I asked him a couple times what was wrong. He said he was just hungry and he would be really glad when breakfast was over. Uh, ok??? :confused3 He told me later he hated keeping the secret, even if it was a good one. :love:

Well, we got there and I was walking to our table when he turned me around and there was my mom, sister, sis-in-law, my friend Bernadette and...my niece Desi!!!! They even brought the baby niece and nephew, who I don't get to see very often. I was so surprised, I might have actually teared up a little!! ;)

We had breakfast and went back to our house, where we hung out while the babies napped. We went over to this little touristy town for some shopping but it was rainy and freezing so we got a bite to eat and went back to the house. We had every intention of staying up late, playing Rock Band but by 10pm everyone was asleep except Greg, Desi and I. We watched Journey to the Center of the Earth and teased Desi about her Twilight-esque Jr High love triangle. :laughing:

It was so awesome to see them and to know that they are super supportive of us getting married, even if we are choosing to do so by ourselves.

I forgot to mention - the day we went to the MSU game, we got a bit tipsy and decided to just let the cat out of the bag to all our friends. Since people were finding out anyway, we figured we should be the ones to tell them. So, we left the tailgate area, went to Coldstone and started calling people. We got back to the tailgate area and told Greg's best friend who promptly decided he was going to organize a bachelor party. So - Greg is having a bachelor party on Oct 9th, only 2 days before we leave! :scared1:

[Nikisha421]

nothing sweeter than a surprise party...and with you mom...and let's not forget the babies...i'm so excited for you...have I told you this before??? did you take pictures at the bridal shower??? post them!!! haha

[2nd Time Bride]

nothing sweeter than a surprise party...and with you mom...and let's not forget the babies...i'm so excited for you...have I told you this before??? did you take pictures at the bridal shower??? post them!!! haha

LOL - thanks!! And I didn't get any pics, I had no idea so I didn't bring my camera. I let Desi take pics with the iPhone and, um, not such a good idea. I have pics of my sister's back, the carpet, and extreme close up of her face...:rotfl:

I think my SIL took some, I will make sure I get them from her.

Speaking of pics - we got our Disney Photographer assignment this morning and Ty will be taking all of our pics. I have seen some of his pics on this board and, while he does good work, I must admit I am a little disappointed we did not get Amy or Regina. I requested either of them and I feel, at least from what I have seen here, Ty does very different work. Sigh :confused3

Greg is not concerned in the least, he says he is sure Ty will do a great job and we will have great pics. I think it might be the Project Manager in me, but I am feeling a bit put off that we are spending $2100 in addition to the package and cannot choose who provides our service. I also did not know that Escape brides don't get a meeting with the photographer beforehand. Kathleen was awesome (as always) and offered to set up a call between us but I really think, once you add on a couple thousand dollars in service, a meeting should be standard. Again, me trying to PM our wedding. :headache:

I am sure I am just having my second bridezilla moment, I am glad I have very few meetings today as I got on the boards the minute I found out and started looking for vendor reviews! :rolleyes1

[Nikisha421]

I agree that you should have a meeting of some sort with the photographer...especially since you are doing what my pocket book would consider a significant add-on...but I am sure your pictures will turn out beautifully....btw did you realize that you have less than two weeks to go....ha...sigh...

[2nd Time Bride]

I agree that you should have a meeting of some sort with the photographer...especially since you are doing what my pocket book would consider a significant add-on...but I am sure your pictures will turn out beautifully....btw did you realize that you have less than two weeks to go....ha...sigh...

Thanks for the words of encouragement! :goodvibes I am sure they will look great, especially since Kathleen spoke with the photo department and made sure our requests were on our paperwork. I can't say it enough - she is awesome!! :woohoo:

[Nikisha421]

well we will soon know...ten days from today it will be all over....I can't wait...

[2nd Time Bride]

We leave a week from Monday!!!! :dance3::dance3::dance3:

I cannot believe how quickly time has flown by! We have been going to the gym every day (:yay:), my dress is in alterations for the under bustle, I got my final haircut and color, sent a box to ourselves at the Contemporary (with our serving set, memory vase and toasting glasses in it) and picked up Greg's wedding gift (an iPad! :love:). I have also had to run from department store to department store, looking for shorts because Greg has lost so much weight he only had 3 pairs of shorts that fit him - and we are going to be at WDW for 11 days!! :rotfl:

Since Greg lost so much weight, his ring no longer fits either and Tungsten can't be sized so we had to order a new ring. Good thing we bought the replacement plan! Well, the gal at Jared's ordered it two weeks ago last Thursday and as of yesterday, it still wasn't in! :eek: Greg went into the store to find out what the hold up was and "suddenly" the ring will be in on Tuesday. LOL - as long as it's here by the 10th, right? ;)

Aside from that, we're just getting stuff ready for packing. I don't know how I will get through the next week of work - I can't wait!!!! :yay:

[jshora]

I am sooo excited for you!!! I can't wait to see pictures! I'm sure it's all going to be just magical!

[LuvLuvLuv]

I can't believe it's almost time!!! Good call on the replacement plan--for sure!!

I can't wait to see all the pictures :) I work both of my jobs for the rest of the week and will probably lose track of time, so Good Luck, Best Wishes, Have Fun!! :hug:

[2nd Time Bride]

I am sooo excited for you!!! I can't wait to see pictures! I'm sure it's all going to be just magical!

I can't believe it's almost time!!! Good call on the replacement plan--for sure!!

I can't wait to see all the pictures :) I work both of my jobs for the rest of the week and will probably lose track of time, so Good Luck, Best Wishes, Have Fun!! :hug:

Thanks guys! I cannot believe we are in the single digit countdown! I will take TONS of pics and even made a special wedding cover for the iPhone so it will look festive when I use it to take some pics as well! :thumbsup2

We got Greg's ring (it fits!! :dance3:) and I pick up my dress tomorrow. I started packing today, there are suitcases and clothes all over our room - lol. Oh, I downloaded the plug ins for Camp Bow Wow and verified I can see the pups via their doggy cams. We can't leave our boys for 2 weeks without being able to check in on them!! :dog::dog:

Otherwise, still impatiently waiting for Monday...

[pinkmiss3]

JUST 2 MORE DAYS!!!!:goodvibes Are you excited? I hope that you have lots of fun! Can't wait for the pics and report when you get back! Have a safe trip!

[2nd Time Bride]

I can't believe it's here - we leave for Disney tomorrow morning!!! I am still trying to get everything packed but had to take a quick break to update. I don't know how I will sleep tonight, I am soooo excited!

Thanks for following along!! Pics and reviews to follow! :bride::dance3::bride:

[CinderelliT]

Yay! Have a fun and fabulous trip!

[pixie921]

Have a safe & wonderful wedding trip!! :goodvibes

[Nikisha421]

tomorrow is wedding day...I hope you guys had a safe trip down...and if I don't get to come on tomorrow I would like to be the first to wish you two a happ WEDDING DAY!!!!

[GleepingBeauty]

Hope you have a magical wedding day!

[CinderelliT]

Happy wedding day!

[KitKat5]

Hope you have an amazing day!! I cant wait to read all about it and see all the pics!! :goodvibes

[mareeld86]

Happy Wedding day Hope your day is filled with Magic!!:wizard:

[LuvLuvLuv]

Happy Wedding Day!!

:cheer2:

[girli565]

Happy Wedding DAY!!

[pinkmiss3]

Happy Wedding Day!!!! :yay:

[pixie921]

Hope your wedding day is magical!! :goodvibes

[Pirate's Princess]

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Happy wedding day! :)

[schallerb]

Happy wedding day! Hope it's everything you wanted it to be!!!

[Sccrmnky2005]

HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!!!:goodvibes:banana::cool1::cheer2:

[athenna]

HAPPY WEDDING DAY!:bride:

[NYPrincess422]

Happy Wedding Day! :goodvibes

[TinkLoverSam]

Happy wedding day!!!!

[jshora]

I hope you had a magical wedding day! I was thinking about you all day!!! Congratulations!

[DisneyDiva84]

Shoot I missed the actual wedding day!

I know it was everything you dreamed it would be and so much more, I hope Disney blew your expectations out of the water :)

All the best and can't wait to hear all about it

[2nd Time Bride]

Thank you all for the well wishes!!! We are married!!!!! :dance3::dance3: I can't believe I found my Prince Charming and we got married at Disney!!! :banana:

Just a quick update as we are still at Disney (until the 22nd) but I had to logon to check on the boys at Camp Bow Wow and say "Hi!" to all the DISBrides!!

Everything was amazing!!! Seriously - more than we ever dreamed of!! I cannot believe how perfect our day was and how awesome all the Disney Cast Members have been. Everything Disney was absolutely perfect - photography, flowers, the cake, I could go on and on.

The ceremony was so quick, we were glad we had booked the MK/Epcot photo shoot the next morning as it kind of extended the moment. To anyone who is on the fence about spending the $$$ - we would do it again in a heartbeat. Ty was awesome and it was so much fun to be in the parks before they opened.

More to come - we gotta get going but I just had to say HI and let you all know how wonderful everything turned out!!

[pixie921]

So glad to hear your wedding day was so wonderful! Enjoy the rest of your trip!! :goodvibes

[Nikisha421]

So glad to hear your wedding day was so wonderful! Enjoy the rest of your trip!! :goodvibes

Im so happy you are married:banana:

[2nd Time Bride]

Hello!! We are back home from our fantastic Disney wedding and honeymoon, back at work and already missing WDW! Our poor Bruno got sick after we picked him up from the kennel so I have been a little slow in uploading pics and getting my updates out but he is feeling better so I am ready to get those vendor reviews going!

Honestly, we have nothing but good things to say about all but one of our vendors so I will give a little detail in addition to the grades.

DFTW Planner - Kathleen Reynolds: A++
Kathleen was amazing, quick to respond to emails and overall super helpful both in planning and on the day of the wedding. She knew we were arriving the day before the wedding and happened to be out of the office so she called my cell and left her cell number in case we had any issues. Anyone who has Kathleen as their planner is in good hands!

Officient - Rev. Tim Herring: A++
I was a little nervous about the actual ceremony, given that we didn't write it or give Rev. Tim much direction. We told him we had both been married and wanted a combination of religious and civil ceremonies, leaning a bit more toward civil. His words were so beautiful and meaningful they brought me to tears!! He stayed for a bit afterwards and made a toast as well.

Hair/Makeup - Beaute Speciale - Laine: A++
Laine was awesome!!! I had downloaded some pics from the Beaute FB page onto my iPhone and it so happened that she had done the hair and makeup for one of my faves! She was on time (both days - even at 4am), super friendly and did an amazing job. My hair frizzes easily in humidity but there were no frizzies at all!

Disney Photography - Ty Boyce: A++
As you know, we requested Amy or Regina, based on the pics we had seen on this site. When we were assigned Ty, I was a bit concerned because I hadn't seen a lot of his recent work and pics were soooo important to us. Well, I never should have worried!! :rotfl: Ty was friendly, professional and the pics we saw on his digital camera were amazing. I can't wait to see the actual photos, we did some really fun shots and some super romantic ones as well. We could not believe how many workers were at the Magic Kingdom on our photo shoot morning, equipment was everywhere and the couple before us was running late as a result. Ty was professional and flexible through it all.

Disney Floral - Rosie: A++
Our floral was exactly, and I mean exactly, like the pics I had sent to Rosie!! My bouquet was beautiful, the table pieces were beautiful and there was no clouding on the cake table! I hadn't even requested no clouding but the table had a bunch of greenery on it which perfectly matched the beachy theme and the table pieces we had picked out. In addition, all the flowers were sent to our room and lasted thru our ENTIRE trip - yes, from the 12th to the 22nd!! I took pics of them in our room the 12th and again on the 21st and will post them. We also ordered one of the romance packages with the roses and rose petals and it was the perfect way to come back to the room after dinner!! Well worth the $$$!!!

Dress Steaming - Carolyn Allen: A+
I didn't get the name of the woman who came and steamed my dress but she was on time, professional and did a great job. She also steamed Greg's tux pants, more on the tux next. Our room at Bay Lake was very small and there was really no place for her to hang the dress but she made do and got the job done quickly.

Tuxedo - Sacino's: C-
Greg wanted me to give Sacino's a D :sad2: it was the only bummer in the entire trip. When we arrived at Bay Lake, I called the store as the front desk was unable to find the tux. I had a head cold (more on that in my TR) so my voice was very faint and I had to leave a message. An hour later, the concierge at the Contemporary was still searching and I had not heard back from the store. I called again and was told they didn't call me back because my voice mail was "all over the place". Uh, what???! :headache: The concierge found the tux and we opened the box...and said ***???? There were two sets of everything except the jacket and NONE of it fit properly. By this time, the store was closed and they were not opened on Tuesday - the wedding day. The shirt was the worst - the arms were not long enough yet the belly was too big. The other shirt was way too tight in the neck. We were able to make it work but Greg was not happy about it. The only redeeming thing was that it was very easy to send back, they included a self addressed label.

Wedding Dinner - Shula's: A++
Ok, we are not foodies but there is one thing we know and it's steak!! Shula's did not let us down - the lobster bisque was perfection, maybe the best I have ever had, and both Greg's ribeye and my prime rib were cooked perfectly medium! The prime rib was ginormous, they packed us a nice little to go bag complete with extra horseradish, plastic utensils, etc. The wine list was also amazing and they gave us a free champagne toast! Service was impeccable and we were seated at a nice little table away from the families.

Cake by ??: A++
Not sure who made our cake but I had to bring it up because it was DELICIOUS!!!! We had sooooo much leftover and ate it for about 4 days but never got sick of it we loved it so much! It was beautiful - perfect - and we cannot wait to see the pics of it!!

Well - that's all I have for tonight, I will try to get online tomorrow and get my first day of the TR up along with some pics! Thanks for following along! :yay:

[2nd Time Bride]

Oh my gosh - how could I forget to review the ceremony location?! Sunset Pointe was beautiful and not windy at all! It was a bit warm - the sun was shining directly on Greg, causing him to sweat a bit but we agreed the location was perfect for us and exactly what we wanted. Super romantic, super intimate, just perfect!! :goodvibes

[pinkmiss3]

:)I am so happy to hear that everything turned out great! Bummer with the tux though. I can't wait for the rest!

[Nikisha421]

hanging on to everyword...can't wait for more...and congrats again on the wedding...

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

I a ridiculously late to this one! First, I lived in GR for about 3 years while in college...Somedays I really miss it, but love connecting with those in GR! (I sense a road trip and a Dis meet!!! :woohoo:)
Next, congratulations!
Last, can't wait to read the TR!!!

[puente0629]

I'm so happy for you and thanks for the reviews:thumbsup2, epecially about Tim, we were a little worried about our choice. Can't wait to see pictures!popcorn::

[tinkerbell 766]

Good to hear that Rev Tim was so good as we have him booked for our VR and I haven't even thought about writing the ceremony yet:rolleyes:. Did you ask him to send sample ceremonies to you beforehand?

[pinkmiss3]

I feel like a crazy, stalker person because I have been checking the board's everyday for your trip update. :yay: can't wait to read more!

[pinkmiss3]

Come back!!!! :)

[Nikisha421]

aah we have been abandoned...:sad:

[Kluhxrenay]

I'm glad you guys had a good experience with Kathleen Reynolds. She's our coordinator and has been everything but helpful. I've e-mailed,called multiple times, and no response since June. I have no clue what to do, and my wedding is in November, also at sunset pointe. This has been a very stressful time. It shouldn't be either. But I'm glad you guys had an amazing time!