An Awesomely Awesome Fairy Tale Wedding - Oct 7th, 2011!

[jshora]

Okay, so I'm back! Right now I'm at work, so I don't want to go into too much detail other than to say I will have pictures up tonight but don't be expecting too much. I felt kinda weird with the idea of walking around taking pictures. I think, in general, it went really really well. Now it's just a waiting game...

On the wedding front... Oy... I swear wrangling my guests is like trying to wrangle cats.

I just found out from my mother that my aunt and her husband may not be coming to the wedding now as they are not sure if they can afford to go. I'm kinda grumbling about this for two reasons:

1) We were originally teetering on the idea of doing an Escape wedding with only a couple friends, the parents, and the siblings. The numbers were close as we knew we wanted to do a desert party as well. Also, we were kinda struggling on the guest count. My mother really wanted my aunts invited, so we agreed to invite them with the understanding that my parents would pay $100/per additional guest invited. My parents agreed and thus sealed the deal on a Wishes Wedding. We planned our wedding out with everyone coming and hit $10,041 (our minimum is $10,000). So, not that it's a huge deal if they don't come but it puts us below our minimum just enough that I can't really add much of anything but still have to add something.

2) They just purchased a $600 play-set for their daughter (my cousin). So, it's kind of a slap on the face to me for them to now say they might not have the money to go to Disney World.

3) Lastly, they'll still want my 5 yr old cousin to come, so they will beg and convince my parents to take her with them and watch her the entire time. So much for a relaxing vacation for my parents.

I also just found out that my friend that's a photographer and was going to do all the reception photography may not come. She owns her own business and has a huge convention that she feels she has to go to for her business the Wednesday after the wedding. This wouldn't be a huge deal except that she was going to fly out and visit her sister that week since her sister is off doing her residency at a hospital out of state and missing her family. So, she feels that her sister really needs to see her and spend sometime with her. It doesn't make sense to fly to Maine, then to Orlando for two days, then back to Maine for two days. I understand her situation much more than my Aunt's because family does have to come first. I just have to figure out what I'm going to do for photography at the reception if she doesn't show up. I'm guessing I could just have all the photos that all the other guests are going to take since we were just going to do candid photos anyway.

It's just getting closer to the date and I'm a planner and it kills me to not have a plan!!!

Lastly, I have guests all over the place. I have guests staying at Pop Century, I have guests staying all All Star Movies, I have guests staying at All Star Sports, I have guests at the Yacht Club, I have guests at the Swan, I have guests at the Boardwalk. Figuring out transportation to/from wedding to/from reception has been like pulling teeth! I set up the room blocks for a reason, but everyone found better discounts than what the Wedding Reservations could provide. Some people just didn't care and wanted to stay where they wanted to stay. The good news is that I think we got it all figured out... but... oy... it should not have been this difficult. Of course, if people decide not to come, I'll have to come up with a whole new transportation plan.

I did have a fantastic conversation with my wedding planner this morning. I swear Michelle deserves a medal of patience when it comes to dealing with me. She indulges my nonsensical needs. For example, I just have this thing where if there is a possible problem I have to have a back-up plan. It's this weird thought that I hold on to that if I don't have a plan B, then I will need it. If I do have a plan B, then I won't need it. So, with this whole WP construction, I had to have a plan B (for then I will not need it and will be happily married in the WP). It's a bit difficult though because DF is adamant that our ceremony be indoors. He does not trust FL weather, and I don't blame him. I am adamant that the location be a unique experience for our guests. I'm sure there are some gorgeous ballrooms around Disney, but I want something different. After much thought, our back-up plan so far is either the Living Seas Salon or Animal Kingdom Lodge (with all the cool animals there). Michelle, wonderful as she is, is putting together a list of options for us that we can check out if we need to the week before the wedding. To me, that is good enough to be a Plan B, so hopefully I wont need it. Any other thoughts for indoor locations in and around Disney World for a fun, unique ceremony?

 

[jshora]

Okay, so overdue but here it is:

Day 1 - Sunday, August 21st: Flew out to Seattle. Left MN around 2:38 and arrived in Seattle around 4pm. The airport there is almost impossible to navigate. There are a few confusing signs, but that's about it. After wandering around for a bit, I finally find the rental car lobby. I check in and then head out to pick out my car. It was a cute mid-sized Hyundai.

From there it is about a 15 - 20 min drive to the Hotel. Seattle traffic on a Sunday afternoon was not horrible. I find the Hotel, Hotel Monaco Seattle and drive around looking for somewhere to park. Finally I just give up and pull in front of the hotel. Of course, they have valet parking... Duh! I unload everything and head to the front desk to check in. Turns out they have put me in a king room on the restricted top floor of the hotel. I'm feeling pretty special here. Also, the hotel has a free wine and social hour in the lobby from 4 - 6pm. Being that it is now around 5pm and my body thinks it's 7pm, I'm starving. So, I rush upstairs, put my stuff down, and head back down to the lobby. I grab a free glass of wine (because if they are offering it, I'm going to take it!) and head to the front desk for Dinner recommendations. (Lesson Learned: Never ask a 4 star hotel for dining recommendations. They don't send you to Perkins). He recommends a place called Brooklyn and I'm off.

So, the Brooklyn was about a 3 block walk from the hotel. I get there and it looks nice. They seat me at the chef's counter and hand me a menu. That's when I realize the cheapest thing on there is about $20. I kinda said, "Screw it. I'm hungry and I'm already sitting down". So, I order Steak Oscar. It was the best meal I have ever had! It was great sitting at the chef's counter, because I got to banter with all the chefs and wait staff. They really made it a wonderful experience. For dessert I ordered a S'Mores parfait, because I'm a S'Mores-aholic. It was this little jar of crushed graham crackers, layer of marshmallow fluff, a layer of Nutella, and then toasted marshmallows on top. On the side they served 4 homemade graham cracker cookies. It was to die for!!! Unfortunately, the whole meal ended up costing me $60 (including tip, no alcohol.. just the entree and dessert).

I waddle back to the hotel, completely stuffed and very happy. Go back up to my room, chill, and pass out.

Here are some pictures of my hotel room:

Thats all I can write for now... Later... Interviewing with Disney!!!

 

[jshora]

I now interrupt this TR with a wedding commercial.

So, you know how Randy on "Say Yes to the Dress" always says to stop shopping for dresses once you have found "the one". I think I need to do the same for Disney Venues!!

Due to all of this WP construction crap, and me needing to have a back-up plan, I keep looking at all the different venues that Disney has to offer. Did you know you can have a reception in Elen's Energy?! Right with the dinosaurs!! How cool would that be?!? I also came across pictures of the Prop Shop in Hollywood Studios and for some reason fell totally in love with it. To the point where I was asking DF if he would consider moving the reception from Hollywood Hideaway to there. I also saw pictures of an event at the Festival of the Lion King. Totally sweet! Then, of course, there is always the Living Seas Salon. Which is just beautiful and would totally tie in with our MN reception in the Dolphin area of the zoo. My little mind is overflowing with possibilities! I just need to back away... but it's sooo much fun to look and imagine!

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Jana sweetie - I am sorry you are having issues with the planning!!
I am appalled that your aunt says that she might not come to the wedding and then expects your Mother to take and look after your little cousin!!!! If I were you, I would tell her that your cousin is welcome if accompanied by your aunt and uncle, but she is not invited on her own. It is not fair on you or your parents!!

 

[jshora]

The worst thing about the thing with my Aunt is that it is kind of a lose/lose situation. If their whole family does decide to go, they will be complaining for the rest of the year on how broke they are because of the wedding. My Aunt's husband is not a huge fan of Disney, so she and my Cousin may go without him (which for me is the best case scenario). However, I fear that her husband will give her a hard time for going to Disney without him and for spending the money. I feel bad for her if she had to go through that. If she doesn't go, I know she will be very upset because she really wants to be there. She loves me and really wants to see the wedding and she loves Disney. It will be really hard on her if everyone else goes and she doesn't. Once again, it'll suck. I'm not really sure what to think about my parents taking my cousin along. It will turn into a totally different vacation for them. They love her to pieces and it can be a blast to see the magic twinkle in the eyes of a child experiencing Disney. However, it can be a lot of work and you can miss out on some of the adult things. My mother has a pretty strong personality so, I know she will say no if she really doesn't want to look after her. At the same time, how do you say no to a 5 year old that has been counting down the days until Disney for over a year now?

I'm just trying to keep faith that it will all work out.

 

[jshora]

Okay, so I changed the title of our PJ because I found out that if you Google our names that it comes right up to the post of me in my wedding dress. I already told DF he isn't allowed to read this, but I just had to make sure I didn't make it too tempting for him.

I switched it to Awesomely Awesome because that's what we always say to each other, "We have an awesomely awesome relationship.". Also, our relay team name for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon Relay is "Team Awesomely Awesome".

Tee hee!

 

[microgrl]

Due to all of this WP construction crap, and me needing to have a back-up plan, I keep looking at all the different venues that Disney has to offer. Did you know you can have a reception in Elen's Energy?! Right with the dinosaurs!! How cool would that be?!? I also came across pictures of the Prop Shop in Hollywood Studios and for some reason fell totally in love with it. To the point where I was asking DF if he would consider moving the reception from Hollywood Hideaway to there. I also saw pictures of an event at the Festival of the Lion King. Totally sweet! Then, of course, there is always the Living Seas Salon. Which is just beautiful and would totally tie in with our MN reception in the Dolphin area of the zoo. My little mind is overflowing with possibilities! I just need to back away... but it's sooo much fun to look and imagine!

This is so funny! My BF and I have fallen for the Prop shop as well! I blame Lurkeyloo and her recent three part blog post on cool sites in DHS! We are currently hoping to have the reception in LSS but last week he was all "I feel like if we saw the Prop Shop we'd want to do something there..."
I didn't know you could have an event in Ellen's Energy though. That would be pretty cool!

 

[roxysmum123]

Due to all of this WP construction crap, and me needing to have a back-up plan, I keep looking at all the different venues that Disney has to offer. Did you know you can have a reception in Elen's Energy?! Right with the dinosaurs!! How cool would that be?!? I also came across pictures of the Prop Shop in Hollywood Studios and for some reason fell totally in love with it. To the point where I was asking DF if he would consider moving the reception from Hollywood Hideaway to there. I also saw pictures of an event at the Festival of the Lion King. Totally sweet! Then, of course, there is always the Living Seas Salon. Which is just beautiful and would totally tie in with our MN reception in the Dolphin area of the zoo. My little mind is overflowing with possibilities! I just need to back away... but it's sooo much fun to look and imagine!

This post has me seeing dollar signs! How much would it be do to at Ellens Energy Adventure??

 

[jshora]

This post has me seeing dollar signs! How much would it be do to at Ellens Energy Adventure??

I'm too afraid to ask...

I think we're going to stick with Hollywood Hideaway. We really like having a patio for people to hopefully enjoy the day. My only thing, now that I've seen the Prop Shop, is that I want to have more "Disney" in the decor.

I'm trying to think of some fun, simple, and hopefully cheap things we can do to "Disney" the place up.

 

[jshora]

So, hopefully some good news! My mother spoke with my aunt and everything points to them going. They are just thinking that they will try to save some money by staying at the hotel and playing in the pool opposed to going to parks every day. Not a bad compromise if I do say so myself. So, things are looking good and hopefully they will be settling down.

 

[princess_ariel_85]

So, hopefully some good news! My mother spoke with my aunt and everything points to them going. They are just thinking that they will try to save some money by staying at the hotel and playing in the pool opposed to going to parks every day. Not a bad compromise if I do say so myself. So, things are looking good and hopefully they will be settling down.

aww I'm glad things are looking good.

Just been reading back a few posts and I can't believe your Aunty would expect your parents to look after your cousin. Familys can be hard work at times eh? lol xx

 

[jshora]

So, my friend/photographer is out. She needs to spend time with her sister, so I totally understand that. She's coming to my at home reception and taking all the photos there, so that's very helpful.

Tomorrow I get my dress back, it's been getting repaired. I bought it off the rack so there were a few tears in the crinoline underneath. I can't complain about not getting a "new" dress. After I bought it I took it to the dry cleaners and they were amazing. Where I thought the dress was beautiful before, it was amazing after they cleaned and steamed it. Then I took it to an alterations place for the bustle (which ended up being 6 bustles) and for some repairs. The dress was originally priced at $1500. I bought it off the rack for $400. Even after the repairs and the bustle, the whole thing will have cost me $600. Not bad if you ask me. I swear that dress was just calling to me. It was the perfect length, no hem or anything needed. It fit like a glove, no alterations above and beyond the bustle and repairs needed. Tomorrow I get to go pick it up (and of course try it on again).

Life is just one big ball of stress for me right now. I haven't heard back from Disney about the job, so I'm starting to get discouraged. I felt like the interviews went really well. I sent handwritten thank you notes to everyone I interviewed with and the administrative assistant that walked me around all day. They should have arrived on Friday. I sent an email to the Talent Acquisition person who initially called me on Monday. Nothing. I have heard nothing.

I own a house, it's actually the house I grew up in and bought from my parents. At the time (2005), the market was up and I bought it from them at a really good price. In 2007, I moved to Florida for a couple of years. The market was down so I had to rent the house because I couldn't sell it. My tenants are moving out this weekend and we are moving back in. It's kind of bittersweet. It's not a bad house, it's actually a very nice little house with a lot of potential. However, it is in desperate need of repairs after having tenants in it for 4 years. With the wedding coming up, there's just not a lot of money to fix it up. Plus, Court and I really want to get "our" house and this house has a lot of Janna History.

Then there is the stress of the Grand Floridian construction. I know I have been assured by my planner that everything will be fine. But I can't help but worry a bit about it. I also have to admit that I feel like a horrible person. I hear the stories about brides having to move locations from the WP and I can't help but feel slightly relieved. It just kinda tells me that if Disney thought my experience would be bad, they would suggest to me that I move locations. Being that they have told me that everything should be just fine, I feel a bit more confident that it will be. I feel horrible that other people's misery is making me feel a bit better.

On top of all of that, there is just the normal stress of a wedding and reception. There's the guest list, the finances, and the overall worry/concern that it will beautiful.

I'm just not sure how much longer I can take all of this... (which, of course, makes me feel bad because I know there are other brides out there that have it much worse and I should just be happy!)

 

[tinkerbell 766]

Janna sweetie
Firstly, you are not a horrible person, you are a very sweet girl who is looking forward to your wedding. Of course, when others are being mucked about so so much by DFTW, you are going to be relieved that all seems to be well with your wedding. Your planner seems convinced that none of this will affect you so lets just pray she is right!!!
I am glad that your Aunt and Uncle are coming to the wedding. I was concerned about your parents looking after your cousin all trip!!
It's a shame about your photographer friend being out. I totally understand her point of view. Family must come first!! What will you do about reception photography now?
I am sure you will make your little house a really lovely home for you and Court!!! All that matters is that you can be together in it. I understand about wanting to get a house in which you both have had some input, but at least it's a home, and with things in the world as they are at the moment, that is not to be sniffed at!! You are a talented girl, and I am sure you will make it very cosy and homely!!
You are getting so close now. How exciting!!! AND IT WILL BE BEAUTIFUL!! I have absolutely no doubt about that one!!!

 

[jshora]

Since our reception is not going to be that big of a deal, I think we are just going to rely on friends and family taking candid pictures. Since it is in Hollywood Studios, I can't bring in an outside photographer. I don't want to pay Disney prices for pictures of my reception where we will just be eating and mingling. We're saving the dancing until the MN reception (where we have a kick *** Viennese Waltz choreographed to 'Once Upon A Dream'). We're doing all the toasts at the Dessert Party, where we will have Disney Photography. We will be cutting the cake at the reception, because we can't have the cake at the Dessert Party. But other than that, it will just be eating and enjoying each other. So, I'm not too horribly worried about it. I figured that there will still be 27 of us there, so I should get a good variety of pictures.

 

[roxysmum123]

Maybe delegate someone to cake cutting photos... JUST to make sure someone gets at least one! Candid pics are the best for receptions anyways, I'm counting down the weeks till your wedding so I can finally see how it all comes together!

 

[jshora]

Janna sweetie
Firstly, you are not a horrible person, you are a very sweet girl who is looking forward to your wedding. Of course, when others are being mucked about so so much by DFTW, you are going to be relieved that all seems to be well with your wedding. Your planner seems convinced that none of this will affect you so lets just pray she is right!!!
I am glad that your Aunt and Uncle are coming to the wedding. I was concerned about your parents looking after your cousin all trip!!
It's a shame about your photographer friend being out. I totally understand her point of view. Family must come first!! What will you do about reception photography now?
I am sure you will make your little house a really lovely home for you and Court!!! All that matters is that you can be together in it. I understand about wanting to get a house in which you both have had some input, but at least it's a home, and with things in the world as they are at the moment, that is not to be sniffed at!! You are a talented girl, and I am sure you will make it very cosy and homely!!
You are getting so close now. How exciting!!! AND IT WILL BE BEAUTIFUL!! I have absolutely no doubt about that one!!!

Maybe delegate someone to cake cutting photos... JUST to make sure someone gets at least one! Candid pics are the best for receptions anyways, I'm counting down the weeks till your wedding so I can finally see how it all comes together!

You ladies are so wonderful! Thank you so much for your kind words and support!

I called up one of my best friends today and just talked. I think sometimes when it comes to stress I just need to get it out of my system. For some reason once I hear what I am stressing about, I can compartmentalize it and deal with it in doses. Then it doesn't feel so heavy.

I can hardly believe that we leave for Disney in 30 days! I'm so excited I could burst!

 

[jshora]

It finally came!!!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

You are getting veryyyyyyyyyyyyy close. Lol, I can only imagine the stress as it gets close, but you are also closer to marrying the love of your life!!!

 

[jshora]

You are getting veryyyyyyyyyyyyy close. Lol, I can only imagine the stress as it gets close, but you are also closer to marrying the love of your life!!!

It's crazy! I've been pretty calm through this whole thing. I haven't been able to sleep these past few nights now. I keep tossing and turning in bed and I know it's the stress that is getting to me (even though I try to convince myself that I'm not stressed).

We leave for Disney on Sept 30th! That's less than a month away!!!! I haven't even started packing yet!

 

[roxysmum123]

Very cool!! Expect another package around Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Bling bling! lol!