Lyndsay & Thomas - 11/17/2012 WDW *Updated 01/14 - first after wedding post!*

[MrsDuck]

I think we are going to use something like this to scatter down the aisle rather than rose petals...my step-mom found these - I love the idea for a few reasons - not a fan of roses...the wedding is in fall...annnd, they can then be transferred to the reception venue as table decoration.

Personalized Fall Leaves - WeddingFavors.com

Those are incredible! So fun!

 

[LyndsayJ]

So I finally have some time to detail out my weekend and site visit!

Friday - 11/18/2011
My weekend started on Friday. I was off so I could drive down to the Sanford airport (about 2 hours from me) to pick up one of my bridesmaids, Shannon and her new fiance, Brandon. We then drove back up past where I live and to my parents house in St. Marys, GA. I spent some time with them, had dinner with the family, then had to drive back down to Jacksonville to pick my Maid of Honor, April up at the Jacksonville airport. So two airports in one day and I didn't even get on a plane!

April had a rather erm..interesting flight. She sat down and the guy next to her was reading porn! Right out there in the open. He asked if it bothered her and she just shrugged...part of me thinks she should've spoke up, but personally, I think I would've done exactly what she did so as not make and even awkward plane ride! He kept trying to make conversation with her...at one point he even commented on what she was reading (National Geographic) by saying, "Well your reading material is much more intelligent than mine. Let me know when you save the world." Ummm...creeper!

Anywho...so that was Friday.

Saturday 11/19/2011
Saturday we had an appointment at David's Bridal to pick up my wedding dress and for April and Shannon to try on bridesmaids dresses. Before heading to the appointment, April and I went to the mall so I could find a dress to wear to the site visit on Monday. I found this fantastic dress at JC Penney! Not only do I love the cuteness...but I accidentally tried on the small first, and it fit! I thought I was trying on the medium, but the sizes were switched where they had the Euro size listed first...it was a Euro medium, US small...awesome confidence booster! It's probably my favorite dress now.

The appointment with David's went ok, but it was a little disappointing. First off, my bridal consultant lacks personality. I don't really care for someone to gush over me or the dresses I choose, however I would like a little opinion...just some feedback!

Not only did she not say much, but it felt like she was too busy for us. When I bought my wedding dress, I walked in without an appointment and the intent was just to take a look around. Honestly, we weren't even planning on looking at dresses that day...but we were in the neighborhood and figured we'd go look. Saturday she was all over the place...to the point where my step-mom was the one clipping April and Shannon in the dresses when they didn't fit properly.

I found a dress that looked great on both the girls, but because of the service we received, I wasn't completely set on it. My step-mom made a quick call to Alfred Angelo to see if we could be fit in their appointment schedule or even simply stop by and take a look - they were able to fit us in, was even apologetic that we weren't given much attention! Quite frankly, if I don't make an appointment, I don't expect ANY attention...so that was fine. April and Shannon tried on a few dresses but we didn't find one that looked as great as the one we chose at David's Bridal...so we went back and gave them more business.

The dress we chose is in an above post...but in case you don't want to scroll up...here ya go!

We didn't think to take pictures while at David's Bridal...so we only have the cartoon for now. As a side note, I find it awesome that one of their cartoons has short blonde hair...looks just like April!

After the appointment we all had lunch and went our separate ways. That night while April and I were catching up (and drinking), I mentioned how I started doing Zumba which has helped me to get back in shape. She didn't even know what Zumba was! I had to give a little demonstration...BAD idea! I guess when you're drinking, you don't realize how hard you are working out...until the next day, that is...or until the next week...I am still sore!

Next stop, Disney!

 

[LyndsayJ]

Sunday - 11/20/2011
Sunday we left Jacksonville to head to Orlando around 9:00 AM. On the way we had a few adventures...we stopped at a gas station outside of Daytona where we passed the Herman Cain campaign bus...and then saw a bum fight. Made for interesting conversation! Right as the giggles died down from that stop, we're stopped at a stoplight (we went through Daytona next to the coast) and this guy on a motorcycle next to us is wearing these goofy goggled! When he turned towards us we all lost it!

We then made a stop at the Daytona Airport so Shannon and her fiance could pick up a rental car - they would be leaving for the Sanford Airport to head back to Indiana early Monday morning.

Then we were back on the road!
Getting close...

EEK!!

Making sure those kids from Indiana didn't get lost...

Key to the world...Oh boy!!

We decided for our first day to park at the Ticket & Transportation Center and ride the monorail over to the Grand Floridian to check out the Wedding Pavilion (again).
From the monorail -

Such a beautiful day...

Pics in the Grand Floridian -

We then decided to ride the monorail around through Epcot. April had not been to Disney since a school trip she took her freshman year of high school, so this was all even more exciting for her!

After our free amusement ride, we went over to the Animal Kingdom Resort to check out the animals. Shannon really likes giraffes, so she really enjoyed this part!
The taller giraffe wasn't being very nice...he could reach the leaves on the tree and the shorter giraffe REALLY wanted him to share.

We then headed to Downtown Disney for some shopping and tasty dinner at one of my favorite spots - Earl of Sandwich. Side note - I had no idea they catered!! We are thinking of possibly doing a small welcome party in one of the suites we book for family that come in on Thursday of our wedding weekend and have Earl of Sandwich cater.

During our shopping visit, I noticed the Mickey logo on the wedding ornament. I think I want to incorporate this in either our invites or other decorations in some way...not the writing...just the two Mickey heads.

After dinner and shopping, we went to the Boardwalk to check out the Atlantic Dance Hall (forgetting that they are closed on Sundays)...but we still got a cute picture -

We then headed back to our room at Saratoga Springs...enjoyed some wine and said our goodbyes to Shannon and Brandon since they would be leaving before any of us got up.

 

[LyndsayJ]

Monday - 11/21/2011
Monday was our site visit! It wasn't until 2:00 PM, however April and I were up pretty early and immediately got dressed and ready.

Oh, hello favorite dress!

We had a small breakfast in the room and then headed back to Downtown Disney to wander around while we waited for our appointment to begin at 2:00 PM.

While downtown I picked up two postcards to send to Thomas. I believe I have mentioned it before, but if I have no, Thomas is currently deployed with the US Navy. This is our second deployment together and so far it hasn't been too terrible. Of course I miss him every second of every day, but planning this wedding really helps the time go by.

We had lunch at Earl of Sandwich (again)...can't get enough of that place!

By then it was about time to head over to the Wedding Pavilion to meet Pam for our site visit!

My dad is clearly very enthused...

We discussed a few details about where we wanted to look at. One place we though of looking at was the Lion King show...but when we found out that alone would cost about $25k, we immediately nixed that idea!

Our first stop was Atlantic Dance Hall. I don't have too great of pictures from it...but you all probably know what it looks like anyhow!

Then we headed over to Epcot to look at a few places for our rehearsal dessert party. It started raining a bit...but we survived! We decided on UK Lochside. It seemed fairly secluded and a great location to watch the fireworks!

We then headed back to Francks to turn in our LOA and deposit and discuss the next steps! We requested two different planners (just in case one isn't available). Our photographer recommended Maxine or one other planner who I don't remember the name of. Does anyone know about her?

After the site visit we made a quick stop over at Shades of Green to take a picture of where Thomas and I got engaged and a quick picture with Mickey...then we were on our way home.

Funny...they've planted a different tree since we got engaged in July.

Thanks for looking!
Next up, more save the date ideas!

 

[LyndsayJ]

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and wonderful weekend!

Not too much to update on the wedding front. Just a few small things I've been thinking of incorporating.

I think I've decided on using these as save the dates. It includes everything I wanted - hidden mickeys, calendar with the date circled, and our picture. What do you think?

Credit: http://paperperfectiononline.blogspot.com/2010/12/save-dates.html

I contacted the design owner and she sells the design in my colors I choose which can then be printed however many times I need it via my own printer, vista print, etc.

I'm not sure what kind of wording I want to add on it yet...definitely something about joining us in the most magical place of Earth...something to that affect - any ideas?
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I found these recently - have any of you guys seen them before? More importantly, have any of you all used them?

I'm thinking about getting a few sets for myself and my bridesmaids to wear.
Credit: http://www.etsy.com/listing/83965582/mother-of-pearl-mouse-ears-hair-swirls?ref=af_you_favitem
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I've only had one small issue with plans lately. I heard from Brandi, one of my bridesmaids on Thursday - her sister is recently engaged and set her date at 11/18/2012, one day after my wedding date. It's a little frustrating, because Brandi told her the she would be in a wedding 11/17/2012 and she still chose 11/18. Maybe there were specifics reasons they chose that date...I don't know her sister well at all.

Brandi thinks she can do both since my wedding is Saturday morning (in Orlando) and her sister's isn't until Sunday night (in Atlanta)...but she's supposed to let me know as soon as possible.
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I'm also contemplating on how I want the head table to go. I really like the idea of the head table only consisting of Thomas and I. I think it will give us what few moments we may have to ourselves to spend with just each other...if we even have any of those moments.
How did you / will you do your head table?

 

[tric8783]

wow I have missed so much!!
I love the leaves instead of rose petals, especially for fall! They will also give an added pop of fall color!

The dresses are super pretty too, and I love the cartoon mock up!! I wish other sites had that! (My BM's dresses are Bari Jay and still need something for the guys). foiled!

Your site visit and trip sounds so fun with your girlfriends! I have Maxine as my planner and she's amazing so far! We met with her during our PS in October and she was really nice, down to earth, and a real go-getter rotfl
I have heard from a lot of brides on here that she is great! She is very quick to reply to anything I ask her (sometimes even at 10-11pm on her days off). I really enjoy working with her so far!!

The Save the dates look great! I really like the return address wraps also with the mickey, is that what they are or am I seeing that wrong? Fun!!

The dress you wore for your site visit is fab also, it looks great on you!!

I hope your bridesmaid is able to do both- how annoying We changed our date 3 times and our final date ended up being the day before one of my BM's PHD graduations Needless to say she's now an honorary BM instead, attending everything without official BM title and hoping she'll be able to make it for the actual wedding!

We are doing a sweetheart table at the reception for just the two of us. I figure we'll have a few minutes alone, and we've also been in a lot of weddings that have done it both ways. The head table gets tricky when your bridal party has dates, because you're splitting them up and puting their date by themselves potentially with people they dont know. We thought it will keep the peace and make our bridal party happier to be with their spouses, significant others etc, so we're seating them all together at another table. GL!

 

[LyndsayJ]

Thanks! If we were to do a head table with our wedding party, it would include their dates as well...so it's not an issue with including dates, but rather an issue with whether we want all of them sitting with us or not.

Especially with Thomas' best man being his uncle (significantly older than most of the wedding party) and one of his groomsman being his nephew (significantly younger than most of the wedding party). Will his uncle really want to hang with a bunch of youngins? Will all of the young adults really want to 'babysit' his nephew? Just some stuff we have thought about...but plenty of time to figure that stuff out.

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I forgot one other thing that I saw and am thinking about doing. I know most people do either a sand ceremony or unity candle. I learned about something new called a unity cross - the couple puts it together during the ceremony. I absolutely LOVE the idea...have any of you heard of it before?

Here's a video profiling the idea -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTUasybrSQ

 

[MrsDuck]

I forgot one other thing that I saw and am thinking about doing. I know most people do either a sand ceremony or unity candle. I learned about something new called a unity cross - the couple puts it together during the ceremony. I absolutely LOVE the idea...have any of you heard of it before?

Here's a video profiling the idea -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTUasybrSQ

I have seen that! I think it's really special and unique. Definitely a great alternative to a sand ceremony or unity candle.. and then you can display it in your house!

 

[mebbradley]

I forgot one other thing that I saw and am thinking about doing. I know most people do either a sand ceremony or unity candle. I learned about something new called a unity cross - the couple puts it together during the ceremony. I absolutely LOVE the idea...have any of you heard of it before?

Here's a video profiling the idea -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTUasybrSQ

That is soooo interesting. That would be really cool to be able to display it in your home wherever you go!

I saw something else that was different and loved it, I think it was a time-turner.


EVERYTHING else looks amazing, I love the Save-the-dates!

 

[LyndsayJ]

We were assigned our planner today!! Chrissy - her assistant is Alex. Anyone worked with them before??

 

[LyndsayJ]

I absolutely love how it turned out and can't wait to get them ordered!

Here is the designer's website if you'd like to check out her designs - http://paperperfectiononline.blogspot.com/

 

[mebbradley]

Lydnsay! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

those Save-the-dates!

 

[LyndsayJ]

Thanks!!

Now the question is...magnets, or postcards?

 

[mebbradley]

Thanks!!

Now the question is...magnets, or postcards?

I say magnets. The reason being....If it's a postcard, it will be have to have a magnet to hold it up on the fridge which covers up part of your pretty design and info!

 

[elleinad16]

Love the save-the-dates! So pretty!!!!

 

[iixheartxyouxox]

wow, i love those save the dates!!! i think magnets are great because people will be constantly reminded of your date rather than just throwing a postcard in a draw somewhere..

 

[MrsDuck]

Those are fantastic!!! I love them!

I vote magnets too!

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

I love your save the dates. they are super cute. I am different than everyone here because I think I may be the only one that does not want to do a save the date with our picture on it and I also don't like magnets.

So with that said I say postcards but I can see why everyone else thinks magnets are the way to go.

I am probably going to include a small picture of us from our engagement shots with the save the date and I might include a magnet...I don't know what I am going to do but I think I would like the postcard better.

just my opinion

Teresa

PS: I like the colors on yours

 

[BethieTink]

Lyndsay,

I just read your whole PJ. Everything looks great so far.

Your wedding is a week after my VR, so maybe we will run into each other next November. We are using UK Lochside for our DP too. I think it is one of the best sites.

Have you planned out your PS yet?

Can't wait to read more.

 

[LyndsayJ]

Thank you all! I am very pleased with how they turned out!! Dolly with Paper Perfection was really awesome to work with. She is actually traveling abroad right now and was still VERY prompt with her responses. I'm sure we'll be going through her for our invites as well.

I love your save the dates. they are super cute. I am different than everyone here because I think I may be the only one that does not want to do a save the date with our picture on it and I also don't like magnets.

So with that said I say postcards but I can see why everyone else thinks magnets are the way to go.

I am probably going to include a small picture of us from our engagement shots with the save the date and I might include a magnet...I don't know what I am going to do but I think I would like the postcard better.

just my opinion

Teresa

PS: I like the colors on yours

Thanks! When do you take your engagements?

Lyndsay,

I just read your whole PJ. Everything looks great so far.

Your wedding is a week after my VR, so maybe we will run into each other next November. We are using UK Lochside for our DP too. I think it is one of the best sites.

Have you planned out your PS yet?

Can't wait to read more.

I'm not entirely sure how to go about planning it out. My step-mom has kinda been the liaison the whole time...since she's in charge of the budget, she's been speaking with Disney and then relaying the messages back to me to make sure everything is okay. Some might think that's giving her too much control, but I trust her judgement and know if there is any detail she isn't sure of my opinion on, she will always ask.

I do know that we'll be having two planning sessions - the first one we have tentatively scheduled for either February 16th or 17th and we plan to do the other one in June. We're doing two that way my fiance can be involved in it as well. He's deployed until May.

So we plan on getting the floral, decorative, etc. stuff done in February and leave the food stuff for June (guys like food)