Valerie and Jeff - 5/7/11 *WP/GF/Italy* TR - WEDDING DAY: DESSERT PARTY!!

[ValerieDFTWBride]

After the pictures outside with my girls they jumped into the limo and headed over to the wedding pavilion as I stayed behind and anxiously awaited the arrival of my carriage! I was starting to get a little bit nervous at this point. My parents rode the carriage over with me (I knew my mom would kill me if she didnt get to ride in it!).

After what seemed to be a long ride over to the wedding pavilion we arrived!! I was told later that everyone could see us coming from inside and they all dashed over to the window to look!

I was escorted over to the brides vestibule by my planner where my bridesmaids were there waiting for me.

My sister and ring bearer #1 waiting with me.

*Side Story: My uncle was killed 5 years ago in a domestic violence fight with his son and it has been hard on my mom and grandmother ever since. Birthdays, holidays and special occasions always have a missing piece now and I knew this would be one of those occasions. My mother and I got a locket and put my uncles picture in it to put on my grandmothers corsage to represent that even though he was not physically there a part of him was. This is the moment that we shared together in presenting my grandmother with the locket.

I wasn't in the brides vestibule very long and before I knew it, it was time to line up! As the bridesmaids started walking out I could feel myself tearing up a bit....but I got it together...I did not want to cry and ruin my makeup before everyone saw me!

WE DO!

You may now kiss the bride!

MOH's and BM

My sibblings

New Sister and Father in law

We were brought over to the side of the wedding pavilion to take a few shots before we did our staged exit.

 

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Then it was time for our staged exit and another chance to get to ride in the carriage! My nephew pelted me in the head with rose petals....geezz...boys...

 

[belle2211]

I am LOVING these pictures! They're breathtaking! More please!

 

[tric8783]

Again I'm in love! So beautiful Valerie! And your photographer caught such a beautiful moment with your mom and grandmother, so sweet!

more, more, more!

 

[chellebelle18]

Valerie, you're pictures are GORGEOUS!!!

 

[Princess SarahK]

So beautiful, Valerie! Ready for more!!

 

[ValerieDFTWBride]

I can totally relate with you on that. I don't wear heels at all. I wore 3" heels for the bridal portraits, wedding, and all photos... that was until I took them off during all of the family photos. I won't post a pic of it.. but I had a blister on my little toe that was bigger than my toe!!! We ran into our wedding planner later that afternoon in the lobby of our hotel (BWV), and she saw it. That was her face!! It was ridiculous. I should've just worn my TOMS. I'm so glad you had different shoes to change into. Especially with you having the longer reception!!!

Ouch...I had blisters too. The things we do for fashion....

I am LOVING these pictures! They're breathtaking! More please!

Thanks you!

Again I'm in love! So beautiful Valerie! And your photographer caught such a beautiful moment with your mom and grandmother, so sweet!

more, more, more!

Thank You!

Valerie, you're pictures are GORGEOUS!!!

Thanks!!!

So beautiful, Valerie! Ready for more!!

Thank You...more pics coming up.

 

[ValerieDFTWBride]

After our stagged exit, our guest made their way over to the Grand Floridian for cocktail hour. And we did a circle in the carriage and made our way back around to the wedding pavilion to take pictures.

We started off taking pictures in the wedding pavilion with family and the bridal party.

Family Pic

DH and my new sister in law

 

[ValerieDFTWBride]

Then we headed outside on the beach area near the wedding pavilion to take some more photos.

Then we were off to the ball....I mean reception.

 

[jlocmac]

You're pics are beautiful!! The ones with the families are good, but I really like the ones on the beach!! They're so cute!!

I must say.. even though I didn't care anything about having the carriage.. I LOVE that last pic!! It is breathtaking. Like a real fairytale!!!

 

[BethieTink]

Your photos look fabulous! What a beautiful day.

 

[pixie921]

Your photos are absolutely beautiful. I really like the first one of you and your husband on the aisle runner.

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Oh how I love your pictures. <3

 

[ValerieDFTWBride]

You're pics are beautiful!! The ones with the families are good, but I really like the ones on the beach!! They're so cute!!

I must say.. even though I didn't care anything about having the carriage.. I LOVE that last pic!! It is breathtaking. Like a real fairytale!!!

Thanks! I think the beach ones are my favorite too. I love that pictures too, and it was definitely worth the money just for that pic right there....cause I honestly don't remember much of the ride.

Your photos look fabulous! What a beautiful day.

Thank you!

Your photos are absolutely beautiful. I really like the first one of you and your husband on the aisle runner.

Thank you, my mother in law got that one blown up REALLY big! I was mad that they cut the aisle runner and it was all wrinkley before we could take the picture.

Oh how I love your pictures. <3

Thank You!!

 

[ValerieDFTWBride]

After we finished up with our pictures on the beach, the carriage dropped us off at the GF ballrooms and we were escorted into the ballroom to see the decor before all of the guests were let in from cocktail hour. It was everything that I had imagined! And if you are thinking about lighting, I 100% recommend it, it just transformed everything.

And, I got to get a sneak peak of the cake and it was PERFECT....exactly what I asked for...and it tasted great too!

We were escorted into a waiting room while our guests were finding their seats in the ballroom...and we were able to...dry off. A satin wedding dress and running around taking pictures on the beach in 90 degree weather...we were dripping with sweat...eww.

After the guests took their seats the wedding party was introduced and then it was our turn. We went right into our first dance, which was "Stealing Cinderella" by Chuck Wicks.

Then we sat down and it was speech time...we had a lot of speeches. If I could do it over again that might be something I cut down on. While it was already a short reception due to the dessert party, I should have left more time for dancing.

My dad started off the speeches, followed by my sister, the best man, and then my two maid of honors...one of my MOH's bawled through her entire speech, which I thought was really sweet and touching.

Then we ate dinner and it was the BEST meal ever! We had the filet and lobster and it was cooked to perfection! Everyone is still raving about the food!!

Then it was time for the father/daughter and mother/son dance. Me and my dad started it off and then DH and him mom joined in on the second verse. We danced to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts. I am a huge daddy's girl...so naturally I teared up.

More Of the Reception

My nephew had his eye on my flower girl all night (DH's cousin) so he finally asked her to dance...so CUTE! I didn't know this until we got the pictures back.

Time to cut the cake! For years DH has said that he was going to smash cake all in my face ....and to my surprise...he didn't!

At the end of the reception, it was time for a wardrobe change! I changed into a short white dress covered completely with sequins so that I could show off all the hard work that I did to make my shoes...which everyone asked to see

Up Next: Dessert Party!

 

[pixie921]

Gorgeous reception! And that cake ... WOW! I love all the detailing on your castle! How did you get them to do that? Love it all!!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Gorgeous, gorgeous. I just recently ordered the uplighting for our venue and seeing your pics, I'm so glad I did!

I absolutely adore your cake! I may have to take it to the baker to show them for our wedding! haha. Just with a few little changes. It's gorgeous. =]

I LOVE your cake stand too! Did you rent that?

 

[pixiegirl]

Valerie your pictures are absolutely beautiful!! I love them all. Your reception looked so fun too. After seeing your lighting I am definitely making room int he budget!!

 

[sunkist867]

Absolutely stunning!!!!!!!! Were your centerpieces all done by disney? I loooove the 3 candles one with the jewels hanging down!

 

[jlocmac]

Just like the rest of them.. these pics are beautiful as well!!

And may I say Va Va Voom to the pic with you in the shorter dress with those fabulous shoes!!! That dress is gorgeous and looks great on you!! Very good decision doing the outfit change.