Amanda and Aaron's Escape Wedding PJ - 12/1/12

[Cruisebunny12112]

Hey fellow Disney couples!! We are in the early stages of planning our WDW wedding, but since it's one year exactly until our BIG DAY I figured today would be a great time to start our PJ.

About Us

Aaron and I met at work. He's a pilot and I was a flight attendant. I was swapped from my awesome charter to a really terrible three day trip (which turned out to be the best trip ever!) We clicked instantly as friends/co-workers, we ate our meals together, talked all the time, and even had inside jokes already! After our trip was over we exchanged numbers and decided to stay friends, well two weeks later we decided we had to be more than friends. We offically started dating on 12-18-2010.

Aaron grew up in MO working on his family farm before he went to college to be a commercial pilot. He recently went back to farming so he could be home nightly, I'm so proud of his decision to do what makes him happy. He was previously married and has two children (3/6) and will turn 30 next October even though he still thinks he's 19.

Amanda (myself lol) grew up in MI. I went to college for marketing and aviation management and worked at the ticket counter as a ticket agent through college. I went to in-flight half way through college and loved it!! I recently quit flying to stay home with my children, but I work from home as a Travel Agent and hope to be back at the ticket counter (hopefully supervisor/management) this winter for the best airline in the world (<3 widgets) I was previously married and also have two children (2/4), I will be 27 next February.

Engagement

Aaron proposed with a beautiful Leo diamond engagement ring on June 21st, 2011 in our home. Being airline employee's we both always felt like home was the most romantic and wonderful place in the world. It was perfect and of course I said yes! We celebrated our engagement with a weekend in Mackinaw, MI.

Why Disney?

We love to travel (obviously) and knew that a WDW wedding would be the best second wedding for us both. A wonderful place to celebrate our new lives with our children and family/friends...plus we LOVE Disney so that pretty much nailed it down for us!!


Plans?

Well since we are having an Escape wedding we cannot book our space until 8 months prior, so April 1st we will be on the phone to book as early as possible. We will be visiting WDW in March to look over spaces and talk to the wedding planner. Hopefully at this point we will know exactly what we want and will be able to send out STD's then as well.

Thats it for right now. More to come soon!!

 

[yourgypsy]

Hello! Congrats on the engagement and starting to plan! As a fellow Escape bride, it's always nice to see other PJs. Can't wait to read more!

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Hello! Congrats on the engagement and starting to plan! As a fellow Escape bride, it's always nice to see other PJs. Can't wait to read more!

Congrats!! I am so glad this board was introduced to me by another WDW bride, it's so exciting to share with more Disney Brides!!

 

[virtuous girl]

Welcome Congrats on ur engagement! I need more details

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

So like I said before, I was married before about 6 years ago. I had a decent sized wedding the first time around and my bridesmaids (who are still my friends) were from high school and college. Since then I have met many more wonderful and close friends, I am at a true dilemma. Since we are having an Escape wedding you know we can only have 20 people including ourselves. We want to have two attendants each, but I'm having issues with who I want to stand with me. On one hand I have friends who have been with me for years but are somewhat distant and unsure of spending that kind of money to travel for our wedding, but on the other I have friends who have been around for only a couple years but would jump on a plane to join us there tomorrow if needed. I am thinking of asking one of my "old" friends and one of my "new"....what do y'all think?

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Wedding colors

We are going to have eggplant, tiffany blue and white as our wedding colors. I think my girls will wear tiffany blue with eggplant accents (flowers and shawls) with black shoes. I LOVE Alfred Angelo Style 7198, it follows the same lines as my dress.


Honeymoon

We just booked our honeymoon cruise this past week. We are taking a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa on the Norwegian Dawn. Black Friday special....onboard credit and reduced deposit and price. We booked a PH suite for the cost of a Mini-Suite!! Cannot wait to be spoiled as the new Mrs.R

thats all I have right now. Can't wait to post some pictures soon!!

 

[tric8783]

Congrats and welcome!! Can't wait to here more of what you are planning!

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Yes I have THREE dresses. Long story short there was a BIG sale at Alfred Angelo and let's just say I splurged. So I have a dress for the RD, C, and R, which will be nice as my C dress is long with a train and my R dress is short so it will be easier to dance in and get around the park.

Rehersal Dinner Dress

**Picture to come soon**

So appranantly you can't just copy/paste photos from AA's site and I didn't get a picture of myself in this dress, so I will get myself into and take a picture for y'all soon. Anyways, it is actually a BM dress style 7017S. It is a short, chiffon, strapless dress in white with an eggplant sash. I was going to wear my beautiful shoes (pics below) but I think I will look for white or glittery flats instead.

Ceremony Dress

This is my ceremony dress. It was the first one I tried on and it was the one. I tried on others but this one was just it. I will most likely wear the bolero depending on the weather, but it's awesome to have just in case. (and my E-Ring was being fitted at this time...thats why I'm not wearing it lol)


Reception Dress

**Picture coming soon**

I had a picture of me in my reception dress, but I guess it was deleted on accident. So I will have to (once again) get myself into my dress and take some pics. But it is from AA's Little White Dress collection style 2076 in white with *once again* and eggplant sash.

Shoes

**Picture coming soon**

I LOVE these shoes and I wish I could find a picture of them. I had them, but once again something happened. SO....just take my word for it, they are glorious!! Eggplant peektoe pumps. LOVE. They do have quite a heel on them, but I'm breaking them in already so hopefully they will be pretty comfy a year from now.

Maid of Honor

**Picture coming soon**

I have not yet decided on my MOH but I do know I want her to wear a long dress in Tiffany Blue with eggplant accents. Once I decide on her and we go dress shopping I will post a picture. (I'm really horrible about all this huh?) I plan on buying my girls' dresses for them, so hopefully this will all be done and up soon!

Bridesmaid

**Picture coming soon**

Once again, I have not decided on my BM yet, however she will also wear a long dress like the MOH but I want her's to be eggplant with a tiffany blue accent.

Flowergirls

Both Aaron and I have daugthers from our previous relationships so we are wanting them to be our flower girls. They will be 3 and 4 by our wedding day so we think they can handle the mission. I originally bought a dress for my daughter Ava, but I was planning on a spring 2012 wedding so it is in a 3T, so it might just become her Easter dress. We are throwing around the idea of either getting them flowergirl dresses from AA OR making them something cute (tutu-esqe) OR having them wear the really nice Disney princess dresses. (Opinons please!!)

Thats all I have right now for dresses and other attire. I cannot wait to have pictures up and see it all start to come together!!

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Aaron proposed to me on June 21st, 2011 in our home. It was so adorable and I love him so much more for doing this low key and personal proposal. However...I had been wearing the ring all evening...lol

Here's the scoop....

So like I said, we both worked in the airlines, and my family is from MI and his is in MO, we fly all the time. We had been down in MO visiting his family (we lived in MI at the time) and our flight back to MI had been delayed 4 hours, being crew and knowing what that meant we bolted. We decided to go to the mall since there was nothing else to do and we were not about to sit in the airport for an extra 4 hours *all for the fun of it*. Anyways, we walked into Kay's and were looking at rings, we both saw mine at the same time and knew it was the one. So you got it....he bought it right then and there. The ring was placed in the pretty box, that was box was placed inside a small box and that box was placed in a bag...and went right to Aaron's hands. He said he wasn't going to tell me when he proposed, but that it would be soon. I was satisfied with this answer and we agreed just because we had the ring does not mean I should wear it. Right. So we get back to the airport and check in with the gate agent to see how things are going, while I go and check myself back in I notice Aaron has the box out of the bag, then I looked again and he was looking at the ring in the pretty box. *I knew he would crack first* I sat back down and he still had it open, we were talking about how pretty it was and how perfect it was for us, and what good timing we had on buying it. Then he said "Why don't you put it on for this flight and then we can put it back in the box, I just love seeing it on your finger". So fast forward 2 flights and the car ride home and the ring is still on my finger. We are in our room unpacking our suitcases and suddenly Aaron just comes over to my side of the bed, gets down on one knee and proposes. It was so cute and I loved it. He then smiled and told me we had to get to laundry pretty quick because we were leaving again soon...he had already planned us spending the weekend in Mackinaw to celebrate our engagement!! So sweet!!

Mackinaw Island

Us


So like I said he had this wonderful weekend already planned for us. Now you are probably wondering why two people who can travel anywhere in the world for free would choose to celebrate their engagement in Mackinaw? Simple. We FLY FOR A LIVING. The last thing we want to do is spend a weekend in airports.

Remember how I said we were engaged in late June? We choose the coldest weekend in Mackinaw history to visit the island. It was in the 40's and 50's and rainy the entire time. But we still had a blast. We fed Seagulls (I call them lake gullls though....they are horribly confused) from our balcony, drank lots and lots of wine, and OH ate pounds of fudge. Gotta love tourist towns for the little things like fudge shoppes every 5 feet and novelty t-shirts. It was amazingly romantic though, we were able to wrap up in a blanket together to feed the birds, feed each other fudge, and walk around in the rain together. We were so happy and knew how amazing our lives were going to be as long as we are together.


SO...we planned a May 2012 wedding in Mackinaw. I bought dresses, we made plans (no money down) and researched photographers, caterers, decor, florists...etc. It was beginning to look like a lot of work and money, also the logistics of how out of state guests would get to Mackinaw....we were overwhelmed and one day decided to just take an afternoon and watch random documentaries on NetFlix....and one about backstage at WDW came on..................................................................................................
...........and thats when we saw it.

**You can get married at WDW**

Yes we knew that, but figured it was only for those who were looking to spend mega millions on their big day. However, we had to look, so out came the laptop and *click, click, click*...and we were sold. Aaron and I love Disney, but never thought it was possible for us. Next thing we knew we were counting down the days until 12-1-11 when we could seriously start planning our Disney wedding (actually moving money and making concrete plans).

That day was YESTERDAY. Oh yes...it was amazing!!! I cannot wait until April to reserve our space and send out our invitations!!



We

 

[maddiesdaddy]

Aaron proposed to me on June 21st, 2011 in our home. It was so adorable and I love him so much more for doing this low key and personal proposal. However...I had been wearing the ring all evening...lol

Here's the scoop....

So like I said, we both worked in the airlines, and my family is from MI and his is in MO, we fly all the time. We had been down in MO visiting his family (we lived in MI at the time) and our flight back to MI had been delayed 4 hours, being crew and knowing what that meant we bolted. We decided to go to the mall since there was nothing else to do and we were not about to sit in the airport for an extra 4 hours *all for the fun of it*. Anyways, we walked into Kay's and were looking at rings, we both saw mine at the same time and knew it was the one. So you got it....he bought it right then and there. The ring was placed in the pretty box, that was box was placed inside a small box and that box was placed in a bag...and went right to Aaron's hands. He said he wasn't going to tell me when he proposed, but that it would be soon. I was satisfied with this answer and we agreed just because we had the ring does not mean I should wear it. Right. So we get back to the airport and check in with the gate agent to see how things are going, while I go and check myself back in I notice Aaron has the box out of the bag, then I looked again and he was looking at the ring in the pretty box. *I knew he would crack first* I sat back down and he still had it open, we were talking about how pretty it was and how perfect it was for us, and what good timing we had on buying it. Then he said "Why don't you put it on for this flight and then we can put it back in the box, I just love seeing it on your finger". So fast forward 2 flights and the car ride home and the ring is still on my finger. We are in our room unpacking our suitcases and suddenly Aaron just comes over to my side of the bed, gets down on one knee and proposes. It was so cute and I loved it. He then smiled and told me we had to get to laundry pretty quick because we were leaving again soon...he had already planned us spending the weekend in Mackinaw to celebrate our engagement!! So sweet!!

Mackinaw Island

Us


So like I said he had this wonderful weekend already planned for us. Now you are probably wondering why two people who can travel anywhere in the world for free would choose to celebrate their engagement in Mackinaw? Simple. We FLY FOR A LIVING. The last thing we want to do is spend a weekend in airports.

Remember how I said we were engaged in late June? We choose the coldest weekend in Mackinaw history to visit the island. It was in the 40's and 50's and rainy the entire time. But we still had a blast. We fed Seagulls (I call them lake gullls though....they are horribly confused) from our balcony, drank lots and lots of wine, and OH ate pounds of fudge. Gotta love tourist towns for the little things like fudge shoppes every 5 feet and novelty t-shirts. It was amazingly romantic though, we were able to wrap up in a blanket together to feed the birds, feed each other fudge, and walk around in the rain together. We were so happy and knew how amazing our lives were going to be as long as we are together.


SO...we planned a May 2012 wedding in Mackinaw. I bought dresses, we made plans (no money down) and researched photographers, caterers, decor, florists...etc. It was beginning to look like a lot of work and money, also the logistics of how out of state guests would get to Mackinaw....we were overwhelmed and one day decided to just take an afternoon and watch random documentaries on NetFlix....and one about backstage at WDW came on..................................................................................................
...........and thats when we saw it.

**You can get married at WDW**

Yes we knew that, but figured it was only for those who were looking to spend mega millions on their big day. However, we had to look, so out came the laptop and *click, click, click*...and we were sold. Aaron and I love Disney, but never thought it was possible for us. Next thing we knew we were counting down the days until 12-1-11 when we could seriously start planning our Disney wedding (actually moving money and making concrete plans).

That day was YESTERDAY. Oh yes...it was amazing!!! I cannot wait until April to reserve our space and send out our invitations!!



We

Congratulations!!! Love reading about your story. My now wife (DFTW 9-16-11) also live in Missouri..St. Louis... and it is our 2nd marriage as well. We used ouur kids (1 each) in our ceremony so reading your planning really reminded me of how we went through our plans.

Counting down until 4/1 will be tough but you are almost there.

This site is so great and there are so many people who can help. Your pictures and story are great so keep posting. Many will read and be happy to hear everything.

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Thank you so much MD!! I am new to MO so I'm starting to adjust, but I'm pretty sure I'll love it here soon. I do love how nice everyone on these boards are, it is a welcome change!!

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

So like I said before, I was married before about 6 years ago. I had a decent sized wedding the first time around and my bridesmaids (who are still my friends) were from high school and college. Since then I have met many more wonderful and close friends, I am at a true dilemma. Since we are having an Escape wedding you know we can only have 20 people including ourselves. We want to have two attendants each, but I'm having issues with who I want to stand with me. On one hand I have friends who have been with me for years but are somewhat distant and unsure of spending that kind of money to travel for our wedding, but on the other I have friends who have been around for only a couple years but would jump on a plane to join us there tomorrow if needed. I am thinking of asking one of my "old" friends and one of my "new"....what do y'all think?

Ok I absolutely love your colors and yes it is great to connect with another december bride. I think you should have your new friends because they are the ones that know you now and if none of your old friends are willing to get on a plane then that should tell you something.

Yes I have THREE dresses. Long story short there was a BIG sale at Alfred Angelo and let's just say I splurged. So I have a dress for the RD, C, and R, which will be nice as my C dress is long with a train and my R dress is short so it will be easier to dance in and get around the park.

Rehersal Dinner Dress

**Picture to come soon**

So appranantly you can't just copy/paste photos from AA's site and I didn't get a picture of myself in this dress, so I will get myself into and take a picture for y'all soon. Anyways, it is actually a BM dress style 7017S. It is a short, chiffon, strapless dress in white with an eggplant sash. I was going to wear my beautiful shoes (pics below) but I think I will look for white or glittery flats instead.

Ceremony Dress

This is my ceremony dress. It was the first one I tried on and it was the one. I tried on others but this one was just it. I will most likely wear the bolero depending on the weather, but it's awesome to have just in case. (and my E-Ring was being fitted at this time...thats why I'm not wearing it lol)


Reception Dress

**Picture coming soon**

I had a picture of me in my reception dress, but I guess it was deleted on accident. So I will have to (once again) get myself into my dress and take some pics. But it is from AA's Little White Dress collection style 2076 in white with *once again* and eggplant sash.

Shoes

**Picture coming soon**

I LOVE these shoes and I wish I could find a picture of them. I had them, but once again something happened. SO....just take my word for it, they are glorious!! Eggplant peektoe pumps. LOVE. They do have quite a heel on them, but I'm breaking them in already so hopefully they will be pretty comfy a year from now.

Maid of Honor

**Picture coming soon**

I have not yet decided on my MOH but I do know I want her to wear a long dress in Tiffany Blue with eggplant accents. Once I decide on her and we go dress shopping I will post a picture. (I'm really horrible about all this huh?) I plan on buying my girls' dresses for them, so hopefully this will all be done and up soon!

Bridesmaid

**Picture coming soon**

Once again, I have not decided on my BM yet, however she will also wear a long dress like the MOH but I want her's to be eggplant with a tiffany blue accent.

Flowergirls

Both Aaron and I have daugthers from our previous relationships so we are wanting them to be our flower girls. They will be 3 and 4 by our wedding day so we think they can handle the mission. I originally bought a dress for my daughter Ava, but I was planning on a spring 2012 wedding so it is in a 3T, so it might just become her Easter dress. We are throwing around the idea of either getting them flowergirl dresses from AA OR making them something cute (tutu-esqe) OR having them wear the really nice Disney princess dresses. (Opinons please!!)

Thats all I have right now for dresses and other attire. I cannot wait to have pictures up and see it all start to come together!!

Ok this is great and thank you so much for the inspiration! I was thinking about the rehearsal and what I would do. I did the same thing at alfred angelo. I have two dresses one short and one full dress.

my ceremony dress is the full dress and I am going to wear it for the reception too I think.

my short dress I considered for the dessert party that night but I will need some sort of a jacket with it.

I might wear the short dress for the rehearsal but I really like the idea of getting one of the bridesmaid dresses because there are plenty of them i like.

so excited you are here!

Teresa

 

[yourgypsy]

I think you should have your new friends because they are the ones that know you now and if none of your old friends are willing to get on a plane then that should tell you something.

I agree with Teresa. You could always ask one of the older friends first, but like you said, if none of them seem interested... I fell into a similar situation. The girls I had planned on being in my wedding for years are on the other side of the country (I moved back to MA a few years ago), and as much as I love them, it just wasn't possible.

I LOVE your ceremony dress - it's gorgeous and it looks wonderful on you!

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Thank you!! I still talk to my old friends and see them when I'm home, but they have only complained about the travel expense incurred on them with this wedding. Plus they are all in "baby mode" so they are focused on getting pregnant and having children (which is not an issue with me) but they won't want to focus on enjoying the wedding process and trip.

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

Thank you for the welcome Teresa!! This is all so exciting!! Does it ever wear off? lol

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

So I'm between airline jobs right now...hence why I'm on here all the time, while it is boring, it has helped tremendously with wedding planning. lol


I was originally thinking Tiff Blue to go with Eggplant purple but I saw this cake topper on etsy....

...and now I'm thinking of teal-ish with my eggplant. I LOVE peacocks and just think it would be so beautiful as touches in the wedding.

This hanger is to die for and I want it for Christmas!!

I already have a hair piece, but this one might replace it! So pretty.


Now I'm just not sure where on property this color scheme would work the best. Any ideas?!

 

[MrsDuck]

I love your story-- I think it's so cute that he was a pilot and you were a flight attendant! Seems perfect!

To be honest, I'd ask one "old" friend and one "new" friend to stand with you. Sounds like a good mix.

I love your peacock plans- I think it's so gorgeous!

Congrats on booking your honeymoon! Black Friday deals are awesome!

I LOVE that you have 3 dresses! Work it girl! The ceremony dress is stunning on you. I can't wait to see the rest of your dresses!

As far as the peacock colors, I'd go with teal and eggplant. I think a peacock theme would be pretty anywhere but I think it would extra pretty at Sea Breeze Point!

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

Thank you for the welcome Teresa!! This is all so exciting!! Does it ever wear off? lol

Does the excitement of writing a PJ and planning a wedding wear off? I would say there are phases as you know from getting married before.

Being here on the DIS does not wear off though we are all becoming such good friends and it is really truly exciting to be here collaborating with so many people. I feel at least like I am joining them on their wedding and seeing the pictures makes me feel like I was there. It is pretty awesome.

Since we are working with the same color scheme and stuff keep in touch, join the Facebook disbrides group and then add me as a friend.

Teresa

 

[Icecoldpenguin]

ok i just saw your peacock post. so here are the reasons that I am using the peacock theme. My great grandmother love peacocks and their feathers so it is kind of a reminder of her. but also the following:
Peacock Symbolism
Peacock symbolism speaks of attributes such as:

Glory
Vision
Royalty
Spirituality
Awakening
Immortality
Refinement
Incorruptibility
It is a possessor of some of the most admired human characteristics, and is a mbol of integrity and the beauty we can achieve when we endeavor to show our true colors.
In history, myth, legend and lore, the Peacock symbolism carries:

Nobility
Holiness
Guidance
Protection
Watchfulness
In Greco-Roman mythology the Peacock is identified with Hera (Juno) who created the Peacock from Argus whose hundred eyes (seen on the tail feathers of the Peacock) symbolize the vault of heaven and the "eyes" of the stars.

In Hinduism the Peacock is associated with Lakshmi who is a deity representing benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion and good luck.

Similar to Lakshmi, the Peacock is associated with Kwan-yin in Asian spirituality. Kwan-yin (or Quan Yin) is also an emblem of love, compassionate watchfulness, good-will, nurturing, and kind-heartedness. Legend tells us she chose to remain a mortal even though she could be immortal because she wished to stay behind and aid humanity in their spiritual evolution.


In Babylonia and Persia the Peacock is seen as a guardian to royalty, and is often seen in engravings upon the thrones of royalty.

In Christianity the Peacock symbolism represents the "all-seeing" church, along with the holiness and sanctity associated with it. Additionally, the Peacock represents resurrection, renewal and immortality within the spiritual teachings of Christianity. Themes of renewal are also linked to alchemical traditions to, as many schools of thought compare the resurrecting phoenix to the modern-day Peacock.

Contemplate the powers of the Peacock when you need more vibrancy and vitality in your experience. The Peacock can also help you on your spiritual Path, and breath new life into your walk of faith.

The Peacock can rejuvenate self-esteem levels too. If you're feeling "blah" and blue, imagine the glorious, techno-color display the Peacock provides. This puts us in a proper mood to embrace your own nobility. In no time, you'll be walking tall and proud as a Peacock too!

I found this when I was looking it up much how people look at the symbolism of flowers.

 

[Cruisebunny12112]

I love your story-- I think it's so cute that he was a pilot and you were a flight attendant! Seems perfect!

To be honest, I'd ask one "old" friend and one "new" friend to stand with you. Sounds like a good mix.

I love your peacock plans- I think it's so gorgeous!

Congrats on booking your honeymoon! Black Friday deals are awesome!

I LOVE that you have 3 dresses! Work it girl! The ceremony dress is stunning on you. I can't wait to see the rest of your dresses!

As far as the peacock colors, I'd go with teal and eggplant. I think a peacock theme would be pretty anywhere but I think it would extra pretty at Sea Breeze Point!

Thank you!! Yes we watched Pan Am and were like...awe thats us!! lol sorta....

I think I have also come to that conclusion, I have my new friend figured out, but I need to figure out which old friend.

We were thinking SBP anyways yay!!