Linda & Dave's Wedding 6/21/11: WP/Off Property/Morocco;Wedding day:pre-ceremony pics

[geek+nerd]

I'm pretty sure the "P" in "PJ" stands for "procrastination" and not "planning" at this point.

I'm sitting at my computer with a 35 line long to do list to get things ready to head back to school in less than a week. Naturally, I decide to start our PJ instead. :rotfl:

Us
I'm Linda: 33 years old, high school Spanish teacher, nerd.
He's Dave: 45 years old, computer programmer, geek.

How we met
In early August of last year, I went out to lunch with a married friend and her toddler son. During our conversation, I told her about a wedding that I went to earlier in the summer of a very good friend who met her husband on Match.com. I then went on to lament my spinsterhood. My friend asked if I would ever consider using a site like Match, and I said no way. I didn't feel that I could handle the level of rejection that comes with using an internet dating site. I have an orthopedic disability and walk with crutches, and I didn't want to set myself up for some attacks on my self-esteem.

Being the fantastic friend that she is, she pumped me up and really encouraged me to join a site. I still didn't think I could ever do it, but the seed was planted.

Two days later, in a rush of positive self imaging, I bit the bullet, whipped out the credit card, and signed up for a month of Match. While writing my profile, I decided to be totally open about my disability, figuring that if it bothered some guy enough, he wouldn't bother to contact me. I put pictures up of me with my crutches.

Needless to say, I was shocked at the responses I got. My August was quite a busy month. :) Dave was the third guy who contacted me. We immediately hit it off over email and the phone. He was the only guy I talked with who didn't make me feel nervous. Right away, I was relaxed and myself with him.

We had our first date on a Thursday night, August 20. We met at a movie theater about half way between where we live (a little less than an hour and a half). I picked him up at the movie theater and then we went for dinner at a Mexican restaurant not far away. The food was mediocre, but I really enjoyed our dinner. Again, I felt completely relaxed with him. I can't say I felt sparks at that point, but I knew that I definitely wanted to remain friends with him. After dinner, we went back to the theater to see [I]District 9[I] (I told you I'm a nerd and he's a geek). The movie ended and we talked about how we were both a little disappointed in it, blah, blah, blah. He walked me out to my car and then no hug, no kiss, nothing. So, I thought, "Ok. I would still like to be friends with him."

I got home and had a text message from saying he had a great time and the usual stuff. The following day, I got an email from him saying that he had tickets to a Redskins/Broncos game in November and asking me to go with him. At first, I kind of panicked because I thought it was too soon to be planning things months away and that he must really like me. Then, I thought, "What the hell? I've never been to an NFL game, and we can always go as friends if things don't work out."

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_redskins.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=redskins.jpg)
Us at the Redskins game in November. It was unseasonably warm, and I was very grateful for that.

In the meantime...I had second dates with two other guys from Match planned.

A few days later, Dave asked me out again, and we decided that I would drive to his house and we would do dinner and a movie again. At dinner, I once again felt very comfortable with him, very relaxed. We went to see [I]Inglorious Basterds[I] (our first few movies weren't very romantic :rotfl: ). During the movie, I tried to give him clues to hold my hand or put his arm around me. NOTHING. So, in my head, I thought, "He clearly isn't as in to me as I thought he was." The movie ends, we both loved it, classic Tarantino, yadda yadda. We got back to his house and since I had a long-ish drive and it was late, I was leaving. At the door, he asked for a kiss. Keep in mind, I was now convinced that this was our last date because he decided he didn't like me. Stupid me, caught completely off guard, responded, "Um. . .how about a hug instead?" How lame am I!

So, I gave him a hug and headed out the door. I got home and still wasn't sure what to think. However, I decided that I wouldn't go past three dates with someone and still date others.

Dave and I talked during the week, IMed, texted, etc. We talked about my surprise at the request for a kiss and what I had been thinking. It turns out that he was just really shy (which now I think is really sweet). And, we arranged for a third date! I also had date 3 with another guy from Match and date 1 with a different guy scheduled.

Our third date was just hanging out at his house. I got there around 1 pm. I brought schoolwork to do, and he watched football while I did some work and we chatted. And. . .we had our first kiss. :love: That was it for me!

Throughout the day, we played Wii, watched movies, ate pizza and talked. I ended up leaving at about 3 am! The next day, I canceled my other dates, and Dave and I officially became a couple!

OK. . .if you've actually read all this, you deserve a cookie, a medal and sainthood! I promise not to write so much ever again!

[puente0629]

Welcome to the boards!!!

If your as detailed on your planning then I can't wait to read more! lol

[Sccrmnky2005]

I can't wait to hear more about your plans!!

[geek+nerd]

Two responses and a bunch of a little stuff crossed off my to do list are all the encouragement I need to continue! :)

The Engagement
Our relationship became serious quite quickly. My brother-in-law joked that we would be engaged by my birthday in October and my sister said by Christmas. She was right!

I knew it was coming, but didn't quite know when. In fact, I had 5 different scenarios in mind. Because we live about an hour and a half away from each other, we get together once mid week, usually on Wednesday, for dinner and then we spend weekends together.

We made plans to redo our first date on December 16, a Wednesday. At this point, I knew he ordered the ring, but I didn't think he'd have it by that point. Dave is super sentimental, and he asked if I minded if we completely recreated our first date, down to me picking up in the movie parking lot. Of course, I thought that was sweet. I picked him up, and as he got in the car, I was rambling on about being hungry. He told me to put the car in park and then said, "Since this is the place where I first saw your beautiful face, I thought it'd be the perfect place to ask you to spend the rest of your life with me?" Of course, I said yes! After calling my parents and updating our Facebook statuses :), we headed to the Mexican restaurant where we had our first date. My sister, who knew what was going on, had called ahead to arrange to pay for our dinner.

My ring
We had been talking about getting engaged and started looking at rings. I looked at a million different sites and tried quite a few on in quite a price range and styles, but I kept coming back to a simple half carat princess cut. My ring is small, simple, and pretty. It's perfect for me.

Not the best pic-taken with my BlackBerry
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_ring.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=ring.jpg)

[geek+nerd]

We are tentatively scheduled for 10 am on June 21, 2011 (Dave picked the date) at the Wedding Pavilion. We've hired Randy Chapman for photography and are using Disney for the other ceremony details.

We were in Orlando this summer with my family for a vacation to Universal for the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and go to do some wedding stuff while there. I wanted to check out the WP and SBP. DF kept telling me that I wouldn't want to see anywhere else after checking out the WP; he had been to a wedding there several years ago. He was right! I cried as soon as I entered.

The dress
I don't have any pics of me in the dress, but I will post some once I go for a fitting (not for a while yet). Keep in mind, I'm under 5 ft tall, so this dress is actually to the floor on me! :rotfl:

It's super sparkly, and I love it. I had "the moment" that every bride wants to have when dress shopping.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/yp9983_davids_bridal_wedding_dress_primary.jpg

I'm wearing a white sash for the ceremony and a lapis (dark purple) for other events. DF is wearing a white tie for the ceremony and a dark purple tie for other events (his idea-so cute! He's into the whole matching thing).

My bracelet
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_bracelet.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=bracelet.jpg)
I LOVE it!

I'm wearing my mother's strand of pearls as my something borrowed and pearl and crystal earrings that I got at Kohl's before we were even engaged. I just thought they were pretty, and they are perfect with my dress.

Shoes, etc.
I have an orthopedic disability, wear a leg brace and walk with forearm crutches. Because of my brace, I can't wear anything but sneakers. My aunt/godmother is making me a fancy pair of sneakers. I will post pics when they are done! My mom is going to get me a pair of white crutches and I bought little blue crystals to make one hidden Mickey toward the bottom of each one as my something blue.

[geek+nerd]

Our colors are lapis and lilac. Here's a link to the David's Bridal colors. Lapis is in the second to last row, second in from the left and lilac is in the third to last row, last color in the row.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/misc?contentName=/Left_Nav/Style_and_Fashion_Guide/Color_Inspiration/color_center&categoryId=3000193

[daisygirl902]

Great start to your PJ!! Mine was also an excuse to procrastinate in the beginning...so I hear ya!

I love the recreation of the first date story - how adorable!!

[geek+nerd]

Great start to your PJ!! Mine was also an excuse to procrastinate in the beginning...so I hear ya!

I love the recreation of the first date story - how adorable!!

Thanks! He's very sentimental and sweet. For our one year anniversary, he gave me a shadow box filled with ticket stubs and little mementos from all the movies, museums, events, etc that we went to together throughout the year. I couldn't believe that he had saved them all.

[geek+nerd]

Besides DF's family's negativity toward our wedding location, little has caused me as much stress as flowers, specifically my bouquet. Just when I think I've decided, I see something else. My sister has commented that the internet is my enemy when it comes to planning this wedding because there is just too much out there.

Anyway, I am considering each of these bouquets. Any thoughts?

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_callarosebouquet.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=callarosebouquet.jpg)

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_anotherbouquet.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=anotherbouquet.jpg)

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_lilac-wedding-flowers-flowersbyeve-e.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=lilac-wedding-flowers-flowersbyeve-e.jpg)

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/th_bride_bouquet_022.jpg (http://s878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/?action=view&current=bride_bouquet_022.jpg) I don't like the china berries in this one.

I love calla lilies; I'm just not sure that they will go with my dress.

This is my dress except I will wear a white sash for the ceremony and a dark purple sash for the day's other events.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/yp9983_davids_bridal_wedding_dress_primary.jpg

Any thoughts on which bouquet?

[brer rabbit 28]

Love all your plans so far Linda. Your dress is gorgeous. I have picked a similar shaped tea length dress.

I posted my thoughts about your bouquet choices on your other thread, but for the record here, I think calla lillies are the way to go!

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Hopping on board! I just saw this on the main board and needed to come and visit (luckily I'm not 30 pages behind!)

My vote is for the first bouquet....there is just something simple and elegant that I love about it...not sure why...the only think I would change is the ribbon-I wouldn't have the ends loose like that...I'd have them tucked in.

Just my 2 cents...hope that helps.

Looking forward to reading more!

[evey82]

Hi i just wanted to say im enjoying your pj so far! I like all of the 4 options tbh lol but if i had to choose one it would be the 3rd x

[tinkerbell 766]

Love all your plans so far!!!

[geek+nerd]

Love all your plans so far Linda. Your dress is gorgeous. I have picked a similar shaped tea length dress.

I posted my thoughts about your bouquet choices on your other thread, but for the record here, I think calla lillies are the way to go!

Thanks so much! I LOVE my dress! I actually only wanted to try it on for the shape. Originally, I wanted ivory and very little detail. My mom and I started dress shopping very early because I have "unique body contours," and frankly, we thought dress shopping was going to be horrible. I ordered one dress online and returned it. The dress that I bought was the first dress that I tried on in a store. We were both shocked! It's very flattering, and I just adore it. I feel very pretty in it, and I actually love all the detail.

[geek+nerd]

Hi i just wanted to say im enjoying your pj so far! I like all of the 4 options tbh lol but if i had to choose one it would be the 3rd x

I think that's probably the one I'm going to go with. It was between #2 and #3, but some other posters mentioned that lisianthus doesn't hold up well in the heat. Our wedding is in June, and we are doing a 10 am ceremony with a dessert party that evening, so I'd like it to hold up all day.

Thanks for reading!

[Ann117]

Everything looks great so far! I love the second bouquet!

[disfan melissa]

Looking forward to reading more of your plans!
I posted on the main boards about your bouquet choices, I had something similar to #2 and LOVED it so that would definitely be my vote :)

[2nd Time Bride]

Our colors are lapis and lilac. Here's a link to the David's Bridal colors. Lapis is in the second to last row, second in from the left and lilac is in the third to last row, last color in the row.

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/misc?contentName=/Left_Nav/Style_and_Fashion_Guide/Color_Inspiration/color_center&categoryId=3000193

Catching up, only on post #6 but love it so far! I wanted to let you know, Rosie has all the David's Bridal colors and can match them perfectly! When I sent her the pic of my dress, she knew exactly what champagne color my sash is and matched my flower ribbon wrap to it. I can't wait to see it!! :)

Now, back to reading....:goodvibes

[2nd Time Bride]

I am also getting a calla lily bouquet for our October 12th wedding - we will be outside at Sunset Pointe at 5pm and then I will need it for our MK/Epcot photo shoot the next day. If this year is anything like last, it will still be HOT in October, so I will let you know how they stand up. I hope they won't get brown overnight!! :scared1:

Also, I think we were posting on the invite thread about our lack of DIY-ishness. Check out the DISigner boards!! I was going to order those little Hershey bars for our home wedding party, you know have them make the special labels and everything - well, they have labels over there that you can print on regular avery address labels, with any clip art and, boy, do the DISigners have clip art!!

I know I probably sound like a geek but I was so excited to find all the clip art and things I could easily make over there. I might be a clutz with a glue gun and get lost in a scrapbooking store but I can make a mean print out!! :thumbsup2

[TinkLoverSam]

I had a calla lily bouquet for my wedding in August And I had an MK/AK photoshopt 2 days after the wedding the callas held up really well I put them in the fridge in our room at the YC and the fridge was so cold they froze! The next night I had them in a glass of water and they were fine only 1 flower looked worse for wear the one that froze to the fridge

[geek+nerd]

Looking forward to reading more of your plans!
I posted on the main boards about your bouquet choices, I had something similar to #2 and LOVED it so that would definitely be my vote :)

Thanks for posting pics of your bouquet. That definitely helped!

[geek+nerd]

I am also getting a calla lily bouquet for our October 12th wedding - we will be outside at Sunset Pointe at 5pm and then I will need it for our MK/Epcot photo shoot the next day. If this year is anything like last, it will still be HOT in October, so I will let you know how they stand up. I hope they won't get brown overnight!! :scared1:

Also, I think we were posting on the invite thread about our lack of DIY-ishness. Check out the DISigner boards!! I was going to order those little Hershey bars for our home wedding party, you know have them make the special labels and everything - well, they have labels over there that you can print on regular avery address labels, with any clip art and, boy, do the DISigners have clip art!!

I know I probably sound like a geek but I was so excited to find all the clip art and things I could easily make over there. I might be a clutz with a glue gun and get lost in a scrapbooking store but I can make a mean print out!! :thumbsup2

Definitely let me know how it holds up! We aren't doing an MK shoot, but we do have a long day planned with the ceremony at 10, lunch, some down time and then DP. I would like them to hold up for the day.

I'm so jealous that your wedding is right around the corner! I had a minor meltdown this weekend. When poor DF asked what was wrong, I said, "I just want to be married already."

Don't worry about sounding like a geek :) Thanks for the tip about the clip art. I'm a hopeless DIY-wannabe.

[geek+nerd]

There's not much new on the wedding front. We are (im)patiently, well at least I am, waiting until October 21st when we can begin all the fun that is paperwork with Disney. I can't wait until it's all official.

Something good though. . .DF and I went to visit his mom on Saturday, and she didn't make one single complaint about our locale! This is a first since we announced where we are getting married. Miracles do happen!

On another note, I am starting to have wedding related and school related dreams. The school related ones aren't unusual for me at the start of the school year. In fact, I think most teachers have them. The night before the first day of classes, I had a dream that I wore my wedding dress to school on the first day. :bride: Yesterday, DF and I were looking at pics on Randy Chapman's Facebook page to see some pics that we definitely want; last night, I had a dream that I rode in Cinderella's coach in my wedding dress to school. We saw some pics of weddings with the coach. That stupid coach and my ridiculous desire to have it are going to ruin me, I swear!

[geek+nerd]

I just ordered all our supplies for the sand ceremony. We are having it as a community ceremony, where all our whopping 14 guests will participate. Our parents and my godmother are going to lay the foundation with sand in shades of blue, followed by our siblings and their families in shades of pink, friends of the family in shades of green and then we will top off the vase with our purple shades.

It's really important to me to have everyone involved in this. Much like the saying of "It takes a village to raise a child," I think it takes a village to nurture a healthy and happy marriage. The people who are making the effort to come to the wedding are those who truly love and support us, and we know that we will rely on that love and support throughout our marriage.

Our original thought was to do a community candle lighting ceremony, but then we figured we'd probably burn down the Wedding Pavilion if we tried it. Sand is safer than fire!

Here is the vase set:
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/family_romance_3.jpg

Here is a screenshot of our colors(not the best shot of colors, but you get the idea):
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/sandceremony.jpg

[FutureMrs.B]

Hi I'm just joining in to your PJ. I love your story of how you guys first met as well as the engagement. How sweet!! :lovestruc I love sentimental things like that. I love your choice of colors. They're going to look great together. Your wedding dress is also really pretty. I love the detail on it and I love the fact that you're both going to match. I'm looking forward to reading more. popcorn::

[geek+nerd]

Our booking date is Thursday, and I just can't take this waiting any longer! Plus, I know that I'm going to have to wait longer after that to officially get the ball rolling with the LOA and everything. I have pretty much everything planned; it just needs to become official. Plus, I just really want to be married at this point. DF said we could take care of that sooner than June, but I think I'd regret it.

Just venting. . .

[DoomBuggy0922]

Just read your PJ--- I love your story! :) And CONGRATS ON GETTING YOUR DAY AND TIME!!!!

[FutureMrs.B]

Our booking date is Thursday, and I just can't take this waiting any longer! Plus, I know that I'm going to have to wait longer after that to officially get the ball rolling with the LOA and everything. I have pretty much everything planned; it just needs to become official. Plus, I just really want to be married at this point. DF said we could take care of that sooner than June, but I think I'd regret it.

Just venting. . .

Vent away. I understand how you feel. I was just having this conversation with DF earlier. I just want to be married already but if I push it up I might regret it. I think we just have to be patient. :angel: I commented on your other post but I'll say it again. Congrats on being official! :yay:

[geek+nerd]

Vent away. I understand how you feel. I was just having this conversation with DF earlier. I just want to be married already but if I push it up I might regret it. I think we just have to be patient. :angel: I commented on your other post but I'll say it again. Congrats on being official! :yay:

Thanks so much! It's so nice to be able to come here and vent when I need to. I'm glad that there are disbrides who understand. Most of my friends have already been married for years, so I feel weird complaining to them.

[geek+nerd]

I ordered really cute postcard shower invitations from a seller on Etsy. She did such a great job that I asked her if she would design our wedding invitations for us. We only need 10, and it killed me to pay well over $100 for a minimum of 25 invitations when 15 of them would get tossed in the trash.

They've been designed for quite some time now, and I did post them on the invitations thread, but since our date is officially ours now, we've gone ahead and ordered them. These pics are going to be huge, but when I tried to resize them, you couldn't read anything.


Invitation:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Invitation.jpg

(Apparently photobucket hates me today. When I previewed the post, you still can't read the invitation. However, it's not letting me make it any bigger :confused3 )

Schedule of events card:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Scheduleofeventscard.jpg

[FutureMrs.B]

I definately agree with you about the Disbrides. I feel like we can not only understand each other but support each other more than maybe others. We're all in it together. :grouphug: I love your invites and the schedule of events cards! They are soo pretty.

[geek+nerd]

So, everything seems to be in fast forward since our booking date last Thursday. We ordered the invitations. We had our engagement pics taken on Sunday. We got digital proofs of our custom wedding bands on Tuesday. We got our LOA by email today, met for dinner to sign, and DF is faxing it back at work tomorrow. I just got home, and the invitations arrived! It's all becoming very, very real. I can't wait!

Because we are a little bit older (I'm 34, he's 45), we didn't feel the need to do the trendy e-shoot in a park or whatever. We went to a photo studio. All I was looking for was one nice picture that we can give our families. These are the three shots we got pics of:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/hands.jpg

My favorite:
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/heart.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/couch.jpg

Our wedding bands were a minor saga. We went scouting for some back in the summer, and I had a cryzilla episode because I couldn't find anything that I liked. I thought I wanted something simple and plain. I tried those on and hated them. Then, I tried on diamond bands and hated those, too. I knew what I wanted; the problem was that it didn't exist! On top of me being picky, DF really wants us to have matching bands. After scouring every jewelry store in a 50 mile radius and all sorts of sites, we decided to have the bands custom made.

Last Halloween, DF surprised me with a pumpkin pail filled with school supplies, candy, and a little blue box from Tiffany's. Inside that blue box was a heart necklace with a pink sapphire in it. I haven't taken it off (except when I had an MRI) since he put it on me.

The stones in my ring are pink sapphires and a diamond

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/ring-1.jpg

DF didn't want stones, but rather the illusion of stones in his band. However, when the jeweler had etched blocks in the digital image, he said it didn't look right. So, he added gemstones which he will have the machine etch to look faceted. We are very pleased with them!

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Dring.jpg


It's the end of the first marking period next week, and I have some grading to do, so I need to abandon the disboards for now. Thanks for reading!

[FutureMrs.B]

I love the your engagement pics. They came out great. And I absolutely love your wedding bands! Especially yours! :cutie: Pink is my fav color. Good luck with the grading...don't' be to hard on them..:lmao: jk.

[geek+nerd]

DF and I really focused on getting some planning done for our honeymoon. As of now, the plan is to drive down from PA, leaving on Friday, staying overnight in Savannah and arriving on Saturday. The wedding is Tuesday, and we will stay in Orlando until Saturday.

At that point, we are embarking on a bit of a roadtrip: Orlando to Miami, up the Gulf coast, to Atlanta, to Charlotte, to Williamsburg, home to PA.

We went to the bookstore on Sunday afternoon and sat in the cafe with 8,000 travel books, looking up things we want to do. However, we will take any suggestions in any of these cities!

[FutureMrs.B]

That sounds like such a great idea for the honeymoon! I'm sorry I don't really know anything about those places. But it might be cute if you were to find some really cozy bed and breakfasts. How romantic! :lovestruc

[geek+nerd]

We were assigned our planner today! Tanis Armstrong will be working with us, and I just hope she doesn't rue the day we were assigned to her. :rotfl: I've already sent her an email with a bunch of questions, most of them having two sub questions within the main question.

I had parent/teacher conferences which went extremely well except for one wacky mom (there's always one), so I wasn't able to look at the questionnaire until a little while ago when I got home.

As much as I'd love to complete the whole thing tonight, I don't think I have it in me. :sad1: Plus, DF and I still need to make music decisions and you can't save the questionnaire before you submit it (which I don't understand and seems stupid). :confused3

I'm just glad the ball is rolling!

[FutureMrs.B]

Yey! I'm so happy to hear that you were assigned a planner. Now the ball really is rolling! Exciting!! :banana:

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

First off...love the bands...
Second, I have Tanis and a planner. So far she has been great. She does take a bit on occasion to reply to emails...but that is usually due to being away (her email away messages will indicate when she will be back) All in all I'm very pleased with her work...and she has managed to keep me pretty calm...You're in good hands! :thumbsup2

[geek+nerd]

First off...love the bands...
Second, I have Tanis and a planner. So far she has been great. She does take a bit on occasion to reply to emails...but that is usually due to being away (her email away messages will indicate when she will be back) All in all I'm very pleased with her work...and she has managed to keep me pretty calm...You're in good hands! :thumbsup2

Thanks for the heads up! I'm trying to not get annoyed. I emailed her on Wednesday of last week, and have yet to hear anything.

I understand that she's planning more than one wedding and my wedding will take her 15 minutes to throw together, but IT'S MY WEDDING! And, frankly, we are paying for some special attention. I guess I'd just like an acknowledgment email, saying that she's working on my questions.

Oh well, I shall try to relax.

We are working on music right now. All will be instrumental.

Officiant and groom are going to walk in to "If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc. (DF's pick; I think it's cute).

Bridal party (aka my sister and niece) will walk in to "Bibbidi bobbidi boo." My niece will be dressed as Cinderella.

My entrance will probably be to "When You Wish Upon a Star," but I'm not 100% positive. DF got me a birthday card that plays this.

We're not sure of sand ceremony yet, but it might be "Storybook Love," the theme from The Princess Bride.

And our recessional is "Married Life" from Up, but only the happy part, not the sad part when Ellie learns she can't have a baby.

If you have any other bride entrance or sand ceremony suggestions, we'd love to hear them! We are trying to stay away from traditional music.

[lea007]

Hi Linda

We too have just been assigned Tania - i sent her an email over the weekend and got her out of office reply. She was out the office from thursday last week to today so it may be a few days before she catches up with you.

Leanne

[geek+nerd]

Hi Linda

We too have just been assigned Tania - i sent her an email over the weekend and got her out of office reply. She was out the office from thursday last week to today so it may be a few days before she catches up with you.

Leanne

Hi, Leanne. Thanks for letting me know that. I emailed her Wednesday evening of last week after parent conferences at school. That would explain why I didn't receive an out of office message; the message was probably sent to go out on Thursday. What a relief to know my planner's not blowing me off!:cheer2:

[geek+nerd]

I was home sick today, and ended up at the doctor's. I have a bad sinus infection. After picking up my prescription, I came home, put my jammies back on, and relaxed a little bit.

Then, DF and I set about writing our ceremony via messenger. We cut and pasted from a few places to come up with something that works for us.

I also wrote my vows today. I took something that I had written and then combined it with something I had read.

I created a Wordle with my vows and am thinking of having it framed. My sister and brother-in-law have their vows framed, and I really like that idea, but a Wordle is more fun!

I can't seem to upload the Wordle as a widget, so here's the link:

http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2841491/Vows_2

We decided on a dessert party menu and were quoted a price that we accept, so here's our menu:

chocolate peanut butter marshmallow squares
chocolate covered Mickey rice krispie treats
chocolate covered pretzels
chocolate chip cookies
black and white cookies
s'mores
cheesecake bites
fresh fruit

I think that's all for now!

[DHSsenior007]

Hi Linda!

Just caught up on all your plans-- it sounds amazing! The way you two met and your engagement is very sweet as well. Look forward to reading the rest!

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Hi Linda...we just got back from our wedding and I will tell you right now...Tanis ROCKS! Seriously...You are in awesome hands...She will take care of everything! And then some!:wizard:

[geek+nerd]

Hi Linda!

Just caught up on all your plans-- it sounds amazing! The way you two met and your engagement is very sweet as well. Look forward to reading the rest!

Thanks! Since I was about 13 years old, I would always say that I never wanted to get married; a long term relationship would be good enough. And, honestly, I never felt that way before I met Dave. Not to sound cheesy, but I really think we are meant to be together. We are very good for each other! :love:

[geek+nerd]

Hi Linda...we just got back from our wedding and I will tell you right now...Tanis ROCKS! Seriously...You are in awesome hands...She will take care of everything! And then some!:wizard:

Good to know! I'm trying not to be a pain in her butt. I already returned our questionnaire, and she told me she didn't expect to hear from me until April. :rotfl: I've had my dress since January of this year and most of the wedding planned in my head since the summer. I want things done! We're pretty much at a stand still again until our floral planning session in February, so I shouldn't have to contact her too much until then.

Congratulations on your wedding! :bride: I was reading some of your report today. Can't wait to hear more and see lots of pics!

[geek+nerd]

I stayed home from school again today :sick: I'm still feeling yucky but have to go back tomorrow.

Highlight of my day was when the mail came. My iron on sparkly transfers arrived!:banana: I ordered them from the seller PeaceLoveRhinestones on etsy after reading someone else's PJ.

I ordered these to make tee shirts for the ladies coming to the wedding (remember, we only have 16 people total, including me and DF). I'm hosting a ladies' tea at the Garden View Tea Room at the GF (as long as I can get an ADR!) the afternoon before the wedding, and I thought it would be cute to have us all wear our tees.

Here are pics of the transfers. You can't see the color well. All of them are dark amethyst except for the "Happily Ever After," which is light amethyst. I got that one to wear during the week.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding001.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding002.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding003.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding004.jpg

My aunt, who is also my godmother, is going to flip when she sees hers! I know that she is just going to LOVE it!

I have had to restrain myself from buying a different Mrs. or Newlywed or Just Married tee shirt for every day of our honeymoon. I figure my Happily Ever After and bride ears are enough.

My mom is going to help me make the tee shirts after the holidays, and I will post pics when they are done. If I try and do them myself, they will end up melted and/or totally crooked.

BTW, I highly recommend the seller. She's great to work with, will customize your order, and is super fast with communication.

[Mindyjoy]

Hi! Just wanted to say I love the rhinestone transfers!!! Please post pics of the shirts when you have them completed. :lovestruc

[BriarRose Bride]

Just joining in. Love your PJ thus far. I have heard nothing but amazing true love stories that started with Match.com. My best friend's sister found her husband on there and they were married within a year and now expecting their first baby! So happy for you that you found "the one" for you. I love the ring, pink is so beautiful in a ring!! How did you go about finding a jeweler to design the ring? DF and I are trying to get one designed but don't know how to find a jeweler you can trust to do it. I also love the pictures on your schedule card.

[geek+nerd]

Just joining in. Love your PJ thus far. I have heard nothing but amazing true love stories that started with Match.com. My best friend's sister found her husband on there and they were married within a year and now expecting their first baby! So happy for you that you found "the one" for you. I love the ring, pink is so beautiful in a ring!! How did you go about finding a jeweler to design the ring? DF and I are trying to get one designed but don't know how to find a jeweler you can trust to do it. I also love the pictures on your schedule card.

We knew of a number of places in the community that do custom work, and we went with the one that we felt had the best reputation. My mom works with someone who had this particular jeweler do some custom work for her and she raved about him. We had a free design consultation with him, and his prices weren't ridiculous. DF really liked him because he felt like he really understood exactly what he was looking for. I talked to a different jeweler on my own as we were attempting to price the rings, and the other jeweler told me that what DF wanted couldn't be done. I'd say just start asking around, read online reviews, go and see some of each jeweler's work. Good luck!

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Good to know! I'm trying not to be a pain in her butt. I already returned our questionnaire, and she told me she didn't expect to hear from me until April. :rotfl: I've had my dress since January of this year and most of the wedding planned in my head since the summer. I want things done! We're pretty much at a stand still again until our floral planning session in February, so I shouldn't have to contact her too much until then.

Congratulations on your wedding! :bride: I was reading some of your report today. Can't wait to hear more and see lots of pics!

I felt the same way...but she has it all under control. Her last emails before we got to Disney were "Trust me. It's under control." (I was a nut case) Things will get done...and She will provide you with a flawless execution. :wizard: You'll get to read all about it in my TR....Which I really need to get crackin' on...

[geek+nerd]

I felt the same way...but she has it all under control. Her last emails before we got to Disney were "Trust me. It's under control." (I was a nut case) Things will get done...and She will provide you with a flawless execution. :wizard: You'll get to read all about it in my TR....Which I really need to get crackin' on...

Thank you! I can't wait to read about your special day.

[geek+nerd]

Mom and I worked on the tee shirts yesterday. Here are some pics:

For my niece
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding001-1.jpg

How we packaged them up. Once I get my ADR for the Garden View Tea Room, I'm going to have the ladies' tea invitations printed up and then mail out the shirts with the invites.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding003-1.jpg

Me and Mom
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Wedding005.jpg

I'm really pleased with how they turned out! In fact, I just ordered another Happily Ever After (I put the one I had on a dark purple shirt, and you just couldn't read it well enough) and a Minnie Mouse with a tiara. I got the shirts for $1.99 each at Michael's on sale and the transfers were about $8.00 each as a package deal. I think they look great and they were much cheaper than any product Disney offers!

[Sccrmnky2005]

Your Shirts look great!! I love them:lovestruc

[geek+nerd]

Your Shirts look great!! I love them:lovestruc

Thanks! I'm really pleased with how they turned out.

[FutureMrs.B]

How cute are your shirts!! I love them! :lovestruc Awesome job. :thumbsup2

[geek+nerd]

Since we are able to start making ADRs tomorrow:banana:, DF and I have been talking about what we want to do. When we actually started planning things out, we quickly realized how little time we will actually have in the parks. So, when DF asked, "Do you want to scrap the road trip and stay an extra week?" of course, I said, "Yes!" In addition to realizing how little time we'd have that first week, I think DF wants us to use those APs as much as we can to get our money's worth

We were able to extend my family's condo for an additional week, so now we are staying at Disney from 6/18-7/2.

I'm very excited because now we will have wedding week with our families and then the additional week just us at the parks.

[geek+nerd]

We've started making our ADRs for the wedding trip. We aren't doing a ton, but here's what we have so far:

Sun, 6/19: Sci-Fi with my mom, godmother and dad for Father's Day
Mon, 6/20: Garden View Tea Room for my ladies' tea

Here are the invites
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/christmas2010003.jpg

Here are my sister and niece with their shirts
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/christmas2010007.jpg
My niece is very excited for the tea. One of her Christmas presents was a tea set and she said she is going to practice for the "big tea."

Thurs, 6/23: Garden Grill with DF's mom

The only other two ADRs we are going to make are for Jiko for just us and 1900 Park Fare for just us.

I hope everyone had a great holiday. May your 2011 be filled with pixie dust and magic!:wizard:

[FutureMrs.B]

The invitations for the tea came out really nice! I love the idea of your niece practicing for the "big tea" How cute! :cutie: Enjoy the garden grill on 6/23. That'll be my Bday. :lmao: I also wish you a wonderful magical 2011. :wizard:

[geek+nerd]

The invitations for the tea came out really nice! I love the idea of your niece practicing for the "big tea" How cute! :cutie: Enjoy the garden grill on 6/23. That'll be my Bday. :lmao: I also wish you a wonderful magical 2011. :wizard:

Thanks! I got a kit at Hallmark and made them; that's about as DIY as I get.

[geek+nerd]

Here are pics of my other t-shirts for honeymoon time!

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Aquarium12-30-10066.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Aquarium12-30-10067.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Aquarium12-30-10071.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Aquarium12-30-10070.jpg

Our favors also came in today. We wanted to do something that people would actually keep instead of trashing, so we decided on Christmas ornaments (a little expensive per each one, but since we have so few people, we thought why not?) even though we are a summer wedding. They are of great quality; we got them from the Disney Store online. They did take about a month to get here, but the web site did say about 3-4 weeks because of the personalization. Here they are (pardon my man hands :lmao:) There are some little flecks of styrofoam peanut dust in the one picture, too.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII009.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII008.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII001.jpg

[Sccrmnky2005]

Love the shirts!! Super cute! I'm going to def make me some cute Honeymoon shirts too! :goodvibes

I love love the favors! I would love to do christmas ornaments as it is such a good idea! But we will have too many people! I really think your guests will love them!!

[sw33t_angel]

Those ornaments are awesome! What a creative idea! :) I am sure your guests will love them for years to come!!:goodvibes

[geek+nerd]

Those ornaments are awesome! What a creative idea! :) I am sure your guests will love them for years to come!!:goodvibes

Love the shirts!! Super cute! I'm going to def make me some cute Honeymoon shirts too! :goodvibes

I love love the favors! I would love to do christmas ornaments as it is such a good idea! But we will have too many people! I really think your guests will love them!!

Thanks! We were debating about even doing favors. I really wanted to do something, but couldn't justify spending $ on something that would get thrown away. We aren't doing welcome bags, so that helped justify the expense of the ornaments.

[geek+nerd]

We had our second snow day in as many weeks here today, so I am off work. And, as usual, instead of grading quizzes and journals for 3 of my 6 classes, I have been doing wedding stuff all day.

I have my wedding shower invitation list done. I did everything in an Excel doc with cells for Last name, First name, Address, Invitation sent, RSVP, Gift, Thank you sent. I'm a fan of lists :)

While I was at it, I addressed our whopping 8 wedding invitations! None of this will go out for weeks yet, but it will be nice that's it done when things get closer and get more hectic.

As I was addressing our invitations, I got an email on my phone from Jennifer with Disney Floral asking to schedule our floral consult with Rosie!:banana::love::yay::woohoo::dance3:

I'm a little excited! So, we are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 25th at 5 pm. I guess that means I actually have to decide what I want now. I joke that I used up all my decisiveness on the guy and the dress. I've been going back and forth on what I want for flowers. Oh well, two more weeks to vacillate.

On another note, DF and I are going to New York to see Mary Poppins on Sunday. :banana: He got a buy one/get one offer with his Disney Rewards Visa, so we jumped on it. We drive to Hoboken from PA (about 3 hours) and hop a PATH train in to 33rd street, right by the Empire State Building. We are taking my four year old niece who told her mother that she needs a new sparkly outfit to wear to see Mary Poppins and my mom as a very early Mothers Day present. I will post some pics if I can next week

[geek+nerd]

Since we have my niece this weekend because of Mary Poppins, my mom, DF and I took her flower girl dress shopping. Originally, we were going to have her dress as Cinderella for the wedding, but now we've decided that she gets a wardrobe change. So, she wears a flower girl dress for the ceremony and she can wear a Cinderella outfit to the dessert party. Since she is the girliest girl to ever have walked the planet, she is fine with the idea of multiple outfits, which was actually my sister's idea.

Her dress was not my first pick; in fact, it is NOT my style at all (in fact, it's fancier than my dress :rotfl:). However, it screams Kate and she is absolutely in love with it. She tried on about 7 dresses (she LOVES clothes shopping, especially for pretty, sparkly clothing) and kept coming back to this one. It is very much her style. She did not want to take it off. You could just tell on her face that this was the dress she wanted, so I'm fine with it. She also insisted on twirling in it for DF multiple times :)

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Katesdress.jpg

We got a different headpiece than what's in the picture.

I can't wait until she gets married and we get to go shopping for her wedding dress!

[geek+nerd]

My floral consultation is one week away, and I may have actually made some decisions. I have gone back and forth on flowers so much it's not even funny. I must have used up all my decisiveness on the guy and the dress.

Here's what I have now.

My bouquet (still debating about the white lilies, might want to make them pink and all the roses lavender)

Smaller than a regular bridal bouquet
Tied ¾ of way with white ribbon; Ellie badge on ribbon
2 hidden Mickeys and 3 crystals in whatever color florist thinks works best
No greenery!

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/pink-purple-roses-white-calla-bridal-bouquet.jpg

DF's bout

Mini calla lily to match bridal bouquet
1 dark amethyst hidden Mickey
No greenery!

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/callabout.jpg

Matron of Honor bouquet

Bright pink, light pink and lavender rose bouquet (smaller than one pictured)
Tied ¾ of way with lilac ribbon
3 crystals in whatever color florist thinks works best
No greenery

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Lisarosebouquet.jpg

Flower Girl
Single lavender rose wand with white ribbon
1 dark amethyst crystal


Father and Mother of the Bride
Pink rose boutonneire
Pink presentation rose

Godmother of the Bride
Pink presentation rose

Mother of the Groom
Single pink rose corsage

Best Man’s Boutonniere
Lavender rose

Officiant Boutonniere
Lavender rose

Altar Decorations
Pink and lavender rose petals

Cake Table Decorations
Pink and lavender rose petals

Any thoughts? I'm still waiting to hear my mom's and sister's opinions. DF has dubbed them "the committee."

[librarygeek]

I love what you have planned so far! Your invitations are beautiful, and the rhinestone t-shirts are great. I'm going to try and get some of those.

Your niece is adorable! I wish I was having a flower girl for my wedding, but unfortunately there are no young girls in my family :( But my twin 5-year old cousins are both going to be ring bearers. Or as they say, "ring bears" ;)

[geek+nerd]

I love what you have planned so far! Your invitations are beautiful, and the rhinestone t-shirts are great. I'm going to try and get some of those.

Your niece is adorable! I wish I was having a flower girl for my wedding, but unfortunately there are no young girls in my family :( But my twin 5-year old cousins are both going to be ring bearers. Or as they say, "ring bears" ;)

Thanks so much! I'm glad somebody's reading :)

[pixie921]

I'm reading, too! :) Your niece is adorable! One of my nieces (she's 6) is a true girly-girl, too. Her favorite part of every day is choosing which outfit to wear to school! How fun that your niece gets to wear two dresses. :goodvibes

Your flower plans sound good, and I know what you mean about feeling indecisive. It's like there are so many beautiful options out there it's hard to narrow them down! :)

[KristiLyn]

Really pretty flowers! I completely understand what youre going through with the indecisiveness. I feel like I've lost the ability to make any decision lately!

[geek+nerd]

Just a little venting. . .

When we picked our date, we looked at the school calendar. Our last day was scheduled for June 8th. Leaving June 17th and getting married on June 21st looked fine, even with a few snow days.

Yeah. Little problem. We are only in January and have already had four snow days, with a possibility of a fifth on Thursday. And on top of that, we didn't have school today because of a water main break.

My sister jokingly said that we can Skype me to my own wedding from my classroom.

More seriously though, I am giving it two more snow days then it is time to talk to the Superintendent about possibly taking some days off without pay at the end of the year. :sad2:

On a positive note, I totally took advantage of the day off and did some work for one of my grad classes, got a haircut, eyebrow wax and manicure. And, we have our phone floral consultation with Rosie at 5 pm!

[librarygeek]

Just a little venting. . .

When we picked our date, we looked at the school calendar. Our last day was scheduled for June 8th. Leaving June 17th and getting married on June 21st looked fine, even with a few snow days.

Yeah. Little problem. We are only in January and have already had four snow days, with a possibility of a fifth on Thursday. And on top of that, we didn't have school today because of a water main break.

My sister jokingly said that we can Skype me to my own wedding from my classroom.

More seriously though, I am giving it two more snow days then it is time to talk to the Superintendent about possibly taking some days off without pay at the end of the year. :sad2:

On a positive note, I totally took advantage of the day off and did some work for one of my grad classes, got a haircut, eyebrow wax and manicure. And, we have our phone floral consultation with Rosie at 5 pm!

We can join together in keeping our fingers crossed that the snow will STOP! I'm sick of snow days too. I'm a substitute teacher so if it snows I don't get paid. I am sure you can work something out if it does intrude though, I'm sure they'll be understanding :goodvibes

[geek+nerd]

I need to get this out there in the hopes that actually writing it will help me get over it.

Sometimes, this whole wedding process makes me feel like a really bad, selfish person. I have become somewhat overwhelmed with wedding envy lately and have tried to limit my viewing of other people's PJs. I am marrying the only man who has ever made me even think of marriage at Disney World for Pete's sake. We are having a dessert party in Epcot. It is more than I probably could have ever wished for.

So, why do I get upset when I see other people's weddings on here? Why do I want Cinderella's freaking carriage so bad even though the price is insane even if we could afford (think of how many hungry people 20 minutes in that stupid carriage could feed!)? Why do I want the castle shoot? Why do I want Mickey and Minnie at my cake cutting? Why am I not satisfied with what we are doing (which is wonderful and fantastic on its own)?

I can't talk about this with DF because I think it would make him feel bad, like he somehow isn't providing me with enough. He is giving me more than enough with this wedding, and in my head, I understand that.

If anybody actually reads this, thanks. I just needed to get this off my chest in the hopes that I can move on and be happy about planning our wedding.

[librarygeek]

I completely know how you feel. I watch some of those weddings hows on TV, and while they're entertaining and make me laugh, they also piss me off that the brides are never satisfied with their giant cake or massive flowers and always want more - when I would be happy to have half of what they have!

I guess it's difficult for me to understand where some of these extravagant weddings get their money from, when my parents are taking out a loan and I'm using my own savings to pay for an extremely low-budget wedding. But people have asked me when I don't wait to get married until we're older and have some money - and I know that of course I would rather get married now and have whatever wedding I have so that I can be with my DF....

But yeah, when I see those gorgeous location photo shoots, and other things that I definitely can't afford, I get that envious feeling too. I get through it by telling myself we'll do amazing things for a vow renewal or a future child's wedding when we're rich someday... even though that may not be likely it helps a little bit.

[geek+nerd]

Thanks for responding, Becky. I appreciate it.

I think I'm just in a really negative space regarding the wedding right now for multiple reasons. This sense of greed that I sometimes feel about the wedding makes me feel really bad about myself; that's not the person that I am nor who I want to be. I guess that at least I recognize that I am being irrational and that I feel guilty kind of comfort me in a way.

I'm also really frustrated with DFTW at this point, too. I just feel that communication isn't necessarily their strong point, and it should be, especially for the amount of money people lay down for their weddings. I realize that I'm "only" an Escape bride and that my planner and others can throw my wedding together in a heartbeat, but frankly, I want that outstanding customer service that we are all so used to getting at Disney, and I don't think we are getting it with our wedding.

Two cases in point: I had a phone consultation with floral last Tuesday. The florist told me she would email me some pictures within 2 days. It's been a week and still nothing. I did email her assistant yesterday, but then I feel like a total PITA doing that. It's not that big of a deal, and we have plenty of time, but when you tell me that I will have something in two days, I expect to have it in two days. I don't think that's unreasonable of me.

And then, there is the ever elusive LOA. I had emailed our planner on January 11 asking about our signed copy of the LOA that we signed at the end of October (so a good 3 months ago). Her response was that it comes from our sales consultant and that we should be receiving it "any day now" via certified mail. January 31st mail comes and is delivered and STILL no copy of LOA, so I email planner and CC sales consultant. The response comes back from the sales consultant saying that the LOA and AP vouchers were mailed January 25 (really? That's Disney's definition of any day now from January 11?) via certified mail and giving a tracking number. I went to the USPS site and entered the tracking number (I copied and pasted directly from the email and made sure there were no extra characters in there) and I got a message saying that the number can not be found. Naturally, I emailed my sales consultant again saying this is the message I get from USPS when I enter the number. His response (and I quote directly from his email), "It will be coming certified mail in the US post."
That was it; that was his whole response. Maybe I'm being sensitive, but I thought that was rude. I wonder if it was even actually sent out yet.

Oh, and my mother is making me crazy. When we went shopping for my flower girl's dress two weeks ago, we were looking at purses for my FG and for my aunt. She asked me what I was planning on using, and I told her that I wanted to use my Dooney & Burke Disney wristlet that I bought at DTD when we were there last year (it was my one souvenir purchase for myself). Then, over the weekend, she called me to tell me that my godmother is making me a purse for the wedding. I reminded her that I already decided what I was using and had already told her. Her response, "You can't do that. That's tacky." Um. . .thanks, Mom. :sad2: DF was mad! He reminds me frequently that this wedding is about us, not my mom, my godmother and my sister. However, I just don't think a purse is worth the fight this could cause. Sigh.

We are on snow day number 5 with number 6 probably coming tomorrow. Today puts us at getting out the day before we are supposed to leave for the wedding. I know that things will work out, whether I have to take a few days without pay or I have to fly down later while everyone else drives down, but it's just added stress.

[sw33t_angel]

I think it is quite natural to have "Bride envy," I am happy with everything we have and how everything is coming together- but then I think of just canceling everything and cutting the guest list and getting married in Disney. It has always been my dream to get married in Disney- but I know I wouldn't be as happy if I had to cut so many important people in my life- and as long as I am marrying my DF, I know I will be happy!

But I too dream of the Cinderella Coaches, and Mickey and Minnie at the cake cutting, and feel a little jealous of why I can't have a million dollars to get everything I would love to have! Not that Disney weddings cost millions (well some of them.. haha) but for what I would want and how I would want it, it just isn't rational for me, not that it isn't for other brides! If you can do it, go you! :cheer2:

I agree that any vendor in general, Disney or not, they should have the courtesy to keep their word. I hate when vendors say, you will have it in 2 days, and you get nothing- you would think they just wouldn't even give you a time line if they know they can't meet it. It's like you have to wave your checkbook in their face, "HELLO?? DO you want my Money?!" And now with email/facebook/twitter a response is instant, and takes less than 5 minutes!

Hang in there! Things will look up! :hug:

[librarygeek]

Yeah, I feel like I am always reading on these boards about how no one has gotten back to brides about their questions in a timely manner. And the response is always, "Don't worry, they'll have everything worked out and it will be great." But even so, I still think it is appropriate to send a response to questions. If I were you I would probably be going completely bonkers - over 3 months to get your contract back is ridiculous. It's too bad you don't get a choice of who you work with or anything. I know when I was looking for vendors their response time was a bit part of the reason why I hired them. For instance, when I was looking for a DJ I got a list from the catering hall and I sent an email out to all of the people on the list. The ones that sent an email back within a few days with detailed information I contacted for a meeting - the ones that didn't respond or send a one line message "from my iPhone" I eliminated. But Disney is Disney, and no one else can provide you with that experience - so even if it sucks sometimes, I guess just remember that's why you're doing it. And even though everyone says it and it's not a satisfying answer - I'm sure it WILL work out in the end!

[geek+nerd]

Thanks again for reading and responding! I feel bad treating this like a diary, but sometimes I just need to get things off my chest here.

After some yoga and a nice hot bath on this snowy, icy day, I am putting an end to the negativity and am going to focus on the fun that planning our wedding can be.

DF is a huge Redskins fan, and I found a pair of Redskins socks for him for the wedding. He likes them. We were talking today and decided to order team socks for all the guys in their favorite NFL team. DF really likes the idea, and I think it will make a really cute picture.

[sw33t_angel]

Thanks again for reading and responding! I feel bad treating this like a diary, but sometimes I just need to get things off my chest here.

After some yoga and a nice hot bath on this snowy, icy day, I am putting an end to the negativity and am going to focus on the fun that planning our wedding can be.

DF is a huge Redskins fan, and I found a pair of Redskins socks for him for the wedding. He likes them. We were talking today and decided to order team socks for all the guys in their favorite NFL team. DF really likes the idea, and I think it will make a really cute picture.

Yay! That sounds like a wonderful day! :)

I LOVE that idea for the socks!! My DF is also a fan of the Redskins! :cheer2:
I am not sure about my groomsman's favorite teams... but I am sure I can find socks for them from their colleges... it should be simple since the only two choices are University of SC or Clemson! :D

[KristiLyn]

I think the socks would make a wonderful wedding pic!! Different, and cute!!

[Mindyjoy]

Super great idea about the socks!!! DF is one of those obsessed Red Sox fans and socks would be a perfect way to incorporate it into the wedding. Gosh, you are giving me so many good ideas today. :littleangel:

I'm sorry you aren't getting the "Disney magic" from your consultant. I don't blame you for being annoyed. One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone promises something at a certain time and doesn't come through, ESPECIALLY when I'm paying for a service. My advice would be to keep at it, the squeaky wheel gets the grease and all that.

I'm a little worried because my sales consultant has been nothing but amazing and accommodating so far and I'm wondering if it's just because I haven't signed my contract yet, lol. :laughing:

[geek+nerd]

I need a hug. . .and a hot fudge sundae.

Sigh. Yet another school disruption today. A water main break in our building occurred at about 7:10 this morning when students were already in transit. So, they brought the kids in until 8:30 when the buses would be free to take the kids home; they had to stay in homeroom for an hour (that was one heck of an hour with my 8th grade homeroom). Faculty had to stay until noon. We had a faculty meeting and then department meetings. If we needed to use the bathroom, we had to walk to another building. Did I mention I walk with crutches? Did I mention I live in the Northeast which has been covered with ice? Needless to say, I put my water bottle away and held it til I got home. We were allowed to leave at noon.

This is the second water main break in less than 10 days. And that's on top of six snow days. And there's a chance that it won't be repaired by tomorrow; we were told to check the school's web site to see if school is in session. And there's another storm coming Monday night into Tuesday. And we are only in the beginning of February.

Did I mention I am freaking out about being able to leave for my wedding? I did talk to my union president today about what some of my options may be if I need to leave before the end of the year. I know it will work out; it's just added stress.

And I STILL don't have pictures of the flowers my florist was supposed to send me over a week ago.

I'm starting to think the Universe is conspiring against me. . .

On another note, I'm glad you all like the sock idea. I really wanted to be able to incorporate DF's team into the wedding somehow, but we don't need a groom's cake and I'm not wearing a garter, so this works for us!

[sw33t_angel]

Big ol' hug :hug: and sending some pixie dust your way! pixiedust:

I hope everything gets better for you!! That stinks about the water main breaking and all those snow days, and crutches?! You poor thing!!

Are you just worried about leaving before school is out? Or do you not have enough paid leave days? You should be done with testing by then right?

I had 6th grade first blocks... and when we had stuff like that it was torture!!! All the teachers would just stand at their doors in the hallways- as if pleading saying GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!

Hope you hear from your florist soon!

[geek+nerd]

Thanks!:)

The problem is that as teachers we don't really have paid leave time. We get two personal days a year (if you don't use them, they roll over to sick days the next year) and ten sick days. I've already used one of my personal days. I'm holding on to that other one at this point, although I was going to try to take it the Friday before my wedding shower (not happening now). I have sick days accumulated; the issue is going to be whether I am allowed to take them or not. I may have to take days without pay. I don't think admin is going to tell me that I can't go; it's just an issue of figuring out how I'm going to get the days off.

[librarygeek]

:hug: What bad luck you are having with your school! At least you will be able to work something out, I'm sure, but it's really super frustrating. I haven't worked in two weeks because of all of the snow days, plus I don't sub on certain days because I have grad class. I can usually get three days of subbing in a week, but I've done nothing for two weeks. I'm getting a little bit worried, hopefully next week we'll be in better shape.

Try your best to think of positive thoughts, like how happy you'll be when the wedding actually comes around! And I'll keep my fingers crossed that there is no more snow!!

[Tinker Bell Fan]

I just found your PJ - love your ideas and your colors!! I also have Tanis for our VR in April.

Even though we're planning a VR - I have "bridal envy"! At first I wanted the whole dress thing and all (basically a re-do of our wedding). I tried to convince my DH too. But...then I thought about...our VR is about us and we should do not what everyone else is doing, but do what will make us happy. so I had to rethink my "priorities". :rotfl:

I still call our VR our "re-wedding" but since we had already done the whole "white wedding/church thing" this is our "fun wedding".

Anyway - just wanted to say I love the way you & your DF met! DH & I met in a bar and here we are still in love after 20 years. :)

Can't wait to hear/read more!

[KristiLyn]

Aww **hugs**
I truly hope everything works out!

[GIJasmine]

I'm only on page 3 of your PJ, but I must say I LOVE wordles. I used to put all of my term papers in a wordle to see if I over used a word (for those of you unfamiliar with wordles- the more you use a word, the larger it is in the picture). I think it's a great idea to put your vows in a wordle, what a wonderful keepsake you'll have! I may borrow this idea when the time comes!

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

:wizard:

[geek+nerd]

Ladies,

Thank you so much for your kindness! I've been so frustrated with things beyond my control lately, and I really appreciate your comments.

I still haven't received the pictures my florist told me I'd have in two days. It's been two weeks. I sent an email at one week, and was told by her assistant that they might be stuck in her outbox and that she'd check in to it. It's been another week with no word, so I just sent another email. :confused: I don't understand what the delay is.

[Deb loves Disney]

I don't know how I ever missed reading your PJ! I saw your post in another thread about Escape Weddings and decided to check it out. I just read through the whole thing!

I love all of your plans. I really like your idea of having everybody involved in the sand ceremony, what a cute idea! I also felt the same way when first walking into the Wedding Pavilion. There was just no other place in my mind after stepping foot in there.

I also had Tanis as a planner and trust me, she is really wonderful. During certain times of the year it gets really busy for them and response time can be a little longer. She was amazing on our wedding day! She felt like a close friend. :cloud9: Rosie can be really slow at responding, at times I felt extremely frustrated. In the end she nailed my vision so it all worked out even though I was always stressed over it, lol. I don't remember how long it took to get our LOA back but I think it was a few months.

I totally understand your feeling about all the extra's. I see others pics with the characters, the carriage, etc. I wanted all of that too but I still felt that our wedding day was very special and I didn't even miss them on the day (just when I look at others pictures :rotfl:)

Everything is going to be beautiful, I can't wait to read more!

[geek+nerd]

Thanks, Deb! I loved your PJ and TR. Your wedding was beautiful.

I've been away from the disboards for awhile for a number of reasons. We've had some issues in the past few weeks. First, DF's sister and BIL were in a bad car accident and totaled their truck; BIL has to go for physical therapy on neck and upper back, but they are both lucky to be alive. A few days after that, DF's mom had a mini-stroke. She was hospitalized for a few days while they played with her meds, but is doing fine now. That was scary, though.

I was taking an accelerated grad class with a semester's worth of work crammed into 9 weeks. I just finished that up on Thursday (I submitted my final project 3 days early, I'll have you know!) so now I have more time to focus on wedding stuff, and I can return to my beloved disboards! :banana:

Since my last post, we have had two more snow days, one of which was today. I keep telling myself it will all work out simply because it has to.:sad2::sad1:

On a positive note, there are only 33 days until my shower and 106 until the wedding! I can't believe we are almost in double digits!!!!! We also got a "draft" of our BEO (a few too many mistakes for my liking, but we'll work that all out).

As I've mentioned before, I have an orthopedic disability since birth and walk with forearm crutches. My current pair are a light purple. When I first joined the boards, one of my first posts was what to do about the crutches. I didn't know if I wanted to stick with the light purple, get light blue as my something blue or white. Per some suggestions, I went with the white and added light blue crystals on the bottom to make hidden Mickeys for my something blue. Here's how they turned out:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/crutches.jpg

I think they turned out cute :)

[sw33t_angel]

Thanks, Deb! I loved your PJ and TR. Your wedding was beautiful.

I've been away from the disboards for awhile for a number of reasons. We've had some issues in the past few weeks. First, DF's sister and BIL were in a bad car accident and totaled their truck; BIL has to go for physical therapy on neck and upper back, but they are both lucky to be alive. A few days after that, DF's mom had a mini-stroke. She was hospitalized for a few days while they played with her meds, but is doing fine now. That was scary, though.

I was taking an accelerated grad class with a semester's worth of work crammed into 9 weeks. I just finished that up on Thursday (I submitted my final project 3 days early, I'll have you know!) so now I have more time to focus on wedding stuff, and I can return to my beloved disboards! :banana:

Since my last post, we have had two more snow days, one of which was today. I keep telling myself it will all work out simply because it has to.:sad2::sad1:

On a positive note, there are only 33 days until my shower and 106 until the wedding! I can't believe we are almost in double digits!!!!! We also got a "draft" of our BEO (a few too many mistakes for my liking, but we'll work that all out).

As I've mentioned before, I have an orthopedic disability since birth and walk with forearm crutches. My current pair are a light purple. When I first joined the boards, one of my first posts was what to do about the crutches. I didn't know if I wanted to stick with the light purple, get light blue as my something blue or white. Per some suggestions, I went with the white and added light blue crystals on the bottom to make hidden Mickeys for my something blue. Here's how they turned out:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/crutches.jpg

I think they turned out cute :)

Awww! :hug::hug: Sorry you have had such a rough patch!! I hope everything is good with BIL, DF's Sister, and DF's Mom! I am sending pixie dust their way!! pixiedust:

Congrats on your Grad class!!! :woohoo: That must be such a relief!! AND who wouldn't love to have more time for wedding stuff and Dis boards!!! :yay:

Your countdown is getting soooo close!!! How exciting for you!!

What a cute way to decorate your crutches! :goodvibes

[KristiLyn]

My goodness I'm sorry you've had to go through all of that! I hope everything is looking up! :wizard:

Yay for the grad class!! Congrats!

And the wedding is getting closer!! I'm glad you'll have more time for the boards now!!!

And I love the Mickey's!

[Deb loves Disney]

Wow you have been through so much lately!!! I'm so sorry :hug: but I'm glad everything is looking up. I love the hidden mickey's on your crutches. So cute!

[librarygeek]

I'm so sorry to hear what's been happening with your family! :hug: Thank God that in the end everyone was okay.

And welcome back! I've missed seeing your posts. Congrats on finishing your course too!

And I love the "hidden mickeys" that is too cute :goodvibes

[Flurbee]

Hello there.....just got done reading your PJ....Love all your ideas, your dress, shirts that you made, and your hidden mickeys on your crutches!!! I hear what you are saying about bride envy.....I wish I could have all those things too, but it's just not going to happen, so I need to be happy with what I am getting....:) And I am!! Glad to hear that you are feeling better about things, and congrats on your grad class!!! Go you!! :worship: Sorry to hear about all of those snow days cutting into your time to leave for the wedding! What part of Pa do you live in? We live in Erie, Pa, so I am no stranger to tons of snow!!! Hope to hear more soon...:)

[belle2211]

I ordered really cute postcard shower invitations from a seller on Etsy. She did such a great job that I asked her if she would design our wedding invitations for us. We only need 10, and it killed me to pay well over $100 for a minimum of 25 invitations when 15 of them would get tossed in the trash.

They've been designed for quite some time now, and I did post them on the invitations thread, but since our date is officially ours now, we've gone ahead and ordered them. These pics are going to be huge, but when I tried to resize them, you couldn't read anything.


Invitation:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Invitation.jpg




Hi! Would you mind sharing the etsy seller who did these? I love the design and would love to see if she has any thank you cards!


Highlight of my day was when the mail came. My iron on sparkly transfers arrived!:banana: I ordered them from the seller PeaceLoveRhinestones on etsy after reading someone else's PJ.


I ordered tanks from this seller too! (I am not even going to TRY to put them on myself...I don't do DIY!) I ordered one that says Bride in Disney font with the carriage and one that says Just Married with a slipper. She's so great to work with!


When we picked our date, we looked at the school calendar. Our last day was scheduled for June 8th. Leaving June 17th and getting married on June 21st looked fine, even with a few snow days.

Yeah. Little problem. We are only in January and have already had four snow days, with a possibility of a fifth on Thursday. And on top of that, we didn't have school today because of a water main break.


I know about stressful timing! I am a teach too! My last day of work (post-planning) is the day before my wedding! Luckily my principal said that if I get my room done on Thursday, I can have Friday off.

Oh, and I just subscribed to your PJ...love it and am getting married a week before you!

[geek+nerd]

Hi! Would you mind sharing the etsy seller who did these? I love the design and would love to see if she has any thank you cards!



I ordered tanks from this seller too! (I am not even going to TRY to put them on myself...I don't do DIY!) I ordered one that says Bride in Disney font with the carriage and one that says Just Married with a slipper. She's so great to work with!



I know about stressful timing! I am a teach too! My last day of work (post-planning) is the day before my wedding! Luckily my principal said that if I get my room done on Thursday, I can have Friday off.

Oh, and I just subscribed to your PJ...love it and am getting married a week before you!

dmarieP is the name of the Etsy seller who did our invitations. I recommend her.

The iron on transfers weren't hard to do. I was super nervous because I have no DIY skill, but I didn't have any problems.

We had today off for yet another snow day. There's a chance for a delay tomorrow, more snow Sunday and more snow Tuesday. I'm starting to think Mother Nature doesn't want us to get married.

Good luck with the rest of your school year and the wedding planning!

[librarygeek]

dmarieP is the name of the Etsy seller who did our invitations. I recommend her.

The iron on transfers weren't hard to do. I was super nervous because I have no DIY skill, but I didn't have any problems.

We had today off for yet another snow day. There's a chance for a delay tomorrow, more snow Sunday and more snow Tuesday. I'm starting to think Mother Nature doesn't want us to get married.

Good luck with the rest of your school year and the wedding planning!

Wow, I can't believe you had ANOTHER snow day!! That seriously sucks. I am sooo sick of this weather. Thank goodness we didn't have snow here, but it was so rainy and cold and icky :( I hope things will still work out for you... maybe Mother Nature will play nice and give you an absolutely gorgeous day for your wedding!

[geek+nerd]

Thanks! I am hoping that Mother Nature pays me back with a beautiful wedding day; frankly, it's the least she can do.

There is no official word on the actual last day of school yet for several reasons, most of which are too complicated to get into here (contract issues, conflicts with our vo-tech school, etc.). However, someone told me today that she thinks our last day is going to be June 20, which is one day before the wedding. My principal is an ordained minister, so maybe he can marry us in the concrete courtyard at school. :rotfl:

Sigh. I just want things to go somewhat like I have planned. Oh, well. It is beyond my control.

[geek+nerd]

Believe it or not, there is a possible Nor'easter in the forecast for Friday. I am trying not to think about it.

Instead, I shall focus on fun things, like my shower coming up on April 9th :) I am really looking forward to it. Since we are having such a small wedding, this will be a nice chance to celebrate with more people. Please don't flame me for not following etiquette of "Don't invite people to the shower that you aren't inviting to the wedding."

There are a few kids who will be there, including my niece and nephew, one of DF's nieces, my cousin's baby, and the toddler of one of my friends. DF and I made bags for each of the kids so that they have some things to play with at the shower. We got everything from the Dollar Tree and the dollar bins at Target. Here is a sample of the girls' bag:

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII005.jpg

Cinderella bride figurine (you should have heard my squeal of delight when DF found this!) and princess stampers

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII006.jpg

Princess diary and Cinderella play pack (stickers, coloring page)

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII007.jpg

Minnie Mouse coloring book, princess pencil, princess crayons and a sparkly princess bangle

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/WeddingPlansII008-1.jpg

I hope the girls enjoy them!

We got coloring books, stampers and some other things for the boys, but to be honest, it was more fun making up the girls' bags. DF was too cute hunting down princess items in the stores!

I will definitely post way too many pics from the shower next weekend!

[librarygeek]

Very cute, I love the kids' bags! I was at Michael's the other day and found boxes of crayons with Disney Princesses and Toy Story on them for a dollar each!

[sw33t_angel]

LOVE those bags!! :)

Can't wait to see all your pictures of the shower!! popcorn::

[geek+nerd]

My wedding shower was today. What an amazing day! My mom, aunt and sister know how to put one of these things together. I felt so special and blessed with love. It was incredible. Here are a few (alright, more than a few) pics:

"Cake" made by my very own fairy godmother, my Aunt Margie
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower006.jpg

Chocolate chocolate chip cake with peanut butter icing made by friend Virginia
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower007.jpg

Yummy marble cake with buttercream icing!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower386.jpg

Centerpieces
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower009.jpg

The favor-Cinderella carriage sugar cookies
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower004.jpg

One of the tables
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower385.jpg

Koi pond in the restaurant
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower010.jpg

Me and DF :love:
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower011.jpg

My mom had our shower invitation and wedding invitation framed
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower260.jpg

My mom, me, my sister, niece, aunt and grandmother
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower290.jpg

Me and DF. This is my new Facebook profile pic :)
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower291.jpg

Bride and groom ears!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower360.jpg

And. . .
Me finding out that my parents got us Cinderella's carriage!!!!!!!! I cannot believe it!!!!! I was a blubbering mess. I am still in shock

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower367.jpg

My aunt put together this carriage and my mom wrapped it up with the picture of the carriage with a note on the back that said "To our princess with love, Queenie, King and Chula (the dog)

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Weddingshower370.jpg

[pixie921]

Awwww.....looks like you had a beautiful day! I love the framed invitations, and the coach for your wedding day ... what a wonderful surprise! :goodvibes

[belle2211]

Your shower looks so amazing! Do you know where they got the centerpieces? And congrats on getting the coach for your wedding!

[librarygeek]

Awww, your shower looks awesome! How many people were there? They did a beautiful job decorating it and a lovely theme. And congratulations on getting the carriage, that is going to be so awesome on your wedding day!

[KristiLyn]

Great pics!! The carriage is such a wonderful surprise!!! And love the framed invitations!! Everything looked wonderful!!

[geek+nerd]

Awwww.....looks like you had a beautiful day! I love the framed invitations, and the coach for your wedding day ... what a wonderful surprise! :goodvibes

I could not have asked for a more beautiful shower. What an experience!

Your shower looks so amazing! Do you know where they got the centerpieces? And congrats on getting the coach for your wedding!

Thanks! My aunt made the centerpieces. The vases were glass that she painted white and then added a layer of glue and glitter. Then she sealed them. The coaches were made with foam pumpkins from Michael's that she did the same thing to. The wheels she found online and painted them white and added the little purple stubs. She created the doors out of silver sparkly paper and a wooden heart cut out and then added the knob. They rested on purple scrapbook paper with a lacey scrapbook paper overlay.

Awww, your shower looks awesome! How many people were there? They did a beautiful job decorating it and a lovely theme. And congratulations on getting the carriage, that is going to be so awesome on your wedding day!

Thanks so much! There were about 50 people there. My mom and aunt were amazing with the decorating.

Great pics!! The carriage is such a wonderful surprise!!! And love the framed invitations!! Everything looked wonderful!!

Thanks so much! I still can't believe it about the carriage. It's so unbelievably generous of them. My flower girl is pretty stoked, too :)

[violentmesses]

Awe!! :goodvibes

It looks like it was a beautiful day. Lots of smiles! Love the frame job. Big congrats on Cindy's Carriage!!!! I'm major jealous. :jumping1:

[geek+nerd]

We are awaiting our final BEO from Tanis, but payment has been made. I want to walk down the aisle to "I See the Light" from Tangled, but Tanis wasn't sure they would have the sheet music yet since the movie was so new; however, she has confirmed that they have it, so our music is finalized:

Groom's and Guys' Entrance
"If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc.

MOH and FG Entrance
"Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo"

Bride's Entrance
"I See the Light"

Sand Ceremony
"When You Wish Upon a Star"

Recessional
"Married Life" from Up

We are in the process of doing the marriage license via mail with Brevard County; it's been great so far. I recommend it

DF got me the Cinderella cake topper I wanted :lovestruc

I think that's it for now.

[KristiLyn]

Yay for married life from up!! I love!!!!:lovestruc
And yay for the entrance! I love tangled!

[belle2211]

We are awaiting our final BEO from Tanis, but payment has been made. I want to walk down the aisle to "I See the Light" from Tangled, but Tanis wasn't sure they would have the sheet music yet since the movie was so new; however, she has confirmed that they have it, so our music is finalized:

Groom's and Guys' Entrance
"If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc.

MOH and FG Entrance
"Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo"

Bride's Entrance
"I See the Light"

Sand Ceremony
"When You Wish Upon a Star"

Recessional
"Married Life" from Up

We are in the process of doing the marriage license via mail with Brevard County; it's been great so far. I recommend it

DF got me the Cinderella cake topper I wanted :lovestruc

I think that's it for now.

Yay for finalizing music! We are having "I See the Light" for our unity candle ceremony and I was waiting to see if they had the sheet music too and my WP got back to me too!

[librarygeek]

Nice song selections! I love the song from Tangled, good choice!

[geek+nerd]

Thanks for the comments about music! I was originally going to walk down the aisle to "When I Wish Upon a Star" or "Storybook Love" from the Princess Bride, but when DF and I saw Tangled, I started crying during that part of the movie. I found a beautiful instrumental version on Youtube, and I knew that was what I wanted to walk down the aisle to. I was crushed when I thought there was a chance they wouldn't have it, but very relieved that they in fact do have the music available!

We got our final BEO yesterday and all looks good. The only thing that kind of annoys me is that because we are providing our own sand ceremony and cake cutting items, we have to have a guest set it up for us. I think that's a little ridiculous, but I guess we have to play by Disney rules. We've asked DF's sister to do it for us, and as a thank you, we bought her one of the Disney Dooney & Burke Sketch wristlets. I have not seen any changes made to our floral proposal yet, and that wasn't included with our BEO. I guess I have to ask about that.

[DoomBuggy0922]

Just caught up on this a little...

THEY GOT YOU THE CARRIAGE?!?!?! THAT IS SO SWEET!!!!!!! I love them so much for you :) :) :)

and good song selections btw!

[librarygeek]

It's a shame that you have to have a guest set those things up, but I'm sure that people are more than willing to help you! And it was super nice of you to get her a gift, too. Your wedding is so close now! Exciting! :goodvibes

[geek+nerd]

It's a shame that you have to have a guest set those things up, but I'm sure that people are more than willing to help you! And it was super nice of you to get her a gift, too. Your wedding is so close now! Exciting! :goodvibes

It is shocking how close the wedding is getting! I have a countdown widget on my phone, and sometimes it sends me into a near panic (but a good panic, I guess :) )

I just made reservations for dinner at CRT the Wednesday of our second week! I can't believe that I was able to get anything this close to the actual trip. I was willing to take whatever was available, but I actually got 6:40 pm, which isn't a bad time. I'm very excited!

[geek+nerd]

Just caught up on this a little...

THEY GOT YOU THE CARRIAGE?!?!?! THAT IS SO SWEET!!!!!!! I love them so much for you :) :) :)

and good song selections btw!

Thanks! I'm so excited about the carriage. I still can't believe it!

[geek+nerd]

I haven't totally abandoned my PJ, but I'm bummed that I don't have lots of fun updates to post. The school year is winding down, only 9 days of classes left. I photocopied my finals today :banana:

The wedding is three weeks today, and when I got home, the marriage license arrived in the mail! We used Brevard County, and I highly recommend the service.

That's about it.

[librarygeek]

I bet you're really glad the school year is ending! I know I'm counting down the days, both to the end of this grad school semester and the end of the district where I sub! can't wait!

And you're getting so close now! So exciting! :goodvibes

[sw33t_angel]

YAY for school almost being out!! I know you are counting down the hours... minutes... seconds!!! :lmao:

I can't believe your wedding is 3 weeks away!!!!! Oh my gosh!! It is so CLOSE!! :goodvibes

[geek+nerd]

YAY for school almost being out!! I know you are counting down the hours... minutes... seconds!!! :lmao:

I can't believe your wedding is 3 weeks away!!!!! Oh my gosh!! It is so CLOSE!! :goodvibes

I bet you're really glad the school year is ending! I know I'm counting down the days, both to the end of this grad school semester and the end of the district where I sub! can't wait!

And you're getting so close now! So exciting! :goodvibes

It is hard to believe that it is almost here. I think with it being the end of the school year as well, though, that each individual day draaaaaaags on. On top of the normal end of year wanting to be done with school, I REALLY want to be done with school this year :)

[geek+nerd]

No updates, but the wedding is only ONE WEEK AWAY!!!!!!!! My last day of school is tomorrow and we head down to the World on Thursday! We'll drive just a few hours away Thursday and stay overnight at my sister's; then we'll get up super early on Friday (like 2:30 am) and leave along with her family. After a 14 hour drive, we'll spend the night in Savannah and then leave Saturday morning for the measly 5 hour trip to Orlando!

[librarygeek]

You're so close!! So exciting! Good luck with everything, and I can't wait til you come back and we get to see pictures! Have a fantastic time! :goodvibes

[librarygeek]

HAPPY WEDDING DAY!! :hug:

I hope it is a great one and everything that you ever imagined :goodvibes

[tinkerbell 766]

Happy wedding day - hope it is all you dreamed of!!

[KristiLyn]

Happy Wedding Day!!! :goodvibes

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Happy wedding day

[pinkmiss3]

:bride: Happy Wedding Day!

[Mindyjoy]

Ack, sorry I'm late!!! HAPPY WEDDING DAY!!!!! :bride: I hope it was everything you dreamed of. Can't wait to see pics! popcorn::

[geek+nerd]

We're married!!!!!

Thanks for the happy wedding day wishes. It was truly a magical day.

We are currently at a hotel in South Carolina on our way back to PA after two wonderful weeks at the World. I will do a trip report when we get back; it will be a great way to occupy my summer, but I wanted to do a quick post with a few non-pro pics.

Let me just say, we are both so glad that we chose to have a Disney wedding. It was an amazing experience, and DH asked me when we can do it again :banana: I'm up for as many vow renewals as we can manage!!!!

My sister (MOH), me and my niece (flower girl)
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/laschicas.jpg

I LOVED my bouquet, and I'm so pleased with how it photographed.

The married couple and the carriage :lovestruc
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/carriage.jpg

At the cake cutting
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/cake.jpg

We loved everything about the cake! It was gorgeous and delicious!

Trust me, I will post tons more pics when we get home.

Thanks again to everyone here for their support and advice. We definitely would not have had the same experience without all the invaluable help from folks here on the DISboards!

[tinkerbell 766]

Linda, many congratulations!! You looked absolutely beautiful and so happy. Looks like it was a really pretty wedding. Can't wait to hear (and see) more!!

[pixie921]

Linda, congratulations!! You two look so happy in your photos! :goodvibes

I also have to say that I love your dress ... I actually just ordered it myself this past week! :thumbsup2

[librarygeek]

Your pictures look beautiful! It looks like it was truly a magical day. You look gorgeous, and bouquet is beautiful. Congrats again! Looking forward to your TR this summer!

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

lovely pics.

[geek+nerd]

Thanks, everyone!

I'm going to give the trip report a go here and see how frustrated I get with photobucket! Warning: all pics will be huge because I don't have the patience to resize them.

Day 1: Saturday, June 18, 2011
Our three car caravan arrived at Cypress Pointe (where my family has a condo; literally a half mile from entrance to Disney property) around 2:30 p.m. after traveling from Pennsylvania. We checked into the condo, unloaded our car, and then DH (DF at the time) and I took our nephew, who is 9, to Magic Kingdom for some special time while the rest of the family unpacked and grocery shopped.

DH and I exchanged our annual pass vouchers and used the AP to buy a Tables in Wonderland card, which I highly recommend for anyone not on the DDP. We got our "Happily Ever After" buttons.

DH's button
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/button.jpg

We did Splash Mountain first. When we go to parks, I use my wheelchair because it's just too much walking. Our nephew loves when we get to skip part of the line! We waited only a little over half the posted wait time to get on since we separated from the regular line at the steps.

Then we did Haunted Mansion which we all thought was lame yet kind of cool in an old-school way. DNe (dear nephew) really enjoyed playing with things in line, though.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Gabeplaying.jpg

Then the three of us headed over to Space Mountain. In the past with the wheelchair, we have been able to just hop right in the fast pass entrance, but the cast member there gave us a ticket to come back for the wait time. So, what any logical person will do before s/he gets on a roller coaster, we decided to go eat :) We scarfed down some chicken nuggets and fries in Tomorrowland and then headed back over to ride. DNe is a total daredevil when it comes to rides, but he wanted to be in the middle on this one, not in the front.

After that, we met up with the rest of the family on Main Street to catch the Magical Electrical Parade. DNi (dear niece) and DNe got to play while we waited.

She has a freakish talent for hula hooping! She could have done this all night.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/hulahoop-1.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/jumprope-1.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Electricalparade.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Electriccoach.jpg

Me (in chair), DNi, my mom, DH, and my BIL, who became ordained online to be our officiant. He later got made fun of at Laugh Floor for his hat.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/halfofteamphoto.jpg

After the parade, we did Laugh Floor.

My dad took this pic of the fireworks that were going on as we exited.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/fireworks.jpg

Then, we headed over to do the Carousel of Progress, a family tradition. Then we danced with Pluto!

DNi is in the purple dress
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/kateandpluto.jpg

My sister and I got into the action, too! She's to the right of me in the black flowered dress
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/girlsandpluto.jpg

We got back to the condo well after midnight! It was a great first day!

[ericamcl]

you looked absolutely amazing - so happy you had a great first day!
can't wait to read about the rest of the trip!

[tinkerbell 766]

Linda sweetie - I am so happy that you have started your TR and eager to read more!!
You were a beautiful bride and look like you were having a ball in the MK with your family. I particularly love the fireworks photo - very arty!! More please!!

[geek+nerd]

you looked absolutely amazing - so happy you had a great first day!
can't wait to read about the rest of the trip!

It was a fun start to the trip!

Linda sweetie - I am so happy that you have started your TR and eager to read more!!
You were a beautiful bride and look like you were having a ball in the MK with your family. I particularly love the fireworks photo - very arty!! More please!!

Thanks so much! The fireworks photo was a fluke. My dad took it with his cell phone, but we all agreed it was a pretty cool pic. :)

[geek+nerd]

Day 2: Sunday, June 19, 2011

On this day, we headed over to Hollywood Studios, which historically, has been my least favorite park; however, my opinion changed on this trip.

My DBIL, DNe, DH and I did Tower of Terror, which was my first time on the ride. In the past, I have been terrified of it, but DH talked me into going on. I must have a look of death on my face in line because the man behind me assured it wasn't that bad of a ride. He warned me that I would know the fall was going to start when I felt warm because that meant we were outside. I was grateful for this head's up. My mom, dad, sister and DNi were off meeting characters and going to shows.

Kate and some of the characters she got to meet
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Tiggerandeeyore.jpg

My sister, niece and mom. Kate was very excited to show Minnie her Minnie Mouse earrings! She just got her ears pierced the week before.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/minnieandthegirls.jpg

I ended up loving the ride, and throughout our whole trip, we went on it four more times. It's now in my top 5 favorites.

My brother-in-law, nephew, DH and I then headed over to Rock-n-Roller Coaster, also my first time on that ride. The line was long, but we weren't sure how late we were staying, so we didn't want to do fast passes. Very cool ride! I really like the one corkscrew turn.

After that, we separated out and my DNe, DH, mom, dad and I went to Sci-Fi for Father's Day lunch. It was perfect for my dad! He loves that time period, since it's when he was a kid, and he had just watched Attack of the 50 Foot Woman on TV before we left for Florida. My DNe also really enjoyed the experience.

My mom and nephew in the front row, me and DH in the middle and my dad in the back
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/scifi.jpg

My dad, loving it
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Popinhisglory.jpg

I had the shrimp and pasta, which was pretty tasty. My dad had the BLT soup and the Reuben sandwich, both of which he loved.

Then, we went next door to the Writers' Cafe where DH and I shared this cookie. Sooooooo good!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/cookie.jpg

We briefly met back up with my sister, BIL and niece and then separated out again. Dne, DH and I went to do Rock-n-Roller Coaster again while everyone else went to the Beauty & the Beast show. The line was once again long, and this time, the ride broke down while we were in line so we ended up waiting about 80 minutes for it. Then, when we went on, there was a problem with the launch of the ride. Stephen Tyler did his countdown and we just sat there. I started to panic because if anyone will meet their death on an amusement park ride, it's me. The countdown came on again, and we were off, although all three of us thought it was slower than it should have been.

After that we met up again and BIL, DNe, DH and I did Star Tours; DH, Dne and I liked it, but my BIL said he was disappointed. We met back up with everyone at the sorcerer's hat, and my Dni got to be in the Camp Rock show that was going on. She takes dance lessons, and she was super excited that she got to dance.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Kateinshow.jpg

After that, we looked in a few shops and then headed back to the condo. The kids went swimming, while DH and I waited for a phone call that his family was checked into their hotel and ready to meet up.

We got the call, and this is when things started to go wrong. DH's sister, BIL and mom made it down and were checked into All Star Music. However, on the way down, they ran into some car trouble. DH's BIL called and asked DH to find him a mechanic. Um. . .really? We aren't from around here either, and you can use a phone book just as well as we can (that's what I said to myself in my head). Then, apparently, DH's BIL exaggerated some and was saying how upset his sister and mom were and he wasn't sure they'd make it back to PA in the car. . . DH gets off the phone and says, "What the he^& does he want me to do about it?" And then I, in my pre-wedding hyper emotional state, start to cry about how much I just wanted everyone to have a good time and how I wanted everything to go well. Which, then, makes DH tear up a little because now he feels bad. DH uses his phone to find a Pep Boys nearby and writes down the contact info to give them when we meet up at them in DTD after their dinner at Captain Jack's.

DH and I freshen up and then head out to meet up with his family. We meet them outside the restaurant, at which point, DH's sister pulls me aside and tells me her husband is overreacting. The check engine light came on, and she said she wasn't worried. She figured it was an emissions thing and they might not get as good gas mileage on the way home, but it wasn't like they were going to be stranded. And not to worry about it. I love her!

DH's sister and BIL
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/MissyChris.jpg

We walked around DTD, doing a lot of window shopping. I was so excited to take the girls into Arribas Bros, my fave place to window shop! They loved it!

DH's mom, sister and BIL
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/MissyChrisMary.jpg

After that, we followed them back to their resort, just to find their room because we'd picking DH's mom up later in the week. We visited for a little bit and then headed back to the condo for the night.

[Pinkgirl]

Hi, I'm really late joining in - just read everything! having seen your piccies on the bouquet thread (thank goodness the oven has a timer or that would have been one badly burned banana loaf :banana:).

Your flowers were gorgeous and you looked beautiful on your wedding day. I had a few tears when I read about your parents getting you the coach.

Cant wait to read more and see all your fab wedding pictures. :thumbsup2

[DoomBuggy0922]

Joining in for the trip report! Excited to read more. :D

[tinkerbell 766]

Linda sweetie - Great update!! I really love the Sci Fi but didn't manage to get there on our VR trip!!! Next time for sure!!

[geek+nerd]

Hi, I'm really late joining in - just read everything! having seen your piccies on the bouquet thread (thank goodness the oven has a timer or that would have been one badly burned banana loaf :banana:).

Your flowers were gorgeous and you looked beautiful on your wedding day. I had a few tears when I read about your parents getting you the coach.

Cant wait to read more and see all your fab wedding pictures. :thumbsup2

Thanks for the compliments!

Joining in for the trip report! Excited to read more. :D

I'm glad people are reading! Although, to be honest, I'd probably write it any way :) DH wants to read it when I'm all done.


Linda sweetie - Great update!! I really love the Sci Fi but didn't manage to get there on our VR trip!!! Next time for sure!!

We all really enjoyed it. Typically when we go, we don't bother with dining reservations and just eat quick service meals. However, since DH and I were planning this trip, we wanted to make sure we included some table service restaurants. We are going back in December and almost booked Sci-Fi again, but there are so many other places we want to try, so we booked ressies at places we haven't eaten at before.

[geek+nerd]

Day 3: Monday, June 20, 2011

The original plan for this day was that both families were going to spend some time together in Epcot before the girls left to go to the Grand Floridian for a ladies' tea at the Garden View Tea Room that I was hosting.

This is a picture of the invitation to the tea that I sent out to all the ladies. It's in here in another post somewhere.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/christmas2010003.jpg

Of course, that plan didn't actually happen. My mother, father, sister and niece stayed at the condo so my niece, who had just turned 5, could have a quiet and relaxing morning. My sister was afraid that she would be a train wreck at the tea if she spent the morning in the park. I was upset because I wanted us to all have some time together, but she was totally right (and I knew it at the time, deep down).

So, my BIL, DNe, DH and I were off to Epcot to meet up with DH's family. My BIL and DNe went and did their own thing while the rest of us headed off to ride Nemo. Next, we waited about 80 minutes to do Soarin'. DH's mom LOVED this ride. She was like a little kid oohing and aahing many times. Then we did The Land.

At that point, it was time to meet my BIL and DNe at Spaceship Earth so that BIL could take me, DH's mom and DH's sister over to the Grand Floridian. DNe stayed with DH and his BIL and did Test Track, lunch, Ellen's Energy Adventure.

The rest of the ladies (my mom, sister, niece, and a friend of the family and her sister) met us in the lobby of the GF. I had ordered some sparkly iron on transfers from Etsy and made "tea shirts" for all the ladies to wear. Here are some pictures from the tea.

My sister and niece
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/lisaandkatetea.jpg

My niece, Kate, and DH's mom, Mary. Kate adores her!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/kateandmarytea.jpg

Our group in the lobby
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/group.jpg

The floor in front of the Garden View Tea Room
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/MrsPotts.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/chip.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/rose.jpg

My mother and sister ordered the "Princess Kate Tea" which included, champagne, a cheese sampler with fruit, some shrimp thing, toast and dessert. The rest of us ordered the "Buckingham Palace Tea" which included tea sandwiches, a scone and jam tart and dessert.

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/teacup.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/teapot.jpg

Princess Kate tea
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/princesskatetea.jpg

Princess Kate dessert
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/dessert1.jpg

Our princess Kate saying cheese while eating some cheese
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/katetea-1.jpg

Scone and jam tart
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/sconeandjamtart.jpg

The dessert with the Buckingham tea. We had a choice of a few pastries. I chose a chocolate eclair and a chocolate hazelnut cream puff. So yummy!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/dessert2.jpg

My mom
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/nanatea.jpg

All the women who go to the tea room get a rose
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/group2.jpg

It was such a lovely way to spend the afternoon, and it's something that I wouldn't normally have taken the time away from parks to do.

After the tea, my dad picked up my mom, sister and niece, and my BIL picked up me, DH's mom and DH's sister. Dad and company headed back to the condo and the rest of us went back to Epcot to drop off DH's mom and sister and to pick up DH and DNe.

After doing our pick up/drop off, we headed over to POR where DH and I were staying until Friday. DH checked us in and then we headed back to the condo. Keep in mind that at this time, it is 4:30 pm. DH's best man was supposed to come to the condo around 6 pm where we were going to have pizza and wings and hang out until it was time for the girls to head to the hotel for the night while the boys spent wedding eve at the condo. The main reason that DH's best man was staying with them was so that he wouldn't drink and be hungover and/or late for the wedding (he is going through a separation and a bit of a mid-life crisis at the moment and drinks heavily on a regular basis).

On our way back to the condo, DH gets a text from his BM asking where we were because he was in the lobby of the condo. Really? An hour and a half early? Really?:rolleyes: DH was mad, and of course, I was annoyed. So, we get to the condo, DH goes to the lobby to get his BM and finds him drinking a beer. :sad2:

So, we had our dinner and the my BIL, our officiant, did a little rehearsal of the ceremony just with me and DH since one wasn't included in our package.

Then it was time to say goodnight and for the girls to be on their way to the hotel.

Up next: WEDDING DAY!

[tinkerbell 766]

Linda sweetie - The tea looks absolutely fabulous!!
You know a few things must have changed since my girls and I did the tea at the Garden View on May 3rd!! The 'Princess Kate Tea' must be a new thing as it wasn't on the menu when we had tea there. I assume it is a nod to our new Duchess of Cambridge!!! Also, none of my girls got a rose :confused3. Maybe that is a new thing too.
I love the Garden View Tearoom and we really enjoyed our tea there!!
Looking forward to reading all about the big day itself!!

[DoomBuggy0922]

Oohhh that tea looks amazing!!! SO much fun! I wish I had time to do it while I'm there.

[Pinkgirl]

I think its Fab that the GF Tearoom has changed the names to honour Kate. princess:

[geek+nerd]

Linda sweetie - The tea looks absolutely fabulous!!
You know a few things must have changed since my girls and I did the tea at the Garden View on May 3rd!! The 'Princess Kate Tea' must be a new thing as it wasn't on the menu when we had tea there. I assume it is a nod to our new Duchess of Cambridge!!! Also, none of my girls got a rose :confused3. Maybe that is a new thing too.
I love the Garden View Tearoom and we really enjoyed our tea there!!
Looking forward to reading all about the big day itself!!

I wonder if the rose thing is new. At first, I thought we were special because we had a celebration on our reservation. Then, I looked around and every other woman had one, too. So much for feeling special! :laughing:

Oohhh that tea looks amazing!!! SO much fun! I wish I had time to do it while I'm there.

It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. All the girls really enjoyed it, and we were all surprised at how full we were after. It is definitely worth taking the time to do on a future trip if you get the chance to. I love the Grand Floridian, but we could never afford to stay there, so it's an affordable way to get a little bit of the fancy GF experience!

[librarygeek]

It looks like a really fun trip! That tea looks like an amazing time. I know what you mean about not wanting to take time out of the parks normally to do something like that, but I may have to make an exception in the future. If my mother ever comes with me to Disney (if I can get her on a plane!), I will try to do that because I know it's something she would love. Thanks for sharing and I'm looking forward to the rest of your TR!

[Lulu83]

Congratulations on your wedding!! I'm really enjoying reading your TR and looking forward to the wedding day!

[geek+nerd]

My mother, sister, niece and I stayed in the room at POR. The women from Beaute Speciale were set to arrive at 5:30 am, so we got up at 4:45 in order to have breakfast and have our teeth brushed before getting make up done.

Here is my niece, who wasn't quite ready to get up yet.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Katesleeping.jpg

She eventually did wake up
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/chillaxing.jpg

Jackie and Isa were AMAZING! I cannot recommend Beaute Speciale enough. It was such a fun way to start the morning. We all chatted and were very relaxed. It was just what I needed.

My mom, sister and I got the airbrush make up. Let me tell you-it is well worth the money. It was extremely hot that day and my make-up still looked good at our dessert party that night.

My mom and sister getting their hair and make up done
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/gettinpretty.jpg

Me, pre-make up. I look tired.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/gettinghairdone.jpg

Kate entertaining herself
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/makingfaces.jpg

DH and I had talked about not getting each other wedding presents. Then, we decided that we would get each other something "small." In my mind "something small" means inexpensive. So, I made a wordle out of my vows and had them framed for him.

As we were getting ready, my mother gave me his version of "something small."

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/Somethingsmall.jpg

They are earrings to match the Tiffany necklace that he gave me previously
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/earrings.jpg

Obviously, I was thrilled, but then I felt bad about my gift. He got his that morning and texted me that he loved it. He now has it on his desk at work. He is very sentimental, so I do know that he appreciated it.

The diva gets some lip gloss
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/lipgloss.jpg

The back of my hair
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/brideshair.jpg

All I need is the dress!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/allsheneedsisthedress.jpg

The dress
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/thedress.jpg

Up next: Randy arrives and we take a bazillion pictures in the blistering heat

[DoomBuggy0922]

Awww!!! First: You look GORGEY!!! I am so happy for you. You look so happy and excited and in love. :goodvibes

Second: Your DF is so sweet! The earrings are very pretty and I love that he surprised you.

Third: I LOL-ed at your sleepy little niece. :lmao:

[geek+nerd]

Jackie and Isa finished up around 8:00, and I was just getting into my dress when Randy, early, knocked on the door.

Apparently, he started taking pictures before we opened the door.
Our room number
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD00016-21-11.jpg

Kate was very excited to let him in.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD00046-21-11.jpg

Randy immediately started snapping away. I think all four of us may now have a little crush on this artist! He is an amazing photographer and so much fun to work with.

My mother and sister trying to figure out how to tie a square knot
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07096-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07736-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07796-21-11.jpg

My bouquet
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07136-21-11.jpg

Our rings on the bouquet
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07386-21-11.jpg

My white wedding crutches with my something blue-not so hidden Mickeys
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07426-21-11.jpg

My "glass" sneakers made by my godmother-I wear a leg brace and can pretty much only wear sneakers
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07816-21-11.jpg

I didn't even know Randy had this set up
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD08026-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD07996-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD08176-21-11.jpg

[geek+nerd]

Next we headed outside to take some pictures around the hotel. We were at Acadian House at POR. Here are some of my faves:

I have no idea why I love this picture, but I do
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD00406-21-11.jpg

My grape soda badge that DH had given me with my birthday present this year
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD01046-21-11.jpg

The girls
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD01086-21-11.jpg

She's such a diva princess!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD01426-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD01736-21-11.jpg

I LOVE these next two pictures
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD02386-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD02446-21-11.jpg

Kate had to put on her sunglasses; she couldn't stand the sun in her eyes
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD02286-21-11.jpg

Me and my mom
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD02616-21-11.jpg

Then it was time to get the limo and head over to the GF to meet the coach
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/getthelimo.jpg

Up next: Way more pictures than you ever wanted to see! And, I swear, there will be some of DH:rotfl:

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

So very beautiful!

[geek+nerd]

We got to the GF and start to head in
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09026-21-11.jpg

Kate liked leading the way!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09236-21-11.jpg

I love the GF lobby! I wish we had taken more pics there after the cake cutting.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09306-21-11.jpg

What an experience walking through the lobby. Every brides deserves to feel that way on her wedding day. We got so many congratulations and compliments from people!

As we were on our way to get the coach, Randy noticed that they were power washing in its normal pick up location. He ran outside to head off the coach and lead them to a dry spot. What a guy!

The coach arrived to pick us up!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09336-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09356-21-11.jpg

I heart her so much!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD03036-21-11.jpg

It was so bright out and Kate was complaining about the sun. Good thing she had her purse with her!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD03086-21-11.jpg

She was much happier with the sunglasses
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD03156-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09796-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD03426-21-11.jpg

Then, we were off! Randy ran alongside the coach taking tons of pictures.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD09926-21-11.jpg

As we went around the front of the GF, a little girl was waving and she yelled, "Hi, Cinderella!" :love: At that point, my mother commented that the coach was worth every penny!

We were getting close!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD10586-21-11.jpg

http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD10316-21-11.jpg

Kate still liked leading the way!
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD03906-21-11.jpg

Love the monorail in the background
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD04016-21-11.jpg

My mom and dad, sister and nephew in the Bride's Vestibule.
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD11206-21-11.jpg

DH!:love:
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD11396-21-11.jpg

The boys minus my dad
http://i878.photobucket.com/albums/ab344/geekplusnerd/LD11456-21-11.jpg
Left to right: My BIL, good friend and officiant Todd (I can't believe he had his top button buttoned, but oh well), nephew and just all around wonderful kid Gabe, my sweet, sweet DH Dave and his best man Bill

Up next: the ceremony

[tinkerbell 766]

Linda sweetie - Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!! Your little flower girl is just beyond precious!!
I love the comment about the top button on the shirt!!! In some of my photos, my older son has his jacket undone, and I was like 'Arrrrrgh!!!!!' Men!!!!:rolleyes2

[kmg148]

I love your pictures! Your dress is beautiful!

[librarygeek]

Your pictures are gorgeous! He got so many great ones, what a wonderful photographer :goodvibes I really love the one of you and your niece reflected in the mirror, what a cool picture.

[Kluhxrenay]

No I haven't started a Planning journal, just because my wedding isn't going to be huge like everyone elses. It's just me,my DF,his mom,her bf,his two bros and his bros gf. So it's very small. I didn't have much to write I guess? I mean I just didn't know what to put down haha. But thanks for letting me know about the guide!!! :)

[DoomBuggy0922]

LOVE the pictures! You look gorgeous and I LOVE THE COACH SO MUCH!!!! :D

[geek+nerd]

No I haven't started a Planning journal, just because my wedding isn't going to be huge like everyone elses. It's just me,my DF,his mom,her bf,his two bros and his bros gf. So it's very small. I didn't have much to write I guess? I mean I just didn't know what to put down haha. But thanks for letting me know about the guide!!! :)

We only had a total of 16 people. There's still lots to write :) No problem about the guide. To be honest with you, if I hadn't found these boards and the guide, we probably wouldn't have had a DFTW due to the frustration of dealing with Disney at different points. But, it was all worth it :) Good luck with your planning!

[Kluhxrenay]

Thanks babe :) I actually got an e-mail from Disney photography yesterday and they had your wedding featured on the email. How weird is that!? Especially since i've been talking to you!!

[geek+nerd]

Thanks babe :) I actually got an e-mail from Disney photography yesterday and they had your wedding featured on the email. How weird is that!? Especially since i've been talking to you!!

Very weird!

[Pinkgirl]

Your pictures are up on Randy's website

[Angel16]

What a wonderful thread you have created. I have so enjoyed joining you on this journey to your wonderful married life. Congratulations!
You look so beautiful and happy in all your pre-ceremony pictures. When can we see your ceremony pictures? Someone mentioned that your photos are up on Randy's website. Is it possible to view them?

Happily Ever After sweetie!

Angel16

[Pinkgirl]

Here you go Angel16

http://chapmanphotography.typepad.com/

Just scroll down a bit

[Angel16]

Thank you so much Pinkgirl :goodvibes

Angel16

[CourtenayB]

What happened to the ending? Where did you disappear to? :(

[Angel16]

Wow it is getting close to your First Anniversary! Hope you both are doing ok. If your up to it many of us would still love to see the rest of your magical day. :)

Pinkgirl :cheer2::yay: You are getting really close to your wedding day! Are you posting your plans any where? Congratulations and Much Happiness!


Angel16