~*Amy and Shawn’s PJ*~June 6th, 2011 - Our Hawaiian Honeymoon!

[lpizzuro123]

Here are some photos of our table and centerpieces from ADH. I believe our centerpieces were around $55.00 each. The red napkins were $1.00 extra (might have been $2.00 but I really think $1.00) and the chair covers with the ribbon were $8.50. I made the menu cards and had them insert them into the napkins. Those tin hears had personalized red, white and black m&m. They also put these on the tables for us. the table numbers were frames I purchased at CVS - they are cream colored and have crystals on them that look like hidden Mickeys. I just printed out the numbers, put them in the frame and gave them to our planner when we dropped all of things off. I had made a floorplan of ADH and wrote the numbers on the tables so they knew which table to put the numbers on.

Close up of our centerpiece.

Our cake table. We had my bouquet and my 3 girls flower wands put on the table. The two side flower arrangements were from our ceremony and we had them brought over and the single vase with the white petals and the white floating candle was our memorial candle - also brought over from our ceremony. We purchased the WDW Wedding Server and Knife set from Disney (I think it was $50.00) - it say Fairytale Weddings on the server (I think) and there is a castle on the knife). Those red dots are red glass circles I purchased at Michaels. I also purchased those red wire hearts. I got tons of red stuff at Michaels after Valentines Day for like 70%off. It was great using red as a color for that. Maybe you could get some pastel things on sale after Easter. You never know what you could use for decorations.

We had 6 balloon bouquets at our reception. I think they were $35.00 each. We had one on either side of the stage and one on either side of the stairways down to the dancefloor.

Group shot of everyone on the dance floor (we had 50 people) with Mickey and Minnie. I saw this in another brides PJ and definately wanted it. You can see the balloon bouquets on either side of the stage.

You can see some of the light effects (stars on my dress) in this photo. Definately check with your planner on what type of lighting is included. Also our reception was during the day so even though it was kind of dark inside you still saw the light from outside. If you reception is in the evening I am sure it will have more impact.

Dance floor from above.

I have tons more photos but do not want to load up you PJ with my photos. Let me know if you would like to see more.

Linda

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Your wedding was so beautiful Linda! It makes me more excited to use ADH! I like the set up, and the shot of the dance floor from above is very helpful because it gives me a better idea of how to set up the tables. We will be having around 50 people as well, and I am thinking we will do 4 round tables of 10, and then a large head table for me and DF and the wedding party. I am planning on going to Micheal's for a lot of things so I am glad to hear you got a good deal. I also really like the centerpieces you used, I might do something similar. I think I deff. want the chair covers and bows even though they will add up. I think they made your reception look really great compared to pictures I have seen with no chair covers. The balloon displays are also a good idea, I wouldn't have even thought of that. I'm thinking of maybe getting two or more and then giving a balloon to all the kids at the end of the reception. Thank you again for all your help. Your pictures and information have really helped to answer a lot of the questions I had.

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Yesterday I spoke with Bill and we are now officially penciled in! We had to push the wedding back until June when we realized the money is due 90 days in advance, and also I realized one of the two dates I was looking at was memorial day, so I didn't want to do it that day. We also decided on a Monday because the minimum is $3,000 less. I didn't think it would matter much because we were budgeting $15,000 anyway, which is Sunday's minimum, but now that I have calculated what I think all the taxes and service charges are we are going to have to keep it really close to the $12,000 Monday minimum. Bill said no one else is penciled in for a wedding on our date right now other than us, so I am really glad to hear that and hope it stays that way!

When I spoke to Bill about using the GF marina for the cocktail hour he did not think it was a good idea because of the heat, chance of rain, and because we will have to transfer guests to three places. Although me and DF really love GF marina, we thought about it and I don't think we are going to use it. Now since the wedding will be in June heat really will be a factor, and there would be no where for guests to go inside. I am afraid guests would just only go for one drink and then want to go to the air conditioned reception, and that would be a waste. Bill suggested using the 2nd floor of ADH for the cocktail hour, and we may do this. I am not too crazy about the idea, but it would deff. be easier. DF also does not like the idea because he wants to do the cocktail hour somewhere different than the reception. I am going to look into some other places on the boardwalk to do the cocktail hour, that have an inside and outside area. This way guests would be right there for the reception after the cocktail hour, and if there was any time in between they could stroll along the boardwalk. If anyone had suggestions that would be great!

 

[NYPrincess422]

So yesterday me and my mom sat down and figured everything out for how much we think the wedding, honeymoon, and all costs associated with it will cost, who is saving/paying for what, etc. Of course it's more than then we have! I already feel like I'm cutting out most everything I can without totally regretting not doing something. If anyone has any suggestions on ways to cut costs, I would really appreciate hearing them.

Two things I think are insanely expensive:

The DJ - $1,500+
My DF's cousin is a DJ and has done a lot of family and friends weddings for like $200! My sister's DJ was $400. This just seems so expensive!

Wedding Pavilion Fee - $3,000
My question is... For what? Yeah it includes an organist, but still, $3,000 is a lot of money to use a building for less than an hour!

Sorry for venting, now onto one more dilema:

How did you all deal with making your guest list? We also tried doing this yesterday, and it's so hard for a destination wedding. Our problem is that if everyone on our guest list happens to come, we are going to be way over budget. If a lot of people don't come, we could have invited way more people, and it was really hard getting our guest list down to what it is. Did anyone sort of ask people if they were thinking of coming before sending out the STD? I have a feeling my dad's side of the family is ALL going to come, or ALL going to not come. This is going to make a HUGE difference in the number of guests we have.

One more thing I need to vent about, sorry.

ADH has so many restrictions! Can't bring your own centerpieces, etc. Can't bring in an outside DJ. Have to spend $5,000 in F&B not including cake ( I know almost everywhere has these minimums), etc, etc. I would look into changing my location but I just don't feel the same way about anywhere else as I do ADH. If anyone has any suggestions I would be open to considering them. We deff. want lots of dancing.

Sorry to vent, I just spent a lot of time figuring everything out and it just seems like I came across all bad news, and no good news.

I'm having my Disney Wedding this November, and I set my mom on the mission to kind of get the word out that DF and I will be getting married at Disney. Just this evening she called and said that 5 people wont be able to make it for financial reasons. Now my mom, being the wonderful mom that she is, offered to foot the bill for the ones i was closest to, but after doing the math, it works out for us financially if they dont come, . (that seems mean, but, its the truth!) I can now add some money else where, or even, leave it in our pockets. So maybe kind of get the word out there, and have a parents, family relative, MOH, some one spread the word that your having it at Disney, and have that person poke and drop the question, "do you think you'll be able to make it, etc"...that way, its not you asking directly, and it wont make people feel weird or uncomfortable about saying yes or no. Just a suggestion.

 

[DVC Bride 2011]

I'm having the same problem with the guest list. I have about 50 people but could go up to 60, but my consultant also told me that I could only have 40 people in the Whitehall Room if I wanted dancing inside - which I do, because I am way too nervous about having it out on the patio and then having a rainy day. It is so frustrating! I don't want to ask people if they would want to come because what if everyone says yes?!? Then I feel like I'd have to pick another location to fit everyone and I REALLY want the Whitehall Room. But, what if a ton of people don't come and I only have like 30 people...is it tacky to send out more invitations to B-list people? Really stressful.

I also think $3,000 for the WP is a bit outrageous. My consultant told me it actually works out to cost MORE if you use another location because you have to bring in a sound system, etc. For one hour it is a little much, I think.

 

[Bride-to-be]

Jellyrolls doesn't usually open until 7. Maybe you could ask about using that for cocktails? I have no idea what the restrictions are but if you could bring in your own vendors you could do dualing pianos very very cheaply. It could be fun and it would be air conditioned...

I like the idea of it just because you wouldn't need any additional transportation and its a cool space.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Just one more photo - this was taken on the outside balcony on the first floor - there is one just like it on the second floor if you decided to do your prereception upstairs. We loved being able to go outside.

Linda

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

I'm having the same problem with the guest list. I have about 50 people but could go up to 60, but my consultant also told me that I could only have 40 people in the Whitehall Room if I wanted dancing inside - which I do, because I am way too nervous about having it out on the patio and then having a rainy day. It is so frustrating! I don't want to ask people if they would want to come because what if everyone says yes?!? Then I feel like I'd have to pick another location to fit everyone and I REALLY want the Whitehall Room. But, what if a ton of people don't come and I only have like 30 people...is it tacky to send out more invitations to B-list people? Really stressful.

I also think $3,000 for the WP is a bit outrageous. My consultant told me it actually works out to cost MORE if you use another location because you have to bring in a sound system, etc. For one hour it is a little much, I think.

I know it is so hard to try and determine who will come! I am really hoping for around 50 because more may be too many, but I don't want only like 30 because I think ADH would be too big. Other people have suggested sending out invites if a lot of the original people we ask can't come, but I really don't like the idea of this.

I'm having my Disney Wedding this November, and I set my mom on the mission to kind of get the word out that DF and I will be getting married at Disney. Just this evening she called and said that 5 people wont be able to make it for financial reasons. Now my mom, being the wonderful mom that she is, offered to foot the bill for the ones i was closest to, but after doing the math, it works out for us financially if they dont come, . (that seems mean, but, its the truth!) I can now add some money else where, or even, leave it in our pockets. So maybe kind of get the word out there, and have a parents, family relative, MOH, some one spread the word that your having it at Disney, and have that person poke and drop the question, "do you think you'll be able to make it, etc"...that way, its not you asking directly, and it wont make people feel weird or uncomfortable about saying yes or no. Just a suggestion.

Yea that's what I am going to have to do, or make someone else do!

Jellyrolls doesn't usually open until 7. Maybe you could ask about using that for cocktails? I have no idea what the restrictions are but if you could bring in your own vendors you could do dualing pianos very very cheaply. It could be fun and it would be air conditioned...

I like the idea of it just because you wouldn't need any additional transportation and its a cool space.

Yea I am thinking somewhere on the boardwalk would work better because people will be there already anyway. That is a really neat idea to do dueling pianos!

Just one more photo - this was taken on the outside balcony on the first floor - there is one just like it on the second floor if you decided to do your prereception upstairs. We loved being able to go outside.

Linda

I love the fact that ADH had balcony's over the water. A lot of people in DF's family smoke (yuck!) but this way they will be able to go on the balcony which will work out better for them. I also love the fact that Illuminations will be going on during our reception and I am hoping we can sneak a peek from the balcony of the fireworks.

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

So right now I am trying to decide on a Wedding Photographer, how long we should get the photographer, and whether or not we should get a wedding video. Decisions, decisions! Oh and, whether we should do an MK photo shoot, an Epcot photo shoot, both, or neither.

We are considering Randy Chapman for our photographer, as well as Kristen Wynn, who is a relatively new photographer.
Pros of Randy: Reasonable prices, comes highly recommended, like his work, lots of experience with Disney Weddings.
Cons of Randy: Would not be able to book him for the full day, emailed him a few days ago and still no reply.
Pros of Kristen: Very cheap rates, like her work, seems very willing to work with us.
Cons of Kristen: Is a new photographer, not much experience with Disney weddings.

Any advice? I am not ruling out any other photographers either, but we need to keep this cost reasonable, and although I really like Misty and the Roots work, I also really like Randy's and Kristen's and they are much more reasonable. I am waiting to hear back from Randy on pricing options. On his website it is listed a 3 hour package or an all day package. If those are our only 2 options, we will be going with the 3 hour package. I have emailed him asking for prices for a 4 or 5 hour package, which would work better for us. Kristen will come all day if we book her for a really reasonable price.

Now onto the wedding video... DF doesn't really think we need this, and my mom agrees with him, however I would really like one if possible. They both think we should just have a guest do it, which would be fine if any of our guests were good at this kind of thing...
I know it is not in the budget to do a whole day video, but I would really like the ceremony on video. I have looked at a few companies I really like but all seem to offer 3 hour packages, which wouldn't work well for us, because that would be getting ready, the ceremony, and then us taking pictures? All I really want is the actual ceremony, so an hour package is all we would need. Does anyone know a good company who offers one hour packages? I'm trying to decide whether this is worth they expense.

DF also thinks the MK photo shoot is way too expensive. He said he thinks the Epcot one is more reasonable (but I told him it was only $300, I was looking at the Trash the Dress session on accident). Since it is really $650, I don't know if he will go for that either... I'm delaying telling him. Of course, every time I tell him the cost of anything, he thinks it is way too expensive. I would really love to do both, but they are just so darn expensive. It also stinks we wouldn't get the CD, since that's even way more, so I don't know if it's worth it??? I keep going back and forth on this. I think I at least want to do one or the other.

So I need some advice on all of these things. Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated!

 

[DVC Bride 2011]

It's too bad Randy is not available all day - does he have another event? He was always pretty quick to email me back, maybe try sending another one? Are there pictures that the other photographer has taken - can you compare a lot of her work to Randy's work and maybe see which you like more?

As far as the videographer goes...I would love to do that too but the price is holding me back! There's no one on your guest list who can videotape the ceremony? I'm thinking that's what I will have to do. The video packages seem SO expensive! If I was not on a budget I would totally do it.

Your DF sounds just like mine! Every idea I have isn't given any consideration by him until he knows the price tag and a lot of the time he doesn't like the price! I would love a MK shoot too...that's something only DFTW brides get to do, so I feel like it's worth the money in a sense.

Sorry I'm not much help!

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

It's too bad Randy is not available all day - does he have another event? He was always pretty quick to email me back, maybe try sending another one? Are there pictures that the other photographer has taken - can you compare a lot of her work to Randy's work and maybe see which you like more?

As far as the videographer goes...I would love to do that too but the price is holding me back! There's no one on your guest list who can videotape the ceremony? I'm thinking that's what I will have to do. The video packages seem SO expensive! If I was not on a budget I would totally do it.

Your DF sounds just like mine! Every idea I have isn't given any consideration by him until he knows the price tag and a lot of the time he doesn't like the price! I would love a MK shoot too...that's something only DFTW brides get to do, so I feel like it's worth the money in a sense.

Sorry I'm not much help!

I don't know if Randy is available the whole day, I haven't talked to him yet, but we can't afford him for the whole day unfortunately I have compared their work, and I really like both. Randy does have many more samples of work, and many from Disney weddings, where as Kristen does not, so that makes me a little hesitant to go with her. Ideally I would pick Randy if he was willing to do a 4 or 5 hour package at a price we could afford. I am afraid 3 hours won't be long enough.

I feel exactly the same as you about a videographer, I really want one, put everywhere I have looked are just too expensive. I have found a few companies who are really cheap but I was not impressed with their work, and if that's the case I figure I'd be better off having a guest do it. I just can't think of anyone who I know is good with video cameras.

You were helpful! Thank you!

 

[PrincessShea]

Hi! I just read through all your plans. Looks fun so far! All of the weddings people have posted about here that have involved ADH have been really nice.

My only suggestion is actually about your Christmas trip. I see you decided to eat at Shulas. I would reconsider. I don't know if you ever been to the Dolphin, but we stayed there this past Christmas and Shulas was never crowded. It's massive and covered in wood paneling with sports pictures everywhere. It's very man-cave-ish and had an older crowd. Now if that's your thing and the menu really appeals to you, then by all means.

But since you are young and from NY, I will suggest bluezoo. The atmosphere is much more contemporary and it has a more lively atmosphere at night. And the food is excellent. We had Christmas dinner there and it was amazing. Even if you don't go, at least stop at the bar and get a drink; they are amazing. I recommend the Kirkland and Bazooka Joe

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Hi! I just read through all your plans. Looks fun so far! All of the weddings people have posted about here that have involved ADH have been really nice.

My only suggestion is actually about your Christmas trip. I see you decided to eat at Shulas. I would reconsider. I don't know if you ever been to the Dolphin, but we stayed there this past Christmas and Shulas was never crowded. It's massive and covered in wood paneling with sports pictures everywhere. It's very man-cave-ish and had an older crowd. Now if that's your thing and the menu really appeals to you, then by all means.

But since you are young and from NY, I will suggest bluezoo. The atmosphere is much more contemporary and it has a more lively atmosphere at night. And the food is excellent. We had Christmas dinner there and it was amazing. Even if you don't go, at least stop at the bar and get a drink; they are amazing. I recommend the Kirkland and Bazooka Joe

Thanks for the advice! We are deff. planning on having some drinks at Bluezoo, I think it looks awesome in there from pic's, and maybe we will reconsider eating there as well. I was trying to decide between the two for a long time. I was thinking Shula's because DF loves football, but he also loves seafood so I'm sure he would like Bluezoo too! How did you like staying at the Dolphin and visiting Disney around Christmas time? I am really excited about both.

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

After talking back and forth with Randy Chapman via email the past few days, we have decided to go with him for our photographer! We are going to have him for 5 hours on the day of the wedding, and we are also going to do an engagement shoot when we are in Disney in December for our PS. I am really excited because this is really the first thing we have "officially" done for the wedding. He gave us a really great price to and I'm really glad we were able to afford him because I love his work!

 

[DVC Bride 2011]

Congrats on booking Randy! I'm so excited for you

I've loved working with him so far. Doesn't it feel good to have some kind of concrete plans? I feel like I've done nothing so far since we haven't officially booked the wedding.

 

[PrincessShea]

How did you like staying at the Dolphin and visiting Disney around Christmas time? I am really excited about both.

We absolutely loved it. For the wedding we stayed at the Beach Club Villas and it was our first (and probably last) time staying in a deluxe. I really don't get the appeal and would have been in deep regret if we paid near full price (we went during the buy 4 get 3 free deal).

The Swan/Dolphin is basically a deluxe place without the cost. During the Christmas trip the cost of our Dolphin room was only $20 more per night than the Pop. The location cannot be beat. We loved being on the Boardwalk so close to Epcot. Even the locations of the moderate Disney hotels do not compare.

Basically, we loved it. You will have a great time. I really don't get why people here hate the hotel so much.

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Congrats on booking Randy! I'm so excited for you

I've loved working with him so far. Doesn't it feel good to have some kind of concrete plans? I feel like I've done nothing so far since we haven't officially booked the wedding.

Thanks! I just mailed in the deposit! Yes it does feel good to finally secure something! I can't wait until June, but it is getting close!

We absolutely loved it. For the wedding we stayed at the Beach Club Villas and it was our first (and probably last) time staying in a deluxe. I really don't get the appeal and would have been in deep regret if we paid near full price (we went during the buy 4 get 3 free deal).

The Swan/Dolphin is basically a deluxe place without the cost. During the Christmas trip the cost of our Dolphin room was only $20 more per night than the Pop. The location cannot be beat. We loved being on the Boardwalk so close to Epcot. Even the locations of the moderate Disney hotels do not compare.

Basically, we loved it. You will have a great time. I really don't get why people here hate the hotel so much.

Glad to hear you had a great time! We are getting the room for only a little bit more than the Value resorts as well. It's funny Disney's prices are the highest of the year and Swan and Dolphin are some of the lowest!

 

[Petals & Pixie Dust]

Howdy! I found your PJ early on! Usually, I find these late in the game! Glad to see another NYer here!
Everything looks great! I love the blue dresses you picked out! Can't wait to read more of your plans!

 

[*Pixiedust1438*]

Howdy! I found your PJ early on! Usually, I find these late in the game! Glad to see another NYer here!
Everything looks great! I love the blue dresses you picked out! Can't wait to read more of your plans!

Thanks for joining in! I am waiting to get my date confirmed in a few weeks... finally!

I am starting to have second thoughts about using ADH for my reception. Did anyone else go through this? My mom is kind of the one making me rethink it as she is not really thrilled with the choice, and there are just so many restrictions there, as well as the F&B minimum of $5,000. I really wish I could do a site visit. I was just looking at flights for me my mom and my DF to fly down for just a day or two and do a quick site visit, but flights are too expensive. I feel like seeing the places would make my decision. It's just such a tough decision.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Our reception was at ADH and we loved it and so did our guests. We have been going to Disney for years and have been to this location quite a few times so even though we did visit it on our site visit - this was someplace we were pretty much sold on from the beginning.

What is it about the place that your mom does not like. It seem like an unusual place for a reception but that is what we liked about it. We did not want a restaurant or a ballroom. We could do that at home (even though it would be in Disney).

I guess they do have some restrictions on this location but we were really into having Disney run the whole thing. We would not have thought of using an outside vendor at a Disney location. We figured Disney knows what they are doing. Not sure who your photographer or video person is but we had Misty and Stan. We liked that they both were very familar with the location.

What are some of the other places you are considering?

I know I have shown you some pictures from our reception. Please let me know if you would like to see more.

Love that you can have your names put up there - and they light it at night.

We had a lot of room for dancing.

Let me know if you would like to see more photos or would like some more information.

Linda