Amanda & Jeff 12/7/15 - YCG/Marina/Ariel's/France - Update 10/25: Napa Rose Chefs Counter!

Most of the big wedding decisions are done, and I'm feeling a lot less stressed! Some advice for future brides: your planner will ask for your final guest count at 45 days out. If you have it, give it to her as close to that 45 day mark as you can! We gave our planner our final guest count at about 37 days out, but then after seeing our final budget numbers, we wanted to make some changes to our BEO. Doing this in the seven days prior to making the final payment was rather stressful for me. I know you can still make changes after that final payment, but I really didn't want to over or under pay.

As far as our outside vendors, I decided to add one additional hour with Trinity and two additional hours with the Roots. Our timeline will look something like this:

12:00 - Roots and Trinity arrive
1:00 - First Look
1:15 - Pictures with bridal party/families
2:30 - Ceremony
3:00 - Pre-reception starts (and more photos for us)
4:00 - Reception starts
6:30 - Cake cutting
7:00 - Trinity leaves
8:00 - Roots leave (and we head to Epcot for our dessert party)
8:30 - Dessert party starts

We're not doing photo or video for the dessert party, since we're trying to be as budget friendly as possible. Also, I wanted the experience of seeing my guests see the fireworks, not facing a bunch of cameras.

In other news, I had my bachelorette party this weekend! It came together kind of crazily, since I didn't want to be involved in the planning at all. I had enough on my plate. My sister Samantha is only 20, so she couldn't partake in any alcohol-fueled festivities. So she tried to plan a bunch of other things, but it turns out that all my friends are flaky and no one would commit to anything she suggested. So finally, I told her I just wanted a massage and to go out to dinner with her and anyone else who was willing to make the time. In the end, it turned out to be a whole bachelorette day!

She and I started at Trails End for breakfast.



Us on an empty bus from the Fort Wilderness parking lot to Trails End

I love Trails End breakfast! So much delicious food, and relatively affordable as far as Disney buffets go.

Then we went to the Grand Floridian Spa to get a massage for two. If you've never been, the spa is super fancy! When we checked in, an attendant showed us all the amenities they offer. They gave us these big plush robes to wear to wait for our massage.



Here is us in our robes, and then later in the Grand Floridian lobby.

I've only ever gotten a massage on a Disney Cruise before, never on land. On the cruise, they spent the whole end of the massage trying to sell me on some crazy expensive spa product that I didn't need. At the Grand Floridian, she only made one small mention of selling something. At the beginning of the massage, she asked if we wanted any aromatherapy oils or treatment upgrades. We politely declined, and she didn't try to sell us anything for the rest of the treatment. I was very happy, since nothing is more awkward and de-relaxing as someone trying to sell you something you don't want.

After the treatment, Samantha and I got to enjoy the hot tub and steam room and unlimited cucumber water at the spa for a while. If you ever go here for a treatment, bring your bathing suit so you can enjoy the amenities! We loved the hot tub, but the steam room was way too steamy for us. We also laid out on the heated loungers for a bit. Then I showered in their fancy showers, which had free shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hair brushes, razors, and more! Maybe I don't get out much, but it's the little things that excite me! I would say we spent close to three hours at the spa, and only 50 minutes of that was our actual massage.

Next, we went to the Grand Floridian lobby to see if they had their Christmas decorations up. They were in the process of constructing their big gingerbread house, but it wasn't done yet. But they were giving out free samples of gingerbread! Yum!

After the Grand Floridian, we met up with my bridesmaid Haley and had dinner at the Melting Pot, which I love. Then we went back to my sister's and hung out for a while more. Our officiant/friend Leah joined us as well.

I got a gift of a giraffe onesie.



And a bride Tervis tumbler.



And also a bottle of Rosa Regale, which I don't have a picture of.

Overall, it was a great night. At first I was upset that a lot of my friends couldn't make it, but in the end, I was happy to spend the day/night with the people that I'm closest to. That's what really matters.

And then when I got home, Jeff showed me something that came in the mail...



We bought those Magic Band-its quite a while ago, so I was very happy to have something to put them on!

Now it's really feeling soon! Only a little more than three weeks to go, and only 14 more work days!

Too funny! I got a bottle of Rosa Regale too!! And we got our bride/groom magic bands.

Your timeline is really helpful. When is your hair and makeup coming?

rachel09985 said:

Too funny! I got a bottle of Rosa Regale too!! And we got our bride/groom magic bands.

Your timeline is really helpful. When is your hair and makeup coming?

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Haha, I saw that! What are the chances?

Between my BEO and getting help from the Roots, I figured out the timeline. Hair and makeup are coming at 8:30 am. There are 5 of us getting hair and makeup done.

Amanda132 said:

Haha, I saw that! What are the chances?

Between my BEO and getting help from the Roots, I figured out the timeline. Hair and makeup are coming at 8:30 am. There are 5 of us getting hair and makeup done.

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I am lost when it comes time to this timeline. I will ask my photographer. She is coming at 12 too. I really wanted her to get picture of us getting our hair and makeup done but I am not paying an extra hour just for that. I really want her to get me putting my dress on though.

rachel09985 said:

I am lost when it comes time to this timeline. I will ask my photographer. She is coming at 12 too. I really wanted her to get picture of us getting our hair and makeup done but I am not paying an extra hour just for that. I really want her to get me putting my dress on though.

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Definitely get with your photographer. Our photographers basically came up with the entire timeline for us.

Less than two weeks until the wedding! And only five more days of work for me!

If I wasn't before, I'm definitely in panic mode now. Every remaining wedding thing feels like the biggest decision ever, even though I know it's not.

We have had a pretty busy weekend wedding-wise. First, I went to my third and final fitting at Carolyn Allen's yesterday. I can't say enough good things about them. Sue is amazing, and you can tell that they really take pride in what they do there. Thanks to all the brides who recommended them to me for alterations. As I left, Sue reminded me that the next time I wear my dress will be at my wedding! She's going to steam my dress and veil, and then deliver it (plus my mom and sister's dresses... they got their alterations done there too) on the morning of the wedding.

Then, later that day, we met with DJ Elliot. Elliot does a lot of Disney park events, but he doesn't usually do weddings. I'm really happy that he agreed to do ours! He was telling us how he considers every event he does a story, and how he'll make sure that our wedding music tells a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. I'm really excited about that, and I feel like we are in good hands there.

And then today, we got our marriage license! Jeff said we should go early in the morning, so we wouldn't have a long line at the courthouse. He was definitely right, but I didn't listen to him. So we ended up going in the afternoon and waiting an hour... oops! But it was worth it. I'm glad we got it done. And when we left, the employee who helped us wished us luck and happiness... so nice! I was surprised how sentimental I got while she was processing the paperwork for us. It's just such a big step towards actually being married!

Other than that, we've just been tying up some loose ends. We debated with getting transportation for our wedding guests directly through Mears, since it was cheaper than going through Disney. But in the end, I decided that the peace of mind of going through Disney was worth the extra cost. Thankfully, we were able to add that pretty last minute.

The other thing I did pretty last minute was book a breakfast for us and our parents the day before the wedding at Captain's Grille. I wanted to treat our parents to a meal as a thank you, but since we're leaving for California at 6 am two days after the wedding, the only time that we would all be able to go was the day before the wedding. Since we already have a rehearsal dinner booked, I decided to do a breakfast instead.

At first, I was worried that the day before the wedding would be too hectic, but I'm thinking it will be okay. We will start at the Captain's Grille for breakfast, then check into the Beach Club after we eat. Then we will have our rehearsal, and then a little downtime before we head to Fort Wilderness for the rehearsal dinner at Hoop Dee Doo. After the dinner, we will head back to the Beach Club for a casual get together with any of our guests that want to come and hang out with us. I think there's enough time that I won't get too stressed, hopefully.

Well I'm not sure I'll have too many more updates after this, unless anything interesting happens! I'll try to post at least one more time with a final update before the wedding! Eep!

Soo close! If I don't remember to post between now and then (babies - they're exhausting!) have a beautiful wedding day and try to remember to stop and take in the moments

I just realized we are both having oreo bon bons at our dessert party! Haha, i miss those things at Cape May. BTW where are you having your first look? My photographer suggested the gazebo but i didn't realize you were getting married there.

Yay you're so close!!!!

TinkLoverSam said:

Soo close! If I don't remember to post between now and then (babies - they're exhausting!) have a beautiful wedding day and try to remember to stop and take in the moments

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Thank you so much!

rachel09985 said:

I just realized we are both having oreo bon bons at our dessert party! Haha, i miss those things at Cape May. BTW where are you having your first look? My photographer suggested the gazebo but i didn't realize you were getting married there.

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That's awesome! I love those bon bons. We're doing all our pre-ceremony photos at the Beach Club, but I don't think we've chosen a specific first look location. We'll probably go wherever our photographers decide?

Disney_Alli said:

Yay you're so close!!!!

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Ahhhh I know!

Only four days until our wedding! I can't believe it's almost here. I've already officially started my time off from work, so I guess you can say that I'm already on vacation!

This will probably be my final update before the wedding! I've still got quite the to-do list, yet I'm laying in bed writing this instead of doing any of it! Some of the things I have left to do:

• Have Jeff try on his suit and decide if he's going to wear the vest or not
• Finalizing music for the DJ (must play, do not play, and parent dance songs)
• Write vows (eek! maybe I'll get this one done today!)
• Set up envelopes with tips for our vendors

Overall, it's not too much stuff, thankfully. And other than these things, I've got pretty much everything else scheduled for the next two weeks:

Friday, December 4: Drop stuff off at Francks (really this is just the guest book and pens, as Disney is providing everything else).

Saturday, December 5: Manicures with my maid of honor and bridesmaid. This is also the day that most of our out-of-towners are flying in, so possibly get together with everyone in the afternoon. Having a group meetup at Yehaa Bob at Port Orleans Riverside in the evening.

Sunday, December 6: Breakfast with our parents at the Captain's Grille. Check into the Beach Club. Rehearsal. Rehearsal dinner at Hoop Dee Doo. Casual hangout at the Beach Club with our guests.

Monday, December 7: WEDDING. Carolyn Allen's is dropping off my dress (and my mom and sister's) between 7:30 and 8. Patricia Lejeune is arriving at 8:30. Roots and Trinity arriving at 12. Ceremony starts at 2:30, pre-reception at 3, reception at 4, and dessert party at 8:30. Possibly going to Jelly Rolls as an after party.

Tuesday, December 8: Recover from wedding. Enjoy the pool at the Beach Club. Check out of the Beach Club. Cut off all my hair before we leave for our honeymoon because it's way too long.

Wednesday, December 9 - Tuesday December 15: Disneyland! We're staying at the Grand Californian, and we have reservations while we're there at Blue Bayou (Fantasmic dining package), Carthay Circle, and the Napa Rose Chefs Counter.

Then we have a few days to recover, and we go back to work just in time for Christmas!

If anyone is interested in following along with our adventures, you can follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. I am @amandaenchanted and he is @jeph216!

So freaking close!!! Enjoy!!!

Oh my god, it's literally HERE!!! I have been lurking here, reading all your posts and updates (and of course on FB as well) and I am just so excited for the two of you. I hope you have the most joyful, relaxing, and fun filled weekend imaginable and the most AMAZING wedding day!! I can't wait to see your adventures!!

We arrive at WDW on the 7th! I'll be sending you well wishes during your special day, how exciting!

I'm just now catching up. Hope you are having a wonderful time. Cannot wait to see pictures & hear all about everything.
Hoping you got your to do lists all done!

Disney_Alli said:

So freaking close!!! Enjoy!!!

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Thanks! It was amazing!

elphie101 said:

Oh my god, it's literally HERE!!! I have been lurking here, reading all your posts and updates (and of course on FB as well) and I am just so excited for the two of you. I hope you have the most joyful, relaxing, and fun filled weekend imaginable and the most AMAZING wedding day!! I can't wait to see your adventures!!

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Thank you! We had the greatest wedding day and honeymoon! Can't wait to start my trip report.

Hydra said:

We arrive at WDW on the 7th! I'll be sending you well wishes during your special day, how exciting!

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Thank you!

Doodlebug25413 said:

I'm just now catching up. Hope you are having a wonderful time. Cannot wait to see pictures & hear all about everything.
Hoping you got your to do lists all done!

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Thank you! We did have the best time. And I got all the main important things done, and that's all the matters!

WE'RE MARRIED! We've been married for ten days now! The post-wedding depression has definitely set in, so that means that it's officially time to start my wedding recap and trip report!

To start, we haven't gotten our official preview from the Roots yet, but Nate and Jensey did send me three photos to tide me over.





And my favorite...



I am obsessed.

And now, to begin the wedding recap, I present the Glad I Did/Wish I Had:

Glad I Did...

Had a Wishes Disney Fairy Tale Wedding. This is maybe basic, but it's true. I was so stressed before the wedding that I was declaring to anyone who would listen that we should have just eloped. I was wrong. Having a Disney wedding, and specifically a Wishes Collection wedding was the best possible choice. We had exactly 40 people, and it was the perfect number. We had an amazing time dancing and interacting with everyone, and everything was literally perfect.

Had the Roots as our photographers. I love the Roots. We contacted them literally days after we got engaged, before we even knew for sure if we were having a Disney wedding. They were absolutely amazing (I know I keep calling everything amazing, but there are really no better adjectives I can use to describe this day). When we were getting ready in the morning, I literally said, "I will not be calm until Nate and Jensey get here." And they arrived and they knew everything and they kept things calm and everyone moving to where they were supposed to be. Plus they are just the nicest people. And Jensey held my dress when I had to pee after the ceremony, so she gets about a million bonus points for that. Seriously, we got close.

Hired a videographer. We didn't order the sneak peek as part of our video package through Trinity, so I know that we won't get any footage for a long time. But knowing that (after many months) we will get video footage of our wedding is so comforting to me now that it's over. I can't wait to see the video and relive everything that happened. Hiring Trinity was a relatively late add (I think we did it about 6 months before the wedding), but I'm so glad we did it. They were great and professional, they worked with creating a custom package for our budget, and I can't wait to see our film.

Had a dessert party. Seriously, how many (non-Disney, non-celebrity and/or royal) brides can say that they ended their wedding with fireworks? We were considering cutting this for a while, to save money. I'm so glad we did it. Our guests were super impressed, and at the last minute (literally three days before), my mom added BOC cordials to have with the coffee and hot chocolate, which people loved. Plus, lots of our guests left to roam Epcot and buy their own drinks from the World Showcase, and then came back for fireworks. It was a hit.

Had no photography or video during our dessert party. This might be an unpopular opinion, but I'm really glad that we didn't have the Roots or Trinity for our dessert party. Our dessert party immediately followed our reception, and I was sweaty and exhausted. My back was killing me from my heavy dress. I was in no mood to be on photo or video. Instead, I sat my tired butt in a chair, had my brother-in-law fetch me food and drinks from the buffet, and chatted with my friends while we waited for the fireworks. The perfect end to a perfect wedding.

Wish I Had...

Done something with my bouquet. I'm not a huge fan of bouquet preservation, and we weren't willing to part with the hefty amount of money it costs. That said, my bouquet is still in my refrigerator, wilting, because I'm not willing to part with it yet. I'm not sure what I even would have done with it, but I'm sad that there's nothing I can do except basically watch it die.

Eaten more. My dress was pretty much held in place right around my mid-section. This, plus wedding jitters (not sure how else to describe my overall state of happy anxiety/excitement/I can't believe this is happening feeling), made eating not terribly appealing. Despite being given ample time to eat and having servers constantly asking me if I wanted any additional food, I had about one bite of each thing on our buffet and that's it. I wish I could have eaten more, but I literally just could not.

Eaten our leftover wedding cake. I brought our whole top cake layer on our honeymoon and put it in the fridge in our hotel room at the Grand Californian. Where we promptly forgot about it until the day we checked out, when I was unsure if it would even still be good to eat. I guess that just means we'll need to order an anniversary cake next year.

Stressed less. I am an anxious person, and I am, shall we say, "detail oriented." Wedding planning is stressful for a person like me. I worried about literally every tiny thing. I had a panic attack two days before the wedding while at Port Orleans Riverside with all our guests, where I declared the wedding "a huge mistake." It was not a mistake, and everything went perfectly. I took a firm "not my problem, figure it out" attitude the day before the wedding, and everything went smoothly. Or if things didn't, no one told me. I wish I had stressed less, though in the grand scheme of the things, I am a generally stressed person, and it is what it is.

And now that I have basically written a novel, I will leave you with one more photo. At some point throughout the night, the Roots printed us some tiny Insta-photos and left them on our sweetheart table. We found them when we sat down to eat cake. Jeff took a photo of three of them, on top of an Epcot backdrop that they also left us.



See you on day one of my wedding recap!

Aww! Your pics look amazing and you look so happy. Congrats on being married! Woot!

I like your Glad I Did/wish I had. I will add this to my PJ soon too. But I think we had a couple of the same wish I had, the food and the cake being the main two!

Gahhhh you're back! I love your photos so much (so so much), especially that cute thing the Roots are doing now with mini photos - so adorable!

I'm so glad your Glad I Did list is longer than your Wish I Had list. I can't wait for the beginning of your story!

majix said:

Aww! Your pics look amazing and you look so happy. Congrats on being married! Woot!

I like your Glad I Did/wish I had. I will add this to my PJ soon too. But I think we had a couple of the same wish I had, the food and the cake being the main two!

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Yay, thank you! Yes, I definitely wish I ate more in general. Oh well, I definitely made up for it on the honeymoon!

elphie101 said:

Gahhhh you're back! I love your photos so much (so so much), especially that cute thing the Roots are doing now with mini photos - so adorable!

I'm so glad your Glad I Did list is longer than your Wish I Had list. I can't wait for the beginning of your story!

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Thank you! I am obsessed with the photos that we got. I'm hoping that the Roots will do a full preview for us soon! And yes, honestly, it took a lot of thinking to come up with any Wish I Hads. Other than the wishing I had stressed less, the other things were so minor.